Electrocardiograph-gated single photon emission computed tomography radionuclide angiography presents good interstudy reproducibility for the quantification of global systolic right ventricular function.

Science.gov (United States)

Daou, Doumit; Coaguila, Carlos; Vilain, Didier

2007-05-01

Electrocardiograph-gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radionuclide angiography provides accurate measurement of right ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. In this study, we report the interstudy precision and reliability of SPECT radionuclide angiography for the measurement of global systolic right ventricular function using two, three-dimensional volume processing methods (SPECT-QBS, SPECT-35%). These were compared with equilibrium planar radionuclide angiography. Ten patients with chronic coronary artery disease having two SPECT and planar radionuclide angiography acquisitions were included. For the right ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume, the interstudy precision and reliability were better with SPECT-35% than with SPECT-QBS. The sample sizes needed to objectify a change in right ventricular volumes or ejection fraction were lower with SPECT-35% than with SPECT-QBS. The interstudy precision and reliability of SPECT-35% and SPECT-QBS for the right ventricle were better than those of equilibrium planar radionuclide angiography, but poorer than those previously reported for the left ventricle with SPECT radionuclide angiography on the same population. SPECT-35% and SPECT-QBS present good interstudy precision and reliability for right ventricular function, with the results favouring the use of SPECT-35%. The results are better than those of equilibrium planar radionuclide angiography, but poorer than those previously reported for the left ventricle with SPECT radionuclide angiography. They need to be confirmed in a larger population.

A comparison between magnetic resonance angiography at 3 teslas (time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced and flat-panel digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of embolized brain aneurysms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guilherme S. Nakiri

2011-01-01

Full Text Available PURPOSE: To compare the time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced- magnetic resonance angiography techniques in a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance unit with digital subtraction angiography with the latest flat-panel technology and 3D reconstruction in the evaluation of embolized cerebral aneurysms. INTRODUCTION: Many embolized aneurysms are subject to a recurrence of intra-aneurismal filling. Traditionally, imaging surveillance of coiled aneurysms has consisted of repeated digital subtraction angiography. However, this method has a small but significant risk of neurological complications, and many authors have advocated the use of noninvasive imaging methods for the surveillance of embolized aneurysms. METHODS: Forty-three aneurysms in 30 patients were studied consecutively between November 2009 and May 2010. Two interventional neuroradiologists rated the time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography, the contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography, and finally the digital subtraction angiography, first independently and then in consensus. The status of aneurysm occlusion was assessed according to the Raymond scale, which indicates the level of recanalization according to degrees: Class 1: excluded aneurysm; Class 2: persistence of a residual neck; Class 3: persistence of a residual aneurysm. The agreement among the analyses was assessed by applying the Kappa statistic. RESULTS: Inter-observer agreement was excellent for both methods (K = 0.93; 95 % CI: 0.84-1. Inter-technical agreement was almost perfect between time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography (K = 0.98; 95 % CI: 0.93-1 and between time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography (K = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.93-1. Disagreement occurred in only one case (2.3%, which was classified as Class I by time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and Class II by digital subtraction angiography. The agreement between

Uterine artery embolization angiography and fertility related aspects

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Irina A. Horhoianu

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Purpose. Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive technique. It applies the principle of targeted anatomical structure devascularisation with utility in fibroid conservative therapy, including for future fertility preserving status. The objective of our paper represents a description and evaluation of angiography utility as a predictive method for fertility maintenance. Material and Methods. The angiography and ultrasound aspects obtained from a prospective study in which selected patients have undergone uterine artery embolization for fertility preservation are detailed. Results. The following angiography aspects have been detected: left- right shunt and utero-ovarian collaterals; these have been compared with the ultrasound aspects related to the fibroid evolution form a volumetric and Doppler ultrasound point of view. The angiographical description predicts the impact on post embolization fibroid evolution and upon fertility. An analysis is made in order to assess the way in which angiography can contribute to fertility alteration. Conclusions. The angiography aspects during embolization and the following ultrasound aspects can represent predictive factors as to fertility evolution after uterine artery embolization.

