We propose new method of assessment of histological images for medical diagnostics. 2-Dimage is preprocessed to form 1-D landscapes or 1-D signature of the image contour and then their complexity is...Full Text Available
This multiauthored text is aimed particularly toward the resident or registrar training in diagnostic radiology. This is a text book on the entire scope of diagnosticimaging. It includes techniques and imaging modalities of all the systems, head, face and neck. The book covers the entire gamut of diagnostic radiology.
tial/angular spreading of incident photons from a point source caused by the instrument (de- .... Filter. CDTP0001= 'DATA. ' / Type of calibration. CCNM0001= '2D_PSF ' ... the final resolution of sigma=0.5 arcmin in all energy bands. ...
BackgroundIn current comparative proteomics studies, the large number of images generated by 2D gels is currently compared using spot matching algorithms. Unfortunately, differences...Full Text Available
Our goal is to determine an optimized image-guided setup by comparing setup errors determined by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) image guidance for head and neck cancer (HNC)...Full Text Available
The use of digital wound images would allow remote consultation between patients, physicians, or other caregivers over the Internet. To evaluate the efficacy and validity of digital images for assessment...Full Text Available
For comparison of radiation exposure and risk in different diagnostic procedures for adults and children dose measurements and calculations of organs with special risk were carried out. Parameters of image formation influencing image quality as well as of exposure concerning infants and children are recorded and discussed as to radiation exposure and protection. Conclusions are drawn with respect to systems of image formation and to standards of examination and quality assurance.
Motivation: Cell tracking is an important method to quantitatively analyze time-lapse microscopy data. While numerous methods and tools exist for tracking cells in 2D time-lapse images,...Full Text Available
In many radiotherapy clinics, geometric uncertainties in the delivery of 3D conformal radiation therapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy of the prostate are reduced by aligning the...Full Text Available
... and mean rainfall rates, Rm, in the liquid hydrometeor layers using the .... large latitudinal movement of cirrus cloud cover with the changing seasons. ... We study the statistical distribution of PSCs by particle composition using .... the high resolution Cloud Particle Imager (CPI) and standard PMS 2D-C and ...
A neutron imaging system (NIS) has been recently installed at the University of Texas TRIGA reactor facility. The imaging system establishes new capabilities for beam diagnostics at the Texas Cold Neutron Source (TCNS) for real-time neutron radiography (RTNR) and for neutron computed tomography (NCT) research. The NIS will also be used for other research projects. The system consists of two subsystems as follows: (1) Thomson 9-in. neutron image intensifier (NII) tube sensitive to cold, thermal, and epithermal neutrons, (2) image-processing unit consisting of vidicon camera, two high-resolution monitors, image enhancement and measurement processor, and video printer. The NIS is installed at the cold neutron beam of the TCNS for testing and cold neutron beam diagnostics.
The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively study MR artifacts of various stents on the basis of in vitro experiments. We were particularly interested whether sequence type and orientation of the stent with respect to the static magnetic field influences the artifact. We examined 18 stents of different material (nitinol, stainless steel, cobalt alloy), different design of the stent meshes (AccuLink, OmniLink, DynaLink, Xact, Protoge, Wallstent Monorail), different diameter (5-10 mm) and different length (18-58 mm) with a turbo spin echo (TSE), a 2D-fast low angle shot (FLASH) and a 3D-FLASH sequence. The MR images were examined qualitatively with respect to possible artifacts. Furthermore we examined the MR data quantitatively: The contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) was determined both within the stent and outside (within the tube); based on these values we calculated the transparency factor P, furthermore we ...
ObjectiveAngiography remains a critical component for diagnosticimaging and therapeutic intervention in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The goal of this study...Full Text Available
Due to the widespread clinical use of imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), previously unsuspected liver masses are increasingly being...Full Text Available
From the frequency of diagnostic radiologic examinations and their radiation dose delivered to the population the risk of cancer induction and genetic damage is calculated on the basis of the risk factors given by the ICRP. Thus 0.38 % and 3 % of the total mortality for cancer and leukemia, resp., can be attributed to X-ray diagnostics. Chest examinations alone result in 0.07-0.7 damages per 100,000 persons depending on the imaging technique applied. (author).
Evaluation of the tolerance limits of X-ray image density accepted by the radiologist shows that for different kinds of examinations, deviations of more than 50% from optimal density lead to images which cannot be used diagnostically. Within this range diagnostic accuracy shows a distinct maximum and diminishes to the limits by 20%. These figures are related to differences in the intensifying factor of screens, sensitivity of films, sensitometric parameters of film processing as well as the doses employed with automatic exposure control devices, measured in clinical conditions. Maximum permissible tolerance limits of the whole imaging system and of its constituents are discussed using the Gaussian law of error addition. (author).
Purpose: To compare the diagnostic quality and adverse events of the water-soluble, non-ionic, iso-osmolar, dimeric contrast media iodixanol and iotrolan in hysterosalpingography (HSG). Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients participated in a double-blind randomized parallel-group phase-III study. Questionnaires and patient interviews were used. Diagnostic quality was assessed using a visual analogue scale and the quality in specific regions was rated using a categorical scale. Results: Overall diagnostic quality was equal for the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in diagnostic quality in the specific regions of interest. No differences between the contrast media were found with regard to adverse events. Conclusion: Both contrast media provided images of high diagnostic quality in HSG. (orig.)
This book provides an analysis of pathophysiologic concepts of trauma and reviews the effectiveness of the available imaging modalities in acute trauma of various organ system. Topics covered are chest injuries; abdominal trauma; fractures of long bones; the foot and ankle; the knee; hand and wrist; the elbow; the shoulder; the pelvis hips; the spine; the skull and facial trauma and the clinical assessment of multiple injuries patients. Comparative evaluation of diagnostic techniques of radiography is discussed. Normal anatomy and bone fractures along with soft-tissue injuries are described.
This report describes the results obtained during Stage 13 of a long-term research and development program concerning the development of diagnostics and monitoring methods for nuclear reactors. A brief proposal for the continuation of this program in Stage 14 is also given at the end of the report. The program executed in Stage 13 consists of three parts and the work performed in each part is summarized below. 1. Study of criticality, neutron kinetics and neutron noise in molten salt reactors (MSR). Although the original goal of the investigations of the MSR in Stage 13 was to calculate the neutron noise induced by the fluctuations of the fuel temperature, the study, solution and interpretation of the static problem, as well as to define an approximate version of the point kinetic approximation was necessary to perform. As it turned out, these tasks in themselves were more involved, and also very edifying, to solve. Hence, in this report, we confine the study of ...
X-ray imaging is a very useful plasma diagnostic method. A theoretical analysis of the x-ray phase imaging in the method based on Fresnel diffraction is given. The authors show it is a linear band pass filter, a property suit for Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability measurement. The evaluation permits the possibility of R-T instability measurement in x-ray phase imaging
Chest radiograms obtained by using Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) system were compared to conventional film/screen radiograms. The FCR images showed better image quality in diagnostic information than the conventional chest images. In FCR, the radiation exposure to patient for chest examination could be reduced up to one tenths of conventional chest examination. The main advantages or FCR were considered to depend on the contrast processing and frequency processing properties. The use of FCR in clinical work may improve both diagnostic quality and radiation exposure.
The current role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in different organ systems is discussed and compared to nuclear medicine and to other available clinical diagnostic modalities. The value of optimizing radiofrequency pulse sequence selection to provide additional tissue characterization is also described. The results of nuclear medicine and MRI studies in 56 patients are compared to evaluate the clinical diagnostic contribution of each imaging modality for various pathological processes. In addition, the state-of-the-art MRI systems and future development in MRI technology with its potential contribution is defined.
X-ray diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is one of X-ray phase-contrast imaging methods, which is applied to inspect internal structures of weakly absorbing low-Z samples. The key problem of the DEI is how to extract phase information which is expressed by refraction-angle images from a series of DEI images measured in different positions of the rocking curve of the analyzer. Three effective extraction methods are presented in this paper: the statistical geometric-optics-approximation method, the maximum refraction-angle method and the Gaussian curve fitting method. They are compared with the existing methods, such as the D. Chapman's geometric optics approximation method and the multiple-images statistical method. A 2D computer simulation experiment is performed to draw comparisons of these methods. The experimental results prove ...
X-ray diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is one of X-ray phase-contrast imaging methods, which is applied to inspect internal structures of weakly absorbing low-Z samples. The key problem of the DEI is how to extract phase information which is expressed by refraction-angle images from a series of DEI images measured in different positions of the rocking curve of the analyzer. Three effective extraction methods are presented in this paper: the statistical geometric-optics-approximation method, the maximum refraction-angle method and the Gaussian curve fitting method. They are compared with the existing methods, such as the D. Chapman's geometric optics approximation method and the multiple-images statistical method. A 2D computer simulation experiment is performed to draw comparisons of these methods. The experimental results prove that the ...
Summary Solid state nuclear track detectors are used to determine the concentration of a particles in the environment. The standard method for assessing exposed detectors involves 2Dimage analysis. However 3D imaging has the potential to provide additional information relating to angle as well as to differentiate clustered hit sequences and possibly energy of a particles but this could be time consuming. Here we describe a new method for rapid high-resolution 3D imaging of solid state nuclear track detectors. A `LEXT' OLS3100 confocal laser scanning microscope (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used in confocal mode to successfully obtain 3D image data on four CR-39 plastic detectors. Three-dimensional visualization and image analysis enabled characterization of track features. This ...
Comparative analysis of diagnostic accuracy (dignity determination) in CT-guided fine-needle biopsy (141 patients), CT (141), ultrasonography (89), angiography (50), and cholegraphy (ERCP, 55), was carried out in suspected space-occupying lesions of the pancreas. With accuracy of 86%, sensitivity of 37% and specificity of 92% fine-needle biopsy was superior to imaging procedures. Additional comparison of the results concerning the patients and Roc curves confirm the statements. For reduction of the number of imaging investigations a diagnostic algorithm is proposed, that starts with diagnostic CT and subsequent fine-needle biopsy controlled by CT. This would result in a more adequate use of angiography and ERCP and in the elimination of ultrasonography. (author).
Pregraduate medical curricula are currently undergoing a reform process that is moving away from a traditional discipline-related structure and towards problem-based integrated forms of teaching. Imaging sciences, with their inherently technical advances, are specifically influenced by the effects of paradigm shifts in medical education. The teaching of diagnostic radiology should be based on the definition of three core competencies: in vivo visualization of normal and abnormal morphology and function, diagnostic reasoning, and interventional treatment. On the basis of these goals, adequate teaching methods and e-learning tools should be implemented by focusing on case-based teaching. Teaching materials used in the fields of normal anatomy, pathology, and clinical diagnosis may help diagnostic radiology to play a central role in modern pregraduate curricula. (orig.)
We report on recent measurements with Thick GEM-like (THGEM)-based imaging detectors. The THGEM is a robust gaseous electron multiplier similar to GEM but with larger dimensions. It has high electron multiplication, of 105 and 107 in single- and double-THGEM structure, respectively, fast signals and ?10MHz/mm2 counting rate capability. It can be produced in any shape and over large area. In view of many possible applications of THGEM-based imaging detectors, in particle physics and beyond, we have recently studied the localization properties of a 2D 10x10cm2 detector. The results of these studies are presented.
We develop a 3-D model to simulate the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation process of an undulated vegetation canopy such as corn grown in fields with large periodic drainage reliefs. We explain how the simulated SAR image of undulated vegetation medium is obtained by the convolution of a 2-D slice of the 3-D simulated SAR system point spread function [(PSF), emulating the SAR beam modeled by a cosine modulated Gaussian], with the 2-D projection of the observed undulated vegetation canopy (modeled with scatterers randomly distributed in 3-D undulated space) followed by the extraction of each look envelope, the summation of looks, and sampling in azimuthal and range directions. Our model is useful to study the parameters involved in the formation and the analysis of SAR images of undulated vegetation medium. Validation of ...
Functional imaging of the pharynx used to be the domain of cineradiography, CT and ultrafast CT. The development of modern MRI techniques led to new access to functional disorders of the pharynx. The aim of this study was to implement a new MRI technique to examine oropharyngeal obstructive mechanisms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sixteen patients suffering from OSA and 6 healthy volunteers were examined on a 1.5 T whole-body imager ('Vision', Siemens, Erlangen Medical Engineering, Germany) using a circular polarized head coil. Imaging was performed with 2D flash sequences in midsagittal and axial planes. Patients and volunteers were asked to breathe normally through the nose and to simulate snoring and the Mueller maneuver during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior to MRI, all patients underwent an ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination, ...
Portal localization images for high-energy electron beam therapy are necessary to confirm the treatment field by comparing them with a simulation image obtained before treatment or portal verification images after treatment. In this study, portal localization images were acquired using the computed radiography (CR) system and bremsstrahlung X-rays generated in the electron beam irradiations. All images obtained with phantom and the irradiations of in the electron energy of 8, 10, 12 and 15 MeV were feasible for clinical use. The CR system used in this study included general diagnosticimaging cassette and storage phosphor plate, but none of other special devices. The system can usually supply portal localization images, which maintains the quality assurance of high-energy electron beam therapy. (author)
An algorithm for creating synthetic telescope images of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) density fields is presented, which utilises the adaptive nature of the SPH formalism in full. The imaging process uses Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer (MCRT) methods to model the scattering and absorption of photon packets in the density field, which then exit the system and are captured on a pixelated image plane, creating a 2Dimage (or a 3D datacube, if the photons are also binned by their wavelength). The algorithm is implemented on the density field directly: no gridding of the field is required, allowing the density field to be described to an identical level of accuracy as the simulations that generated it. Some applications of the method to star and planet formation simulations are presented to illustrate the advantages of this new technique, and suggestions as ...
The field of a digital-image processing has experienced dramatic growth and increasingly widespread applicability in recent years. Fortunately, advances in computer technology have kept pace with the rapid growth in volume of image data in these and other applications. Digital image processing has become economical in many fields of research and in industrial and military applications. While each application has requirements unique from the others, all are concerned with faster, cheaper, more accurate, and more extensive computation. The trend is toward real-time and interactive operations, where the user of the system obtains preliminary results within a short enough time that the next decision can be made by the human processor without loss of concentration on the task at hand. An example of this is the obtaining of two-dimensional (2-D) computer-aided tomography (CAT) ...
Diagnostic capability of Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) of the chest was compared to the conventional radiography (CoR) using regular film-screen system. FCR utilizers imaging plates of scanning laser stimulated luminescence. Visibility of 14 structures of the chest radiography was evaluated by 3 radiologists in 100 pairs of FCR and CoR which were taken at the same time with the same exposure factors. FCR was superior to CoR especially in observation of the mediastinum and areas behind the heart and diaphragm. The minor fissure was better seen on CoR. Superiority of FCR to CoR was thought to be mainly due to the processed image of FCR, and the so-called normal image of FCR had little diagnostic advantage. Simulated abnormal densities: nodular, alveolar, and interstitial densities with a chest phantom, were made, and detectability of alteration of these densities on FCR and CoR was ...
Diagnostic capability of Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) of the chest was compared to the conventional radiography (CoR) using regular film-screen system. FCR utilizers imaging plates of scanning laser stimulated luminescence. Visibility of 14 structures of the chest radiography was evaluated by 3 radiologists in 100 pairs of FCR and CoR which were taken at the same time with the same exposure factors. FCR was superior to CoR especially in observation of the mediastinum and areas behind the heart and diaphragm. The minor fissure was better seen on CoR. Superiority of FCR to CoR was thought to be mainly due to the processed image of FCR, and the so-called normal image of FCR had little diagnostic advantage. Simulated abnormal densities: nodular, alveolar, and interstitial densities with a chest phantom, were made, and detectability of alteration of these densities on FCR and CoR was ...
We studied 129 AIDS patients with suspected or proved intracranial manifestations of the disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of unenhanced and contrast enhanced CT and unenhanced T{sub 2}-weighted MR. Thus, in 20% of our patients MR but not CT was diagnostic. In another 20% MR provided additional diagnostic information. In conclusion, MR is recommended as the imaging modality of choice in AIDS patients with non-conclusive cranial CT. (orig./GDG).
Subtractive imaging in confocal fluorescence light microscopy is based on the subtraction of a suitably weighted widefield image from a confocal image. An approximation to a widefield image can be obtained by detection with an opened confocal pinhole. The subtraction of images enhances the resolution in-plane as well as along the optic axis. Due to the linearity of the approach, the effect of subtractive imaging in Fourier-space corresponds to a reduction of low spatial frequency contributions leading to a relative enhancement of the high frequencies. Along the direction of the optic axis this also results in an improved sectioning. Image processing can achieve a similar effect. However, a 3D volume dataset must be acquired and processed, yielding a result essentially identical to subtractive imaging but superior in ...
Responsive biomaterials play important roles in imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments are one class of biomaterial...Full Text Available
Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are increasingly recognized due to the expanding use and improved sensitivity of cross-sectional abdominal imaging. Major advances in the last decade have led to an...Full Text Available
The book is intended as a source of information for general practioners and for medical students doing their practical training. Efficient application of imaging methods is explained with great emphasis on practical aspects, concentrating on typical tasks to be solved for adult patients with internal disease or surgical problems. The material is arranged by various organic systems of the body. Graded diagnostics for a stepwise approach to the final diagnosis is the concept described, and is shown to be of advantage to the patient and in terms of cost and time.
Conventional Radiography, Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) hardcopy and CRT images were evaluated about the detectability of pulmonary nodule using the chest phantom. Conventional and digitized chest radiographs (FCR) were used, including 45 normal cases and 45 abnormal cases with a variety pulmonary nodule. Observer performance tests were conducted to compare the effects on diagnostic accuracy of Conventional Radiography, FCR hardcopy and CRT images, and diagnostic accuracy was determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. ROC study was performed in which six radiologists were asked to locate nodule on three modalities. Two CRT monitors were used to observed CRT images. The left side CRT monitor was divided into two parts and displayed two images which were done as same image processing as FCR hardcopy. The right side CRT ...
Conventional Radiography, Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) hardcopy and CRT images were evaluated about the detectability of pulmonary nodule using the chest phantom. Conventional and digitized chest radiographs (FCR) were used, including 45 normal cases and 45 abnormal cases with a variety pulmonary nodule. Observer performance tests were conducted to compare the effects on diagnostic accuracy of Conventional Radiography, FCR hardcopy and CRT images, and diagnostic accuracy was determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. ROC study was performed in which six radiologists were asked to locate nodule on three modalities. Two CRT monitors were used to observed CRT images. The left side CRT monitor was divided into two parts and displayed two images which were done as same image processing as FCR hardcopy. The right side CRT ...
Purpose Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has recently been adopted for complicated anatomical lung resections. During these thoracoscopic procedures, surgeons view the operative field on a two-dimensional (2-D) video monitor and cannot palpate the organ directly, thus frequently encountering anatomical difficulties. This study aimed to estimate the usefulness of preoperative three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of thoracic organs. Methods We compared the preoperative 64-row three-dimensional multidetector computed tomography (3DMDCT) findings of lung cancer-affected thoracic organs to the operative findings. Results In comparison to the operative findings, the branches of pulmonary arteries, veins, and bronchi were well defined in the 3D-MDCT images of 27 patients. Conclusion 3D-MDCT imag...
To investigate the usefulness of a newly developed magnetic resonance (MR) image-guided surgical robotic system for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The system consists of MR image guidance [interactive scan control (ISC) imaging, three-dimensional (3-D) navigation, and preoperative planning], an MR-compatible operating table, and an MR-compatible master-slave surgical manipulator that can enter the MR gantry. Using this system, we performed in vivo experiments with MR image-guided laparoscopic puncture on three pigs. We used a mimic tumor made of agarose gel and with a diameter of approximately 2 cm. All procedures were successfully performed. The operator only advanced the probe along the guidance device of the manipulator, which was adjusted on the basis of the preoperative plan, and punctured the target while maintaining the operative field using robotic forceps. The position of the probe ...
Purpose: To determine the diagnostic value of high resolution MR imaging with a circularly polarised (c.p.) body phased-array coil for the staging of pelvic lymph nodes in cervical carcinoma. Material and methods: 42 patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the cervix were studied on a 1.5 T scanner by using a c.p. body phased-array coil. The imaging protocol included T_2-weighted turbo-spin-echo (TSE) and T_1-weighted spin-echo sequences pre and post IV application of Gd-DTPA; slice thickness was 5-7 mm and pixel size 0.53 mm"2. Lymph nodes with a diameter of #>=#8 mm were considered to have metastatic involvement. MR imaging results were compared with histopathologic findings. Results: MR imaging showed enlarged lymph nodes (#>=# 8 mm) in 16 of 18 patients with histologic proof of lymph node metastases (sensitivity 89%). In 22 of 24 cases MR findings were true ...
The authors describe the application of an approximate fuzzy C-means (AFCM) clustering algorithm as a data dimension reduction approach to medical magnetic resonance images (MRI). Image data consisted of one T1-weighted, two T2-weighted, and one T2*-weighted (magnetic susceptibility) image for each cranial study and a matrix of 10 images generated from 10 combinations of TE and TR for each body lymphoma study. All images were obtained with a 1.5 Tesla imaging system (GE Signa). Analyses were performed on over 100 MR image sets with a variety of pathologies. The cluster analysis was operated in an unsupervised mode and computational overhead was minimized by utilizing a table look-up approach without adversely affecting accuracy. Image data were first segmented into 2 coarse clusters, each of which was then subdivided ...
In an effort to evaluate the feasibility of introducing computed radiography (FCR) into mass screening for lung cancer, the ability of FCR to detect nodules one cm in diameter was examined using a humanoid chest phantom. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the detectability of FCR was compared with that of conventional radiography and photofluorography. The values of area under ROC curves were higher for FCR (0.963 for image similar to that with conventional film-intensifying screen system, image A; and 0.952 for processed image, image B) than the other two methods (0.774 for radiography and 0.789 for photofluorography). Degradation of image quality in FCR could be avoided by a wide latitude even if proper exposure techniques might not be employed. Images A and B in FCR yielded excellent delineation for nodules in the lung field and in ...
In an effort to evaluate the feasibility of introducing computed radiography (FCR) into mass screening for lung cancer, the ability of FCR to detect nodules one cm in diameter was examined using a humanoid chest phantom. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the detectability of FCR was compared with that of conventional radiography and photofluorography. The values of area under ROC curves were higher for FCR (0.963 for image similar to that with conventional film-intensifying screen system, image A; and 0.952 for processed image, image B) than the other two methods (0.774 for radiography and 0.789 for photofluorography). Degradation of image quality in FCR could be avoided by a wide latitude even if proper exposure techniques might not be employed. Images A and B in FCR yielded excellent delineation for nodules in the lung field and in ...
Abstract - We have designed, built, and tested a 2-D pixellated thermal neutron detector. The detector is modeled after the MicroMegas-type structure previously published for collider-type experiments. The detector consists of a 4X4 square array of 1 cm 2 pixels each of which is connected to an individual preamplifier-shaper-data acquisition system. The neutron converter is a 10B film on an aluminum substrate. We describe the construction of the detector and the test results utilizing 252Cf sources in Lucite to thermalize the neutrons.Drift electrode (Aluminum) Converter (10B) 3 mm Conversion gap neutron (-900 V)
NIF target diagnostics are being developed to observe and measure the extreme physics of targets irradiated by the 192-beam laser. The response time of target materials can be on the order of 100ps--the time it takes light to travel 3 cm--temperatures more than 100 times hotter than the surface of the sun, and pressures that exceed 109 atmospheres. Optical and x-ray diagnostics were developed and fielded to observe and record the results of the first 4-beam experiments at NIF. Hard and soft x-ray spectra were measured, and time-integrated and gated x-ray images of hydrodynamics experiments were recorded. Optical diagnostics recorded backscatter from the target, and VISAR laser velocimetry measurements were taken of laser-shocked target surfaces. Additional diagnostics are being developed and commissioned to observe and diagnose ignition implosions, including various neutron and ...
Fuji computed radiography (FCR) utilizing imaging plates stimulated by a scanning lazer has been developed in Japan and come to be widely available in diagnostic radiology. This system is advantageous because many processed images can be obtained with a single exposure. However, no reports have been published on the exact conditions necessary under which the FCR image processing method will produce improved visibility of pulmonary abnormal shadows on chest radiographs. In this report, chest FCR images obtained from 50 patients were analyzed, and the best practical image processing conditions were determined for each pathological state. Fundamental analysis was also performed for spatial and contrast resolution with FUNK chart and Burger's phantom using various thickness of acryl plate. Ninety processing images per exposure were ...
Fuji computed radiography (FCR) utilizing imaging plates stimulated by a scanning lazer has been developed in Japan and come to be widely available in diagnostic radiology. This system is advantageous because many processed images can be obtained with a single exposure. However, no reports have been published on the exact conditions necessary under which the FCR image processing method will produce improved visibility of pulmonary abnormal shadows on chest radiographs. In this report, chest FCR images obtained from 50 patients were analyzed, and the best practical image processing conditions were determined for each pathological state. Fundamental analysis was also performed for spatial and contrast resolution with FUNK chart and Burger's phantom using various thickness of acryl plate. Ninety processing images per exposure were analyzed, and ...
Ewing's sarcoma and Triton's tumor are two uncommon bone tumors of the skull that have nonspecific clinical and imaging features. However, imaging methods are important in the detection of the lesions during the diagnostic investigation in order to evaluate the extent of the bone lesions, involvement of the soft tissues and brain, and to determine the presence of local recurrence and metastases. The confirmatory diagnosis relies on histological studies and immunohistochemistry. The authors report two cases of patients with these tumors and present the radiological findings. (author)
From the numbers of radiographs of the different examinations and the total amount of radiological diagnostics in the GDR their possible modification by new imaging techniques is discussed under the aspects of costs and radiation burden. Film-screen-systems are of special importance, because they also will be most frequently used image recording system in future. The importance of their various properties and parameters, methods of determining these parameters as well as future developments are analyzed from the standpoint of practical requirements.
From the numbers of radiographs of the different examinations and the total amount of radiological diagnostics in the GDR their possible modification by new imaging techniques is discussed under the aspects of costs and radiation burden. Film-screen-systems are of special importance, because they also will be most frequently used image recording system in future. The importance of their various properties and parameters, methods of determining these parameters as well as future developments are analyzed from the standpoint of practical requirements. (author).
The introduction of CT scan and, more recently, magnetic resonance imaging, has radically changed the diagnostic approach to tumors developed in the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle. CT scan with intravenous injection visualizes tumors lying in the cerebellopontine angle. Magnetic resonance imaging, especially using gadolinium, is a very accurate means for diagnosing tumors of both the auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle.
The diagnostic value of the portable chest radiography obtained with Fuji computed radiography (FCR) was evaluated in comparison with conventional images in 23 patients who were admitted to ICU in Yokohama City University Hospital. On the whole , FCR produced more exellent images than conventional screen-film radiographs. Especially the evaluation for the demonstration of the catheters, the endotracheal tubes and the tracheal shadows obtained high score. We discuss the clinically utility of FCR for the portable chest radiographs in ICU. (author).
The diagnostic value of the portable chest radiography obtained with Fuji computed radiography (FCR) was evaluated in comparison with conventional images in 23 patients who were admitted to ICU in Yokohama City University Hospital. On the whole , FCR produced more exellent images than conventional screen-film radiographs. Especially the evaluation for the demonstration of the catheters, the endotracheal tubes and the tracheal shadows obtained high score. We discuss the clinically utility of FCR for the portable chest radiographs in ICU. (author).
T_2 weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations were carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences giving optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having various pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contrasts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compared with CT. In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequence with the shortest echo proved optimal (T_E=90 ms, T_R=2-4 s, echo=9 ms, turbo factor=19). In the patient series studied, MRT was inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, but better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value. Using UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good quality. Compared with ...
Digital imaging techniques such as Digital Image Intensifier Radiography and Digital Storage Phosphor (Selenium) Radiography are replacing conventional film-screen radiography more and more. The aim of this development is the extension of diagnostic capabilities and the reduction of side effects such as radiation dose. Conventional film-screen radiography and digital radiography are very different ways of imaging. For digital radiography specific post-processing is the link between imaging conditions and film documentation. Optimisation of the images includes new possibilities of post-processing and a broad range for variation of the dose. Especially in fluoroscopy, dose can be reduced significantly by new technical features like pulsed fluoroscopy. For digital radiography the European guidelines on quality criteria have to be applied to projection radiography, ...