Head and neck angiography at 70 kVp with a third-generation dual-source CT system in patients: comparison with 100 kVp

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Yu; Zhang, Xiaobo; Xue, Huadan; Zhu, Yuanli; Wang, Yun; Li, Yumei; Zhang, Zhuhua; Jin, Zhengyu [Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing (China)

2017-11-15

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the image quality of 70 kVp and 25 mL contrast medium (CM) volume for head and neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and assess the diagnostic accuracy for arterial stenosis. Fifty patients were prospectively divided into two groups randomly: group A (n = 25), 70 kVp with 25 mL CM, and group B (n = 25), 100 kVp with 40 mL CM. CT attenuation values, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the shoulder, neck, and cerebral arteries were measured for objective image quality. Subjective image quality of the shoulder and cerebral arteries was also evaluated. For patients undergoing digital subtracted angiography (DSA), diagnostic accuracy of CTA was assessed with DSA as reference standard. The SNRs of the shoulder, neck, and cerebral arteries in group A were higher than those in group B (P < 0.05). The CNRs of the shoulder and neck arteries in group A were higher than those in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in subjective image quality of arteries between group A and group B (P > 0.05). The accuracy was noted as 94.0% (156/166) in group A and 97.1% (134/138) in group B for ≥ 50% stenosis. The accuracy of intracranial arterial stenosis was lower than that of extracranial arterial stenosis in group A. The radiation dose of group A was significantly decreased by 56% than that of group B. Head and neck CTA at 70 kVp using 25 mL CM can obtain diagnostic image quality with lower radiation dose while maintaining high accuracy in detecting the arterial stenosis compared with the 100-kVp and 40-mL CM. (orig.)

Tube potential can be lowered to 80 kVp in test bolus phase of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to save dose without compromising diagnostic quality

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rodrigues, J.C.L.; Manghat, N.E.; Hamilton, M.C.K.; Joshi, D.; Lyen, S.M.; Negus, I.S.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether performing the test bolus (TB) of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) at 80 kVp reduces dose without compromising diagnostic quality. An 80 kVp TB protocol for CTCA and CTPA was retrospectively compared to standard TB protocol (non-obese: 100 kVp, obese: 120 kVp). CT angiogram parameters were unchanged between cohorts. Thirty-seven consecutive 80 kVp TB CTCA images were compared to 53 standard CTCA images. Fifty consecutive CTPAs from each protocol were analysed. Diagnostic quality of the CT angiogram was assessed by: mean attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the ascending aorta (AA) in CTCA and in the main pulmonary artery (MPA) in CTPA, diagnostic rate, and number of repeated monitoring scans. Mean effective dose was estimated using the dose-length product. Mean TB effective doses were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) for 80 kVp scans compared to the standard in non-obese CTCA (0.15 ± 0.04 mSv Vs 0.33 ± 0.09 mSv), obese CTCA (0.17 ± 0.06 mSv Vs 0.57 ± 0.12 mSv), and CTPA patients (0.07 ± 0.03 mSv Vs 0.15 ± 0.06 mSv). No difference was demonstrated in mean attenuation, SNR (AA), SNR (MPA), diagnostic rates, or number of repeated monitoring scans between protocols. Routinely performing TB at 80 kVp, regardless of body habitus, in CTCA and CTPA results in a small but significant dose reduction, without compromising CT angiogram diagnostic quality. (orig.)