Digital imaging techniques such as Digital Image Intensifier Radiography and Digital Storage Phosphor (Selenium) Radiography are replacing conventional film-screen radiography more and more. The aim of this development is the extension of diagnostic capabilities and the reduction of side effects such as radiation dose. Conventional film-screen radiography and digital radiography are very different ways of imaging. For digital radiography specific post-processing is the link between imaging conditions and film documentation. Optimisation of the images includes new possibilities of post-processing and a broad range for variation of the dose. Especially in fluoroscopy, dose can be reduced significantly by new technical features like pulsed fluoroscopy. For digital radiography the European guidelines on quality criteria have to be applied to projection radiography, ...
Initial clinical experience in gastrointestinal radiography using Fuji Computed Radiography(FCR) system was reported. Image quality of conventional film/screen radiography and FCR system on upper GI series and barium enema was compared. Reflecting wide dynamic range of the system, improved image quality was confirmed, particularity in visibility of fine mucosal pattern(area gastricae), folds and overall contour. High sensor sensitivity of the system could reduce radiation dose requirement significantly. Diagnostically acceptable images were obtained with approximately 1/5 of routine dose for conventional radiography except in cases of lateral view of the rectum. (author).
A confocal microscopy imaging system was devised to selectively detect Second harmonic signals generated by biological tissues. Several types of biological tissues were examined using this imaging system, including human teeth, bovine blood vessels, and chicken skin. All these tissues generated strong second harmonic signals. There is considerable evidence that the source of these signals in tissue is collagen. Collagen, the predominant component of most tissues, is known to have second order nonlinear susceptibility. This technique may have diagnostic usefulness in pathophysiological conditions characterized by changes in collagen structure including malignant transformation of nevi, progression of diabetic complications, and abnormalities in wound healing.
The authors report the findings of Aicardi syndrome, a disease of unknown etiology composed of multiple spasms, chorioretinal lacunae and agenesis of the corpus callosum. They present a case of Aicardi syndrome with characteristic clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The disease, despite being considered rare, has characteristic imaging findings. Over the past years magnetic resonance imaging has improved its ability in demonstrating other findings besides agenesis of the corpus callosum, making the radiologist's role very important in the diagnostic suspicion of this disease. (author)
Double-contrast barium enema has a reduced sensitivity in patients with severe sigmoid diverticulosis. Therefore a carboxy methyl cellulose enema was employed after the conventional double-contrast examination in 15 patients with sigmoid diverticulosis. A significant increase in lumen diameter and a superior removal of barium residue from the diverticulas facilitated the interpretation of the sigmoid loops. Conclusion: The addition of methyl cellulose enema to double-contrast barium imaging improves diagnosticimaging in diverticulosis by expanding the lumen and emptying the diverticulas. (orig.).
The seismic reflection exploration technique which is one of the geophysical methods for oil exploration became effectively to image the subsurface structure with rapid development of computer. As a tool to perform seismic inversion, seismic forward modeling program using ray tracing should be developed. In this study, we have developed the algorithm that is to calculate the travel time of the complex geological structure using ray tracing by subdividing the geologic model into triangular element (finite element) having the constant velocity. We can analytically calculate Jacobian with some information by this current ray tracing. With this Jacobian, we will develop new algorithm which is to obtain geological properties and to image the subsurface. Since the FEM (Finite Element Method) ray tracing we have developed goes well the inverse velocities structure, we can apply the inversion problem to complex geological model. For the convenience of ...
The paper presents information in the form of data, tables and diagrams compiled to a broad but very up-to-date survey of required radiation for the various most frequently performed X-ray examinations of patients. The required dose is discussed from the point of view of radiation protection, defining the inevitably administered dose to the skin, the frequency of examinations, and the diagnosticimage quality as the main three factors to be observed, as these determine the radiation dose to the patient and to the personnel. The somatic risks of radiography examinations are a point of main interest. (DG).
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of a CCD-based digital system (CDX-2000HQ) in the detection of incipient dental caries. 93 extracted human teeth with sound proximal surfaces and interproximal artificial cavities were radiographed using 4 imaging methods. Automatically processed No.2 Insight film (Eastman Kodak Co., U.S.A.) was used for conventional radiography, scanned images of conventional radiograms for indirect digital radiography were used. For the direct digital radiography, the CDX-2000HQ CCD system (Biomedisys Co. Korea) was used. The subtraction images were made from two direct digital images by Sunny program in the CDX-2000HQ system. Two radiologists and three endodontists examined the presence of lesions using a five-point confidence scale and compared the diagnostic ability by ROC (Receiver Operating ...
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of a CCD-based digital system (CDX-2000HQ) in the detection of incipient dental caries. 93 extracted human teeth with sound proximal surfaces and interproximal artificial cavities were radiographed using 4 imaging methods. Automatically processed No.2 Insight film (Eastman Kodak Co., U.S.A.) was used for conventional radiography, scanned images of conventional radiograms for indirect digital radiography were used. For the direct digital radiography, the CDX-2000HQ CCD system (Biomedisys Co. Korea) was used. The subtraction images were made from two direct digital images by Sunny program in the CDX-2000HQ system. Two radiologists and three endodontists examined the presence of lesions using a five-point confidence scale and compared the diagnostic ability by ROC (Receiver Operating ...
The primary aim was to evaluate delayed contrast-enhanced MRI in depicting perineural spread of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) and consequently to determine the capability of MRI/MRCP for staging CCC. Fifteen patients that underwent MRI/MRCP and surgical treatment were retrospectively included. Two radiologists evaluated MR images to assess delayed periductal enhancement, extent of bile duct stenosis, liver parenchymal and vascular involvement and presence of liver atrophy. An agreement between delayed enhancement of the bile duct walls and perineural neoplastic spread showed a very good correlation factor (0.93). The overall accuracy in detecting biliary neoplastic invasion was higher for delayed T1-weighted images (93.3%) than for the MRCP images (80%), and T1-delayed image increased the MR accuracy in assessing the neoplastic resectability (p < 0.05). MRI correctly predicted vascular involvement ...
Background: Pleural biopsy and cytology are standard procedures for the investigation of pleural disease. Recent medical literature has suggested that image-guided pleural biopsy shows improved sensitivity for the diagnosis of pleural malignancy, when compared with the more commonly performed reverse bevel needle biopsy such as Abrams' needle. In our centre there has been an increasing trend towards performing image-guided pleural biopsies, and to our knowledge there is no large published series documenting the complication rate and diagnostic yield. Methods: The radiology and pathology databases were searched for all image-guided [computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US)] pleural biopsies from January 2001 to December 2004. All imaging and histology were reviewed, and final diagnostic information about patients was obtained from the respiratory ...
This paper presents a reverse time migration (RTM) method for the migration of shot records in tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media. It is based on the tilted TI acoustic wave equation that was derived from the dispersion relation. The RTM is a full depth migration allowing for velocity to vary laterally as well as vertically and has no dip limitations. The wave equation is solved by a tenth-order finite difference scheme. Using 2D numerical models, we demonstrate that ignoring the tilt angle will introduce both lateral and vertical shifts in imaging. The shifts can be larger than 0.5 wavelength in the vertical direction and 1.5 wavelength in the lateral direction.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a simple deformable phantom as a QA tool for testing and validation of deformable image registration algorithms. A diagnostic thoracic imaging phantom with a deformable foam insert was used in this study. Small plastic markers were distributed through the foam to create a lattice with a measurable deformation as the ground truth data for all comparisons. The foam was compressed in the superior-inferior direction using a one-dimensional drive stage pushing a flat 'diaphragm' to create deformations similar to those from inhale and exhale states. Images were acquired at different compressions of the foam and the location of every marker was manually identified on each image volume to establish a known deformation field with a known accuracy. The markers were removed digitally from corresponding images ...
MRI is a powerful diagnostic modality of expanding availability. Equipment and installation amount to nearly $2M per site. An important component of diagnostic efficacy is not just equipment costs but also replacement costs, which for x-ray CT amount to 14-20% of the purchase cost per year; and in the early years of that technology reached 30-50%. The authors show how design choices made during the RandD stages of MRI development have allowed them to improve system performance parameters such as data reconstruction, archiving and display speeds, computational capabilities, operator interfaces, imaging sequence flexibility and signal-to-noise levels. Over the last four years these improvements have been made at a retrofit cost well below the target of 6-7% of the purchase price per year.
Full text: A method to measure noise power spectrum of a full field digital mammography system is presented. The effect of X-ray radiation dose, size and configuration of region of interest on normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) was investigated. Flat field images were acquired using RQA-M2 beam quality technique (Mo/Mo anode-filter, 28 kV, 2 mm Al) with different clinical radiation doses. The images were cropped at about 4 cm from the edge of the breast wall and then divided into different size of non-overlapping or overlapping segments. NNPS was determined through de trending, 2-D fast Fourier transformation and normalization. Our measurement shows that high radiation dose gave lower NNPS at a specific beam quality. (author)
A method to measure noise power spectrum of a full field digital mammography system is presented. The effect of X-ray radiation dose, size and configuration of region of interest on normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) was investigated. Flat field images were acquired using RQA-M2 beam quality technique (Mo/Mo anode-filter, 28 kV, 2 mm Al) with different clinical radiation doses. The images were cropped at about 4 cm from the edge of the breast wall and then divided into different size of non-overlapping or overlapping segments. NNPS was determined through detrending, 2-D fast Fourier transformation and normalization. Our measurement shows that high radiation dose gave lower NNPS at a specific beam quality.
Digital radiography for diagnosis of chest diseases using Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) was evaluated. The results were as follows; 1. Compared to the conventional chest X-ray films, various types of image enhancement could be made by manipulation of the digital information such as tone conversion, spatial frequency modification etc. 2. Digital radiography lessens the X-ray exposure dose and will ultimately permit speedy transmission of image data from outlying clinics to central processing hospitals. 3. Digital radiographic images are useful in chest X-ray diagnosis especially in mass surveys for lung cancer and in primary care medicine because of its full imaging capability. (author).
Quantitative digital imaging, using planar laser light scattering techniques is being developed for the analysis of turbulent and reacting flows. Quantitative image data, implying both a direct relation to flowfield variables as well as sufficient signal and spatial dynamic range, can be readily processed to yield two-dimensional distributions of flowfield scalars and in turn two-dimensional images of gradients and turbulence scales. Much of the development of imaging techniques to date has concentrated on understanding the requisite molecular spectroscopy and collision dynamics to be able to determine how flowfield variable information is encoded into the measured signal. From this standpoint the image is seen as a collection of single point measurements. The present effort aims at realizing necessary improvements in signal and spatial dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and ...
Phase-contrast imaging with a practical cone-beam X-ray tube has been realized for clinical use in digital mammography using computed radiography (CR). To perform phase-contrast imaging, the X-ray detector must be distanced from an object so that the phase-contrast image achieves magnification; in a mammography unit dedicated to phase-contrast imaging, the magnification ratio is 1.75. When using an X-ray tube with a 0.1-mm focal spot, it appears that the penumbra in magnification blurs both projected images and the phase contrast, which generates an edge effect. However, where the sampling pitch of the CR plate is 43.75 {mu}m, the blur stretches the width of the phase contrast so that unit pixels in the detector can capture it. Note that the width of an ideal phase contrast using an X-ray point source results in a phase contrast too narrow for detection with CR. In addition to phase ...
Functional imaging of the pharynx used to be the domain of cineradiography, CT and ultrafast CT. The development of modern MRI techniques led to new access to functional disorders of the pharynx. The aim of this study was to implement a new MRI technique to examine oropharyngeal obstructive mechanisms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sixteen patients suffering from OSA and 6 healthy volunteers were examined on a 1.5 T whole-body imager (`Vision`, Siemens, Erlangen Medical Engineering, Germany) using a circular polarized head coil. Imaging was performed with 2D flash sequences in midsagittal and axial planes. Patients and volunteers were asked to breathe normally through the nose and to simulate snoring and the Mueller maneuver during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior to MRI, all patients underwent an ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination, ...
A new three-dimensional (3D) acoustic modelling method was developed using a first-order hyperbolic wave system which was solved with explicit finite dfferences. The numerical solution of the 3D wave system provides a useful method for simulating evolution of a pressure field corresponding to compressional type waves. Existing two-dimensional (2D) elastic modelling algorithms were modified and fine-tuned for computationally efficient and realistic wave propagation simulations in complex structures. An original formulation of the 3D reverse time migration method was developed which is very accurate, does not suffer from unwanted evenescent energy, can image dips beyond 90{degree}, and does not generate multiple energy. Two case studies were performed that involved steam stimulation projects in the Cold Lake deposit. Simulations were performed during different phases of the steam stimulation process to examine the relation ...
Single photon tomography using lipophilic tracers provides tomographic representations of regional blood flow. To penetrate a healthy blood-brain barrier requires that radiotracers either are fat-soluble or have an affinity for one of the selective blood-brain barrier transport systems. In recent years there has been an increasing interest to explore the ideal physical characteristics of "9"9"mTc for diagnostic problems of brain diseases. The development of radiopharmaceuticals for brain imaging including the intensively studied "9"9"mTc-propyleneamineoxime derivatives is discussed. (author).
A 37-year-old military mechanic presented to our institution with a chronic history of a slowly enlarging left elbow antecubital fossa mass. There was no history of other chronic illness or trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and excisional biopsy revealed fatty villi and synovial inflammation within the left bicipitoradial bursa, consistent with lipoma arborescens. Four years later the patient presented with a 6-month history of swelling at the antecubital fossa of the opposite elbow. Diagnostic computed tomography and MRI examinations were performed. The surgical and pathologic findings confirmed the imaging diagnosis of lipoma arborescens at the right bicipitoradial bursa. (orig.)
The authors present a comparison between the diagnostic accuracy of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the articular pathologies of the knee. CT and MRI were performed in 30 patients who subsequently underwent surgery. CT and MRI results were compared on three bases: technique, definition of normal anatomy, and diagnostic accuracy. CT allowed a standardization of the technique, while MRI was superior in defining normal anatomy - especially in the study of capsulo-ligamentous structures. In all cases the use of both CT and MRI allowed a correct diagnosis, showing the site, extent and gravity of the lesion. CT proved to be superior to MRI in 4 cases, while MRI corrected CT diagnosis in 11 cases; in 15 patients both techniques had the same diagnostic accuracy. Meniscal tears were better identified by CT, while MRI was superior in the detection of ligamentous lesions and in the ...
This report summarizes the work performed under the Sandia Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project ``Optical Diagnostics for Turbulent and Multiphase Flows.`` Advanced optical diagnostics have been investigated and developed for flow field measurements, including capabilities for measurement in turbulent, multiphase, and heated flows. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) includes several techniques for measurement of instantaneous flow field velocities and associated turbulence quantities. Nonlinear photorefractive optical materials have been investigated for the possibility of measuring turbulence quantities (turbulent spectrum) more directly. The two-dimensional PIV techniques developed under this LDRD were shown to work well, and were compared with more traditional laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). Three-dimensional PIV techniques were developed and tested, but due to several experimental difficulties were ...
Already, MR Imaging is superior in diagnosticimaging of joints in many cases; however, there have been recent developments, which are the subjects of this paper. With gradient-echo sequences acquired in 3D technique, it is possible to produce high-resolution images of joints in acceptable scantime, because gradient-echo sequences are less time-consuming than convential SE sequences. With the acquisition of two echoes, phase difference between water and fat protons have to be considered. 3D Imaging is capable of displaying complex pathology in a superior way, which should be useful in preoperative planning. Tissue contrast is altered by fat saturation or magnetization transfer in order to achieve better conspicuity of lesions. Although diagnostic value of some of these options is not yet clear and further clinical studies are needed, they are a promising ...
A small cholangiocarcinoma was detected at autopsy in a patient with thorotrastosis who died from the rupture of esophageal varices at the esophagogastric junction. Prior to the advent of recent diagnosticimaging technique, a correct antemortem diagnosis could only be obtained from tumor markers. However, the tendency for the opacity of the liver to decrease slowly with time and develop uneven trabeculation suggests that small tumors may be difficult to detect against such a non-homogeneous background. (author).
In Spiral CT, the pitch is the ratio of the distance to tabletop travels per 360 degrees rotation to nominal slice width, expressed in mm. Performing Spiral CT examination with pitch 2 allows to reduce examination time, exposure and contrast dose, and X-ray tube overload. The authors investigated the yield of pitch 2 in lung parenchyma studies, particular relative to diagnosticimage quality.
The purpose of the study was to optimise the technique employed for AP shoulder and lateral cervical spine examinations following an investigation into image quality, based on clinical assessment, and effective dose, calculated from patient entrance surface dose measurements. A study was therefore conducted in an attempt to determine whether the increased radiation dose to the patient following the introduction of an anti-scatter grid was justified by the level of improvement in image quality. The study, involving 100 patients, was able to demonstrate that the increase in radiation dose to the patient when using an anti-scatter grid for AP shoulder examinations is not justified by the improved image quality. A poor level of inter-rater reliability between the consultants scoring the lateral cervical spine images prevented a firm conclusion from being reached. The fact that all ...
The purpose of the study was to optimise the technique employed for AP shoulder and lateral cervical spine examinations following an investigation into image quality, based on clinical assessment, and effective dose, calculated from patient entrance surface dose measurements. A study was therefore conducted in an attempt to determine whether the increased radiation dose to the patient following the introduction of an anti-scatter grid was justified by the level of improvement in image quality. The study, involving 100 patients, was able to demonstrate that the increase in radiation dose to the patient when using an anti-scatter grid for AP shoulder examinations is not justified by the improved image quality. A poor level of inter-rater reliability between the consultants scoring the lateral cervical spine images prevented a firm conclusion from being reached. The fact that all ...
Molecular imaging represents a modern research area that allows the in vivo study of molecular biological process kinetics using appropriate probes and visualization methods. This methodology may be defined- apart from the contrast media injection - as non-abrasive. In order to reach an in vivo molecular process imaging as accurate as possible the effects of the used probes on the biological should not be too large. The contrast media as important part of the molecular imaging can significantly contribute to the understanding of molecular processes and to the development of tailored diagnostics and therapy. Since more than 15 years PTB is developing optic imaging systems that may be used for fluorescence based visualization of tissue phantoms, small animal models and the localization of tumors and their predecessors, and for the early recognition of inflammatory processes in ...
The principle of radiodiagnosis consists in the fact the X-ray beam is attenuated at different degrees by distinct tissues. For this reason, the anatomical structures have distinct radiological opacities, that produce the radiographic image. The progresses in radiology are related to the development if new radiographic image formation systems that enable an amplification in the quality, with low dose and/or risk to the patient. The objective of this work is the sensitometric valuation of a screen-film combination, that is still the most used, for the standardization, of radiographic images. Thinking about this, were constructed homogeneous phantoms of the chest, skull and pelvis, for the calibration of X-ray beams, with the purpose of obtaining radiographic images of good quality, basing in the routine of a radiodiagnosis service and in the scientific knowledge. Questions were approached about the ...
To assess the diagnostic capability Fuji computed radiography (FCR) using a dual side reading system was compared to the conventional radiography using a film-screen system. Twenty-eight patients with lung cancer were examined with a new FCR system (FCR 5501D) and a conventional screen-film system concurrently. FCR utilizes a reading system that detects emissions from dual sides of imaging plate. Chest X-rays were obtained with same exposure factors in both systems. Image qualities of both systems were compared by two radiologists using a five-level score. There were no lesion that FCR images were inferior to film-screen images. The frequency of score +1 or +2 that FCR images were superior to film-screen images was 31% in large nodular shadows, 40% in accompanying shadows with a nodule, 67% of small nodular shadows, and 43% of the lymph node ...
Colorectal carcinoma is a highly prevalent and common cause of cancer in Taiwan. There is still no available cure for this malignant disease. To address this issue, we applied the multimodality of molecular imaging to explore the efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic nanoradiopharmaceuticals in an animal model of human colorectal adenocarcinoma [colorectal cancer (CRC)] that stably expresses luciferase (luc) as a reporter. In this study, an in vivo therapeutic efficacy evaluation of dual-nanoliposome (100 nm in diameter) encaged vinorelbine (VNB) and "1"1"1In-oxine on HT-29/luc mouse xenografts was carried out. HT-29/luc tumor cells were transplanted subcutaneously into male SCID mice. Multimodality of molecular imaging approaches including bioluminescence imaging (BLI), gamma scintigraphy, whole-body autoradiography (WBAR) and in vivo tumor growth tracing, histopathology and biochemistry/hematology ...
Aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) in the identification of colorectal cancer and to define the limitations and the advantages of this imaging modality, as well as indications to the examination. It was examined prospectively 62 symptomatic patients aged 36 to 82 years (28 women and 34 men). All patients underwent both conventional and virtual colonoscopy on the same day; the conventional examination allowed exploration of the entire colon. Conventional colonoscopy identified 89 lesions 3-50 mm in diameter, namely 84 benign and 5 malignant lesions. No lesions were identified in 12 patients. CT colonography identified 52 of the 89 lesions, with 57.1% diagnostic accuracy. They were 11 false positives (82.5% positive predictive value and 52.2% specificity) and 37 false negatives (24.5% negative predictive value and 58.4% sensitivity). Sensitivity was significantly higher (85.7%) for polyps ...
In less than a decade computed tomography (CT scanning) had a profound impact on diagnostic radiology. Radiology of the orbit is no exception. As early as 1973, reports published in the radiological literature indicated that this new noninvasive imaging method was a highly effective way of demonstrating intraorbital mass lesions. As CT scanners became widely available, computed tomography became a significant adjunct to ophthalmological diagnosis. Today the main indications for CT scanning of the orbit are: (1) suspected mass lesions, most frequently presenting as exophthalmos, (2) orbital trauma, including foreign bodies, (3) some congenital anomalies, and (4) suspicion of extension into the orbit of extraorbital disease processes. Along with ultrasonography, another new noninvasive imaging technique, CT has replaced a number of more invasive and often less effective diagnostic methods, such as orbital ...
The high incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer have stimulated research for prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. DNA ploidy status of tumour cells is an important parameter with diagnostic and prognostic significance. In the current study, DNA ploidy analysis was performed using image cytometry technique and digital image processing and analysis. Tissue samples from prostate patients were stained using the Feulgen method. Images were acquired using a digital imaging microscopy system consisting of an Olympus BX-50 microscope equipped with a color CCD camera. Segmentation of such images is not a trivial problem because of the uneven background, intensity variations within the nuclei and cell clustering. In this study specific algorithms were developed in Matlab based on the most prominent image segmentation ...
We compared the values of the myocardial thickness and the left ventricle diameters measured with MRI and echocardiography. The ejection fraction was compared in MRI and ventriculography. 34 patients with different heart dysfunctions were examined with MRI (FISP 2D sequence). 26 of them were also studied by echocardiography and 20 by biplane cine-ventriculography. The enddiastolic thicknesses of the left ventricular postero-lateral wall and of the septum interventriculare were measured on short axis images. An ellipsoidal modell was used for volume calculation and ejection fraction. Correlation of MRI values of thickness and ejection fraction with echocardiographi and angiographi showed r>0,8. As known for 1.56 T Imagers, the myocardial thickness in MRI was underestimated compared to echocardiography (1.4 mm#+-#1.7). The ejection fraction was underevaluated compared to ventriculography ...
Luminescent transition metal complexes are enjoying a growing interest because of their ubiquitous applications in, e.g., the fields of material science, sensors and (biomedical) diagnostics, and iridium(III) and ruthenium(II) complexes are among the best studied. Due to their long-living excited states, these complexes can have a strong interaction with dioxygen, resulting in luminescence quenching. This oxygen quenching might be regarded as an unwanted effect in luminescence imaging, but, on the other hand, it can be exploited for diagnostic and therapeutic applications as well. After a theoretical introduction concerning the dioxygen quenching mechanism and the parameters involved, in the second part of this review we focus on the possibility of tailoring this quenching by modifying sel...
The implementation of wind energy conversion systems in the built environment renewed the interest and the research on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT), which in this application present several advantages over Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT). The VAWT has an inherent unsteady aerodynamic behavior due to the variation of angle of attack with the angle of rotation, perceived velocity and consequentially Reynolds number. The phenomenon of dynamic stall is then an intrinsic effect of the operation of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine at low tip speed ratios, having a significant impact in both loads and power. The complexity of the unsteady aerodynamics of the VAWT makes it extremely attractive to be analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, where an approximation of the continuity and momentum equations of the Navier-Stokes equations set is solved. The complexity of the problem and the need for new design approaches for VAWT for the built environment has driven the ...
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Fuji computed radiography (FCR) in the detection of interstitial pulmonary infiltrates, FCR life-size images at a pixel size of 0.1 mm were compared with conventional radiographs taken on the same day. Seventeen radiologists assessed the radiographs and FCR images of 56 cases, including 39 cases of various interstitial lung diseases such as interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary abnormalities associated with collagen disease, sarcoidosis, multiple pulmonary metastases, diffuse panbronchiolitis and pulmonary emphysema, and 17 normal controls. All of the pulmonary abnormalities were confirmed by high resolution CT. Observer performance tests were carried out using receiver operating characteristic analysis. In 21 cases of increased pulmonary density revealed by high resolution CT, FCR was significantly superior to conventional radiographs in the detection of reticular or linear shadows. In 11 ...
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Fuji computed radiography (FCR) in the detection of interstitial pulmonary infiltrates, FCR life-size images at a pixel size of 0.1 mm were compared with conventional radiographs taken on the same day. Seventeen radiologists assessed the radiographs and FCR images of 56 cases, including 39 cases of various interstitial lung diseases such as interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary abnormalities associated with collagen disease, sarcoidosis, multiple pulmonary metastases, diffuse panbronchiolitis and pulmonary emphysema, and 17 normal controls. All of the pulmonary abnormalities were confirmed by high resolution CT. Observer performance tests were carried out using receiver operating characteristic analysis. In 21 cases of increased pulmonary density revealed by high resolution CT, FCR was significantly superior to conventional radiographs in the detection of reticular or linear shadows. In 11 ...
In this work, we address the problem of road interpretation for driver assistance based on an early cognitive vision system. The structure of a road and the relevant traf?c are interpreted in terms of ego-motion estimation of the car, independently moving objects on the road, lane markers and large scale maps of the road. We make use of temporal and spatial disambiguation mechanisms to increase the reliability of visually extracted 2D and 3D information. This information is then used to interpret the layout of the road by using lane markers that are detected via Bayesian reasoning. We also estimate the ego-motion of the car which is used to create large scale maps of the road and also to detect independently moving objects. Sample results for the presented algorithms are shown on a stereo image sequence, that has been collected from a structured road.
We present a fully automated method for three-dimensional (3D) elemental analysis demonstrated using a ceramic sample of chemistry (Ca)MgTiO_x. The specimen is serially sectioned by a focused ion beam (FIB) microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) is used for elemental analysis of each cross-section created. A 3D elemental model is reconstructed from the stack of two-dimensional (2D) data. This work concentrates on issues arising from process automation, the large sample volume of approximately 17x17x10 #mu#m"3, and the insulating nature of the specimen. A new routine for post-acquisition data correction of different drift effects is demonstrated. Furthermore, it is shown that EDXS data may be erroneous for specimens containing voids, and that back-scattered electron images have to be used to correct for these errors.
Objective. To compare turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) with standard T1-weighted (T1-W) and T2-weighted (T2-W) MR sequences in the very early detection of acute osteomyelitis in children. Materials and methods. In 15 children with osteomyelitis, 15 sets of T1-W spin-echo (SE) (TR/TE, 400-640/12-17), T2-W turbo spin-echo (TSE) (TR/TE/ETL, 3290-4465/112-120/11), and TIRM (TR/TE/TI, 4000-6120/60/160) images were acquired with a 1.0-T magnet. Contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratios and percentage of signal between lesion and normal bone marrow were analysed with a computer-assisted image analysing system in a region of interest (ROI). Results. In 13 of 15 patients, the absolute signal enhancement in a ROI on the TIRM images was better than on the T1-W SE and T2-W TSE images and in 14 of 15 cases, C/N ratios were also better on the TIRM images than on the other sequences. In the other ...
Success in improving treatment outcomes in childhood cancer has been achieved almost exclusively through multicenter and multidisciplinary clinical and applied research over several decades. While biologically rational as well as empirical approaches have led to combination chemotherapy and multimodality approaches to therapy, which have given rise to evidence-based practice standards, similar scientific rigor has not always been as evidently applied to modalities utilized to assess initial disease burden and, more important, response to investigational approaches to therapy. As the empirical approach to therapeutic advances has likely maximized its benefit, future progress will require translation of biologic discovery most notably from the areas of genomics and proteomics. Hence, attempts to improve efficacy of therapy will require a parallel effort to minimize collateral damage of future therapeutic approaches, and such a parallel approach will mandate the continued dependence on ...
The fundamentals and the technical application methods of the imaging procedures are discussed in detail with regard to their application in medicine. The development of the X-ray contrast media has led to a better tolerance and a significant reduction of risks. Problems relating to radiation protection and radiation exposure are discussed critically. The general point gives an overview of the radiological examination methods and is meant to deepen the understanding of the special techniques and their rationally determined application. The following special part deals with diagnosing of organs in the region of the neck and the thorax. The general basis is the conventional radiological examination. The great increase in information achieved by means of the new imaging methods becomes clear if we look at the diagnostics of the soft tissue of the neck. Computerized tomography and NMR imaging open the view ...
Objective: To discuss the clinical application value of dual energy subtraction (DES) in direct digital radiography of chest. Methods: 83 cases of chest digital radiography(DR) using double-energy subtraction (DES) were randomly selected, and three posterior-anterior (PA) chest films (standard image, bone image and soft tissue image) were obtained in each case, which is so called 'bone and soft tissue separated' technology. Results: With the aid of double energy subtraction (DES), the bony chest was subtracted, the sensitivity and specificity of pulmonary calcification were improved, and sensitivity of pulmonary nodes was also improved, enhancing the distinction between pulmonary benign or malignant lesions, enlightening the diagnosis of chest cage lesions, and showing a clear superiority in the detection of pulmonary nodes comparing to common chest films. The double energy subtraction (DES) films showed a higher ...
We performed a comparative study of digitally and conventionally acquired images in gastrointestinal examinations. Radiation dose and spatial resolution were determined in a water phantom. In 676 examinations with either conventional or digital imaging (system: Diagnost 76, DSI) the number of images and the duration of the fluoroscopy time were compared. 101 examinations with digital as well as conventional documentation were evaluated by using 5 criteria describing the diagnostic performance. The entrance dose of the DSI is 12% to 36% of the film/screen system and the spatial resolution of the DSI may be better than that of a film/screen system with a speed of 200. The fluoroscopy time shows no significant difference between DSI and the film/screen technique. In 2 of 4 examination modes significantly more images were produced by the DSI. With exception of the ...
The fundamental recommendations of the ICRP issued in its publication of 1990 stipulate the general principle of performance of dose measurements at regular intervals in the field of diagnostic radiology, for the purpose of equipment performance checking and optimization of radiological protection. In response to this requirement, the Federal Ministry, in cooperation with experts and the competent supervising authorities, has issued an order to install dose-area-product meters in angiographic examination systems, imaging systems and fluoroscopic screen devices primarily used for examining infants and children up to the age of 12. This is done in response to reported cases of adverse effects of radiation exposure and the high priority given to radiological protection in the examination of infants and children. In 1992, an expert group was convened to discuss and elaborate instructions for including dose-area product measurement in the dosimetry ...
Currently, x-ray mammography is the method of choice in breast cancer screening programmes. As the mammography technology moves from 2Dimaging modalities to 3D, conventional computational phantoms do not have sufficient detail to support the studies of these advanced imaging systems. Studies of these 3D imaging systems call for a realistic and sophisticated computational model of the breast. DeBRa (Detailed Breast model for Radiological studies) is the most advanced, detailed, 3D computational model of the breast developed recently for breast imaging studies. A DeBRa phantom can be constructed to model a compressed breast, as in film/screen, digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis studies, or a non-compressed breast as in positron emission mammography and breast CT studies. Both the cranial-caudal and mediolateral oblique views can be modelled. The ...
Computation of effective flow properties of fluids in porous media based on three dimensional (3D) pore structure information has become more successful in the last few years, due to both improvements in the input data and the network models. Computed X-ray microtomography has been successful in 3D pore imaging at micron scale, which is adequate for many sandstones. For other rocks of economic interest, such as chalk and diatomite, submicron resolution is needed in order to resolve the 3D-pore structure. To achieve submicron resolution, a new method of sample serial sectioning and imaging using Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology has been developed and 3D pore images of the pore system for diatomite and chalk have been obtained. FIB was used in the milling of layers as wide as 50 micrometers and as thin as 100 nanometers by sputtering of atoms from the sample surface. The focused ion beam, consisting of gallium ions (Ga+) ...
To compare the accuracy of MR imaging using an endorectal-pelvic and a pelvic phased-array coil for preoperative local staging of rectal carcinoma. To determine preoperative staging, 38 patients with rectal carcinoma underwent MR imaging. All patients were examined with both an endorectal-pelvic and a pelvic phased-array coil. All underwent surgery and staging was pathologically confirmed. Two radiologists blinded to pathologic stage analyzed perirectal invasion and perirectal node metastasis, and scored according to a four-point scale. Radiologic and pathologic findings were correlated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of Wilcoxon statistic (W values) was used to compare diagnostic accuracy between the two different MR methods. Interobserver variation was measured using {kappa} statistics. For perirectal invasion, T1WI endorectal-pelvic phased-array coil images (reader 1:0. 854, reader ...
Leukodystrophies are inherited white matter diseases due to abnormalities occurring in myelin synthesis and/or maintenance. The most common types of these rare childhood conditions are represented by adrenoleukodystrophy, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Canavan's, Alexander's, Krabbe's, and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher's diseases. Most of them are lethal during childhood, with the exception of the adrenoleukodystrophy-adrenomyeloneuropathy complex, which sometimes, during its early phases, may be cured with a dietary therapy. The aims of this paper are: 1) the description of inheritance factors, pathogenesis, pathological and clinical findings of each of the most frequent childhood leukodystrophies; 2) the description of the most common patterns of these conditions on CT and MR imaging; 3) the evaluation of the diagnostic capabilities of these two imaging techniques and the comparison of their results. Finally, some of the therapies ...
The diagnosticimaging findings in hepatic amoebiasis and the capabilities of percutaneous drainage have already been described but some debate is open on both diagnosis and treatment. It is reported the experience with the ultrasound (US) and Computed Tomography (CT) studies of the hepatic amoebic abscess and its management. [Italian] I reperti con diagnostica per immagini nell'amebiasi epatica e le possibilita' del drenaggio percutaneo sono stati gia' illustrati; esistono tuttavia controversie sul piano sia diagnostico che terapeutico. Obiettivo di questo lavoro e' quello di riportare l'esperienza personale nella diagnostica con ecografia e tomografia computerizzata (TC) e nel trattamento degli ascessi amebici del fegato.
Five cases diagnosed as extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma (EES) during a 15 year period, and the relevant literature, were reviewed. The diagnosis in these cases was difficult to confirm, mainly because the distinction between the osseous form of Ewing's sarcoma (OES) and either periosteal reactions or direct tumour invasion into adjacent bone by EES was often unclear. The literature suggests that other authors have also encountered difficulties. The authors believe that many cases reported as EES are likely to have been OES. This distinction has some importance, as the two conditions are usually treated in differing ways. The following criteria are proposed for the diagnosis of primary EES: (i) no evidence of bony involvement on magnetic resonance imaging; (ii) no evidence of increased uptake in bone or periosteum adjacent to the tumour on static isotope bone scan images; (iii) a small round cell tumour with no differentiating features on light ...
We investigated the efficacy of combined FDG-PET/CT imaging for the diagnosis of small-size uveal melanomas and the feasibility of combining separate, high-resolution (HR) FDG-PET with MRI for its improved localization and detection. Patients, methods: 3 patients with small-size uveal melanomas (0.2-1.5 ml) were imaged on a combined whole-body PET/CT, a HR brain-PET, and a 1.5 T MRI. Static, contrast-enhanced FDG-PET/CT imaging was performed of head and torso with CT contrast enhancement. HR PET imaging was performed in dynamic mode 0-180 min post-injection of FDG. MRI imaging was performed using a high-resolution small-loop-coil placed over the eye in question with T2-3D-TSE and T1-3D-SE with 18 ml Gd-contrast. Patients had their eyes shaded during the scans. Lesion visibility on high-resolution FDGPET images was graded for confidence: 1: none, 2: suggestive, ...
We have continued to finish up our work on analyzing relationships between elastic properties and rock microstructure. We have worked on theoretical models for the effects of sorting and packing on elastic moduli and seismic velocities. After analyzing the scanning acoustic images of shales to quantify textures at different scales, we are now using theoretical inclusion models to quantify the elastic property variation with texture. In the closing phases of this project most of our efforts are now focused on writing up the results and preparing the final reports.
A study on brain CT was made in 120 patients of human cysticercosis, which is a rare disease in Japan and clinical symptoms and laboratory data for the diagnosis were also discussed. From the point of therapeutic view, we proposed a new differentiation on brain CT of human cysticercosis, which is divided into two groups according to the alve or dead parasite. Furthermore, we proposed a new type named multiple large and small cysts type on brain CT. The idea of diagnostic standard was made integrating brain CT image, clinical symptoms and labolatory data. (author).
MRI findings in 13 patients with monolateral parotid tumor were compared with US, sialographic and CT findings. MRI did not allow an accurate diagnosis in 2 patients with diffuse chronic parotitis. MRI was superior to CT in 1 case in defining the intraglandular site of the lesion, and in 2 patients in showing the extraglandular involvement. MRI proved to be superior to CT thanks to its contrast resolution and to multiplanar imaging. MRI high contrast resolution made it possible to demonstrate neoplastic lesions of 4 mm in diameter. The lesion has low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted. Parotid tumors cannot be characterized by signal intensity alone: only morphology allows to discriminate between benign and malignant lesions. To conclude, US is a screening method, while MRI is helpful in detecting multifocal lesions and in evaluating the tumor extent.
The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of inflammatory spine disease in patients with chronic back pain. The contribution of imaging modalities for the diagnostic evaluation of back pain is discussed. A systematic literature search based on the classification of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis was performed. The results of this search and the experiences in a large collective of rheumatological patients are analyzed. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (1-2%) is comparable to that of spondyloarthropathies (1.9%). The etiology of these entities is not fully elucidated. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used for early detection and surveillance of therapy with TNF-#alpha# antagonists. Bone marrow edema, which is only detectable with MRI, represents an early sign of inflammation. Therapy with TNF-#alpha# antagonists is based on clinical and laboratory criteria, and signs of ...
In rare cases, large adrenal masses with a suspicion of malignancy exhibit tumor extension into the adrenal vein and inferior vena cava. When planning surgery, the relationship of the extension to the inferior vena cava is of decisive improtance. We describe in two cases on the detection of a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava arising from a malignant adrenal mass by means of MR angiography (TOF, coronary 2D GRE images [FLASH], 3 slices acquired during 15 second apnea). The angiograms correlated well with the results of DSA venacavography and with the intraoperative findings. Thus, MRA has been demonstrated to be suitable for the certain proof of a venous tumor thrombus not only in cases of renal cell carcinomas but also in cases of malignant adrenal masses. The method should be applied whenever there is evidence of a venous involvement in the adrenal MR images. (orig.) [Deutsch] Grosse ...
The seismic reflection exploration technique which is one of the geophysical methods for oil exploration became effectively to image the subsurface structure with rapid development of computer. As a tool to perform seismic inversion, seismic forward modeling program using ray tracing should be developed. In this study, we have developed the algorithm that is to calculate the travel time of the complex geological structure using ray tracing by subdividing the geologic model into triangular element (finite element) having the constant velocity. We can analytically calculate Jacobian with some information by this current ray tracing. With this Jacobian, we will develop new algorithm which is to obtain geological properties and to image the subsurface. Since the FEM (Finite Element Method) ray tracing we have developed goes well the inverse velocities structure, we can apply the inversion problem to complex geological model. This report consists of ...
Faults are being actively investigated across Japan since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Discussed in this report is the application of the 3D near-surface reflection seismic survey in big cities. Data from trenching and drilling is used for the geological interpretation of the surroundings of a fault, and the reflection seismic survey is used to identify the position, etc., of the fault. In this article, when the results obtained from the experimental field are examined, it is found that the conventional 2Dimaging reflection survey betrays the limit of its capability when the geological structure is complicated, that the 3D reflection seismic survey, on the contrary, is capable of high-precision imaging and, when augmented by drilling, etc., becomes capable of a more detailed interpretation, and that it also contributes effectively to the improvement of local disaster prevention in big cities. ...
Purpose: To evaluate the significance of preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid glands to the surgical outcome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Material and Methods: Thirty-nine patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were studied preoperatively with US (39 patients), CT (30 patients) and MR imaging (18 patients). The overall diagnostic accuracy for US was 87%, CT 66% and MR 94%. In patients with a single parathyroid adenoma US was the most cost-effective localization technique with a detection rate of 96%. CT had a lower detection rate (78%) but was of particular value for fairly large ectopic adenomas in the root of the neck. MR imaging was a good confirmatory test (93%). In patients with multiple gland disease (primary hyperplasia and multiple adenomas), no single localization study alone was sufficient. Combination of all 3 studies, however, alerted the physician to the presence of disease in ...
The standard protocol in multislice spiral CT (MSCT) angiography for coronary arteries with fixed tube current-time settings leads to an overexposure and thus to an unnecessary high radiation dose in patients with lower weight when compared to heavier patients. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of reducing the radiation dose by adapting the tube current-time settings individually. Fifty patients underwent retrospectively ECG-gated MSCT of the heart. In 25 patients (group A{sub 1}) a standard protocol with constant tube current-time settings was used (4 x 1-mm collimation, 120 kV, 400 mAs{sub eff}). Subsequently, artificial image noise was added to the data of these patients simulating a directive for weight-adapted tube current-time settings (group A{sub 2}). In the other 25 patients (group B) an alternative protocol with individually weight-adapted tube current-time settings was applied. The data of all groups were evaluated by a regression ...
The standard protocol in multislice spiral CT (MSCT) angiography for coronary arteries with fixed tube current-time settings leads to an overexposure and thus to an unnecessary high radiation dose in patients with lower weight when compared to heavier patients. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of reducing the radiation dose by adapting the tube current-time settings individually. Fifty patients underwent retrospectively ECG-gated MSCT of the heart. In 25 patients (group A_1) a standard protocol with constant tube current-time settings was used (4 x 1-mm collimation, 120 kV, 400 mAs_e_f_f). Subsequently, artificial image noise was added to the data of these patients simulating a directive for weight-adapted tube current-time settings (group A_2). In the other 25 patients (group B) an alternative protocol with individually weight-adapted tube current-time settings was applied. The data of all groups were evaluated by a regression analysis. The ...
Gel dosimetry is a new dosimetry method applied in radiation therapy. Gel dosimeters consist of a radiation sensitive gel, which can integrate absorbed doses from several radiation sources or beams. The dose to the gel can be evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a procedure that is the focus of the present thesis. A robust tool for the evaluation of the nonuniformity in MRI has been developed, the Deviation Image method. Unlike previously presented methods, the Deviation Image method includes all nonuniformity variations across a phantom surface and is insensitive to stochastic noise. Methods for the estimation of stochastic noise were analyzed in terms of sensitivity to nonuniformities. A method that averages the stochastic noise level over five regions over the phantom surface, and a method that assesses the stochastic noise level from the background, were found to be the methods of choice. Pronounced MR ...
The purpose was to evaluate low-dose CT colonography without cathartic cleansing in terms of image quality, polyp visualization and patient acceptance. Sixty-one patients scheduled for colonoscopy started a low-fiber diet, lactulose and amidotrizoic-acid for fecal tagging 2 days prior to the CT scan (standard dose, 5.8-8.2 mSv). The original raw data of 51 patients were modified and reconstructed at simulated 2.3 and 0.7 mSv levels. Two observers evaluated the standard dose scan regarding image quality and polyps. A third evaluated the presence of polyps at all three mSv levels in a blinded prospective way. All observers were blinded to the reference standard: colonoscopy. At three times patients were given questionnaires relating to their experiences and preference. Image quality was sufficient in all patients, but significantly lower in the cecum, sigmoid and rectum. The two observers correctly identified respectively ...
Purpose: To assess the relationship between large intracranial vessel occlusive vasculopathy (vasculopathy) and radiation therapy, and to clarify the clinical efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis and screening of the vasculopathy. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records and serial MR images for 32 pediatric patients, in whom radiation therapy had been given to fields including the circle of Willis and major cerebral arteries. All children had periodically undergone follow-up neurologic assessment and MR imaging examinations at Kanagawa Children's Medical Center for more than one year after radiation therapy (range 1.3-14 years). Patients who had not remained free of tumor progression up to the time of final evaluation were excluded. Results: Vasculopathy developed in 6 of 32 patients 2-13 years after radiation therapy. Three of them presented with transient ischemic ...
Bone images obtained by single exposure dual energy subtraction with computed radiography, a new image processing method, were evaluated for the detectability of calcification in lung nodules in both phantom and clinical studies. In the phantom study, five simulated nodules containing known and uniformly distributed amounts of calcium hydroxide were placed in a human chest phantom and images were obtained the following five techniques: (1) conventional radiography (CXR), (2) low kV conventional radiography (Low), (3) Fuji computed radiography (FCR), (4) bone images with conventional singles exposure energy subtraction (ES) and (5) bone image with fine single exposure energy subtraction (FES). The detectability of calcification in the simulated nodules was evaluated by six radiologists using ROC analysis and two-way analysis of variance. In the clinical study, ...
Bone images obtained by single exposure dual energy subtraction with computed radiography, a new image processing method, were evaluated for the detectability of calcification in lung nodules in both phantom and clinical studies. In the phantom study, five simulated nodules containing known and uniformly distributed amounts of calcium hydroxide were placed in a human chest phantom and images were obtained the following five techniques: 1) conventional radiography (CXR), 2) low kV conventional radiography (Low), 3) Fuji computed radiography (FCR), 4) bone images with conventional singles exposure energy subtraction (ES) and 5) bone image with fine single exposure energy subtraction (FES). The detectability of calcification in the simulated nodules was evaluated by six radiologists using ROC analysis and two-way analysis of variance. In the clinical study, images ...
To study the utility of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) in case of suspected appendicitis. To determine the diagnostic yield in terms of different clinical contexts and patient characteristics. to assess the costs and benefits of introducing these techniques and propose a protocol for their use. Negative appendectomies, complications and length of hospital stay in a group of 152 patients with suspected appendicitis who underwent ultrasound and CT were compared with those of 180 patients who underwent appendectomy during the same time period, but had not been selected for the first group: these patients costs for each group were calculated. In the first group, the diagnostic value of the clinical signs was also evaluated. The reliability of the clinical signs was limited, while the results with ultrasound and CT were excellent. The incidence of negative appendectomy was 9.6% in the study group and 12.2% in the control group. Moreover, ...
The enhancements described of high-performance CT systems of latest design have again confirmed the importance of CT systems for acute and selective diagnosticimaging. Higher availability, shorter exposure times, and better applicability and handling for examination of poly-traumata patients or patients of intensive care departments are some of the advantages achieved with CT systems which demonstrate CT system efficiency in addition to MRI, which for specific examinations will remain the modality of first choice for diagnostic evaluation. The Tomoscan Av-E presented here was able to answer all relevant diagnostic questions appearing in routine diagnostics and scientific work. For patients, examinations using the spiral CT technique also offers significant advantages. (orig./CB) [Deutsch] Durch die dargestellten Verbesserungen bei Hochleistungs-CT-Systemen neuester Bauart wurde die ...
T{sub 2} weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations were carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences giving optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having various pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contrasts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compared with CT. In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequence with the shortest echo proved optimal (T{sub E}=90 ms, T{sub R}=2-4 s, echo=9 ms, turbo factor=19). In the patient series studied, MRT was inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, but better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value. Using UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good ...
Differentiating a benign from a malignant lesion by information such as density data, or signal intensities or echo gradients, is not possible with CT, nor MRI, nor ultrasonography. Only some lesions show characteristic signs. Inflammations cannot be difscriminated from malignant tumors. CTs of small tumors in particular are so poor in contrast that it is much more difficult to detect tumors or discriminate them from other lesions, as compared to MR images or ultrasonographs. CT does not detect surface tumors, but is more sensitive than MRI or US in detecting discrete cortical bone lesions. The same applies to small calcified tumors. MRI however is most sensitive in detecting tumor volumes in the yellow marrow, and is the best modality for evaluation of extraossal extension of tumors. CT yields better results than MRI if applied for simultaneous screening of lymph node metastases in the lower neck. MRI frequently is spoilt by movement artefacts. High-resolution, ...
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has rapidly attained a major position among the examinations used in the diagnostic approach of multiple sclerosis because it is highly sensitive in demonstrating lesions. However, these lesional images may have several meanings, and there is the problem of distinguishing between oedema, which is said to reflect recent lesions, and gliosis which is thought to betray old lesions. The intrinsic MRI parameters studied (i.e. relaxation times) are unable to make this distinction, whereas it is provided by paramagnetic contrast media such as gadolinium. There is no correlation between the changes observed at MRI and the severity of the disease. Another problem is the accuracy of lesion localization, since visualization is predominantly macroscopic. This raises several questions about the demonstration of correlations between clinical signs and site of the lesion(s). At the moment, several teams of ...
Xeroradiography (XR) was retrospectively compared with a newly developed computed radiography (FCR) for diagnostic availability for breast cancer. FCR provides with the image processed by a computer. Subjects were 65 breast cancer patients for XR and 51 for FCR. Both methods were performed preoperatively. No significant difference was observed in distribution of age between the two groups but the average tumor size in XR group was larger than that in FCR group. Tumor shadow appeared in 44 of 65 xeromammograms (67.7%) and in 34 of 51 computed radiograms (66.7%). Microcalcification was detected in 27 of 65 xeromammograms (41.5%) and in 21 of 51 computed radiograms (41.2%). Consequently, diagnosis of breast cancer could be achieved in 47 of 65 patients (72.3%, established: 39, suspective: 8) through XR and in 41 of 51 (80.4%, established: 33, suspected: 8) through FCR. Thus FCR is thought to be more useful for breast cancer because it not only ...
Xeroradiography (XR) was retrospectively compared with a newly developed computed radiography (FCR) for diagnostic availability for breast cancer. FCR provides with the image processed by a computer. Subjects were 65 breast cancer patients for XR and 51 for FCR. Both methods were performed preoperatively. No significant difference was observed in distribution of age between the two groups but the average tumor size in XR group was larger than that in FCR group. Tumor shadow appeared in 44 of 65 xeromammograms (67.7%) and in 34 of 51 computed radiograms (66.7%). Microcalcification was detected in 27 of 65 xeromammograms (41.5%) and in 21 of 51 computed radiograms (41.2%). Consequently, diagnosis of breast cancer could be achieved in 47 of 65 patients (72.3%, established: 39, suspective: 8) through XR and in 41 of 51 (80.4%, established: 33, suspected: 8) through FCR. Thus FCR is thought to be more useful for breast cancer because it not only ...
The narrow emission line spectra of active galactic nuclei are not accurately described by simple photoionization models of single clouds. Recent Hubble Space Telescope images of Seyfert 2 galaxies show that these objects are rich with ionization cones, knots, filaments, and strands of ionized gas. Here we extend to the narrow line region the ``locally optimally emitting cloud'' (LOC) model, in which the observed spectra are predominantly determined by powerful selection effects. We present a large grid of photoionization models covering a wide range of physical conditions and show the optimal conditions for producing many of the strongest emission lines. We show that the integrated narrow line spectrum can be predicted by an integration of an ensemble of clouds, and we present these results in the form of diagnostic line ratio diagrams making comparisons with observations. We also predict key diagnostic line ratios as a ...
Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax shows early promise of important diagnostic advances. We believe that CT often provides information superior to that provided by standard roentgenographic techniques, is capable of significantly influencing patient management, and in selected instances, offers unique information not available by other methods. Computed tomography permits the imaging of mediastinal structures not possible with conventional roentgenographic methods and can diagnose with certainty benign mediastinal conditions such as pericardial cysts and focal or diffuse accumulations of fat. It is ideal for detecting pleural abnormalities and for displaying underlying parenchymal disease in patients with complex pleuroparenchymal shadows on conventional films. Pulmonary metastases unseen on the plain chest film can be detected with greater sensitivity than by any other method. Future applications of CT include the staging of mediastinal ...
Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax shows early promise of important diagnostic advances. We believe that CT often provides information superior to that provided by standard roentgenographic techniques, is capable of significantly influencing patient management, and in selected instances, offers unique information not available by other methods. Computed tomography permits the imaging of mediastinal structures not possible with conventional roentgenographic methods and can diagnose with certainty benign mediastinal conditions such as pericardial cysts and focal or diffuse accumulations of fat. It is ideal for detecting pleural abnormalities and for displaying underlying parenchymal disease in patients with complex pleuroparenchymal shadows on conventional films. Pulmonary metastases unseen on the plain chest film can be detected with greater sensitivity than by any other method. Future applications of CT include the staging of mediastinal ...
Complete text of publication follows. According to the new European regulations (Restrictions of Hazardous Substance Directive), there is an emerging demand for environmental friendly metal treatments instead on formerly used chromate conversion coating technique. The aim of the present investigations was to characterise and compare silicon containing protective thin layers on roughened galvanized steel surfaces (with average roughness of 0.7 microns), using FTIR microscopy and imaging techniques. The silicon containing coatings were produced either by Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or by wet chemical treatment using liquid silane. FTIR techniques offer new possibilities in the characterisations and chemical mapping of differently coated thin films, besides SEM+EDS, AFM, nanoindentation, XPS measurements (P. Nemeth et al., Materials Science Forum, 589 (2008) 433-438). All measurements were carried out by a Varian FTS-7000 spectrometer with a 'Stingray' microscope ...
Problems and solutions in the diagnosis and operative treatment were clarified by retrospective evaluation of cases of intramedullary tumor in which MRI and surgery had been performed. The subjects were 16 patients (21-75 years old, mean age: 45 years) whose tumor was surgically removed between 1991 and 1998. MRI was performed preoperatively, and T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, and enhanced images were obtained. Angiography was also performed in some cases. The histological diagnosis based on the MRI findings before surgery were compared with the pathological diagnosis after the operation. In 9/16 cases (56%), the preoperative histological diagnosis based on the MR images was the same as the pathological diagnosis after the operation. In 8 of the 11 cases (73%) whose images showed clear tumor margins and well shaped the tumor, the tumors were completely removed. The ...
Osteonecrosis (ON) of the hip joint remains an unsolved therapeutical problem. Diagnosis of ON of the hip has been improved by the technical progress of imaging modalities and better understanding pathomorphology. Over a long period only plain radiographs have been available. Scintigraphy and computed tomography contributed to differential diagnosis and early detection of bone necrosis. Diagnosis in an early reversible stage is of importance. Understanding of pathophysiology, early diagnosis and therapeutical approach has been significantly improved by MR imaging. Using the ARCO system all imaging modalities and their diagnostic viability are described in the five ARCO stages. At the end a diagnostic algorithm will be proposed. (orig.) [German] Die Osteonekrose des Hueftgelenks (ON) stellt noch immer ein nicht geloestes therapeutisches Problem dar. Die diagnostischen Moeglichkeiten ...
The aerodynamic behavior of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is analyzed by means of 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV), focusing on the development of dynamic stall at different tip speed ratios. The VAWT has an unsteady aerodynamic behavior due to the variation with the azimuth angle {theta} of the blade's sections' angle of attack, perceived velocity and Reynolds number. The phenomenon of dynamic stall is then an inherent effect of the operation of a VAWT at low tip speed ratios, impacting both loads and power. The present work is driven by the need to understand this phenomenon, by visualizing and quantifying it, and to create a database for model validation. The experimental method uses PIV to visualize the development of the flow over the suction side of the airfoil for two different reference Reynolds numbers and three tip speed ratios in the operational regime of a small urban wind turbine. The ...
A first-order one-way wave system has been created based on characteristic analysis of the acoustic wave system and optimization of the dispersion relation. The authors demonstrate that this system is equivalent to a third-order scalar partial-differential equation which, for a homogeneous medium, reduces to a form similar to the 45{degree} paraxial wave equation. This system describes accurately waves propagating in a 2D heterogeneous medium at angles up to 75{degree}. The one-way wave system representing downgoing waves is used for a modified reverse time migration method. As a wavefield extrapolator in migration, the downgoing wave system propagates the reflection events backwards to their reflectors without scattering at the discontinuities in the velocity model. Hence, images with amplitudes proportional to reflectivity can be obtained from this migration technique. They present examples of the application of the new ...