Tube potential can be lowered to 80 kVp in test bolus phase of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to save dose without compromising diagnostic quality

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rodrigues, J.C.L.; Manghat, N.E.; Hamilton, M.C.K. [University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol (United Kingdom); University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol (United Kingdom); Joshi, D.; Lyen, S.M. [University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol (United Kingdom); Negus, I.S. [University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol (United Kingdom)

2014-10-15

The purpose of this study was to determine whether performing the test bolus (TB) of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) at 80 kVp reduces dose without compromising diagnostic quality. An 80 kVp TB protocol for CTCA and CTPA was retrospectively compared to standard TB protocol (non-obese: 100 kVp, obese: 120 kVp). CT angiogram parameters were unchanged between cohorts. Thirty-seven consecutive 80 kVp TB CTCA images were compared to 53 standard CTCA images. Fifty consecutive CTPAs from each protocol were analysed. Diagnostic quality of the CT angiogram was assessed by: mean attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the ascending aorta (AA) in CTCA and in the main pulmonary artery (MPA) in CTPA, diagnostic rate, and number of repeated monitoring scans. Mean effective dose was estimated using the dose-length product. Mean TB effective doses were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) for 80 kVp scans compared to the standard in non-obese CTCA (0.15 ± 0.04 mSv Vs 0.33 ± 0.09 mSv), obese CTCA (0.17 ± 0.06 mSv Vs 0.57 ± 0.12 mSv), and CTPA patients (0.07 ± 0.03 mSv Vs 0.15 ± 0.06 mSv). No difference was demonstrated in mean attenuation, SNR (AA), SNR (MPA), diagnostic rates, or number of repeated monitoring scans between protocols. Routinely performing TB at 80 kVp, regardless of body habitus, in CTCA and CTPA results in a small but significant dose reduction, without compromising CT angiogram diagnostic quality. (orig.)

New method of digital angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hashiya, Junichi; Korenaga, Takeo; Sakurai, Kenji; Sakai, Fumikazu; Kato, Hisatoyo; Takano, Masao.

1982-01-01

New experience of digital angiography using Fuji Intelligent Diagnostic X-ray System was reported. The system utilizes newly developed high sensitivity imaging plate in conjunction with computerized image processor instead of image intensifier-TV series, thus drastically improving image quality. Initial clinical trial was made in 46 cases including intravenous digital subtraction angiography and transcatheter digital arteriography. The advantages of this method were summerized as: 1. better resolution, 2. wider field size, 3. more sophisticated image manipulation program. (author)

Superselective pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jensen-Kondering, Ulf [Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel (Germany); Lindner, Thomas, E-mail: thomas.lindner@uksh.de [Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel (Germany); Osch, Matthias J.P. van [C. J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden (Netherlands); Rohr, Axel; Jansen, Olav [Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel (Germany); Helle, Michael [Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel (Germany); Now with Philips GmbH Innovative Technologies, Research Laboratories, Hamburg (Germany)

2015-09-15

Highlights: • Superselective arterial spin labeling was capable of acquiring angiograms of individually selected arteries. • Image quality was similar compared with a routinely used time-of-flight angiography. • Superselective arterial spin labeling was utilized in patients with arterio-venous malformations and made it possible to visualize individual feeding vessels in a complete non-invasive way - Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the utility of a novel non-contrast enhanced, vessel-selective magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) approach based on superselective pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) for the morphologic assessment of intracranial arteries when compared to a clinically used time-of-flight (TOF) MRA. Materials and methods: Three sets of selective ASL angiographies (right and left internal carotid artery, basilar artery) as well as one TOF data set were obtained from each of the five volunteers included in this study on a clinical 1.5T system. The depiction of arterial segments as well as their delineation was evaluated and independently analyzed by two radiologists. Additionally, the ASL angiography approach was performed in two patients suffering from arterio-venous malformations (AVM) in order to illustrate potential applications in a clinical setting. Results: In both angiography techniques, intracranial arteries and their segments (distal branches up to A5 segments of the anterior cerebral arteries, M8 segments of the middle cerebral arteries, and P5 segments of the posterior cerebral arteries) were continuously depicted with excellent inter-reader agreement (κ > 0.81). In AVM patients, reconstructed images of the TOF angiography presented similar information about the size and shape of the AVM as did superselective ASL angiography. In addition, the acquired ASL angiograms of selected vessels allowed assessing the blood supply of individually labeled arteries to the AVM which could also be confirmed by digital subtraction angiography