The standards mapping methods are limited by the lack of information between surface measures and wells profiles. The cross well seismic survey has proven being an effective high-resolution method for reservoirs characterization due its high frequency band. In this work, a 2-D finite differences algorithm for numerical cross well seismic simulation was developed, based in the approach of 2nd order for the time derivatives and 4th order for the space derivatives. In relation to the imaging techniques, it was introduced a reverse time migration method based in the solutions of the wave equation in time for cross well seismic data by the method of the finite differences exclusively. The results of reverse time migration has showed that layers with 90 cm thickness for P-waves could be visualized in migrated sections with excellent resolution. The high frequency cross well seismic data combined with reverse time migration have ...
60 patients between 17 and 72 years of age were investigated. First, an enteroclysis was performed in typical manner. The applicated methylcellulosis was blended with positive oral MR contrast media (Magnevist oral, Schering). After enteroclysis, MRI of the abdomen was performed using T1- and T2-weighted breathhold sequences (Flash 2D pre- and postcontrast and TSE) in axial and coronal planes. The length of the affected bowel and the stenosis seen with enteroclysis correlated well with the visible thickening of the small bowel wall and the stenosis seen in MRI. Using MRI, additional findings could be obtained in 28 patients, such as fistulas, abscesses or a hydronephrosis, or a better assessment of the stenosis was possible with MRI, because of the avoidance of overshadowing of the affected bowel loop with MRI. A brilliant MR-tomographic imaging of the small bowel is possible under the condition, that the small bowel ...
Nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used in cardiac diagnostics. Both techniques have been carefully evaluated and are equivalent for the assessment of regional and global wall motion as well as the evaluation of ejection fraction and cardiac volumes, though MRI is herein currently seen as gold standard. For evaluation of myocardial perfusion, extensive data exist for nuclear imaging, that, next to high diagnostic accuracy for evaluation of coronary artery disease, show incremental prognostic information and allow for independent risk stratification. Because of rapid technical advance, myocardial perfusion imaging has also become feasible with cardiac MRI. Results of recent studies are promising, but the data are few compared to perfusion scintigraphy. For viability assessment in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, positron emission tomography (PET) ...
Parallel imaging and echo sharing techniques have markedly reduced the acquisition times for MRI of large volumes. Dynamic 2 and 3-dimensional data sets of the chest with high temporal resolution (up to 10 images/s with single slice and 2 volume/s) allow an analysis of respiratory motion of the lungs and tumors. Time-resolved 2D series in preselected planes can be used to observe respiratory motion during free breathing or after respiratory commands, e.g. to exclude chest wall invasion by a tumor or for diagnosing impairment of respiratory mechanics. Time-resolved 3D-series (4D-MRI) allow monitoring of the spatial displacement of the lungs and tumors as a whole volume. Present limitations such as an overestimation of tumor size and an underestimation of displacement due to a limited temporal resolution are expected to be overcome with further technical developments. However, 4D-MRI already appears to be ...
Purpose: `Exoscopic` and endoscopic identification of colorectal pathologies via MRI. Methods: 5 patients (36-88 years), two normal and three with different colorectal pathologies (diverticular disease, polyps and carcinoma of the colon), were examined by MRI after colonoscopy. Subsequent to filling of the colon with a gadolinium-water mixture under MRI-monitoring, 3D-data sets of the colon were acquired in prone and supine positions over a 28 sec breathold interval. Subsequently multiplanar T{sub 1}-weighted 2D-sequences were acquired before and following i.v. administration of Gd-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg BW). All imaging was performed in the coronal orientation. The 3D-data were interactively analysed based on various displays: Maximum intensity projection (MIP), surface shadowed display (SSD), multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), virtual colonoscopy (VC). Results: All of the colorectal pathologies could be interactively diagnosed ...
As the jump from 2D to 3D, seismic exploration lives a new revolution with the use of converted PS waves. Indeed PS converted waves are proving their potential as a tool for imaging through gas; lithology discrimination; structural confirmation; and more. Nevertheless, processing converted shear data and in particular determining accurate P and S velocity models for depth imaging of these data is still a challenging problem, especially when the subsurface is anisotropic. To solve this velocity model determination problem we propose to use reflection travel time tomography. In a first step, we derive a new approximation of the exact phase velocity equation of the SV wave in anisotropic (TI) media. This new approximation is valid for non-weak anisotropy and is mathematically simpler to handle than the exact equation. Then, starting from an isotropic reflection tomography tool developed at Lt-'P, ...
A brief survey is presented of the methods of preparation and of the applications of radiopharmaceuticals labelled with short-lived positron radionuclides "1"1C, "1"8F, "1"3N and "1"5O which, thanks to their energy level schemes, short half-life and the 511 keV photon radiation energy are almost ideal tracers in modern nuclear medicine and pharmacology. In conjunction with computerized tomography, they represent one of the most sensitive diagnosticimaging methods, the so-called positron emission tomography. In addition, their incorporation in the molecule of a pharmaceutical does not change the biological and chemical properties of the original molecule unlike those of radiopharmaceuticals labelled with technetium, iodine, etc. (author). 125 refs.
The results of experiments received on the plasma focus (PF) device with energy stored equal 4 kJ are represented. Photos of the current plasma sheath (CPS), pre-pinch, sphere-like plasma formations are produced with help of the electron-optical converter contained a gated micro-channel plate (MCP) and the CCD-camera imaging system in the visible region. The redial velocity of the CPS is about 107 cm/s. Neon plasma electron density measured with help of the interferograms in the visible region and the spectra in the soft X-ray region is equals to 3?1018 cm-3. Electron temperature is equal to about 200 eV. Discharge integral photos were obtained with help of the soft X-ray pinhole camera. Pictures with 2 ?s resolution of the plasma luminescence above PF anode region were made by CCD-camera.
Multi-kilo-electron-volt x-ray microscopy will be an important laser-produced plasma diagnostic at future megajoule facilities such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF). However, laser energies and plasma characteristics imply that x-ray microscopy will be more challenging at NIF than at existing facilities. We use analytical estimates and numerical ray tracing to investigate several instrumentation options in detail, and we conclude that near-normal-incidence single spherical or toroidal crystals may offer the best general solution for high-energy x-ray microscopy at NIF and similar large facilities. Apertured Kirkpatrick{endash}Baez microscopes using multilayer mirrors may also be good options, particularly for applications requiring one-dimensional imaging over narrow fields of view. {copyright} 1998 Optical Society of America
339 CT und 95 MRT examinations in 210 partients were evaluated retrospectively to determine the value of CT and MRT for follow-up of head and neck tumors and for diagnosing recurrences. Semi-quantitative evaluation of tumor extent during and after radiotherapy showed advantages for MRT since changes induced by treatment, particularly oedema, produced less contrast loss in the images. CT had a sensitivity of 81% for the recognition of recurrences; this was 92% for MRT. Specificity for CT was 76% and for MRT 86%. Concerning the reliability of individual diagnostic criteria, space occupying lesions were the most valuable in CT diagnosis. For MRT, space occupying lesions and infiltration into neighbouring structures were of equal value. Because of differences in the nature of the signals, MRT proved better than CT in characterising recurrent masses and this improved the differentiation between scarring and local tumour recurrence. (orig.).
There are no specific diagnostic tests or a gold standard method for measuring disease activity and outcome in spondyloarthropathies (SpA). Many different methods have been developed to assess the signs and symptoms in SpA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of scintigraphy, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Bath Ankilosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in the evaluation of disease activity in early axial SpA diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty early MRI-positive axial SpA patients (23 males, 7 females) with a median age of 35 (18?55) years and a median duration of inflammatory low back pain of 24 (8?60) months were included in the study. In the patients with sacroiliitis, the sensitivity, specificity, and pos...
Bowel infarction is a rare and typical condition of the elderly; despite improvements in diagnosticimaging and vascular surgery, bowel infarction remains a major cause of acute abdomen, with mortality rates ranging 70-80%. Diagnosis on often late because clinical sings, laboratory data and radiologic findings are a specific. The authors investigated radiographic and particular CT patterns of intestinal infraction in 56 patients submitted to surgery within 12 hours of admission. We also report the CT findings of 5 of these patients who had reversible mesenteric ischemia. CT is more sensitive than radiography and does not exhibit the limitations of angiography (i.e., invasiveness, radiation exposure an complex organization. Therefore CT can presently be considered the method of choice in patients with suspected bowel infarction.
Background Adrenal incidentaloma remains a diagnostic challenge. Despite well-established management guidelines, the long-term results of following these guidelines are unknown. We sought to determine how accurately these guidelines identify functioning incidentalomas and how often these guidelines result in adrenalectomy for benign tumors. Methods We catalogued adrenal incidentalomas from a retrospective review of 500 consecutive adrenalectomies at a single institution. The outcome measures studied were patient demographics, preoperative biochemical analysis, imaging characteristics, tumor size, type of operation performed, and postoperative histologic diagnosis. Results Eighty-one of the 500 adrenalectomies performed were for incidentalomas. Size was the only significant characteristic t...
A prospective comparative study with pathology was performed to assess the clinical value of Computed Tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for nodal staging in lung cancer. A total of 329 nodal stations were dissected or sampled and 755 lymph nodes were examined at histology. On a pre-station basis, CT had greater sensitivity (74%) than EUS (56%), but EUS was more specific (83% versus 93%). The accuracy rates of the two techniques were similar. In conclusion, endoscopic ultrasound should be part of a routine preoperative diagnostic approach to non-small-cell lung cancer., because of its high specificity. Results can be improved when EUS and CT are combined., which suggests that these imaging modalities should be used together in selected patients for the noninvasive staging of non-small-cell lung cancer to identify local lymphatic spread.
A Real-Time Neutron Radiography (RTNR) system is developed to determine two-phase flow parameters for a vertical co-current two-phase flow channel with a hexagonal finned bundle. Image processing techniques are applied to visualize the two-phase flow, and procedures for measuring flow regime, cross-sectional averaged void fraction, time averaged void fraction, and void distribution for this complex geometry are discussed. The results show that the experimental flow regime map agrees well with an existing flow regime model for a hexagonal fined bundle. The hexagonal finned bundle is observed to significantly affect the void fraction, void migration, and void fluctuation along the axial flow channel.
BackgroundRecessive mutations in guanylate cyclase-1 (Gucy2d) are associated with severe, early onset Leber congenital amaurosis-1(LCA1). Gucy2d...Full Text Available
Purpose:To investigate the clinical usage of dose verification of Helical Tomotherapy plans by using 2D-array ion chambers, and to develop an efficient way to validate the dose delivered...Full Text Available
This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of double-phase Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with hyperparathyroidism. We also evaluated the relationship between Tc-99m MIBI uptake and oxyphil cell contents in parathyroid glands. The subjects were 28 parathyroid glands of 10 patients who underwent Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy and parathyroidectomy for clinically suspected hyperparathyroidism. Early and delayed pinhole images were obtained at 15 minutes and 2 hours after injection of Tc-99m MIBI, and SPECT images were followed. The weight and oxyphil cell contents of parathyroid tissue were obtained from pathologic specimen, and the scintigraphic findings were compared with histopathology. In surgical histopathology, 6 parathyroid adenomas and 9 parathyroid hyperplasias were confirmed. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive ...
Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) utilizes imaging plates of scanning lazer stimulated luminescence. FCR can be used for intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA) and for intraarterial studies because of tis high contrast and spatial resolution. Pixel size of the imaging plates for angiography is 0.2 mm. Experimentally, it could demonstrate a vessel 1 mm in diameter with a contrast of 0.1, when opacified with a contrast medium of 3 % iodine concentration, and could image a vessel 3 mm in diameter with contrast of 0.1, when opacified with 1 % contrast medium. A 20 % stenosed portion of a vessel 3 mm in diameter was identified when opacified with 3 % contrast medium, and a 20 % stenosed portion of a vessel 2 mm in diameter was identified when opacified with 10 % contrast medium. In 105 IVDSA examinations of 75 patients, FCR was superior to Digital Fluorography (DF) in spatial resolution, size of examination field, ...
A significant challenge in proteomics biomarker research is to identify the changes that are of highest diagnostic interest, among the many unspecific aberrations associated with disease burden and inflammation. In the present study liver tissue specimens (n=18) from six experimental stages were collected from the resistant hepatocyte (RH) rat model of liver cancer and analyzed by 2D DIGE. The study included triplicates of regenerating liver, control "sham-operated" liver, three distinct premalignant stages and hepatomas. Out of 81 identified proteins two-thirds were differentially abundant in rat hepatomas compared to control rat liver and, secondly, the majority of proteins were also changed in precursor stages. This underscores the importance of adequate control samples in explorative cancer biomarker research. We confirm several proteomic changes previously identified in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and we ...
A portable X-ray image system is described comprising: (a) a base assembly including panels and hinges joining the panels together along edges, and compression stops for biasing the hinges to compensate for the weight of payload when mounted on the base assembly, the compression stops being located for interaction with the hinges for biasing the panels to exhibit upward bowing when laid upon a flat surface prior to loading, and to provide resiliency for facilitating the base assembly assuming a substantially flat configuration when a predetermined payload is placed upon the base assembly; (b) an X-ray member; (c) apparatus for detachably mounting a table member to the base assembly to hold the table member at a location above the base; (d) an X-ray source; (e) means for sensing X-rays to form an image; (f) means for mounting the X-ray source and the X-ray sensing means on opposite sides relative to the table member and supported by the base ...
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important tool in the radiologic diagnosis of diseases of the brain as it measures molecular motion of water that characterizes the microstructure of tissues. Its most important clinical use to date is the early detection of cerebral ischemia by revealing the ischemic injury shortly after vessel occlusion and simultaneously providing therapy-relevant information on the tissue at risk. Furthermore, diffusion MRI is diagnostically promising in other diseases of the brain and is thus increasingly becoming part of routine clinical protocols in the diagnosis of tumors, inflammation, trauma, demyelination, dysmyelination and neurodegeneration. Although abnormalities of diffusion are generally not pathognomonic, diffusion MRI affords information about tissue changes for specific disorders that complements information obtained with standard MR techniques and frequently shows pathology earlier. In ...
Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the typical appearance of ganglioneuromas in computer-assisted tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of diagnosticimaging (9 CT, 6 MRI) in 9 children aged 3 to 15 years with the histological diagnosis of ganglioneuroma. Results: The tomographies showed large (max. 13.4 cm in diameter) round or oval tumors with sharp delineation. The sites of the tumors were the retroperitoneum (5), the mediastinum (3), and the adrenal gland (1). Intraspinal tumor involvement occurred in 4 cases. On comparing CT with MRI, MRI was more accurate in defining the intraspinal involvement. The ganglioneuromas were of hypodense appearance in the native CT scan and showed moderate enhancement upon administration of contrast media. In five patients tumor calcifications with a disseminated sprinkled pattern were seen in CT. In MRI ...
New experiment of radiography in using Fuji Intelligent Diagnostic X-ray System was first reported in XV International Congress of Radiology, 1981. By utilizing this system instead of traditional screen/film system, high density imaging plate in conjunction with computed image processor was developed, this is FCR. However, as the numerous problems in regard to the basic side of FCR system are found, it is expected that these are solved by investigators at their earliest opportunities. The purpose of this study is to reduce the radiation doses of the patients at radiography of the chest by using FCR system installed in our Department of Radiology in July, 1984. Experimentally we measured the radiation doses of the patient having the each breast of 18, 20, 22 and 24cm in thickness at radiography of the chest by using VICTOREEN MODEL 666 survey meter. The results obtained were as follows: 1) By using FCR system the radiation ...
New experiment of radiography in using Fuji Intelligent Diagnostic X-ray System was first reported in XV International Congress of Radiology, 1981. By utilizing this system instead of traditional screen/film system, high density imaging plate in conjunction with computed image processor was developed, this is FCR. However, as the numerous problems in regard to the basic side of FCR system are found, it is expected that these are solved by investigators at their earliest opportunities. The purpose of this study is to reduce the radiation doses of the patients at radiography of the chest by using FCR system installed in our Department of Radiology in July, 1984. Experimentally we measured the radiation doses of the patient having the each breast of 18, 20, 22 and 24cm in thickness at radiography of the chest by using VICTOREEN MODEL 666 survey meter. The results obtained were as follows: 1) By using FCR system the radiation ...
Purpose: To determine the diagnostic value of high resolution MR imaging with a circularly polarised (c.p.) body phased-array coil for the staging of pelvic lymph nodes in cervical carcinoma. Material and methods: 42 patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the cervix were studied on a 1.5 T scanner by using a c.p. body phased-array coil. The imaging protocol included T{sub 2}-weighted turbo-spin-echo (TSE) and T{sub 1}-weighted spin-echo sequences pre and post IV application of Gd-DTPA; slice thickness was 5-7 mm and pixel size 0.53 mm{sup 2}. Lymph nodes with a diameter of {>=}8 mm were considered to have metastatic involvement. MR imaging results were compared with histopathologic findings. Results: MR imaging showed enlarged lymph nodes ({>=} 8 mm) in 16 of 18 patients with histologic proof of lymph node metastases (sensitivity 89%). In 22 of 24 cases MR findings ...
We examined the abnormalities of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) without comorbidity using statistical parametric mapping(SPM) method. We used the patients with not compatible to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of ADHD and normal rCBF pattern in visual analysis as normal control children. Tc-99m ECD brain SPECT was performed on 75 patients (M:F=64:11, 10.0{+-}2.5y) with the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of ADHD and 13 normal control children (M:F=9:4, 10.3{+-}4.1y). Using SPM method, we compared patient group's SPECT images with those of 13 control subjects and measured the extent of the area with significant hypoperfusion(p<0.01) in predefined 34 cerebral regions. Only on area of left temporal lobe showed significant hypoperfusion in ADHD patients without comorbidity (n=75) compared with control subjects(n=13). (n=75, p<0.01, extent ...
Purpose: To evaluated artifacts of unexpended stents and to determine their exact position for MR-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using real-time sequences. Materials and Methods: By using an in vitro model, 11 unexpended stents - 9 nitinol, 1 stainless steel, and 1 cobalt alloy - were investigated by MR. Each stent was studied in a vessel-phantom filled with saline solution. Imaging was performed using five different realtime sequences: fast low angle shot (Flash 2D), fast imaging with steady precession (true FISP, FISP, interactive true FISP) and segmented echo planar imaging (seg. EPI). Artifacts of the introducer system and the stent were calculated by four blinded radiologists (scale: 1 - artifacts, making an excellent contribution to visualization; 2 - artifacts, making mainly a contribution to visualization; 3 - artifacts, making no contribution to ...
Materials and methods: 12 patients with 22 coronary bypass grafts underwent intraoperative flow quantification using the transit time ultrasound method. These values were compared to postoperative MR phase shift measurements. Flow measurements were performed preoperatively in 28 coronary arteries of 20 patients. For flow measurement, we used a velocity-encoded k-space segmented gradient echo sequence with a temporal resolution of 110 or 125 ms, respectively. 6-8 pase shift images could be acquired during one cardiac cycle. Results: There was a significant correlation between intraoperative and flow measurements using velocity-encoded MR imaging (r=0.76, p<0.0001, t-test). Flow volumes determined by MR imaging were systematically larger than those determined by the transit time ultrasound method. Mean flow in coronary arteries was reduced in severely stenosed vessels (>70%) compared to normal vessels. Intra- ...
Purpose. To validate a protocol for creating virtual models to be used in the construction of solid prototypes useful for the planning-simulation of maxillo-facial surgery, in particular for very complex anatomical and pathologic problems. To optimize communications between the radiology, engineering and surgical laboratories. Methods and materials. We studied 16 patients with different clinical problems of the maxillo-facial district. Exams were performed with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and single slice computed tomography (SDCT) with axial scans and collimation of 0.5-2 mm, and reconstruction interval of 1 mm. Subsequently we performed 2D multiplanar reconstructions and 3D volume-rendering reconstructions. We exported the DICOM images to the engineering laboratory, to recognize and isolate the bony structures by software. With these data the solid prototypes were generated using stereolitography. To date, ...
We have applied photofragment ion imaging to investigate the dissociation dynamics of low-lying, doubly excited states of molecular hydrogen. A doubly excited electronic state is one in which both of the hydrogen electrons reside in excited molecular orbitals. Two-step, two-color multiphoton excitation of H_2, first via 201.8 nm, two-photon excitation into the E, F "1#SIGMA#"+_g(v_E=0, J=1) state, followed by #approx#563 nm, 1+m (m=1, 2) excitation through the B double-prime "1#SIGMA#"+_u(v=0, J=0, 2), D "1#PI#_u(v=2, J=1, 2), and B' "1#SIGMA#"+_u(v=4, J=0, 2) states provides a ready means of populating several low-lying doubly excited states of H_2 at increasing internuclear separations. From these doubly excited repulsive states, both dissociation and autoionization processes are possible. Because the excitation energy remains relatively constant as each intermediate state is accessed, differences in the photodissociation ...
In this paper, the turbulence structures of premixed impinging jets are investigated by three different experimental techniques: time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TPIV) visualisation, hot wire anemometry (HWA) and acoustic signal processing. The focus is on the TPIV, with the other two techniques providing supplementary information. The 2-D velocities of the impinging jets were obtained by TPIV. The contour maps of velocity derivatives were computed to facilitate the visualisation of the turbulence structure of the reactant part of turbulent impinging flames. Particular attention was concentrated on the turbulence structures out of the burner nozzle and their interactions with the combustion process. It was found that the contour plots are effective in visualising time-dependent structures. It is demonstrated that the derivatives of the velocity field are able to reveal many otherwise hidden turbulence patterns. ...
60 patients between 17 and 72 years of age were investigated. First, an enteroclysis was performed in typical manner. The applicated methylcellulosis was blended with positive oral MR contrast media (Magnevist oral, Schering). After enteroclysis, MRI of the abdomen was performed using T1- and T2-weighted breathhold sequences (Flash 2D pre- and postcontrast and TSE) in axial and coronal planes. The length of the affected bowel and the stenosis seen with enteroclysis correlated well with the visible thickening of the small bowel wall and the stenosis seen in MRI. Using MRI, additional findings could be obtained in 28 patients, such as fistulas, abscesses or a hydronephrosis, or a better assessment of the stenosis was possible with MRI, because of the avoidance of overshadowing of the affected bowel loop with MRI. A brilliant MR-tomographic imaging of the small bowel is possible under the condition, that the small bowel ...
The importance of neutron measurements both as a succinct measure of the progress to fusion ignition using the magnetic confinement route and also as a diagnostic of plasma conditions is discussed. The various neutron diagnostic systems that have been or are being constructed by AERE Harwell for JET are described. The properties to be measured by such diagnostics are clearly identified and some results obtained with the installed diagnostics during d-d plasmas are presented.
This contribution provides an overview and imparts basic knowledge on pertinent technical developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver: 3D sequences, respiratory triggering, parallel imaging, and 3 Tesla (3T). 3D sequences can be used as T1-weighted (T1w) sequences for analyzing dynamics of contrast enhancement or as T2w sequences for MR cholangiography. Consistent improvements in respiratory triggering make it possible to obtain good image quality on T2w scans even in patients unable to hold their breath. Parallel imaging as a universal technique to accelerate image acquisition is particularly appropriate for MRI of the liver, and it has been shown that the reduced acquisition time is not achieved at the expense of image quality. Further progress in MRI of the liver can be expected with use of the 3T systems, but hitherto irrelevant problems ...
Evaluation and interpretation of CT colonography is based on both 2D and 3D techniques. The 2D techniques are popular mainly because the time needed for evaluation is short. The 3D techniques allow better definition than the 2D techniques, especially of polyps close to folds or at the base of a fold. The evaluation strategies generally accepted so far (primarily 2D, with 3D for problem cases, or vice versa) demand knowledge of both 2D and 3D techniques. Newer 3D visualization techniques help make it possible to acquire more complete and faster recording particularly of areas that are not easily accessible to endoscopic examination. These user-friendly developments are thus well suited to improving the detection and the security of detection of polyps. It must be remembered that ...
When any new accelerator or storage ring is built that advances the state of the art, the diagnostic system becomes extremely important in tuning the facility to full specification. This paper will discuss the various diagnostic devices planned or under construction for the PSR and their connection into the control system.
There is no commonly accepted standardized terminology for oral diagnoses. The purpose of this article is to report the development of a standardized dental diagnostic terminology by a work...Full Text Available
This dissertation is concerned with the development, experimental diagnostics and mathematical modelling and simulation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). The central themes throughout this thesis are the closely interlinked phenomena of mass and charge transfer. In the face of developing a PEFC system for vehicle propulsion these phenomena are scrutinized on a broad range of relevant scales. Starting from the material related level of the membrane and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) we turn to length scales, where structural features of the cell additionally come into play. These are the scale of flow channels and ribs, the single cell and the cell stack followed by the cell, stack, and system development for an automotive power train. In Chapter 3 selected fundamental material models and properties, respectively, are explored that are crucial for the mathematical modelling and simulation of PEFC, as needed in some succeeding parts of this work. First, ...
In the case where sources and receivers are not distributed on a 2-D plane, seismic tomography inversion was studied. In tomography experiments, the existing wells are generally used. In such case, sources and receivers are frequently not distributed on a 2-D plane. The 2.5-D analysis method including 2-D structure and 3-D ray-tracing was thus developed. This method is featured by less memory necessary for ray-tracing calculation, and the same algorithm for velocity determination as 2-D analysis method. In previous methods, since analysis is generally carried out by projecting sources and receivers on a certain assumed 2-D plane, it can derive correct results in the case of constant velocity and straight ray, however, in the other case, it derives incorrect results. Application ...
The objective of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE MRA) and multislice computed tomographic angiography (MS CTA) in the follow-up of thoracic stent-graft placement. The CE MRA and MS CTA were performed following nitinol stent-graft treatment due to thoracic aneurysm (n=4), intramural bleeding (n=2) and type-B aortic dissection (n=5). Corresponding evaluation of arterial-phase imaging characteristics focused on the stent-graft morphology and leakage assessment. Stent-graft and aneurysm extensions were comparable between both techniques. Complete exclusion (aneurysm, n=4; dissection, n=2) was assessed with high confidence with CE MRA and MS CTA. Incomplete exclusion (intramural bleeding, n=2; dissection, n=3) was assigned to lower confidence scores on CE MRA compared with MS CTA. On CE MRA the stent-graft lumen demonstrated an inhomogeneous signal, the stent struts could not be assessed. The CE MRA can be used as ...
Tumor-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAb) might be useful as diagnostic or therapeutic agents when linked to cytotoxic or imaging reagents. Our group is working to test this hypothesis by linking cytocidal and image-producing isotopes to mAb and testing the utility of the radioimmunoconjugates formed in animal model systems. Radioiodines were first employed for these purposes,but unfavorable nuclear properties (half-lives, #gamma#-ray and #beta#-particle energies) and chemical reactivity (deiodination in vivo) limit their utility. Labeling immunoproteins with metallic radionuclides offers more versatility in that the selection of potentially useful radiometals spans the periodic table.Of the metallic radionuclides with physical properties most suited for use with mAb in nuclear medicine, few are more available or desirable than those of bismuth ("2"1"2Bi) and lead ("2"0"3Pb, "2"1"2Pb), as listed in Table 1. "2"1"2Bi or ...
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of commercially available CRT monitors used in a teleradiology system by determining the rate of detection of simulated lung nodules. Three types of CRT monitors were tested in the observation study. They had matrix sizes of 1024 x 768 (16 inches, color), 1024 x 768 (20 inches, color) and 1600 x 1125 (24 inches, black and white). Twenty chest radiographs were obtained by Fuji computed radiography (FCR) of an anthropomorphic chest phantom with ten simulated nodules on its surface. These FCR films were digitized by a film digitizer with 125 DPI (1024 x 1024 matrix sizes) and 12 bit gray scales, and the image data were transferred from Shinshu University Hospital to other hospitals where interpretation was carried out by the radiologists. Ten radiologists of three hospitals were asked to interpret independently both the original FCR films and the images shown on the CRT monitors and to ...
ICP emission analyses are prone to errors due to changes in power level, nebulization rate, plasma temperature, and sample matrix. As a result, accurate analyses of complex samples often require frequent bracketing with matrix matched standards. Information needed to track and correct the matrix errors is contained in the emission spectrum. But most commercial software packages use only the analyte line emission to determine concentrations. Changes in plasma temperature and the nebulization rate are reflected by changes in the hydrogen line widths, the oxygen emission, and neutral ion line ratios. Argon and off-line emissions provide a measure to correct the power level and the background scattering occurring in the polychromator. The authors` studies indicated that changes in the intensity of the Ar 404.4 nm line readily flag most matrix and plasma condition modifications. Carbon lines can be used to monitor the impact of organics on the analyses and calcium and argon lines can be ...