Superselective pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jensen-Kondering, Ulf; Lindner, Thomas; Osch, Matthias J.P. van; Rohr, Axel; Jansen, Olav; Helle, Michael

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Superselective arterial spin labeling was capable of acquiring angiograms of individually selected arteries. • Image quality was similar compared with a routinely used time-of-flight angiography. • Superselective arterial spin labeling was utilized in patients with arterio-venous malformations and made it possible to visualize individual feeding vessels in a complete non-invasive way - Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the utility of a novel non-contrast enhanced, vessel-selective magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) approach based on superselective pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) for the morphologic assessment of intracranial arteries when compared to a clinically used time-of-flight (TOF) MRA. Materials and methods: Three sets of selective ASL angiographies (right and left internal carotid artery, basilar artery) as well as one TOF data set were obtained from each of the five volunteers included in this study on a clinical 1.5T system. The depiction of arterial segments as well as their delineation was evaluated and independently analyzed by two radiologists. Additionally, the ASL angiography approach was performed in two patients suffering from arterio-venous malformations (AVM) in order to illustrate potential applications in a clinical setting. Results: In both angiography techniques, intracranial arteries and their segments (distal branches up to A5 segments of the anterior cerebral arteries, M8 segments of the middle cerebral arteries, and P5 segments of the posterior cerebral arteries) were continuously depicted with excellent inter-reader agreement (κ > 0.81). In AVM patients, reconstructed images of the TOF angiography presented similar information about the size and shape of the AVM as did superselective ASL angiography. In addition, the acquired ASL angiograms of selected vessels allowed assessing the blood supply of individually labeled arteries to the AVM which could also be confirmed by digital subtraction angiography

Prognostic value of combined CT angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging versus invasive coronary angiography and nuclear stress perfusion imaging in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Chen, Marcus Y.; Rochitte, Carlos E.; Arbab-Zadeh, Armin

2017-01-01

Purpose: To compare the prognostic importance (time to major adverse cardiovascular event [MACE]) of combined computed tomography (CT) angiography and CT myocardial stress perfusion imaging with that of combined invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and stress single photon emission CT myocardial p...

Closing in on the K Edge : Coronary CT Angiography at 100, 80, and 70 kV-Initial Comparison of a Second-versus a Third-Generation Dual-Source CT System

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Meyer, Mathias; Haubenreisser, Holger; Schoepf, U. Joseph; Vliegenthart, Rozemarijn; Leidecker, Christianne; Allmendinger, Thomas; Lehmann, Ralf; Sudarski, Sonja; Borggrefe, Martin; Schoenberg, Stefan O.; Henzler, Thomas

2014-01-01

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate radiation and contrast medium requirements for performing high-pitch coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography at 70 kV using a third-generation dual-source CT system in comparison to a second-generation dual-source CT system. Materials and Methods: All

Early-Dynamic Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography and PET Angiography for Endoleak Detection After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Science.gov (United States)

Drescher, Robert; Gühne, Falk; Freesmeyer, Martin

2017-06-01

To propose a positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) protocol including early-dynamic and late-phase acquisitions to evaluate graft patency and aneurysm diameter, detect endoleaks, and rule out graft or vessel wall inflammation after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in one examination without intravenous contrast medium. Early-dynamic PET/CT of the endovascular prosthesis is performed for 180 seconds immediately after intravenous injection of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose. Data are reconstructed in variable time frames (time periods after tracer injection) to visualize the arterial anatomy and are displayed as PET angiography or fused with CT images. Images are evaluated in view of vascular abnormalities, graft configuration, and tracer accumulation in the aneurysm sac. Whole-body PET/CT is performed 90 to 120 minutes after tracer injection. This protocol for early-dynamic PET/CT and PET angiography has the potential to evaluate vascular diseases, including the diagnosis of complications after endovascular procedures.