A recently developed neutron diagnostic probe system has the potential to satisfy a significant number of van-mobile and fixed- portal requirements for nondestructive verification of sealed munitions and detection of contraband explosives and drugs. The probe is based on a unique associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator (APSTNG) that interrogates the object of interest with a low-intensity beam of 14-MeV neutrons generated from the deuterium-tritium reaction and that detects the alpha-particle associated with each neutron. Gamma-ray spectra of resulting neutron inelastic scattering and fission reactions identify nuclides associated with all major chemicals in chemical warfare agents, explosives, and drugs, as well as many pollutants and fissile and fertile special nuclear material. Flight times determined from determined from detection times of the gamma-rays and alpha-particles yield a separate tomographic image of each identified ...
An exhaustive compendium of normal and abnormal imaging is presented. The following systems and procedures are illustrated by over 2800 captioned illustrations: liver, spleen, and hepatobiliary imaging; perfusion and ventilation lung imaging; thyroid imaging; salivary gland imaging; bone imaging; brain imaging; radionuclide cisternography; blood flow studies; gallium imaging; nuclear cardiology; and renal imaging. Not included in the atlas are adrenal imaging procedures and emission computed tomography. (ERB)
Automatic segmentation of anatomical structures in medical images is a valuable tool for efficient computer-aided radiotherapy and surgery planning and an enabling technology for dynamic adaptive radiotherapy. This paper presents the design, algorithms and validation of new software for the automatic segmentation of CT images used for radiotherapy treatment planning. A coarse to fine approach is followed that consists of presegmentation, anatomic orientation and structure segmentation. No user input or a priori information about the image content is required. In presegmentation, the body outline, the bones and lung equivalent tissue are detected. Anatomic orientation recognizes the patient's position, orientation and gender and creates an elastic mapping of the slice positions to a reference scale. Structure segmentation is divided into localization, outlining and refinement, performed by procedures with implicit ...
Motivated by the numerical investigations of Laval, Dubrulle & Nazarenko (1999), we develop a quasilinear theory of the 2D Euler equation and derive an integro-differential equation for the evolution of the coarse-grained vorticity. This equation respects all the invariance properties of the Euler equation and conserves angular momentum in a circular domain and linear impulse in a channel (as well as in an infinite domain). The explicit energy is not rigorously conserved as it is partly transfered into fine-grained fluctuations but the total energy is conserved. We prove a H-theorem for the Fermi-Dirac entropy and make the connection with statistical theories of 2D turbulence.
Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy of the United States, Outer Space Propulsion by Nuclear Energy, hearings, 85th Cong., 2d sess., 22, ...
For coupled quantum wires and dots, tunneling effects and coherent transport for quantum computing are being studied. In 2D systems, electron-hole bilayers for exciton...
terms of 11) numerical models, 2D SPH simulations, and analytic models. The 1D model was useful for determining the evolution over very long timescales. ...
The processes of neuronal outgrowth and guidance have typically been studied in classic 2D cell culture systems that do not recapitulate topographical cues present in the in vivo extracellular matrix...Full Text Available
A 2-D model has been proposed to investigate the approximate estimation of the natural convection heat loss from modified cavity receiver of without insulation (WOI) and with insulation (WI) at the bottom of the aperture plane in our previous article. In this paper, a 3-D numerical model is presented to investigate the accurate estimation of natural convection heat loss from modified cavity receiver (WOI) of fuzzy focal solar dish concentrator. A comparison of 2-D and 3-D natural convection heat loss from a modified cavity receiver is carried out. A parametric study is carried out to develop separate Nusselt number correlations for 2-D and 3-D geometries of modified cavity receiver for estimation of convective heat loss from the receiver. The results show that the 2-D and 3-D are comparabl...
The purpose of this study was to clarify the benefits of digital lateral chest radiogram. In the basic study, the modulation transfer factor (MTF) and the wiener spectra (WS) of conventional screen film (CSF) and Fuji computed radiography (FCR) were measured. The visibility of the simulated nodules on FCR using 3 human bodies was subjectively compared with that on CSF by 13 observers. In the clinical study, the visibility of the normal structures on FCR was subjectively compared with that on CSF using 50 lateral chest radiograms by 10 observers. The diagnostic performance to detect pulmonary nodules on FCR was also compared with that on CSF using each 30 positive and negative cases by 8 observers. In the basic study, the MTF of FCR was superior to that of CSF, and the WS of FCR displayed in half size was superior to that of CSF. In all exposure conditions, the visibility of the nodules on FCR in the pulmonary apex was inferior to that on CSF, while FCR was superior ...
The purpose of this study was to clarify the benefits of digital lateral chest radiogram. In the basic study, the modulation transfer factor (MTF) and the wiener spectra (WS) of conventional screen film (CSF) and Fuji computed radiography (FCR) were measured. The visibility of the simulated nodules on FCR using 3 human bodies was subjectively compared with that on CSF by 13 observers. In the clinical study, the visibility of the normal structures on FCR was subjectively compared with that on CSF using 50 lateral chest radiograms by 10 observers. The diagnostic performance to detect pulmonary nodules on FCR was also compared with that on CSF using each 30 positive and negative cases by 8 observers. In the basic study, the MTF of FCR was superior to that of CSF, and the WS of FCR displayed in half size was superior to that of CSF. In all exposure conditions, the visibility of the nodules on FCR in the pulmonary apex was inferior to that on CSF, while FCR was superior ...
As an alternative to surgery, endovascular therapy with stent grafts has become the second main treatment option for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Unlike surgery, endovascular treatment with stent grafts is also applicable in patients unfit for open repair. Despite current improvements in endovascular repair devices, significant anatomic barriers still exclude this technique for a large number of patients. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound are essential for diagnostics, preintervention planning, and postintervention follow-up of abdominal aneurysms treated with stent grafts. This review covers etiology, pathology, and diagnostic aspects. Materials and methods for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms are presented in detail, and clinical results and complications are discussed. (orig.) [German] Die endovaskulaere Therapie des infrarenalen Bauchaortenaneurysmas hat sich ...
The aim of this study was to compare a 1-day with a 2-day iodine bowel preparation for CT colonography in a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening population. One hundred consecutive patients underwent CT colonography and colonoscopy with segmental unblinding. The first 50 patients (group 1) ingested 7*50 ml iodinated contrast starting 2 days before CT colonography. The latter 50 patients (group 2) ingested 4*50 ml iodinated contrast starting 1 day before CT colonography. Per colonic segment measurements of residual stool attenuation and homogeneity were performed, and a subjective evaluation of tagging quality (grade 1-5) was done. Independently, two reviewers performed polyp and carcinoma detection. The tagging density was 638 and 618 HU (p = 0.458) and homogeneity 91 and 86 HU for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.145). The tagging quality was graded 5 (excellent) in 90% of all segments in group 1 and 91% in group 2 (p = 0.749). Mean per-polyp sensitivity for lesions ...
We report on the first measurements of the z-dependent evolution of electron-beam microbunching as revealed through coherent transition radiation (CTR) measurements in a visible self-amplified spontaneous emission free-electron laser experiment. The increase in microbunching was detected by tracking the growth of the visible CTR signals as generated from insertable metal mirrors/foils after each of the last three undulators. The same optical imagingdiagnostics that were used to track the z-dependent intensity of the undulator radiation (UR) were also used to track the electron beam/CTR information. Angular distribution, beam size, and intensity data were obtained after each of the last three undulators in the five-undulator series, and spectral information was obtained after the last undulator. The exponential growth rate of the CTR was found to be very similar to that of the UR and consistent with simulations using the code GENESIS.
We report on the first measurements of the z-dependent evolution of electron-beam microbunching as revealed through coherent transition radiation (CTR) measurements in a visible self-amplified spontaneous emission free-electron laser experiment. The increase in microbunching was detected by tracking the growth of the visible CTR signals as generated from insertable metal mirrors/foils after each of the last three undulators. The same optical imagingdiagnostics that were used to track the z-dependent intensity of the undulator radiation (UR) were also used to track the electron beam/CTR information. Angular distribution, beam size, and intensity data were obtained after each of the last three undulators in the five-undulator series, and spectral information was obtained after the last undulator. The exponential growth rate of the CTR was found to be very similar to that of the UR and consistent with simulations using the code GENESIS.
In a prospective study, 58 patients with carcinomas of the bladder were examined by CT and MRI; in 48, gadolinium-DTPA was administered intravenously. MRI provided exact staging in 89%, compared with 80% with CT. There was 13% over-staging with CT and 11% with MRI. MRI, unlike CT did not result in any under-staging. In 36 patients a quotient could be calculated from the signal intensity of the tumour and surrounding soft tissues both before and after the intravenous contrast medium and the increased quotient after contrast administration could be estimated. There was a significant increase in the tumour/muscle quotient with a mean of 72#+-#22% (minimum 43%, maximum 153%), corresponding to a marked increase of the signal form the tumour when compared with the precontrast images. This had the following advantages compared with CT: Accurate differentiation between superficial and intramural spread. MRI was better than CT at demonstrating tumours in the roof of the ...
Two dimensional Fourier spectra of near-infrared images of galaxies provide a powerful diagnostic tool for the detection of spiral arm modulation in stellar disks. Spiral arm modulation may be understood in terms of interference patterns of outgoing and incoming density wave packets or modes. The brightness along a spiral arm will be increased where two wave crests meet and constructively interfere, but will be decreased where a wave crest and a wave trough destructively interfere. Spiral arm modulation has hitherto only been detected in grand design spirals (such as Messier 81). Spiral arm amplitude variations have the potential to become a powerful constraint for the study of galactic dynamics. We illustrate our method in two galaxies: NGC 4062 and NGC 5248. In both cases, we have detected trailing and leading m=2 waves with similar pitch angles. This suggests that the amplification mechanism is the WASER type II. In this mechanism, the bulge ...
In the present study, the authors examine the interactions of pentavalent technetium ions (TcO/sup 3+/) with the basic form of the lasalocid A in pure methanol solvent and in methanol-water mixtures. There are a number of reasons for such a study. First, the interactions of technetium ions with biologically important compounds are of considerable importance owing to the widespread use of /sup 99m/Tc in diagnostic radio-imaging. Second, lasalocid A is known to transport metal ions across phospholipid bilayer membranes and between the aqueous cores of phospholipid inverse micelles. Third, lasalocid A is known to bind and solubilize metal ions in bulk organic liquid phases. Fourth, the conformation adopted by lasalocid A on interaction with TcO/sup 3+/ appears to be different than those found in most other cases and circumstances. Fifth, it may also be possible to use the competition of TcO/sup 3+/ with other, physiologically relevant cations ...
The introduction of positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) systems into medical practice in the foreseeable future may not only lead to a gain in clinical diagnosis compared to PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging due to the superior soft-tissue contrast of the MR technology but can also substantially reduce exposure of patients to ionizing radiation. On the other hand, there are also risks and health effects associated with the use of diagnostic MR devices that have to be considered carefully. This review article summarizes biophysical and biological aspects, which are of relevance for the assessment of health effects related to the exposure of patients to both ionizing radiation in PET and magnetic and electromagnetic fields in MR. On this basis, some considerations concerning the justification and optimization of PET/MR examinations are presented - as far as this is possible at this very early stage. Current safety ...
The need for noninvasive sensitive techniques for the diagnosis and follow-up of metabolic bone disease in dialysis patients has stimulated the author's interest in the efficacy of more detailed quantitative bone scintigraphy. Using hemodialysis to reduce elevated soft-tissue activity at scintigraphy, an attempt was made to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of quantitative bone scintigraphy as compared to qualitative bone scintigraphic, biochemical, radiographic and bone histologic studies. The second aim of these studies was to determine if one of the two major components of renal osteodystrophy is a major determinant for skeletal radiotracer uptake. The clinical observations on the efficacy and possible specificity of quantitative bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis and follow-up during treatment of renal osteodystrophy are presented briefly in this chapter. Thus, the use of scintigraphy for the routine detection and follow-up of renal osteodystrophy in dialysis ...
We present the initial results of an observational study into the variation of the dominant length-scale of quiet solar emission: supergranulation. This length-scale reflects the radiative energy in the plasma of the upper solar chromosphere and transition region at the magnetic network boundaries forming as a result of the relentless interaction of magnetic fields and convective motions of the Sun's interior. We demonstrate that a net difference of ~0.5Mm in the supergranular emission length-scale occurs when comparing observations cycle 22/23 and cycle 23/24 minima. This variation in scale is reproduced in the datasets of multiple space- and ground-based instruments and using different diagnostic measures. By means of extension, we consider the variation of the supergranular length-scale over multiple solar minima by analyzing a subset of the Mt Wilson Solar Observatory (MWO) Ca II K image record. The observations and analysis presented ...
The sources of non-white noise in Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are many. Familiar sources include low-frequency drift due to hardware imperfections, oscillatory noise due to respiration and cardiac pulsation and residual movement artefacts not accounted for by rigid body registration. These contributions give rise to temporal autocorrelation in the residuals of the fMRI signal and invalidate the statistical analysis as the errors are no longer independent. The low-frequency drift is often removed by high-pass filtering, and other effects are typically modelled as an autoregressive (AR) process. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach: Nuisance Variable Regression (NVR). By inclusion of confounding effects in a general linear model (GLM), we first confirm that the spatial distribution of the various fMRI noise sources is similar to what has already been described in the literature. Subsequently, we ...
The sources of non-white noise in Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are many. Familiar sources include low-frequency drift due to hardware imperfections, oscillatory noise due to respiration and cardiac pulsation and residual movement artefacts not accounted for by rigid body registration. These contributions give rise to temporal autocorrelation in the residuals of the fMRI signal and invalidate the statistical analysis as the errors are no longer independent. The low-frequency drift is often removed by high-pass filtering, and other effects are typically modelled as an autoregressive (AR) process. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach: Nuisance Variable Regression (NVR). By inclusion of confounding effects in a general linear model (GLM), we first confirm that the spatial distribution of the various fMRI noise sources is similar to what has already been described in the literature. Subsequently, we ...
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of iofetamine hydrochloride I 123 (IMP) with single photon emission computed tomography in Alzheimer's disease, we studied 58 patients with AD and 15 age-matched healthy control subjects. We used a qualitative method to assess regional IMP uptake in the entire brain and to rate image data sets as normal or abnormal without knowledge of subjects'clinical classification. The sensitivity and specificity of IMP with single photon emission computed tomography in AD were 88% and 87%, respectively. In 15 patients with mild cognitive deficits (Blessed Dementia Scale score, less than or equal to 10), sensitivity was 80%. With the use of a semiquantitative measure of regional cortical IMP uptake, the parietal lobes were the most functionally impaired in AD and the most strongly associated with the patients' Blessed Dementia Scale scores. These results indicated that IMP with single photon ...
Thirty-five patients with temporal bone fractures were examined; the fractures were sometimes associated with dislocation of the assicular chain caused by road fatalities. Computed Tomography (CT) was performed either because of the presence of clinical symptoms associated with trauma of the temporal bone, because of a hemotympanum discovered during a CT scan of the brain. Thirty-three fractures were detected: 19 longitudinal, 6 transverse, and 8 complex. An incudostapedial dislocation was also detected, together with a displacement of a stapedial prosthesis from the lenticular process of incus, and 3 incus-malleus dislocation associated with fractures. High resolution CT allows the precise definition of the course of the fractures, of the associated dislocation of the ossicular chain, and of facial nerve lesion, thus allowing a more accurate surgical intervention. In the examination of the temporal bone, high resolution CT is preferible to pluridirectional tomography because it is ...
Uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis is a rare entity, sometimes referred to as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWW). It usually presents after menarche with progressive pelvic pain, sometimes with regular menses, and a palpable mass due to hemihaematocolpos. The diagnosis is generally made only if the suspicion of this genitourinary syndrome is raised. To highlight the imagingdiagnostic clues in this rare condition. We report on 11 adolescents with this condition. Sonography mostly allowed the correct diagnosis by showing uterovaginal duplication, haematocolpos or haematometrocolpos, and the absence of the ipsilateral kidney. MRI provided more detailed information regarding uterine morphology, the continuity with each vaginal channel (obstructed and nonobstructed), and the bloody nature of the contents. Early and accurate diagnosis of this syndrome is important so that adequate and prompt surgical ...
The possibilities to design and prepare better and more organ-specific radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic nuclear medicine has increased dramatically in the recent past with a deeper understanding of the relationships between chemical structure and biological activity. Whereas most of the research is performed in well-funded laboratories of industrialized countries, there are several developing countries with adequate resources and expertise as to undertake fruitful research in the field of radiopharmacy. With the aim of promoting advanced research in radiopharmacy by developing new radiodiagnostics agents, in particular, hepatobiliary imaging agents labelled with "9"9"mTc, and to facilitate exchange of information, the IAEA has established in 1983 the present Research Co-ordination Programme (CRP) with a duration of five years. The report includes detailed results obtained by all participants as well as novel preparation procedures for some ...
This richly illustrated toolbook and atlas contains information on all aspects of nmr diagnosticimaging of benign or malignant neoplasms of female and male mammary glands. It offers pinpointed guidance and insight for vocational training and continuing training of radiology assistants, students and medical radiologists. (orig./AJ) [German] Die MRT als hochaufloesendes und schaedigungsfreies Diagnostikum gewinnt gerade in der emotional stark besetzten Mammadiagnostik zunehmend an Bedeutung. Dennoch beherrschen nur wenige Zentren im deutschsprachigen Raum diese Technik, die - eine hohe Reproduzierbarkeit bei fehlender Belastung fuer die Patientin bietet, - invasive Karzinome bereits ab einer Groesse von 5 mm mit hoher Zuverlaessigkeit ausschliessen kann und - gerade bei widerspruechlichen Befunden zwischen klinischer Untersuchung, Roentgenmammographie und perkutaner Biopsie eine wesentliche Entscheidungshilfe bieten kann. Aus einem der ...
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an alternative to dipyridamole or adenosine in thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy. However, the optimal dose of ATP has not been determined. A Doppler guide wire study showed the coronary flow velocity at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg of ATP was equal or higher than that at 0.14 mg/kg of adenosine or 0.56 mg/kg of dipyridamole. ATP was given intravenously to 67 patients with coronary artery disease at 0.15 mg/kg/min for 6 min. Thallium-201 was injected at 3 min, followed by immediate and delayed (3 hrs) tomographic imaging. There was no serious side effect during examination, although chest pain (26%), dyspnea (17%), and flushing (33%) were common. The sensitivity and specificity to detect coronary artery disease were 98 and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity to detect left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery, and right coronary artery lesions was 94, 59 and 77%, respectively. ATP loading thallium-201 scintigraphy provides ...
We present deep images of dust continuum emission at 450, 800, and 850 micron of the dark cloud LDN 1689N which harbors the low-mass young stellar objects (YSOs) IRAS 16293-2422A and B (I16293A and I16293B) and the cold prestellar object I16293E. Toward the positions of I16293A and E we also obtained spectra of CO-isotopomers and deep submillimeter observations of chemically related molecules with high critical densities. To I16293A we report the detection of the HDO 1_01 - 0_00 and H2O 1_10 - 1_01 ground-state transitions as broad self-reversed emission profiles with narrow absorption, and a tentative detection of H2D+ 1_10 - 1_11. To I16293E we detect weak emission of subthermally excited HDO 1_01 - 0_00. Based on this set of submillimeter continuum and line data we model the envelopes around I16293A and E. The density and velocity structure of I16293A is fit by an inside-out collapse model, yielding a sound speed of ...
The in-situ measurement of a crystallographic texture is a special type of a non-destructive measurement, which need special equipments. Due to the high photon flux and the excellent brilliance high energetic synchrotron radiations are a fantastic tool particular in fast experimentation. Moreover, a high penetration power allows the investigation of standard tensile sample of the DIN-norm. A loading device with a power up to 20 kN was installed at the hard wiggler beamline BW5 (HASYLAB-DESY) to perform in-situ strain and in-situ texture analysis. Using 100keV X-rays one gets short wavelength so that a 2Dimage-plate detector offers a wide range of diffraction pattern within the first 10 degree in 2 theta. Thermal neutron is another radiation with a high penetration power, which is the standard method for global texture analysis of bulk samples. As an example rectangular extruded Mg- Az31 was investigated by an in-situ. ...
The CT colonography or virtual coloscopy is a new diagnostic method that allows the presentation of the whole colon using minimal invasive procedures. The method allows the detection of colorectal polyps and colorectal carcinomas. The book includes the following chapters: indications for CT colonography, diagnostic procedures, data processing and interpretation, diagnostic findings, preparation of the diagnostic result description and documentation, screening.
A novel class of pyrrolidinyl-acetyleneic thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines has been identified which potently inhibit the EGFR and ErbB-2 receptor tyrosine kinases. Synthetic modifications of the pyrrolidine carbamate moiety result in a range of effects on enzyme and cellular potency. In addition, the impact of the absolute stereochemical configuration on cellular potency and oral mouse pharmacokinetics is described.
The halogenated benzimidazoles BDCRB (2-bromo-5,6-dichloro-1-;2;-d-riborfuranosyl benzimidazole riboside) and TCRB (2,5,6-trichloro-1-;2;-d-riborfuranosyl benzimidazole...Full Text Available
Based on our cryogenic FT-IR spectroscopic studies of hydrogen bonds in cholic acid, the two-dimensional FT-IR spectroscopy was applied to enhance our understanding of the hydrogen bonds. Fine spectral structures were revealed by asynchronous 2D FT-IR spectra. The co-relationship among various bands was discussed according to the synchronous 2D FT-IR spectra. .
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to observe the process of fixation in liver specimens non-invasively by means of magnetic resonance. The fixation process of several formaldehyde-containing solutions was monitored with MRI and MRS at two different temperatures. Materials and Methods: Liver specimens were conserved in aqueous fixative solutions containing formaldehyde concentrations of 0.7, 1.8, 4 and 7.2% and at different temperatures of 5 C and 20 C. MRI was performed with T1-, T2- and PD-weighted TSE sequences, a 2D FLASH-sequence with and without magnetization transfer, and a FISP 3D-sequence on a clinical 1.5 Tesla MR whole-body unit, and MRS with {sup 1}H-spectroscopic methods (STEAM-sequence) on a 3 Tesla MR whole-body unit. Results: The diffusion of formaldehyde into the tissue was best identified on PD- and T1-weighted images as a band under the liver surface with increasing thickness, penetrating especially ...
... Title : Optical Images Due to Lenses and Mirrors. ... Abstract : The properties of real and virtual images formed by lenses and mirrors are reviewed. ...
To evaluate and compare MRI-based ovarian morphology in groups of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls. All PCOS cases (n = 44) had oligo-amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism irrespective of ovarian morphology, and fulfilled NIH/Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS. All control women (n = 40) had normal menses and normoandrogenaemia. All subjects were of white British/Irish origin and pre-menopausal. Group comparisons were based on independent-sample t tests. Polycystic ovarian morphology was defined by at least 12 follicles 2-9 mm in diameter and/or an ovarian volume greater than 10 cm{sup 3}. Ovarian morphology differed significantly in PCOS cases and controls (follicle number geometric mean [SD range] 18.6 [9.9, 35.0] vs 6.6 [3.1, 14.2], unadjusted P = 1.3 x 10{sup -16}; calculated ovarian volume 8.8 cm{sup 3} [5.0, 15.5] vs 5.1 cm{sup 3} [2.5, 10.3], unadjusted P = 3.0 x 10{sup -7}; peripheral follicle location in 55% vs 18% of ovaries, P = ...
Nuclear magnetic resonance is a powerful technique that can be used in a wide range of applications, such as the structural characterization of high molecular weight molecules, conformational studies on enzymes in solution, enzyme-substrate or DNA-protein interactions, monitoring of cell metabolism in vivo, and for diagnostic purposes, employing spectroscopic and imaging techniques. This course was organized in order to introduce the participants to the fundamentals of NMR spectroscopy, and offer practical advice on performing NMR experiments on cell systems, cell and tissue extracts and animal models. The main implications regarding human experiments were also discussed. Finally the quantification of information and the interpretation of data were considered with regard to the main nuclei observed. [Italiano] La risonanza magnetica nucleare e` una delle tecniche spettroscopiche che meglio risponde all`ampio spettro di condizioni imposto dalla ...
Full text: Disorders of brain development and phakomatosis are resulting from disturbed embryonic-foetal development One third of all major embryological anomalies involve CNS, and over 2000 different anomalies have been described. Anomalies of the brain often cause foetal and neonatal death, and mental and physical retardation in pediatric group. The majority of disorders of brain development and phakomatosis are idiopathic, and most of them are not hereditary or familial. Ultrasonography plays the important role in screening foetal and neonatal brain, but after closure of fontanels it is difficult to find the acoustic window. CT has limited contrast resolution, and disadvantage exposing infant to ionizing radiation. It is helpful to demonstrate the presence of calcifications. MR imaging has proved to be a diagnostic tool of major importance in children with disorders of brain development and phakomatosis. The excellent grey/white matter ...
During the last decade, new radiopharmaceutical have been introduced for brain imaging. The marked differences of these tracers in tissue specificity within the brain and their increasing use for diagnostic studies support the need for a more anthropomorphic model of the human brain and head. Brain and head models developed in the past have been only simplistic representations of this anatomic region. For example, the brain within the phantom of MIRD Pamphlet No. 5 Revised is modeled simply as a single ellipsoid of tissue With no differentiation of its internal structures. To address this need, the MIRD Committee established a Task Group in 1992 to construct a more detailed brain model to include the cerebral cortex, the white matter, the cerebellum, the thalamus, the caudate nucleus, the lentiform nucleus, the cerebral spinal fluid, the lateral ventricles, and the third ventricle. This brain model has been included within a slightly modified ...
During the last decade, new radiopharmaceutical have been introduced for brain imaging. The marked differences of these tracers in tissue specificity within the brain and their increasing use for diagnostic studies support the need for a more anthropomorphic model of the human brain and head. Brain and head models developed in the past have been only simplistic representations of this anatomic region. For example, the brain within the phantom of MIRD Pamphlet No. 5 Revised is modeled simply as a single ellipsoid of tissue With no differentiation of its internal structures. To address this need, the MIRD Committee established a Task Group in 1992 to construct a more detailed brain model to include the cerebral cortex, the white matter, the cerebellum, the thalamus, the caudate nucleus, the lentiform nucleus, the cerebral spinal fluid, the lateral ventricles, and the third ventricle. This brain model has been included within a slightly modified ...
A central problem in diagnostic radiology is to compare a new X-ray picture with a previous picture and from this comparison be able to decide if anatomical changes have occurred in the patient or not. It is of primary interest that these pictures are identical in projection. If not it is difficult to decide with confidence if differences between the pictures are due to anatomical changes or differences in their projection geometry. In this thesis we present a non invasive method that makes it possible to find the relative changes in the projection geometry between the exposure of a previous picture and a new picture. The method presented is based on the projection slice theorem (central section theorem). Instead of an elaborate search for a single new picture a pre-planned set of pictures are exposed from a circular orbit above the patient. By using 3D Fourier transform techniques we are able to synthesize a new X-ray picture from this set of pictures that is ...
Aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) in the identification of colorectal cancer and to define the limitations and the advantages of this imaging modality, as well as indications to the examination. It was examined prospectively 62 symptomatic patients aged 36 to 82 years (28 women and 34 men). All patients underwent both conventional and virtual colonoscopy on the same day; the conventional examination allowed exploration of the entire colon. Conventional colonoscopy identified 89 lesions 3-50 mm in diameter, namely 84 benign and 5 malignant lesions. No lesions were identified in 12 patients. CT colonography identified 52 of the 89 lesions, with 57.1% diagnostic accuracy. They were 11 false positives (82.5% positive predictive value and 52.2% specificity) and 37 false negatives (24.5% negative predictive value and 58.4% sensitivity). Sensitivity was significantly higher (85.7%) for polyps ...