Pediatric thoracic CT angiography at 70 kV: a phantom study to investigate the effects on image quality and radiation dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MacDougall, Robert D.; Kleinman, Patricia L.; Lee, Edward Y.; Yu, Lifeng

2016-01-01

Studies have demonstrated that 70-kilovolt (kV) imaging enhances the contrast of iodine, potentially affording a reduction in radiation dose while maintaining the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). There is a maximum amount of image noise beyond which increased contrast does not improve structure visualization. Thus, noise should be constrained during protocol optimization. This phantom study investigated the effect of 70-kV imaging for pediatric thoracic CT angiography on image quality and radiation dose in a pediatric population when a noise constraint was considered. We measured contrast and noise using anthropomorphic thoracic phantoms ranging in size from newborn age equivalent to 10-year-old age equivalent. We inserted contrast rods into the phantoms to simulate injected contrast material used in a CT angiography study. The image-quality metric ''iodine CNR with a noise constraint'' was used to determine the relative dose factor for each phantom size, kV setting (70-140 kV) and noise constraint (1.00-1.20). A noise constraint of 1.20 indicates that noise should not increase by more than 20% of the noise level in images performed at the reference kV, selected to be 80 kV in this study. The relative dose factor can be applied to the original dose obtained at 80 kV in order to maintain iodine CNR with the noise constraint. A relative dose factor <1.0 indicates potential for dose reduction while a relative dose factor >1.0 indicates a dose penalty. Iodine contrast was highest for 70 kV and decreased with higher kV settings for all phantom sizes. The relative dose factor at 70 kV was <1.0 for all noise constraint >1.0, indicating potential for dose reduction, for the newborn, 1-year-old and 5-year-old age-equivalent phantom sizes. For the 10-year-old age-equivalent phantom, relative dose factor at 70 kV=1.22, 1.11, 1.01, 0.92 and 0.83 for noise constraint=1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, respectively, indicating a dose penalty for noise constraint �

Defining utility trace substance emissions and risks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Torrens, I.M.

1993-01-01

An update is presented on the activities of EPRI and other organizations, including DOE, aimed at improving the quality of available information on utility trace element emissions, control technologies and risks. Because of these efforts, the state of knowledge is advancing rapidly. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments aim to reduce emissions of 189 substances that they designate as hazardous air pollutants - commonly called air toxics. The more neutral term open-quotes trace substancesclose quotes is used in this paper, since most are emitted in extremely low concentrations from utility stacks. The degree of toxicity or hazard at these concentrations is subject to considerable uncertainty, and clarifying this is one of the objectives of the work in progress. The most clear and urgent need emanating from the CAAA has been to obtain reliable information on which of the substances on the CAAA list are emitted from different types of power plants - in what amounts, what risks they pose, how much is removed by today's pollution control equipment. EPRI is addressing the issue on several fronts, e.g.; developing a data base and tools that will enable utilities to estimate emissions levels from their power facilities, given the types of fuels burned and plant characteristics; developing a better understanding of how emissions are transported and transformed before they encounter humans and ecological systems; and assessing the risk to public health and the environment posed by utility releases of these substances

Ca II H and K emission from late-type stars

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Middlekoop, F.

1982-01-01

This thesis is based on a study of the Ca II H and K emission features of late main-sequence stars. In Chapter II it is shown that rotation periods can be determined from a modulation in the Ca II H and K signal for many stars in a broad range of spectral types. In Chapter III it is shown that a clear correlation exists between Ca II H and K emission and rotational velocity in active main-sequence stars. There is an indication for a (probably colour-dependent) critical velocity at which the Ca II H and K emission suddenly drops. Chapter IV discusses the dependence of Ca II H and K emission on the rotation rate for evolved stars. (Auth./C.F.)

Breath-hold two-dimensional MR angiography of coronary arteries. Comparison with conventional coronary angiography in ten cases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Liwei; Zhang Wanshi; Liu Chaozhong; Lu Xiaoyan; Xu Jiaxing

1997-01-01

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of two-dimensional coronary magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in patients evaluated for ischemic heart disease. Materials and methods: Ten patients who underwent selective cardiac catheterization with coronary MR angiography were evaluated with two-dimensional coronary MR angiography. Coronary MR angiography was performed with breath-hold fat-suppressed ECG-gated Turbo-FLASH with K-space segmentation using a 1.5 T imager. Results: The left main coronary artery, proximal left anterior descending artery, circumflex artery and right coronary artery were demonstrated in all cases. Continuous segments (mean) of left anterior descending, circumflex and right coronary arteries visualized on MRA were 6.72 +- 3.16 cm, 3.67 +- 4.81 cm and 7.93 +- 3.12 cm respectively. The overall sensitivity for detection of hemodynamically significant coronary artery lesion (≥50%) was 62.5% respectively. Conclusion: Breath-hold two-dimensional coronary MR angiography was useful in showing relatively long segments of the main coronary arteries and also has potential in depicting hemodynamically significant coronary artery lesions

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... News Physician Resources Professions Site Index A-Z Catheter Angiography Catheter angiography uses a catheter, x-ray ... are the limitations of Catheter Angiography? What is Catheter Angiography? Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test ...

On the system of cine-angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wakamatsu, Koji; Togi, Hideaki; Yokoyama, Hironori

1979-01-01

National Institute of Circulatory Disease Centre have four angiography apparatuses which deal with more than 80 cases of cerebral blood vessel and 100 cases of heart blood vessel each month. Most of the angiography is cine-photography. Five more angiography apparatuses are expected to be operated in operation and RI examination rooms in the future. The problems on cine-angiography system were discussed as follows: (1) The proper dose must be chosen in order to obtain good quality of cine-images. (2) The cine resolution depends much on dose. (3) The lower X-ray tube voltage can give better contrast. (4) Suitable capacity for an X-ray tube is over 60 kW at 2 sec rating. (5) Cine-autophotography requires rapid response and a circuit for lock. (6) Influence of side scattering can be solved by a blanking circuit in biplane cine-photography. (7) Self-developing is desirable to improve the quality of cine-images. (Kobatake, H.)

Image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic accuracy of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography at 70 kVp in a clinical setting: comparison with invasive coronary angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Long Jiang; Qi, Li; Zhou, Chang Sheng; Zhao, Yan E.; Li, Xie; Lu, Guang Ming [Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Department of Medical Imaging, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China); Wang, Yining; Cao, Jian; Jin, Zhengyu [Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Department of Radiology, Beijing (China); Schoepf, U.J. [Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Department of Medical Imaging, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China); Medical University of South Carolina, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Charleston, SC (United States); Meinel, Felix G. [Medical University of South Carolina, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Charleston, SC (United States); Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Munich (Germany); Bayer, Richard R. [Medical University of South Carolina, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Charleston, SC (United States); Gong, Jian Bin [Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Department of Cardiology, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China)

2016-03-15

To investigate image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic performance of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) at 70 kVp compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as reference standard. Forty-three patients underwent prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp using 30 cc (11 g iodine) contrast medium and ICA. Subjective and objective image quality was evaluated for each CCTA study. CCTA performance for diagnosing ≥50 % stenosis was assessed. Results were stratified according to heart rate (HR), body mass index (BMI), Agatston score, and image quality. At CCTA, 94.3 % (500/530) of coronary segments were of diagnostic quality. Using ICA as reference standard, sensitivity and accuracy were 100 % and 93.0 % on a per-patient basis. Per-vessel and per-segment performances were 92.2 % and 89.5 %; 79.5 % and 88.3 %, respectively. No differences were found in diagnostic accuracy between different HR, BMI, and calcification subgroups (all P > 0.05) on a per-patient basis. However, low image quality reduced diagnostic accuracy on a per-patient, per-vessel and per-segment basis (all P < 0.05). The mean effective radiation dose was 0.2 ± 0.0 mSv. Our presented protocol results in an effective radiation dose of 0.2 mSv and high diagnostic accuracy for stenosis detection in a selected, non-obese population. (orig.)