The diagnostic designs for the Laser Megajoule (LMJ) will require components to operate in environments far more severe than those encountered in present facilities. This harsh environment will be induced by fluxes of neutrons, gamma rays, energetic ions, electromagnetic radiations, and, in some cases, debris and shrapnel, at levels several orders of magnitude higher than those experienced today on existing facilities. The lessons learned about the vulnerabilities of present diagnostic parts fielded mainly on OMEGA for many years, have been very useful guide for the design of future LMJ diagnostics. The present and future LMJ diagnostic designs including this vulnerability approach and their main mitigation techniques will be presented together with the main characteristics of the LMJ facility that provide for diagnostic protection.
AIM: To assess the impact of the introduction of a computed tomography (CT) imaging protocol for multi-trauma patients on the workload, overall diagnostic yield, and effect on detection of cervical spine injury and pneumothorax. METHOD: Between February 1997 and April 2004, all patients presenting acutely to the Emergency Department (ED) with haemodynamically stable trauma (Abbreviated Injury Scale 3 or more) involving more than two body systems were imaged with a comprehensive pre-set helical CT protocol (including non-contrast head, cervical spine: cranio-cervical and cervico-thoracic junctions; and oral and intravenous contrast-enhanced thoracic, abdomen and pelvis) after initial triage and a standard trauma series of radiographs (chest, lateral C-spine and pelvis). Diagnosis of cervical spine fracture and pneumothorax was noted before and after the CT protocol was carried out and findings from all studies were recorded ...
Since October 2001 the development of the facility diagnostics for NIF has been funded by the NIF Director through the National NIF Diagnostic Program (NNDP). The current emphasis of the NNDP is on diagnostics for the early NIF quad scheduled to be available for experiment commissioning in FY03. During the past six months the NNDP has set in place processes for funding diagnostics, developing requirements for diagnostics, design reviews and monthly status reporting. Those processes are described in an interim management plan for diagnostics (''National NIF Diagnostic Program Interim Plan'', NIF-0081315, April 2002) and a draft Program Execution Plan (''Program Execution Plan for the National NlF Diagnostic Program'', NIF-0072083, October 2001) and ...
Multi-dimensional modelling of two-phase flow requires accurate constitutive relationships for interfacial parameters such as interfacial heat transfer, void fraction distribution, interfacial area, etc. However, existing diagnostic systems for measurement of two-phase flow parameters have difficulty measuring two or three-dimensional void distributions required for determination of interfacial parameters. In this work, a Real-Time Neutron Radiography (RTNR) system is developed for non-intrusive measurement of two-phase flow parameters in nuclear fuel channels at low thermal neutron fluxes (on the order of 10{sup 6}n/cm{sup 2}-s). This advanced radiation technique has the advantage of measuring two-phase flow in 3 1/2 dimensions (x,{integral}dy,t) where the 1/2 dimension refers to an integrated or averaged space dimension. Pipe flow channels, annulus flow channels, MAPLE-type nuclear fuel flow channels, and CANDU-type nuclear fuel flow channels are investigated. ...
Multi-dimensional modelling of two-phase flow requires accurate constitutive relationships for interfacial parameters such as interfacial heat transfer, void fraction distribution, interfacial area, etc. However, existing diagnostic systems for measurement of two-phase flow parameters have difficulty measuring two or three-dimensional void distributions required for determination of interfacial parameters. In this work, a Real-Time Neutron Radiography (RTNR) system is developed for non-intrusive measurement of two-phase flow parameters in nuclear fuel channels at low thermal neutron fluxes (on the order of 10"6n/cm"2-s). This advanced radiation technique has the advantage of measuring two-phase flow in 3 1/2 dimensions (x,#integral#dy,t) where the 1/2 dimension refers to an integrated or averaged space dimension. Pipe flow channels, annulus flow channels, MAPLE-type nuclear fuel flow channels, and CANDU-type nuclear fuel flow channels are investigated. Measurements ...
A two-dimensional (2D) lattice model with anisotropic resonant microstructures is found to provide an anisotropic band gap structure. A 2D continuum with anisotropic effective mass density is introduced to represent this lattice system. Two methods are proposed to derive the equivalent continuum. In the first method, the effective mass density of the equivalent continuum is obtained by matching the dispersion relations for harmonic waves propagating in the principal directions. The second approach employs an approximate estimation of the effective mass density by volume-averaging an effective mass that represents the resonant microstructure. For both equivalent continuum models, the effective mass density is frequency-dependent and may become negative in certain frequency ranges. Subsequen...
Academic, government, and industrial field researchers have generated a significant database of field studies of the volatility of soil applied fumigants. However, limited work exists in validating physical models against field volatility data sets and fully exploring the volatility parametric response surface. Field studies quantifying atmospheric flux for soil fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin are validated against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Salinity Laboratory) soil physics model CHAIN_2D that was modified specifically for agronomic uses of soil fumigants. Comparison between model predictions and field observations for six unique field trials in five different states indicate that CHAIN_2D effectively captures the magnitude and duration of fumigant em...
Abstract Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a highly prevalent condition, is independently associated with increased risks of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and metabolic syndrome. It is unclear, however, if the severity of OSA has any impact on glycemic control among patients with T2D. We therefore aimed to determine the independent association between OSA severity and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with T2D. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study of 52 consecutive patients attending the diabetes obesity clinic between January 2008 to February 2010 with risk factors for sleep apnea and who underwent polysomnography study. Clinical, demographic, and lifestyle data were recorded using a questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of OSA in this clini...
Current theories on planetary formation establish that massive objects accrete gaseous envelopes, becoming gaseous planets if the accretion process proceeds before the accretion disc dissolution. One of the unsolved problems is that the planet formation is contextual to their quick migration towards the central star, due to the protoplanets-disc interaction, on a timescale lower by an order of magnitude than that of gas accretion onto the protoplanet. These arguments have been recently broached using N-body and/or Eulerian fluid-dynamics codes, mainly in 2D, or a mixing of them. In this work, 2D simulations with a SPH code are performed, to study the migration of one protoplanet. The goal is to scrutinise the protoplanet dragging as a function of planet's mass.
The fundamental recommendations of the ICRP issued in its publication of 1990 stipulate the general principle of performance of dose measurements at regular intervals in the field of diagnostic radiology, for the purpose of equipment performance checking and optimization of radiological protection. In response to this requirement, the Federal Ministry, in cooperation with experts and the competent supervising authorities, has issued an order to install dose-area-product meters in angiographic examination systems, imaging systems and fluoroscopic screen devices primarily used for examining infants and children up to the age of 12. This is done in response to reported cases of adverse effects of radiation exposure and the high priority given to radiological protection in the examination of infants and children. In 1992, an expert group was convened to discuss and elaborate instructions for including dose-area product measurement in the dosimetry ...
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in elective percutaneous coronary intervention...Full Text Available
The planned spallation source can be of considerable significance for biomedical basic research and for clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The following gives a brief description and explanations for its possible use in clinical medicine: I. Treatment of Malignant Tumors II. Production of Isotopes for Biochemical Investigations in Living Organisms for Diagnostic Purposes.
BackgroundPresumptive treatment of all febrile patients with anti-malarials leads to massive over-treatment. The aim was to assess the effect of implementing malaria rapid diagnostic...Full Text Available
Young men's errors in sexual perception have been linked to sexual coercion. The current investigation sought to explicate the perceptual and decisional sources of these social perception errors,...Full Text Available
BackgroundDiagnostic delay in patients with tuberculosis (TB) leads to ongoing TB transmission, higher mortality rates and increased patient and government health expenditure. Qualitative...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy presents an enormous diagnostic challenge. The epidemiological and clinical relevance...Full Text Available
Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance (colorectal lesions) of computed tomography (CT) colonography in 111 patients, a majority of whom were at high risk for colorectal neoplasia. Material and Methods: After bowel preparation, CT colonography was performed, immediately followed by conventional colonoscopy. The diagnostic performance of CT colonography was analyzed relative to lesion size, histological diagnosis, and diagnostic certainty. Results: The sensitivity of CT colonography increased with lesion size (P<0.001), and was 91% (21/23) for lesions > or = 10 mm. All 10 carcinomas and 86% (19/22) of adenomas > or = 5 mm were detected. Unconfirmed or false-positive CT findings were generally small and/or reported with low diagnostic certainty. The specificity of CT colonography would be 45% (30/66; 95% CI 34% to 57%) if patients with findings of any size and any ...
The diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV1)...Full Text Available
The comprehensive survey explains the indications and the specific value of the modern tomographic modalities with respect to the various diagnostic issues. Numerous reproductions of CT, MRI, US scans illustrate the aspects discussed. (orig./CB)
There is no gold standard diagnostic test for the detection of bovine cryptosporidiosis. Infection is usually highest in 2-week-old calves, and these calves also excrete high numbers of oocysts. These...Full Text Available
Sensitivity and specificity measure inherent validity of a diagnostic test against a gold standard. Researchers develop new diagnostic methods to reduce the cost, risk, invasiveness, and time. Adequate...Full Text Available
Image enhancement is of great importance in medical imaging where image resolution remains a crucial point in many image analysis algorithms. In this paper, we investigate brain hallucination...Full Text Available
... taker', Adaptive Behavior. In submission. Behavioral Disorders: Diagnostic Criteria for Re- Breazeal (Ferrell), C. (1998), A Motivational System for ...
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnosticimaging tool relies on the generation of magnetic fields, whereas the computerized tomography (CT) uses X-radiation. The fundamental principle of MRI is the magnetic resonance of paramagnetic atomic nuclei. These nuclei, as e.g. protons (= hydrogen nuclei), are aligned in required orientation by application of a strong magnetic field. Upon simultaneous application of an electromagnetic high-frequency field perpendicular to the axis of the basic magnetic field, and in response to periodical changing of the electromagnetic field at a given frequency, the originally aligned paramagnetic nuclei are forced into a movement similar to that of a ``whipping top``. When the resonance frequency is shut off, the nuclei return to their former, aligned positions, inducing a weak signal in a coil. The series of signals generated by multiple repetition of this process of excitation of nuclei ...
The diffusion of ion beam injected self-interstitials (I) and their interaction with impurities in crystalline Si has been investigated and modeled. In particular, the I-substitutional carbon (C) interactions have been studied, using a molecular-beam-epitaxy grown Si{sub 1-y}C{sub y} layer interposed between the shallow I-source and a deeper B-spike (marker for I-concentration). Substitutional C atoms are shown to trap I's, to be removed from their substitutional sites, and to form stable precipitates into the C-rich region. The I-trapping mechanism was quantitatively studied by a simulation code. The reactions causing trapping and deactivation are described. In addition, the boron markers approach was extended to the two dimensional (2D) diffusion. High resolution scanning capacitance microscopy was used for quantitative measurements of the 2D boron transient enhanced diffusion induced on a ...
The diffusion of ion beam injected self-interstitials (I) and their interaction with impurities in crystalline Si has been investigated and modeled. In particular, the I-substitutional carbon (C) interactions have been studied, using a molecular-beam-epitaxy grown Si_1_-_yC_y layer interposed between the shallow I-source and a deeper B-spike (marker for I-concentration). Substitutional C atoms are shown to trap I's, to be removed from their substitutional sites, and to form stable precipitates into the C-rich region. The I-trapping mechanism was quantitatively studied by a simulation code. The reactions causing trapping and deactivation are described. In addition, the boron markers approach was extended to the two dimensional (2D) diffusion. High resolution scanning capacitance microscopy was used for quantitative measurements of the 2D boron transient enhanced diffusion induced on a boron delta array ...
Although two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) has been used as the standard proteomic approach for separating proteins in a complex mixture, this technique has many drawbacks....Full Text Available
Relatively few studies have been reported that document how proprioception varies across the workspace of the human arm. Here we examined proprioceptive function across a horizontal planar workspace,...Full Text Available
Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is a key phenotype associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) for which the molecular mediators remain unclear. We therefore conducted an expression analysis of human...Full Text Available
... ions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell Culture Culture of NT2/D1 cells was carried out as described previously (18, 19). NT2 cells were plated at a density of 2. ... ...
The major problem of measurement of a power spectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface heights with surface profilometers arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF tends to distort the PSD at higher spatial frequencies. It has been suggested [Proc. SPIE 7077-7, (2007), Opt. Eng. 47 (7), 073602-1-5 (2008)] that the instrumental MTF of a surface profiler can be precisely measured using standard test surfaces based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) patterns. In the cited work, a one dimensional (1D) realization of the suggested method based on use of BPR gratings has been demonstrated. Here, we present recent achievements made in fabricating and using two-dimensional (2D) BPR arrays that allow for a direct 2D calibration of the instrumental MTF. The 2D BPRAs were used as standard test surfaces for ...
In the present work, we describe application of binary pseudo-random gratings (BPRG) and arrays (BPRA) as effective 1D and 2D test surfaces suitable for calibration of different surface profilometers, including a number of interferometric microscopes and scatterometers.
We have measured $p_t$-dependent two-particle number correlations on azimuth and pseudorapidity for eleven centralities of $\\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 62$ and 200~GeV Au-Au collisions at STAR. 2D fits to these angular correlations isolate the azimuth quadrupole amplitude, denoted $2 v_2^2 \\{ 2D \\} ( p_t )$, from localized same-side correlations. Event-plane $v_2 ( p_t )$ measurements within the STAR TPC acceptance can be expressed as a sum of the azimuth quadrupole and the quadrupole component of the same-side peak. $v_2 \\{ 2D \\} ( p_t )$ can be transformed to reveal quadrupole $p_t$ spectra which are approximately described by a fixed transverse boost and universal L\\'evy form nearly independent of centrality. A parametrization of $v_2 \\{ 2D \\} ( p_t )$ can be factored into centrality and $p_t$-dependent pieces with a ...
A 2-D model has been proposed to investigate the approximate estimation of the natural convection heat loss from modified cavity receiver of without insulation (WOI) and with insulation (WI) at the bottom of the aperture plane in our previous article. In this paper, a 3-D numerical model is presented to investigate the accurate estimation of natural convection heat loss from modified cavity receiver (WOI) of fuzzy focal solar dish concentrator. A comparison of 2-D and 3-D natural convection heat loss from a modified cavity receiver is carried out. A parametric study is carried out to develop separate Nusselt number correlations for 2-D and 3-D geometries of modified cavity receiver for estimation of convective heat loss from the receiver. The results show that the 2-D and 3-D are comparable only at higher angle of ...
We investigate the formation of nanostructures in 2D strained alloys on face centered cubic (111) surfaces by means of equilibrium Monte Carlo simulations. In the framework of an off-lattice model, we consider one monolayer of two bulk-immiscible adsorbates A and B with negative and positive misfit relative to the substrate, respectively. Simulations show that the adsorbates partly self-organize into island or stripe-like patterns. We show how these structures depend on the relative misfits, interaction, and concentration of components. The morphology is quite different for phase separation and intermixing regimes.
Self-magnetically insulated, high-voltage transmission lines are used in inertial confinement fusion particle accelerators in order to transmit power from the vacuum insulator to the diode. This paper describes a time-dependent 2-D code (MITL) for calculating (for planar or triplate geometries) the motion of test electrons through the tapered input or output convolutes of such lines. MITL results show that the electron canonical momentum in the direction of the flow changes as the electron passes through the convoluted geometry; it is suggested that these electrons lead to losses observed in long self-magnetically insulated lines.
A computer model of an electrothermal accelerator has been developed which applies to the plasma generator as well as the gun barrel, and it for the first time allows study of the interdependent physical processes in both components simultaneously. The code comprises a 2D transient description of the plasma arc, a 2D, two-phase interior ballistics module, and a preprocessor delivering the required plasma physical data. Some results on the flow field, pressure and temperature in a typical accelerator are presented, and probable limitations on the performance of such a system are discussed. The code is to be applied to different concepts of electrothermal chemical guns.
Electrostatic plasma simulation code for 2D rectangular geometry is presented. Main distinguishing feature of the code is its orientation on the beam-plasma interaction. The code and its graphical interface were developed using MATLAB programming language. Simulation results of inhomogeneous plasma interaction with modulated electron beams of different width are compared. In case of wide beam the front of Langmuir waves generated in point of local plasma resonance is planar and in case of thin beam (or ribbon beam) the front has approximately half-circular form.
The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of inflammatory spine disease in patients with chronic back pain. The contribution of imaging modalities for the diagnostic evaluation of back pain is discussed. A systematic literature search based on the classification of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis was performed. The results of this search and the experiences in a large collective of rheumatological patients are analyzed. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (1-2%) is comparable to that of spondyloarthropathies (1.9%). The etiology of these entities is not fully elucidated. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used for early detection and surveillance of therapy with TNF-{alpha} antagonists. Bone marrow edema, which is only detectable with MRI, represents an early sign of inflammation. Therapy with TNF-{alpha} antagonists is based on clinical and laboratory criteria, and signs of ...
The evaluate the signs of aortic intramural hematoma with helical CT and the diagnostic role of this technique in patients with this condition. It was reviewed the CT findings of 396 patients submitted to emergency examinations for suspected aortic dissection from 1995 to 1999. Only 18 patients (6 women and 12 men) had CT signs of aortic intramural hematoma. Helical CT studies were carried out with the following parameters: slice thickness 10 mm, reconstruction index 10, feed 1.5 mm, conventional algorithm with minimum values of 130 kV and 125mA. All patients were examined with dynamic contrast-enhanced CT, before and after a power injection of 130 mL ionic contrast material. It was studied: hematoma localization and longitudinal extension; thickness and density of aortic wall; presence and location of intimal calcifications; integrity of intimal wall; hemo mediastinum and/or hemo thorax. Aortic wall thickening appeared as a high density crescent-shaped area at ...
Real-time neutron radiography (NTV) has been used for practical applications at the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR). At present, however, the direct image from the TV system is still poor in resolution and low in contrast. In this paper several image improvements are demonstrated, such as a frame summing technique, which are effective in increasing image quality in neutron radiography. Image integration before the A/D converter has a beneficial effect on image quality and the high quality image reveals details invisible in direct images, such as: small holes by a reversed image, defects in a neutron converter screen through a high quality image, a moving object in a contoured image, a slight difference between two low-contrast images by a subtraction ...
Real-time neutron radiography (NTV) has been used for practical applications at the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR). At present, however, the direct image from the TV system is still poor in resolution and low in contrast. In this paper several image improvements are demonstrated, such as a frame summing technique, which are effective in increasing image quality in neutron radiography. Image integration before the A/D converter has a beneficial effect on image quality and the high quality image reveals details invisible in direct images, such as: small holes by a reversed image, defects in a neutron converter screen through a high quality image, a moving object in a contoured image, a slight difference between two low-contrast images by a subtraction ...
Background/Objectives:Imaging technology is an important part of the diagnosis and management of spinal trauma. Indications and findings in post-traumatic imaging of the vertebral...Full Text Available
performs Gaussian pyramid operation on an image performs expand pyramid operation on an image mosaic two images using 'reduce' and 'expand' pyramid ...
This report describes the design of, and image reconstruction capacity of a Hadamard Raman Microscopic imager. Microscopy of benzoic acid and graphite electrodes, as well as electrophoretic blotting, are described. (CBS)
The Plasma and Ion Source Technology Group at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been developing rf-driven ion sources for the last two decades. These sources are being used to generate both positive and negative ion beams. Some of these sources are operating in particle accelerators such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge, while others are being employed in various industrial ion beam systems. There are four areas where the rf-driven ion sources are commonly used in industry. (1) In semiconductor manufacturing, rf-driven sources have found important applications in plasma etching, ion beam implantation, and ion beam lithography. (2) In material analysis and surface modification, miniature rf-ion sources can be found in focused ion beam systems. They can provide ion beams of essentially any element in the Periodic Table. The newly developed combined rf ion-electron beam unit improves greatly the performance of the secondary ion mass spectrometry tool. (3) ...
Purpose: Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) is a new technique based on a rotational angiographic acquisition able to display arterial vessels in a 3D rendering mode. The system was mainly developed for neuroradiological evaluations but preliminary extracranial experiences have also been reported. The aim of our work was to compare the results of three-dimensional angiography of the carotid arteries done with high-flow injection of contrast medium from the aortic arch with the results of selective angiography. Materials and methods: Twenty patients underwent digital angiography of the supra-aortic vessels in order to quantify a stenosis of the carotid bifurcations previously detected at Doppler Ultrasound. Examinations were performed with the Philips Integris Allura system provided with the rotational angiography (RA) tool connected to a workstation for three-dimensional reconstruction able to display vessels in a 3D fashion (Volume Rendering, Shaded Surface Display), ...
The aim of the study was the attempt to evaluate the influence of two different methods of cardiac perfusion SPECT reconstruction (FBP and ITW) on clinical efficacy in diagnosing the coronary artery disease as well as the cardiac ischemia detection in three areas of heart vascularized by main coronary arteries: LAD, LCX and RCA with the use of artificial neural networks (ANN). The study was performed retrospectively with the use of the diagnosticimage records as well as clinical dataset of 43 patients. Myocardial perfusion stress/rest SPECT study and X-ray coronarography data were evaluated for each patient. The results of coronary angiography were considered the reference method. The cardiac SPECT data were reconstructed using the two different methods: filtered backprojection (FBP) and iterative Wallis method (ITW). The local perfusion deficits denominated in stress and rest study in three main vessel cardiac segments were the main input ...
Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of 64 multidetector-row CT angiography for internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and the application in the follow-up of carotid endarterectomy and percutaneous transluminal stenting. Methods: Forty transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients with interpretable CTA and DSA of the cervical carotid arteries were selected from May 2005 to December 2005. This yielded a total of 80 vessels. The CTA curved planar reformations (CPR) and DSA images referenced to the distal cervical internal carotid were graded by two senior neuroradiologists blindly, according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) guidelines. The paired-t test was used to verify the statistical significant difference between pre-operating and post-operating of carotid endarterectomy or percutaneous transluminal stenting in measuring the vascular diameter and area of cross section using CTA. Results: When the ...
Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic reliability of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for preoperative assessment of local tumoral spread in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Thirteen of 30 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgery, excluding 17 patients who underwent biliary drainage or preoperative portal embolization, were retrospectively evaluated. Using MDCT systems of 4 detector rows or 16 detector rows, plain and dynamic contrast-enhanced images of three phases were obtained. Extent of tumor spread and lymph node metastasis were assessed with MDCT and compared with histopathological findings. The Bismuth-Corlette classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with MDCT were type I, 1 patient; type IIIa, 3 patients; type IIIb, 4 patients; and type IV, 5 patients; those with histopathological findings were type I, 1 patient; type IIIa, 2 patients; type IIIb, 4 patients; and type IV, 6 patients. One ...
In Spiral CT, the pitch is the ratio of the distance to tabletop travels per 360 degrees rotation to nominal slice width, expressed in mm. Performing Spiral CT examination with pitch 2 allows to reduce examination time, exposure and contrast dose, and X-ray tube overload. The authors investigated the yield of pitch 2 in lung parenchyma studies, particular relative to diagnosticimage quality. [Italian] Nella Tomografia Computerizzata (TC) spirale il rapporto tra la distanza percorsa dal lettino portapaziente in una rotazione e lo spessore nominale dello strato, entrambi espressi in millimetri, si definische pitch. Se i due valori del rapporto coincidono si avra' pitch uguale a 1, mentre raddoppiando la distanza percorsa dal lettino portapaziente, per il medesimo spessore nominale, conseguentemente raddoppia il pitch (pitch 2). Eseguire gli esami TC spirale utilizzando pitch 2, consente di ridurre la durata dell'esame, la dose ...
The aim of this work was to develop several strategies and software-packages for the evaluation of in-vivo-data of the human brain, which were acquired with high-resolution 1H-MRSI at 1.5 and 3 T. Several studies involving phantoms, volunteers and patients were performed. Quality assurance studies were conducted in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the applied MR-techniques at both field strengths. A qualitative comparison-study between MRSI-data from a 1.5 T clinical MR-scanner and a 3 T research MR-scanner showed the advantages of the more advanced MRSI sequences and higher field strength (3 T). A study involving patients with primary brain tumours (gliomas) was performed in cooperation with the Department of Neurosurgery (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg). The methods developed in the course of this study, such as the integration of MRS-data into a stereotactic-system, the segmentation of metabolic maps and the correlation with histopathological findings represent a package ...
Computed tomography would be a better method to detect and characterize a Thorotrast-induced liver tumour. The selective opacification of the RES by Thorotrast creates an intrinsic opacification of the liver similar in effect to contrast agents being evaluated for liver CT, such as ethoioidized oil emulsion. The computed tomographic appearance of Thorotrast-associated cholangiocarcinoma is usually a large, inhomogenous mass composed of disordered area of tissue of high density due to Thorotrast deposits, and of very low density. Thorotrast-induced cholangiocarcinoma originates in the peripheral biliary tree suprounding the highest mean concentration of Thorotrast deposition, so that visible soft tissue masses in the higher density spots in the liver are not produced in the early stage. The tendency for the opacity of the liver to decrease slowly with time and result in an uneven trabeculation and high density spots suggests that small tumors may be difficult to detect againist such an ...
Following the conventional X-ray diagnosis of the skull and upper cervical spine, CT proved to be the primary diagnostic method after a skull and brain injury: For all 4 cases we succeeded in detecting the occipital condyle fracture and in determing its size and location by reconstructions (coronal, sagittal, 3-D). In the case of complex occompanying injuries like soft tissue hematomas (cerebral, in the spinal cord, and the soft tissue of the neck) or for the detection of brain stem contusion, MRT had significant advantages. MRT can offer a higher image quality in soft tissue, especially in the spinal cord and the brain. (orig.) [Deutsch] Im Anschluss an die konventionelle Roentgendiagnostik des Schaedels und der Halswirbelsaeule, erwies sich die Computertomographie als primaer einzusetzendes diagnostisches Verfahren, nach erlittenem Schaedel-Hirn-Trauma. In allen Faellen gelang der exakte Frakturnachweis an den Okzipitalkondylen, die ...
The accuracy is investigated of both lymphangiography and CT in detecting lymph nodes metastases in 59 patients evaluated preoperatively and subsequently submitted to surgery with selective/systemic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. CT accuracy was also investigated in 46 patients with a clinically suspected relapse of ovarian cancer (verified by means of clinical and/or CT follow-up in 36 patients, by laparotomy in 7, by fine-needle biopsy in 1 and by necroscopy in the last 2). In the first group (previously untreated patients) the overall results in the pelvis were, respectively, for lymphangiography and CT: 94.9% vs 89.8% accuracy, 86.6% vs 60% sensitivity, 97.7% vs 100% specificity, and 92.8% vs 100%, 95.5% vs 88% positive and negative predictive values. In the paraaortic region the results were: 89.1% vs 86.5% accuracy, 73.3% vs 66.6% sensitivity, 100% specificity for both techniques, 100% positive predictive value, and 84.6% vs 81.5% negative predictive value. In the second ...
Bowel infarction is a rare and typical condition of the elderly; despite improvements in diagnosticimaging and vascular surgery, bowel infarction remains a major cause of acute abdomen, with mortality rates ranging 70-80%. Diagnosis on often late because clinical signs, laboratory data and radiologic findings are a specific. The authors investigated radiographic and particular CT patterns of intestinal infraction in 56 patients submitted to surgery within 12 hours of admission. We also report the CT findings of 5 of these patients who had reversible mesenteric ischemia. CT is more sensitive than radiography and does not exhibit the limitations of angiography (i.e., invasiveness, radiation exposure and complex organization). Therefore CT can presently be considered the method of choice in patients with suspected bowel infarction. [Italian] L'infarto intestinale rappresenta una malattia rara e tipica del soggeto anziano; nonostante il ...
The aim of this paper was to develop potential technetium 99m-labeled diagnosticimaging agents specific for the detection of A#beta# plaques. Based on previously obtained A#beta# plaque-specific biphenyls containing a benzimidazol group, "9"9Tc"m and Re-benzimidazol derivatives, ["9"9Tc"m(CO)_3]"+-EPBI and Re(CO)_3 Cl (EPBI), were prepared. The latter showed binding affinities towards A#beta#_(_1_#approx#_4_0_) aggregates in vitro (K_d=13.3 #mu#mol/L) by fluorophotometry. 2-(1-Ethylbenzimidazol-2-yl) pyridine (EPBI) and Re(CO)_3 Cl (EPBI) were synthesized. Binding affinity of Re(CO)_3 Cl (EPBI) for A#beta#_(_1_#approx#__4_0_) aggregates was determined. ["9"9Tc"m(CO)_3]"+-EPBI was prepared and analyzed by HPLC and paper eletrophoresis. Its biodistribution in mice was obtained. The K_d value of Re (CO)_3 Cl (EPBI) is 13.3 #mu#mol/L. Biodistribution of ["9"9Tc"m(CO)_3]"+-EPBI in mice shows brain penetration (0.63 #+-# 0.17) %ID/g (n=3) at 2 min ...