The emissions of peat production and utilization chain, the effects of the emissions, proportion and valuing of them

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahonen, A.; Leiviskae, V.; Kiukaanniemi, E.

1992-01-01

The solid matter flush off of peat production areas do not differ remarkably from those of forest drainage and clear felling excluding the nitrogen flush out, which remain on higher level longer, for the 15-20 years of peat production. The fertilizer flush off of peat production is remarkably smaller than that of agriculture. The portion of peat of the total N-load in Finnish watercourses is 0.3 % and 0.2 % of the P-load. The low load value of peat production is due to the marginality of peat production areas of the total utilization of the ground. The portion of loads of peat production are increased on those areas there the portion of peat production of the total ground utilization is high, and no other water loading activities except forestry does not exist. The portion of peat of the total primary energy consumption is about 5 %. The portion of peat fuelled boilers of the solid matter, SO2 and NOx emissions of the energy production was 3 % and of CO2 emissions 8 % in 1991. The CO2 emissions of peat production and combustion into the air are about 360 k/produced m 3 . Some of the environmental effects of the peat production and utilization can be priced using market prices, and hence it is easy to estimate their costs if the reason-action connections are known. Others, like health effects and the conservational value of the mire, are very hard to prize. The estimation of environmental effects cause problems in valoring. the effects of peat production load to watercourses are not easy to separate from the effects of other loads on water courses

[Study on mercury re-emissions during fly ash utilization].

Science.gov (United States)

Meng, Yang; Wang, Shu-Xiao

2012-09-01

The amount of fly ash produced during coal combustion is around 400 million tons per year in China. About 65%-68% of fly ash is used in building material production, road construction, architecture and agriculture. Some of these utilization processes include high temperature procedures, which may lead to mercury re-emissions. In this study, experiments were designed to simulate the key process in cement production and steam-cured brick production. A temperature programmed desorption (TPD) method was used to study the mercury transformation in the major utilization processes. Mercury re-emission during the fly ash utilization in China was estimated based on the experimental results. It was found that mercury existed as HgCl2 (Hg2 Cl2), HgS and HgO in the fly ash. During the cement production process, more than 98% of the mercury in fly ash was re-emitted. In the steam-curing brick manufacturing process, the average mercury re-emission percentage was about 28%, which was dominated by the percentage of HgCl2 (Hg2 Cl2). It is estimated that the mercury re-emission during the fly ash utilization have increased from 4.07 t in 2002 to 9.18 t in 2008, of which cement industry contributes about 96.6%.

Digital subtraction angiography: first 900 cases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rodgers, H.

1984-01-01

The diagnostic technique of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is briefly outlined. The operational and technical experiences with a DR-960 DSA system used in the examination of the first 900 cases at St. Thomas' Hospital, London are described. (U.K.)

Development of serial magnification angiography and its clinical significance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sasaki, Tsuneo; Matsubara, Kazuhito; Ishiguchi, Tsuneo; Mashita, Shinichi; Kaii, Osamu

1979-01-01

In order to apply serial magnification angiography to clinical examinations so easily, a serial cardioangiography apparatus was equipped with a tube having 0.1 mm focal spot and with DRX-431HD diode. A CAT-FK Type catheter bed (Toshiba) was used as a roentgenographic table and a PUCK film changer was used. Thus, serial magnification angiography can be easily used to clinical examinations, and can be set in a usual x-ray photographic studio. Serial magnification angiography was used to examine the cerebral vessels in 6 patients, vessels of the pulmonary circulation in 1 patient, bronchial arteries in 6 patients, the celiac artery in 18 patients, the superior mesenteric artery in 2 patients, inferior mesenteric artery in 2 patients, the renal artery in 2 patients, and the adrenal vein in 7 patients. Owing to this angiography, minute changes in the vessel in the lesion can be observed and fine neovascularity can be detected. Thus, serial magnification angiography makes diagnoses of vascular disorders easier. (Ichikawa, K.)