Diseases of the mandible affect the soft tissues aside from the osseous manifestation. This can be shown clearly and in great detail by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is the gold standard in the diagnostic evaluation of any internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Dental MRI requires high resolution techniques and in some cases also intravenous administration of contrast material. These techniques allow delineation of the neurovascular bundle. In the past few years new indications were formulated, for example, the evaluation of the integrity of the inferior alveolar nerve in trauma and in radicular cysts. New quantitative methods now enable insights into the pathophysiology. The objective of this review is to communicate accepted indications for MRI of the mandible and to present innovative applications. (orig.) [German] Mandibulaere Erkrankungen beteiligen neben dem Knochen Weichteilstrukturen, die sich mit der MRT klar und ...
Purpose: To visualise the vessel wall of the descending thoracic aorta using magnetic resonance imaging. To evaluate the diagnostic potential of tailored T{sub 1}-weighted sequences with contrast enhancement to assess systemic atherosclerotic disease. Methods: This study was performed on a clinical 1.5 Tesla scanner using a gradient strength of 30 mT/m and the phased array spine coil. A cadaver was examined to optimise a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol to evaluate atherosclerotic aortic wall disease. The acquired MR images were compared to gross specimens and histology. Subsequently seven patients who had undergone transesophageal ultrasound (TEU) with detailed assessment of the descending thoracic aorta were examined with MRI. The optimised protocol included untriggered and fat suppressed T{sub 2}-weighted turbo spin echo sequences and ECG-triggered and fat suppressed T{sub 1}-weighted spin ...
In vivo two-photon imaging through the pupil of the primate eye has the potential to become a useful tool for functional imaging of the retina. Two-photon excited fluorescence images...Full Text Available
This paper describes Image Engine, an object-oriented, microcomputer-based, multimedia database designed to facilitate the storage and retrieval of digitized biomedical still images, video, and text...Full Text Available
Adaptive image processing is one of the most important techniques in visual information processing, especially in early vision such as image restoration, filtering, enhancement, and segmentation. This work focuses on applications of advanced CI techniques in image processing applications
Differentiating a benign from a malignant lesion by information such as density data, or signal intensities or echo gradients, is not possible with CT, nor MRI, nor ultrasonography. Only some lesions show characteristic signs. Inflammations cannot be difscriminated from malignant tumors. CTs of small tumors in particular are so poor in contrast that it is much more difficult to detect tumors or discriminate them from other lesions, as compared to MR images or ultrasonographs. CT does not detect surface tumors, but is more sensitive than MRI or US in detecting discrete cortical bone lesions. The same applies to small calcified tumors. MRI however is most sensitive in detecting tumor volumes in the yellow marrow, and is the best modality for evaluation of extraossal extension of tumors. CT yields better results than MRI if applied for simultaneous screening of lymph node metastases in the lower neck. MRI frequently is spoilt by movement artefacts. High-resolution, ...
A real time neutron radiography system has been developed at the University of Michigan Phoenix Memorial Laboratory (PML) and has recently been used to test the imaging capabilities of a neutron imaging device developed by Lixi, Inc. of Downers Grove, Illinois. This device uses an input phosphor that is high in gadolinium to generate a light image which is then sent through an intensifier stage to provide images that can be viewed by eye, video camera, or standard 35 mm camera. It was determined that this device provides images of much higher resolution and sensitivity than those obtained with the imaging system currently being used at PML. Using computerized image enhancement techniques, the images obtained with the Lixi neutron imaging device can then be further enhanced or processed to obtain ...
A real time neutron radiography system has been developed at the University of Michigan Phoenix Memorial Laboratory (PML) and has recently been used to test the imaging capabilities of a neutron imaging device developed by Lixi, Inc. of Downers Grove, Ill. This device uses an input phosphor that is high in gadolinium to generate a light image which is then sent through an intensifier stage to provide images that can be viewed by eye, video camera, or standard 35 mm camera. It was determined that this device provides images of much higher resolution and sensitivity than those obtained with the imaging system currently being used at PML. Using computerized image enhancement techniques, the images obtained with the Lixi neutron imaging device can then be further enhanced or processed to obtain ...
Modeling artificial scanning electron microscope (SEM) and scanning ion microscope images has recently become important. This is because of the need to provide repeatable images with a priori determined parameters. Modeled artificial images are highly useful in the evaluation of new imaging and metrological techniques, like image-sharpness calculation, or drift-corrected image composition (DCIC). Originally, the NIST-developed artificial image generator was designed only to produce the SEM images of gold-on-carbon resolution sample for image-sharpness evaluation. Since then, the new improved version of the software was written in C++ programming language and is in the Public Domain. The current version of the software can generate arbitrary samples, any drift function, and many other features. This ...
Certain radioiodine containing amides useful as brain imaging agents are disclosed. The compounds of the subject invention are represented by the formula
Certain radioiodine containing amides useful as brain imaging agents are disclosed. The compounds of the subject invention are represented by the formula.
A diverse set of digital image-processing applications exists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. While many of these include some sort of image analysis or restoration, virtually all of them require image-enhancement procedures. In this paper we describe the principal image-processing facility at the Laboratory, followed by a discussion of several of the major image-processing application areas.
The hypothesis that accumulation against sizable chemical gradients of free (non-phosphorylated) 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2dGlc) in isolated rat adipocytes results from an intracellular compartmentation of free hexose was investigated. Cells exposed to 20 ..mu..g/ml digitonin for 10' demonstrated an increased plasma membrane permeability indexed by increased L-glucose entry rates and cellular (presumably cytosolic) protein and K/sup +/ loss. Functional integrity of intracellular organelles was indicated by the ability of the cells to support ATP-driven /sup 45/Ca/sup 2 +/-uptake. Equilibrium 3-O-methylglucose (3-O-MG, a non-accumulated hexose) levels were unaffected. These data suggest a specific permeabilizing action of digitonin at the plasma membrane having no effect on intracellular organelles or passively distributed solutes. Upon addition of digitonin, free 2dGlc fell from 66.5 +/- 8.9 to 7.4 ...
The Joint Work Session of the ITER CDA (Conceptual Design Activities) by four parties, (eg. Japan, USA, USSR and EC), which has continued during 3 years from May 1988 to December 1990 was completed successfully. During the CDA, overall diagnostic systems for the next generation machine was performed for the first time and the principal tasks of Diagnostic research and development (R and D) are identified. In this paper, radiation hardening problems, which should be solved for the period 1991 through 1996 of the ITER EDA (Engineering Design Activities), are described. (author).
Monitoring and diagnostic systems are of main importance for a safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants. The author describes new developments with respect to vibration monitoring with a functional extension in the time domain for den secondary circuit, the development of a local system for the surveillance of rotating machines, the structure-borne sound monitoring with improvement of event analysis, esp. the loose part locating, leakage monitoring with a complete system for humidity measurement, and the development of a common platform for all monitoring and diagnostic systems, that allows an efficient access for comparison and cross references.
The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) will be the world's first x-ray free-electron laser (FEL). To ensure the vitality of FEL lasing, a longitudinal feedback system is required together with other diagnostics. In this paper, we study the possibility of using Coherent Synchrotron Radiation (CSR) from the chicane as a diagnostic tool for bunch length feedback. Studies show that CSR is a good candidate, even for a non-Gaussian, double-horn longitudinal charge distribution as in the LCLS. We further check the possibility for detecting possible microbunching.
Irradiation of the human body in diagnostic X-ray procedures results in different absorbed doses in the various body organs. A somatic dose index in formulated by applying the relative sensitivity of the human to each of the most important somatic effects and utilizing the absorbed dose in the affected organs. This quantity is used to convey a cumulative somatic impact and is computed for common radiographic views in diagnostic radiology as a function of beam quality for a nominal IR entrance exposure. Using typical X-ray beam qualities and exposures, the frequency of the various radiographic views that make up an examination and the frequencies of the various examinations in the national population, illustrative examples of the application of the somatic dose index are presented. (author).
Background:- Only one study has used a prospective method to analyze the diagnostic stability of first psychotic episodes in children and adolescents. The Child and Adolescent First-Episode Psychosis Study (CAFEPS) is a 2-year, prospective longitudinal study of early-onset first episodes of psychosis (EO-FEP). Aim:- To describe diagnostic stability and the variables related to diagnostic changes. Methods:- Participants were 83 patients (aged 9-17-years) with an EO-FEP consecutively attended. They were assessed with a structured interview (Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, Present and Lifetime version) and clinical scales at baseline and after 2-years. Results:- The global consistency for all diagnoses was 63.9%. The small group of bipolar disorder had high stabilit...
In an effort to develop octahedral metal complexes as chemotherapeutic and diagnostic agents targeted to DNA, it is critical to optimize the properties of their cellular uptake. Appending d-octaarginine...Full Text Available
Contradictory reports in the literature on the reliability of lymphography stimulated the authors to test the diagnostic accuracy, employing methods which are approximately analogous to practice, using carcinoma of the cervix as the model on which the study was carried out. Using 21 observers it was found that there was no correlation between their experience and on-target accuracy of the diagnosis. Good observers obtained an accuracy of 85% with good proportions between sensitivity in the recognition of detail, specificity and readiness to arrive at a decision on the basis of discriminatory ability. With the help of the concept of the ROC curves, the position taken up by the observers in respect of diagnostic decisions, and a complex manner of assessing the various characteristic factors determining diagnostic accuracy, are demonstrated. This form of test, which permits manipulation of different variants of diagnosis, is ...
of the Intelligent Control System (ICS) for reusable rocket engines. .... the incoming measurements with corresponding estimates, a sensor failure can be ...
The two main aspects of the concept proposed by the ICRP in recommendation 26 for the radiation risk, the differentiation of stochastic and non stochastic damages and the qualification of the stochastic risk, are discussed in its consequences for radiation protection in X-ray diagnostics. Quantitative results from the literature serve to demonstrate the risk factors for the various organs and their sum concerning the position of the layer. As special points of somatic risk appeared the mamma and the pelvic region. The particular risk of CT examination is determined by number and position of the layers and the scan parameters of the system. For typical CT examination the resulting risk factors are estimated in comparison with conventional X-ray diagnostics. The somatic risk of CT examination is relatively high and comparable to conventional examination with the highest risk, while the genetic risk - as in conventional ...
The two main aspects of the concept proposed by the ICRP in recommendation 26 for the radiation risk, the differentiation of stochastic and non stochastic damages and the qualification of the stochastic risk, are discussed in its consequences for radiation protection in X-ray diagnostics. Quantitative results from the literature serve to demonstrate the risk factors for the various organs and their sum concerning the position of the layer. As special points of somatic risk appeared the mamma and the pelvic region. The particular risk of CT examination is determined by number and position of the layers and the scan parameters of the system. For typical CT examination the resulting risk factors are estimated in comparison with conventional X-ray diagnostics. The somatic risk of CT examination is relatively high and comparable to conventional examination with the highest risk, while the genetic risk - as in conventional ...
The two main aspects of the concept proposed by the ICRP in recommendation 26 for the radiation risk, the differentiation of stochastic and non stochastic damages and the qualification of the stochastic risk, are discussed in its consequences for radiation protection in X-ray diagnostics. Quantitative results from the literature serve to demonstrate the risk factors for the various organs and their sum concerning the position of the layer. As special points of somatic risk appeared the mamma and the pelvic region. The particular risk of CT examination is determined by number and position of the layers and the scan parameters of the system. For typical CT examination the resulting risk factors are estimated in comparison with conventional X-ray diagnostics. The somatic risk of CT examination is relatively high and comparable to conventional examination with the highest risk, while the genetic risk - as in conventional ...
Astron. J., 82, 890-901, doi:10.1086/112143. Ghil, M., B. Shkoller, and V. Yangarber, 1977: A balanced diagnostic system compatible with a barotropic prognostic model....
BACKGROUNDNew diagnostic tools are urgently needed to interrupt the transmission of tuberculosis and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Rapid,...Full Text Available
Microcalcifications are an important diagnostic marker for breast cancer on mammograms, yet the mechanism of their formation is poorly understood. Indeed, there is presently no short-latency,...Full Text Available
Development of New Methods and Means of Assessing of Consequences of Radionuclide and Heavy Metal Salt Effect, Criteria of Forecasting Physiological State and Productivity of the Farm Animals under Conditions of Ecological Pollution of Environment
PurposeEarly detection of appendicitis has increased due to development of computed tomography and ultrasonography, yet we are frequently meeting complicated appendicitis, including...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn nuclear medicine, liquid radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes are administered to patients by using various types of syringes with different volumes....Full Text Available
Diagnostic accuracy of the currently available serum markers of cardiac injury, such as myoglobin, creatine kinase and its myocardial isoform, are altered in patients with renal failure. It is shown...Full Text Available
Previous research with individuals undergoing surgery or diagnostic procedures provided a conceptual framework for analysis of radiation therapy, a common form of cancer treatment. The present...Full Text Available
IntroductionThe development of novel diagnostic agents for the detection of breast cancer microcalcifications requires a reliable animal model. Based on previous...Full Text Available
The present research scholars are having keen interest in doing their research activities in the area of Data mining all over the world. Especially, [13]Mining Image data is the one of the essential features in this present scenario since image data plays vital role in every aspect of the system such as business for marketing, hospital for surgery, engineering for construction, Web for publication and so on. The other area in the Image mining system is the Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) which performs retrieval based on the similarity defined in terms of extracted features with more objectiveness. The drawback in CBIR is the features of the query image alone are considered. Hence, a new technique called Image retrieval based on optimum clusters is proposed for improving user interaction with image retrieval systems by fully exploiting ...
A procedure and software have been developed to transform the area distribution of the residual surface heights available from the measurement with the Micromap interferometric microscope into a two-dimensional (2D) power spectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface height. The procedure incorporates correction of one of the spectral distortions of the PSD measurement. The distortion appears as a shape difference between the tangential and sagittal PSD spectra deduced from the 2D PSD distribution for an isotropic surface. A detailed investigation of the origin of the anisotropy was performed, and a mathematical model was developed and used to correct the distortion. The correction employs a modulation transfer function (MTF) of the detector deduced analytically based on an experimentally confirmed assumption about the origin of the anisotropy due to the asymmetry of the read-out process of the ...
Using the linearized augmented-plane-wave (LAPW) -calculated electron and positron charge densities for YBa_2Cu_3O_7, the Brillouin-zone-reduced electron-positron momentum density is computed and the zone-reduced two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radiation (2D ACAR) spectrum is produced. The calculations show that the relative weights of the Fermi-surface discontinuities are substantially altered due to the positron preferentially sampling the Cu-O chain region. In addition, the reduced 2D ACAR spectrum contains large k-dependent wave-function effects. The theoretical zone-reduced 2D ACAR spectrum is compared to the several existing experimental spectra. It is concluded that, at present, positron-annihilation experiments do not provide consistent and clear evidence for the existence and shapes of Fermi surfaces in YBa_2Cu_3O_7.
Some authors have concluded that spiral structures and shocks do not develop if an adiabatic index gamma > 1.16 is adopted in accretion disc modelling, whilst others have claimed that they obtained well defined spirals and shocks adopting a gamma = 1.2 and a M_2/M_1 = 1 stellar mass ratio. In our opinion, it should be possible to develop spiral structures for low compressibility gas accretion discs if the primary component is a black hole. We considered a primary black hole of 8 solar mass and a small secondary component of 0.5 solar mass to favour spiral structures formations and possible spiral shocks via gas compression due to a strong gravitational attraction. We performed two 3D SPH simulations and two 2D SPH simulations and characterized a low compressibility model and a high compressibility model for each couple of simulations. 2D models reveal spiral structures existence. Moreover, spiral ...
% In this work we investigated, in the Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) framework, the development of spiral structures and shock fronts in the radial flow of accretion discs in close binary systems. These shock waves take place when the initially supersonic radial flow penetrating the disc bulk, reduces substantially its speed becoming suddenly subsonic. To this purpose, keeping constant the mass of the compact primary (M1 = 1 MO ), the separation between the two components and the injection speed at the inner Lagrangian point L1 (close to the local sound speed), we carried out 2D SPH simulations for four values of the stellar mass ratio M2/M1. We worked out 2D models because the damping effect of the artificial viscosity is too strong in 3D. Furthermore, the 2D environment seems the most suitable in order to evidence shock fronts in highly compressible ...
Examination of a chloroform extract of Dracaena loureiri Gagnep (Agavaceae), a Thia medicinal plant possessing antibacterial activity, has led to the isolation of fifteen flavenoids. The biogenic relationships among these flavenoids isolated were briefly discussed. Definition of the skeleton and the unambiguous assignment of all of the protons of the isolates was achieved through extensive 2D-homonuclear chemical shift correlation, nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) difference spectroscopy and 2D-NOE experiments. The {sup 1}H and {sup 13}C NMR spectra of staurosporine, a potent biologically active agent from Streptomyces staurosporeus, were unambiguously assigned by using 2D homonuclear chemical shift correlation, NOE, {sup 1}H-detected heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence via direct coupling and via multiple-bond coupling for resonance assignments of ...
Objective: To study the effects of minocycline hydrochloride (MINO) on the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining-positive multinucleated osteoclast-like cells in mouse bone marrow cells (BMCs) treated with 1@a,25(OH)"2D"3 or soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-@kB ligand (s-RANKL). Materials and methods: Mouse BMCs were cultured in alpha-modified minimum essential medium containing foetal calf serum (10%) and tetracyclines (2.5, 5 and 10@mM), such as MINO, tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OXT) or doxycycline (DOXY) in the presence of 1@a,25(OH)"2D"3 (10nM) or s-RANKL (20ng/ml) for 7 days, and the number of TRAP staining-positive osteoclast-like cells was counted. In RNA isolated from BMCs treated with 1@a,25(OH)"2D"3 or s-R...
The temperature dependence of the spontaneous magnetization of epitaxial iron films with a thickness ranging from d=20 to 200nm has been measured. The films are grown on GaAs (100) substrates which are covered by a 150nm thick silver (100) buffer layer. For three-dimensional BCC iron it was observed already in 1929 that saturation of the spontaneous magnetization for T->0 is perfectly described by a T{sup 2} power law. On the other hand, for thin two-dimensional (2D) iron films a T{sup 3/2} law has been established in many recent experimental investigations. In our iron films grown on diamagnetic silver, this dimensionality change occurs at a thickness between d=100 and 200nm. Comparison of the here-observed T{sup 3/2} coefficients with those on iron films grown on paramagnetic tungsten (110) shows that the 2D interactions are {approx}20 times larger in the films on tungsten. Recent results on Fe ...
The consistency of different instruments and methods for measuring two-dimensional (2D) power spectral density (PSD) distributions are investigated. The instruments are an interferometric microscope, an atomic force microscope (AFM) and the X-ray Reflectivity and Scattering experimental facility, all available at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The measurements were performed with a gold-coated mirror with a highly polished stainless steel substrate. It was shown that these three techniques provide essentially consistent results. For the stainless steel mirror, an envelope over all measured PSD distributions can be described with an inverse power-law PSD function. It is also shown that the measurements can be corrected for the specific spatial frequency dependent systematic errors of the instruments. The AFM and the X-ray scattering measurements were used to determine the modulation transfer function of the interferometric microscope. ...
The consistency of different instruments and methods for measuring two-dimensional (2D) power spectral density (PSD) distributions are investigated. The instruments are an interferometric microscope, an atomic force microscope (AFM) and the X-ray Reflectivity and Scattering experimental facility, all available at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The measurements were performed with a gold-coated mirror with a highly polished stainless steel substrate. It was shown that these three techniques provide essentially consistent results. For the stainless steel mirror, an envelope over all measured PSD distributions can be described with an inverse power-law PSD function. It is also shown that the measurements can be corrected for the specific spatial frequency dependent systematic errors of the instruments. The AFM and the X-ray scattering measurements were used to determine the modulation transfer function of the interferometric microscope. ...
With the objective to improve the reactor physics calculation on a 2D and 3D nuclear reactor via the Diffusion Equation, an adaptive automatic finite element remeshing method, based on the elementary area (2D) or volume (3D) constraints, has been developed. The adaptive remeshing technique, guided by a posteriori error estimator, makes use of two external mesh generator programs: Triangle and TetGen. The use of these free external finite element mesh generators and an adaptive remeshing technique based on the current field continuity show that they are powerful tools to improve the neutron flux distribution calculation and by consequence the power solution of the reactor core even though they have a minor influence on the critical coefficient of the calculated reactor core examples. Two numerical examples are presented: the 2D IAEA reactor core numerical ...
Core-collapse supernovae are among Nature's most energetic events. They mark the end of massive star evolution and pollute the interstellar medium with the life-enabling ashes of thermonuclear burning. Despite their importance for the evolution of galaxies and life in the universe, the details of the core-collapse supernova explosion mechanism remain in the dark and pose a daunting computational challenge. We outline the multi-dimensional, multi-scale, and multi-physics nature of the core-collapse supernova problem and discuss computational strategies and requirements for its solution. Specifically, we highlight the axisymmetric (2D) radiation-MHD code VULCAN/2D and present results obtained from the first full-2D angle-dependent neutrino radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of the post-core-bounce supernova evolution. We then go on to discuss the new code Zelmani ...
For many years, {beta} radioactivity has been used to label molecules and follow them in various biological processes. {beta} imaging is obtained by autoradiography. Classically made on films or on photographic emulsions, autoradiography is now supplanted by radio-imagers which are very performing. The phosphor-imager, {beta}-imager and {mu}-imager are the systems mainly used today and their operating principles and properties are compared. The great advantages of these imagers are: their rapidity to obtain results and their reliability for absolute quantification. All emitters ({beta}{sup -}, {beta}{sup -} -{gamma} and {beta}{sup +}) are detectable as well as the gamma emitters of nuclear medicine, by means of their low energy electrons ejected during y emission. Phosphor-imager is well suited to energetic tracers and large series of ...
November 1989, marked the beginning of a new three-year cycle of DOE grant support, in connection with which the program underwent a major reorganization. This document presents the progress on the three objectives of the present program which are: to isolate by the technique of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE), proteins of special interest because of the relative mutability of the corresponding gene, establish the identity of the protein, and, for selected proteins, move to a characterization of the corresponding gene; to develop a more efficient approach, based on 2-D PAGE, for the detection of variants in DNA, with special reference to the identification of mutations in the parents of the individual whose DNA is being examined; and, to continue an effective interface with the genetic studies on the children of atomic bomb survivors in Japan, with reference to both the ...
Over the last few years, string theory has changed profoundly. Most importantly, novel duality relations have emerged which involve gauge theories of brane excitations on one side and various closed string backgrounds on the other. In this lecture, we introduce the fundamental ingredients of modern string theory and explain how they are modeled through 2D (boundary) conformal field theory. This so-called `microscopic description' of strings and branes is an active research area with new results ranging from the classification and construction of boundary conditions to studies of 2D renormalization group flows. We shall provide an overview of such developments before concluding the lecture with an extensive outlook on some research that is motivated by current problems in string theory. This includes investigations of non-rational and non-unitary conformal field theories.
We assess the accuracy and relevance of the numerical algorithms based on the principles of Geometrical Optics (GO) and Physical Optics (PO) in the analysis of reduced-size homogeneous dielectric lenses prone to behave as open resonators. As a benchmark solution, we use the Muller boundary integral equations discretized with trigonometric Galerkin scheme that has guaranteed and fast convergence as well as controllable accuracy. The lens cross-section is chosen typical for practical applications, namely an extended hemiellipse whose eccentricity satisfies the GO focusing condition. The analysis concerns homogeneous lenses made of rexolite, fused quartz, and silicon with the size varying between 3 and 20 wavelengths in free space. We consider the 2-D case with both E- and H-polarized plane waves under normal and oblique incidence, and compare characteristics of the near fields.
Supernova explosions within wind-driven bubbles are studied with 2D hydrodynamical calculations. Two different density distributions for the ejecta are considered: (i) a smooth, unfragmented power-law stratification, and (ii) a fragmented distribution. As in 1D models, the presence of the shell of interstellar swept-up matter causes the rapid evolution of the remnant to the radiative phase. The main 2D effects, for both fragmented and unfragmented ejecta, include: (i) substantial chaotic deviations from a purely radial flow in the remnant interior, (ii) efficient turbulent mixing between the ejecta and the shocked wind, resulting in homogenization of the former wind cavity, and (iii) severe distortion of the wind-driven shell by cooling and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities. (author).
We present here a study based on the migration of protoplanets in an accretion disc of a forming star, as the mainly proposed scenario for the formation of planetary systems. Attention is here focused on the mutual interactions between two protoplanets, both embedded in the accretion disc, as a function of the protoplanets masses, their relative positions, the dynamic properties of the accretion disc particles. The study is performed through a 2D SPH code and preliminary results show an oscillation of the distance between the two protoplanets, together with a slow migration of the two planets towards the central star when two Jupiter-like planets are considered. Less correlated behaviour is observed when at least one of the two protoplanets has an Earth-like mass. The role played by the disc particles initial angular momentum is discussed.
Abstract A large number of massive stars are known to rotate rapidly, resulting in a significant distortion and variation in surface temperature from the pole to the equator. Radiatively driven mass-loss is temperature-dependent, so rapid rotation produces a variation in the mass-loss and angular momentum loss rates across the surface of the star, which is expected to affect the evolution of rapidly rotating massive stars. In this work, we use zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) stellar models to investigate the two-dimensional effects of rotation on stellar mass-loss, using two common prescriptions for radiatively driven mass-loss. The associated loss of angular momentum from these models is also considered. Using 2D stellar models, which give the variation in surface parameters as a function o...
Objectives To investigate the feasibility and reproducibility of measurements of nasal bone length using a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in the first trimester. Methods In a prospective study, 118 consecutive pregnant women attending for Down syndrome screening at 11-13 + 6 weeks were recruited. They had successful fetal nasal bone measurement by two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound by four operators. Three-dimensional volumes were recorded in the mid-sagittal plane of fetal profile by the fifth operator and examined using multiplanar techniques. Another independent investigator randomly compared his measurements with one of the four operators. Results In the subsequent 3D examination, the nasal bone length could be examined in 94 cases (79.7%). The mean difference between the 2D and 3D mea...
The portion of the potential energy surface (PES) of acetylacetone relevant for the intramolecular proton transfer reaction is studied using ab initio and DFT methods. The best estimate of the barrier governing proton transfer was found to be 3.4 kcal mol{sup -1} at the MP4(FC)/6-311 + G(2d,2p)//MP2(FC)/6-311 + G(2d,2p) level of theory. Six stationary points on the PES were characterized as well as the reaction paths connecting these points. Special attention paid to the pathway of intramolecular proton transfer reveals that the internal rotation of the methyl group adjacent to the carbonyl group and the proton transfer reaction are consecutive processes.
There is an ever increasing demand to perform flow simulations that incorporate the complete details of geometry as well as sophisticated flow physics. This has led to the development of numerical algorithms that can simulate the actual flow phenomena with greater fidelity. However, the success of these algorithms hinges on the grid that models the geometry. Grid generation methods for 2-D models have long existed and the general lack of complexity of the simpler 2-D models has not quite challenged the efforts in this area. However, demands for generating better 3-D geometric models for flow simulations involving complex geometries have completely changed the perspective of grid generation strategies. As a consequence, grid generation efforts have earned equal significance as that of numerical solver efforts.
Migration of protoplanets inside an accretion disc of a forming star is the most probable scenario for planetary system formation according to current models. Unsolved problems exist, concerning migration times and mechanisms. We report here the results of a 2D hydrodynamic study within an SPH scheme, analysing migration of an Earth-like or a Jupiter-like planet inside an inviscid sub-Keplerian accretion disc, as a function of the initial specific angular momentum of the infalling accretion disc matter. Particle capture by the protoplanet causes a rapid migration, within a few orbits, for the Earth like planet, and about 104 orbits for the Jupiter like planets. The effect of a planet pseudo-atmosphere is also discussed.
Objective: To investigate the predictive value of ADC value in grading of neuroepithelial tumors. Methods: The clinical data and images of 70 patients with neuroepithelial tumors pathologically proven were collected and analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were classified into low (WHO I or II) and high (WHO III or IV) grade groups which included 40 and 30 cases respectively according to the 2007 WHO classification of tumours of the central nervous system. All the patients underwent plain and contrast-enhanced MR scan and DWI before surgery. The minimum ADC (MinADC) value was measured postoperatively on ADC maps. The Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) of tumor tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. MinADC values for two groups were analyzed using student t test, while the age and Ki-67 LI for the two groups was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test (P<0.05 considered to be significant). Also the MinADC value and Ki-67 LI were analyzed with Pearson ...
Aim: To evaluate the role of computed tomography (CT) in needle placement for ganglion impar blocks, and to determine the efficacy of CT-guided ganglion impar blocks in the management of coccydynia. Materials and methods: The results of ganglion impar blockade in eight patients with coccydynia secondary to trauma or unknown cause were reviewed. The diagnosis of coccydynia was based on clinical history, location of pain, and response to previous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The eight patients were treated with CT-guided ganglion impar blocks to manage their coccyx pain after conservative procedures, including oral medication and cushions, failed to provide relief. All patients were subjected to ganglion impar blocks under a thin-section CT-guided technique for needle placement, using a mixture of bupivacaine and triamcinolone. The patients were followed-up for a period of 6-months. Results: Eight patients were treated in this study with a total of 11 ...
In portal images with high energy X-ray (10 MV), it is sometimes difficult to verify the irradiation field because of the low contrast. Especially, in the abdominal and pelvic region, the deterioration of portal image quality is remarkable. To solve this problem, we took portal images using computed radiography (FCR). Also, we develop a technique in which a copper plate (3 mm) and lead foil (0.3 mm) are closely set in the front and rear of the photostimulable phosphor plate (imaging plate), for increased energy absorption. As a result, image quality was very high and we confirmed image improvement using observer performance experiments. We made a special cassette which can closely set metallic plates to imaging plate and load FCR-7000 directly. Therefore, image process becomes simple, and suitable for routine work. In ...
Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the typical appearance of ganglioneuromas in computer-assisted tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of diagnosticimaging (9 CT, 6 MRI) in 9 children aged 3 to 15 years with the histological diagnosis of ganglioneuroma. Results: The tomographies showed large (max. 13.4 cm in diameter) round or oval tumors with sharp delineation. The sites of the tumors were the retroperitoneum (5), the mediastinum (3), and the adrenal gland (1). Intraspinal tumor involvement occurred in 4 cases. On comparing CT with MRI, MRI was more accurate in defining the intraspinal involvement. The ganglioneuromas were of hypodense appearance in the native CT scan and showed moderate enhancement upon administration of contrast media. In five patients tumor calcifications with a disseminated sprinkled pattern were seen in CT. In MRI T{sub ...
In 15 children (in age 2 weeks - 15 years) the computer tomography beside radiological examination was done because of mediastinal diseases. In all cases the computer tomography was valuable. In 4 cases obtained results have changed diagnostic conclusions. The examples are described showing the usefulness of the computer tomography as supplementary diagnostic method in mediastinal diseases in children.
The National Radiological Protection Board is to carry out a survey of doses received by patients from the diagnostic use of X-rays, beginning in June 1977, and carried out at over 100 National Health Service hospitals. Details are given of the reasons for carrying out the survey and the survey objectives. The survey working methods are discussed, together with methods of calculation of the genetically significant dose. The radiation doses will be measured by a thermoluminescent dosimeter developed specially for the survey. (U.K.).
In this note we describe a conceptual design of a part ofthe electron beam delivery system for FERMI@Elettra free electron laser(FEL) located between the end of the linac and the entrance to the FEL.This part includes the emittance diagnostic section, the electron beamswitchyard for two FELs called spreader and matching sections. The designmeets various constrains imposed by the existing and planned buildingboundaries, desire for utilization of existing equipment and demands forvarious diagnostic instruments.
Attention is given to recent research on gear fault diagnostic techniques. A mathematic model for vibration signals of defective gears is presented. Novel methods of gear fault diagnosis, such as zoom complex envelope analysis, wideband demodulation techniques, bispectrum analysis, correlation spectrum analysis, and maximum entropy spectrum analysis, are demonstrated. The wide-band demodulation technique is found to exhibit a high SNR. Bispectrum and correlation spectrum are excellent for some mechanical fault forms.
The most important results of theoretical and experimental studies of plasmas, which have been achieved at the IPJ in Swierk and IPPLM in Warsaw recently, are presented. Studies of physical phenomena in PF discharges, development of diagnostic techniques and research on new plasma technologies, as performed at IPJ, have been summarized. Studies of dense magnetized plasmas, investigation of physics and applications of laser-produced plasmas; and research on the development of advanced diagnostic techniques for the EUROATOM fusion program, as performed at IPPLM, are also described.
This report continues the studies of simplified methods, of magnetic diagnostics in application to TCA/BR tokamak. Here we study the accuracy of known formula for {beta}{sub 1} + l{sub 1}/2 determination from the poloidal magnetic field asymmetry. Errors of the diamagnetic measurements due to vibrations of the vacuum vessel are also considered. (author). 3 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
A two-beam spectroscopy (TBS) system is evaluated theoretically and experimentally. This new spectroscopic technique uses correlations between components of emitted light separated by a small difference in angle of propagation. It is thus a non-perturbing plasma diagnostic which is shown to provide local (as opposed to line-of-sight averaged) information about fluctuations in the density of light sources within a plasma - information not obtainable by the usual spectroscopic methods. The present design is an improvement on earlier systems proposed in a thesis by Rostler.
Seven hundred thirty-two female urogenital samples were collected for Chlamydia trachomatis testing by both the Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur (Chaska, Minn.) Chlamydia Microplate EIA by the shortened protocol...Full Text Available
Characterization of the electron beam's properties will be a major task after the upgrade of the Los Alamos Free-Electron Laser (FEL) Facility with a photoelectric injector (PEI) and increased acceleration capability to 40 MeV. Adjustments to the previous diagnostics package that address the lower beam emittance, higher energy, and wakefield source reduction issues will be discussed. 6 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.
Accelerators can not be improved without the development of adequate beam instruments and diagnostic tools. This year this statement is particularly right: a lot of contributions are dedicated to beam monitoring and to the design of new beam monitors based on original technologies. This document gathers about 100 contributions.
Computer tomography used in the diagnosis of tumours is described in the light of particularly great diagnostic difficulties in children. Computer tomography was applied in 12 cases. A high diagnostic value of this method was demonstrated, which makes possible a more accurate diagnosis of the position of the tumour, its size, and expanding tendency. The possibility of estimating healthy tissues and organs, and those with pathological changes on the basis of differences in their density with a detection threshold at 0.5% density difference facilitates not infrequently preoperative diagnosis raising the value of the method.
The correlation between baryon number and strangeness elucidates the nature of strongly interacting matter. This diagnostic can be extracted theoretically from lattice QCD calculations and experimentally from event-by-event fluctuations. The analysis of present lattice results above the critical temperature severely limits the presence of q{bar q} bound states, thus supporting a picture of independent (quasi)quarks. Details may be found in [1].
Two geriatic male rhesus monkeys were used for the radioisotope imaging in this research. Discussion of the radionuclide, materials, and method used to accomplish the neurologic examination and the results obtained, both during the procedure and confirmation of the results by necropsies were accompanied by color photos of scan images. Results were that the nuclear images provided accurate images of intracranial neoplasia.
Computed radiography (CR) systems use a photostimulable phosphor plate enclosed in a cassette. In CR, image acquisition is a two-stage process wherein image capture and image read out are done separately. Direct digital radiography (DR) systems, on the other hand, use detectors that have a combined image capture and image read out capability. DR systems are also called as DDR or ddR systems by some vendors. This article focuses on DR systems
This paper examines the seismic signatures of discrete, finite-length fractures, and outlines an approach for elastic, prestack reverse-time imaging of discrete fractures. The results of this study highlight the importance of incorporating fracture-generated P-S converted waves into the imaging method, and presents an alternate imaging condition that can be used in elastic reverse-time imaging when a direct wave is recorded (e.g., for crosswell and VSP acquisition geometries).
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, complications, and therapeutic impact of CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions. Material and methods: Seventy-nine patients underwent diagnostic CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions between July 1995 and March 1999. Evaluation included corresponding clinical data, pathologic results, and therapeutic consequences. Results: There were 29 benign and 50 malignant lesions. Percutaneous core biopsy had an overall diagnostic accuracy of 95%. For malignant lesions, core biopsy was positive in 48 patients (sensitivity 96%), and for benign lesions, in 27 (sensitivity 93%). There were no false-positive findings. Pneumothoraces were observed in 19 patients (24%) and 4 of them required a chest drain (5%). There were no hematothoraces or major bleeding complications; however, postinterventional local hemorrhages were observed in 23 patients (29%). No hemoptysis ...
Neutron Coded Aperture Imaging is a nondestructive imaging technique that utilizes neutrons scattered from an object through specially designed apertures. Coded Aperture Imaging is an alternative technique to Computed Tomography for three-dimensional imaging. Coded Aperture Imaging has the advantage that all of the three-dimensional information is contained in a single image, whereas Computed Tomography requires several images or projections. This technique has been implemented by other using photographic film as an image recording medium and optical reconstruction or decoding of the images. In this work, the possibility of using a real-time neutron video camera to record the images, followed by digital decoding methodology has been investigated. Because only a small fraction of ...
Using the boson-fermion equivalence in 2-d conformal field theory and the boson-boson equivalence of the superconformal bosonic ghost fields of the string theory, the authors construct a level {Kappa} = +1 representation of the affine superalgebra OSp(M*N)/sup 1/ in terms of vertex operators.
The WBURN (2-D, 2-group, coarse mesh) code is developed to analyze the equilibrium core characteristics of CANDU-PHWR. The equilibrium characteristics of Wolsung reactor computed by using WBURN are compared with the values given in the Wolsung FSR. The changes of equilibrium core characteristics caused by the variation of design parameters for operating conditions are also investigated. The numerical results indicate that the average discharge irradiation in the Wolsung reactor can be increased up to about 5%.
The WBURN (2-D, 2-group, coarse mesh) code is developed to analyze the equilibrium core characteristics of CANDU-PHWR. The equilibrium characteristics of Wolsung reactor computed by using WBURN are compared with the values given in the Wolsung FSR. The changes of equilibrium core characteristics caused by the variation of design parameters for operating conditions are also investigated. The numerical results indicate that the average discharge irradiation in the Wolsung reactor can be increased up to about 5%. (Author).
The rare earth antimonates RE_3Sb_5O_1_2 constitute an isostructural series, where the rare earth site symmetry is S_4. The spectroscopic properties of pure or doped compounds of this family are studied in order to derive their energy level schemes and to simulate them through the crystal field theory, by using the approximated D_2_d potential. The paramagnetic susceptibilities are calculated with the derived wavefunctions and compared to experiment.
We demonstrate a two-dimensional device simulator for MOSFET structures that incorporates models for defect distributions and show predicted effects on device switching performance for various spatial distributions of defects in amorphous and polycrystalline silicon.
A flutter-motion equation is presently derived for a 2D composite sandwich panel considering the total lateral displacement of the plate as the sum of the displacement due to bending of the plate, and that which is due to shear deformation at the core. The effects of core thickness and stacking sequence of the faces on the flutter boundary of the plate are discussed; it is shown that the sandwich panel greatly improves the flutter boundary over that of a composite laminate panel, provided it has sufficient core thickness.
In our previous paper (Lanzafame et al. 2000, PASJ 52, 515) we showed, through 2D SPH simulations, that the stellar mass ratio, M 2 / M 1, of a close binary system (that determines the position and then the initial specific angular momentum at L 1) plays a fundamental role in the formation and development of spiral structures and shock fronts in the radial flow of accretion discs. In that work only a quasi-sonic value of the injection velocity at L 1 was considered. In the present work we also carried out 2D SPH simulations with the aim to investigate the development of such structures, while keeping constant the mass of the compact primary (M 1 = 1 M odot) and the separation between the two components, and assuming as an initial condition of two different supersonic injection velocities at L 1, characterizing two sets of simulations. For each set we considered four values of the secondary to primary ...
2D MEDICI simulator is used to investigate hardening solutions to single-event burnout (SEB). SEB parametric dependencies such as carrier lifetime reduction, base enlargement, and emitter doping decrease have been verified and a p"+ plug modification approach for SEB hardening of power MOSFETs is validated with simulations on actual device structures.
The first compound in the series of reactions leading to the ester conjugates of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in kernels of Zea mays sweet corn is the acyl alkyl acetal, 1-O-indol-3-ylacetyl-;2;-d-glucose...Full Text Available
ObjectiveWe wanted to assess the usefulness of four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography (US), i.e., real-time three-dimensional US, as an adjunct for performing various US-guided interventional...Full Text Available
Objective and designLow grade inflammation is of pathogenic importance in atherosclerosis and in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Matrix...Full Text Available
The role of dietary calcium and phosphorus in modifying the intestinal absorption of lead and also the effect of lead ingestion on the metabolism of cholecalciferol were studied in chicks. The efficiency of absorption of /sup 203/Pb and /sup 47/Ca was increased when the animals were fed a low calcium diet and treated with cholecalciferol. The synthesis of the vitamin D-induced calcium-binding protein (CaBP) was correspondingly increased. When the chicks were depleted of vitamin D and repleted with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)/sub 2/D/sub 3/) as their only source of the vitamin, the absorption of both /sup 47/Ca and /sup 203/Pb was unaffected by dietary calcium levels, and no change in CaBP levels occurred. Low dietary intake of phosphorus resulted in an increase in /sup 47/Ca and /sup 203/Pb absorption and in CaBP synthesis when the animals were treated with cholecalciferol. However, when the birds were repleted with 1,25(OH)/sub ...
The role of dietary calcium and phosphorus in modifying the intestinal absorption of lead and also the effect of lead ingestion on the metabolism of cholecalciferol were studied in chicks. The efficiency of absorption of "2"0"3Pb and "4"7Ca was increased when the animals were fed a low calcium diet and treated with cholecalciferol. The synthesis of the vitamin D-induced calcium-binding protein (CaBP) was correspondingly increased. When the chicks were depleted of vitamin D and repleted with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)_2D_3] as their only source of the vitamin, the absorption of both "4"7Ca and "2"0"3Pb was unaffected by dietary calcium levels, and no change in CaBP levels occurred. Low dietary intake of phosphorus resulted in an increase in "4"7Ca and "2"0"3Pb absorption and in CaBP synthesis when the animals were treated with cholecalciferol. However, when the birds were repleted with ...
The first enzyme-catalyzed reaction leading from indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to the myo-inositol esters of IAA is the synthesis of indole-3-acetyl-1-O-;2;-d-glucose...Full Text Available
Background: Diet plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but little is known about the contributions of specific nutrients in populations in which dietary patterns...Full Text Available
While tritium exposure to the site-workers in Wolsung NPP is up to about 40% of the total personnel exposure, Ministry of Science and Technology has asked tritium removal facility for requirement of post heavy-water reactor construction. For the purpose of essential removal of tritium from the Wolsung heavy-water reactor system, a preliminary study on the cryogenic Ar-N{sub 2} and H{sub 2}-D{sub 2} distillation process for development of liquid-phase catalytic exchange cryogenic hydrogen distillation process technology. The Ar-N{sub 2} distillation column showed good performance with approximately 97% of final Ar concentration, and a computer simulation code was modified using these data. A simulation code developed for cryogenic hydrogen isotopes (H{sub 2}, HD, D{sub 2}, HT, DT, T{sub 2}) distillation column showed good performance after comparison with the result of a JAERI code, and a H{sub 2}-D{sub ...
Power devices such as MOSFETSs and IGBTs, include parasitic structures that can give rise to destructive failures such as breakdown and latch-up. To determine a suitable strategy for device radiation hardening, simulation software like MEDICI-2D can be used to model the effects of technological modifications and device parameters that are difficult to measure experimentally. (authors).
Besarhanamides A (1) and B (2) are fatty acid amides purified from the marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya majuscula, collected from Pulau Hantu, Singapore. The structure determination of these secondary metabolites was carried out using extensive 2D NMR spectral data as well as chemical manipulations including the Marfey's method. In addition, besarhanamide A exhibited moderate toxicity with LD50 at 13mM in the brine shrimp toxicity bioassay.
We present in this paper the computer code BACCHUS, to analyze the thermal-hydraulics in a rod bundle in single or two-phase flow regime. The model is 2-D and uses the porous body approach. The two-phase model is an extension of the classical homogeneous model, and includes a differential non-equilibrium equation. Results are shown for the extension of the boiling region in a 19-pin bundle.
We present in this paper the computer code BACCHUS, to analyze the thermal-hydraulics in a rod bundle in single or two-phase flow regime. The model is 2-D and uses the porous body approach. The two-phase model is an extension of the classical homogeneous model, and includes a differential non-equilibrium equation. Results are shown for the extension of the boiling region in a 19-pin bundle. (orig.).
2D simulation modeling of a river basin is based on notion of a River Basin as an opened non equilibrium nature system. All components of the system (elevation, water, soil properties and others) are linked to single multi - functional model. The objective of flood simulation is one the model functions. The objectives of the paper are as follows: a mean scale basin floods computing and the model validation; a large scale basin simulation and demands for its validation; results and demands for flood hazard assessment. (orig.)
Abstract in english This paper presents an HP-Adaptive Procedure with Hierarchical formulation for the Boundary Element Method in 2-D Elasticity problems. Firstly, H, P and HP formulations are defined. Then, the hierarchical concept, which allows a substantial reduction in the dimension of equation system, is introduced. The error estimator used is based on the residual computation over each node inside an element. Finally, the HP strategy is defined and applied to two examples.
The current investigation attempted to confirm the beneficial actions of a chemically characterized Radix Astragali decoction (AM-W) against type 2 diabetic (T2D) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Using a case/control...Full Text Available
We propose a novel scheme for scalable solid state quantum computing, where superconducting microwave transmission line resonators (cavities) are arranged in a two-dimensional grid on the surface of a chip, coupling to superconducting qubits (charge or flux) at the intersections. We analyze how tasks of quantum information processing can be implemented in such a topology, including efficient two-qubit gates between any two qubits on the grid and elements of fault-tolerant computation.
The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of digital image analysis of pit-and-fissure discoloration in order to diagnose caries. Digital images showing pit-and-fissure discoloration in 100...Full Text Available
The goal of ultrasonic molecular imaging is the detection of targeted contrast agents bound to receptors on endothelial cells. We propose imaging methods that can distinguish adherent microbubbles...Full Text Available
This paper discusses the clinical application and main objective of testicular imaging. The authors present cases that represent a spectrum of the abnormalities which might be detected by testicular imaging, with special attention given to testicular torsion and the acute diseases which may mimic it clinically. Accuracy of the test is noted.
Four-dimensional (4D) radiotherapy is the explicit inclusion of the temporal changes in anatomy during the imaging, planning, and delivery of radiotherapy. One key component of 4D radiotherapy planning...Full Text Available
PurposeAuto-propagation of anatomical region-of-interests (ROIs) from the planning CT to daily CT is an essential step in image-guided adaptive radiotherapy. The...Full Text Available
This paper proposes a novel method for computing linear basis images from tensor-valued image data. As a generalization of the nonnegative matrix factorization, the proposed method aims to approximate...Full Text Available
A new gadolinium chelating NIR fluorescent molecular probe increases T1 relaxivity of water protons, facilitating combined optical and magnetic resonance imaging.
Multimodality imaging with PET/CT and SPECT/CT has become commonplace in clinical practice and in preclinical and basic medical research. Do other combinations of imaging modalities have a similar...Full Text Available
Purpose: Small animal micro-CT imaging is being used increasingly in preclinical biomedical research to provide phenotypic descriptions of genomic models. Most of this imaging is coincident...Full Text Available
Epifluorescence images of Ca2+ transients elicited by electrical stimulation of single skeletal muscle fibers were studied with fast imaging techniques that take advantage of the large fluorescence...Full Text Available
Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) is a promising technique or high resolution cellular imaging in human tissues. An OCM system for high-speed en face cellular resolution imaging...Full Text Available
Parallel imaging reconstructions result in spatially varying noise amplification characterized by the g-factor, precluding conventional measurements of noise from the final...Full Text Available
Image registrations that are based on similarity measures simply adjust the parameters of an appropriate spatial transformation model until the similarity measure reaches an optimum. The numerous similarity measures that have been proposed in the past are differently sensitive to imaging modality, image content and differences in the image content, selection of the floating and target image, partial image overlap, etc. In this paper, we evaluate and compare 12 similarity measures for the rigid registration. To study the impact of different imaging modalities on the behavior of similarity measures, we have used 16 CT/MR and 6 PET/MR image pairs with known 'gold standard' registrations. The results for the PET/MR registration and for the registration of CT to both rectified and unrectified MR ...
An image slicing spectrometer (ISS) for microscopy applications is presented. Its principle is based on the redirecting of image zones by specially organized thin mirrors within a custom fabricated...Full Text Available
In portal images with high energy X-ray (10 MV), it is sometimes difficult to verify the irradiation field because of the low contrast. Especially, in the abdominal and pelvic region, the deterioration of portal image quality is remarkable. To solve this problem, we took portal images using computed radiography (FCR). Also, we develop a technique in which a copper plate (3 mm) and lead foil (0.3 mm) are closely set in the front and rear of the photostimulable phosphor plate (imaging plate), for increased energy absorption. As a result, image quality was very high and we confirmed image improvement using observer performance experiments. We made a special cassette which can closely set metallic plates to imaging plate and load FCR-7000 directly. Therefore, image process becomes simple, and suitable for routine work. In ...
ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate a computer-imaging program called HAAIR (Help with Adjustment to Alopecia by Image Recovery) that was developed to provide...Full Text Available
Purpose: Reverse helical cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a scanning configuration for potential applications in image-guided radiation therapy in which an accurate anatomic image...Full Text Available
Post-mortem magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is of increasing interest not only as an alternative to autopsy but as a research tool to aid the interpretation and diagnosis of in utero MR images. The information from the post-mortem MR has allowed the development of imaging sequences applicable to in utero imaging and neonatal imaging. It has established brain development during gestation and has provided data on this to which in utero MR can be compared. The detail available from the post-mortem images is such that brain development can be studied in a non-invasive manner, a permanent record on the normal and abnormal areas is available and a greater understanding of developmental abnormalities is possible.
The central nervous system is involved in 10-20% of cases in Lyme disease. The neurological symptoms, time course of the disease and imaging findings are multifaceted. We report two patients with cervical radiculitis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed strong enhancement of the cervical nerve roots on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. These imaging patterns of borrelia-associated radiculitis have not been reported before. Knowledge of these imaging features may help to diagnose neuroborreliosis, which presents with non-specific symptoms. (orig.)
Weakly absorbing materials, such as biological, soft tissues, can be imaged by generating contrast due to the phase shift of X-rays. In the past decade, several methods for X-ray phase imaging were proposed and demonstrated. The performance of X-ray phase imaging is attractive in the field of medical imaging technology, and its development for practical use is expected. Many methods, however, have been developed under the assumption of the use of synchrotron radiation, which is an obstacle to practical use. The method based on Talbot (-Lau) interferometry enables us to use a compact X-ray source, and its development is expected as a breakthrough for medical applications. (author)
Aug 25, 2004 ... The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission or TRMM satellite provided this image of Typhoon Aere over the western Philippine Sea as it was ...
Selection of the appropriate radiation quality is an important aspect of optimisation for every clinical imaging task in radiology, since it affects both image quality and patient dose. Spreadsheet...Full Text Available
Abstract The authors provide a survey of how images are used in radiation therapy to improve the precision of radiation therapy plans, and delivery of radiation treatment. In contrast...Full Text Available
A method of increasing information content for content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems includes the steps of providing a CBIR database, the database having an index for a plurality of stored digital images using a plurality of feature vectors, the feature vectors corresponding to distinct descriptive characteristics of the images. A visual similarity parameter value is calculated based on a degree of visual similarity between features vectors of an incoming image being considered for entry into the database and feature vectors associated with a most similar of the stored images. Based on said visual similarity parameter value it is determined whether to store or how long to store the feature vectors associated with the incoming image in the database.
An image-analysis system, based on commercially available data visualization software (IDL [1]), allows convenient interaction with image data while still providing calculated beam parameters at a rate of up to 2 Hz. Image data are transferred from the IOC to the workstation via EPICS [2] channel access. A custom EPICS record was created in order to overcome the channel access limit of 16k bytes per array. The user can conveniently calibrate optical transition radiation (OTR) and fluorescent screens, capture background images, acquire and average a series of images, and specify several other filtering and viewing options. The images can be saved in either IDL format or APS-standard format (SDDS [3]), allowing for rapid postprocessing of image data by numerous other software tools.
This paper presents two imaging methods by using cross correlation. The one method images the subsurface by cross-correlation of the observed data and partial derivative seismograms calculated for a guessed model. The other method images the interface by use of cross-correlation of the virtual sources and the back propagated wave fields calculated from the observed data. Experimental tests show that both methods image subsurface interfaces well even if the guessed model is different from the true one. These imaging methods are reverse time migration that we perform cross-correlation as an imaging condition and have an advantage, as compared to conventional waveform inversion method, that images subsurface structure without iterative perturbation of the assumed model. (author). 18 refs., 15 figs.
Over the past decade, dramatic increases in computational power and improvement in image analysis algorithms have allowed the development of powerful computer-assisted analytical approaches...Full Text Available
Full text: Introduction. Children, especially premature infants and neonates, are at a much higher risk to obtain an X ray induced disturbance of life - particularly cancer. On the one hand this is due to their longer life expectancy and on the other hand it is due to their higher cell proliferation rate. The paediatric radiology unit of the Inselspital Bern recently installed some of the most advanced X ray equipment nowadays available. It is based on the two latest digital technologies: double read computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DR). Only the implementation of these digital radiography systems permits the digital acquisition and additionally the analysis of acquired data. The systematic analysis of large amounts of biometric data and exposition data is the basis for further dose reduction and a systematic quality control (QC). Patients are increasingly critical concerning radiation exposure - especially parents regarding their children. Besides an ...
Phase contrast X-ray imaging has been studied intensively using X-rays from synchrotron radiation and micro-focus X-ray tubes. However, these studies have revealed the difficulty of this technique's application to practical medical imaging. We have created a phase contrast imaging technique using a molybdenum X-ray tube with a small focal spot size for mammography. We identified the radiographic conditions in phase contrast magnification mammography with a screen-film system, where edge effect due to phase contrast overcomes geometrical unsharpness caused by the 0.1 mm-focal spot of a molybdenum X-ray tube. The edge enhancement due to phase imaging was observed in an image of a plastic tube, and then geometrical configuration of the X-ray tube, the object and the screen-film system was determined for phase imaging of mammography. In order to investigate a ...
Ultra-high resolution radiographs can be obtained using synchrotron X-rays. A collaboration team consisting of K-JIST, POSTECH and YUMC has recently commissioned a new beamline (5C1) at Pohang Light Source (PLS) in Korea for medical applications using phase contrast radiology. Relatively simple image acquisition systems were set up on 5C1 beamline, and imaging studies were performed for resolution test patterns, mammographic phantom, and animals. Resolution test patterns and mammographic phantom images showed much better image resolution and quality with the 5C1 imaging system than the mammography system. Both fish and mouse images with 5C1 imaging system also showed much better image resolution with great details of organs and anatomy compared to those obtained with a conventional mammography system. A simple and ...
Modern imaging technologies visualize different aspects of disease in a non-invasive way. Considerable progress has been made in the fusion of images from different imaging modalities using software approaches. One goal of fusion software is to align anatomical and functional images and allow improved spatial localization of abnormalities. The resulting correlation of the anatomical and functional images may clarify the nature of the abnormality and help diagnose or stage the underlying disease. Whereas successful image fusion software has been developed for the brain, only limited success has been achieved for image alignment in other parts of the body. The development and current status of alternative approaches are presented. Dual-modality imaging is described with devices where two modalities are combined and mounted ...
We present the design of a diagnostic system to measure electron cyclotron absorption at the second harmonic E-mode resonance in the JET pumped divertor plasma. The diagnostic will measure transmission as a function of frequency along one or more sightlines from which the spatial profile of the n_eT_e product will be deduced. The divertor is briefly described, and the electron cyclotron resonance physics relevant to this measurement is reviewed. The problems of measuring transmission using an oversized transmission system are discussed and the chosen measurement technique, a swept frequency interferometer using a coherent radiation source, is described. A prototype of the instrument has been assembled to test the measurement technique. Some data demonstrating the instrument's characteristics are presented. The nonresonant losses, which may affect the interpretation of the measurement, are also discussed. (orig.).