Clinical application of digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Morimoto, Tadashi; Kaku, Suiei; Morikawa, Eiji

1984-01-01

Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) by the direct puncture of the carotid artery was described with special reference to its techniques, and cases were presented. This method was safe and painless and could be performed repeatedly. Cerebral angiographic images obtained by this method were either superior or fully compatible to the conventional cerebral angiography. It is therefore of great diagnostic value and can replace the conventional method. Furthermore, since the pretreatment is unnecessary and the time required is short, IA-DSA can be used as an adjuvant method for emergency diagnosis. (Namekawa, K)

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available ... is performed using: x-rays with catheters computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) In catheter angiography, ... tumor; this is called superselective angiography. Unlike computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography , use of ...

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available ... is performed using: x-rays with catheters computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) In catheter angiography, a ... tumor; this is called superselective angiography. Unlike computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography , use of a ...

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available ... Z Catheter Angiography Catheter angiography uses a catheter, x-ray imaging guidance and an injection of contrast material ... vessels in the body. Angiography is performed using: x-rays with catheters computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging ( ...

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available ... using: x-rays with catheters computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) In catheter angiography, a thin plastic ... called superselective angiography. Unlike computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography , use of a catheter makes it ...

CT coronary angiography vs. invasive coronary angiography in CHD

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anja Hagen

2012-04-01

Full Text Available Scientific background: Various diagnostic tests including conventional invasive coronary angiography and non-invasive computed tomography (CT coronary angiography are used in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD. Research questions: The present report aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, prognostic value cost-effectiveness as well as the ethical, social and legal implications of CT coronary angiography versus invasive coronary angiography in the diagnosis of CHD. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic data bases (MEDLINE, EMBASE etc. in October 2010 and was completed with a manual search. The literature search was restricted to articles published from 2006 in German or English. Two independent reviewers were involved in the selection of the relevant publications. The medical evaluation was based on systematic reviews of diagnostic studies with invasive coronary angiography as the reference standard and on diagnostic studies with intracoronary pressure measurement as the reference standard. Study results were combined in a meta-analysis with 95 % confidence intervals (CI. Additionally, data on radiation doses from current non-systematic reviews were taken into account. A health economic evaluation was performed by modelling from the social perspective with clinical assumptions derived from the meta-analysis and economic assumptions derived from contemporary German sources. Data on special indications (bypass or in-stent-restenosis were not included in the evaluation. Only data obtained using CT scanners with at least 64 slices were considered. Results: No studies were found regarding the clinical efficacy or prognostic value of CT coronary angiography versus conventional invasive coronary angiography in the diagnosis of CHD. Overall, 15 systematic reviews with data from 44 diagnostic studies using invasive coronary angiography as the reference standard (identification of obstructive

An investigation of cerebral magnetic resonance angiography, 4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takeda, Sadanori; Sadamoto, Kazuhiko; Ohue, Shiro; Todo, Hirooki; Sakaki, Saburo.

1991-01-01

We have been studying MR angiography using the 0.5 tesla system. Recently we developed three-dimensional MR angiography on the 0.5 tesla system using the gradient-echo technique. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical ability of this newly developed 3-D MR angiography to detect intracranial vascular diseases in comparison with SE or 2-D MR angiography. Twenty-eight patients (15 cerebral aneurysms, 8 arteriovenous malformations, and 5 others) were examined. Three-dimensional MR angiography was performed with TRs of from 60 to 90 msec, TEs of from 16 to 22 msec, flip angls of from 15 to 45 degrees, and a 256x256x16 or 32 matrix. The imaging volumes ranged in thickness from 48 to 64 mm. In our study, a subtraction technique composed of rephased and dephased sequences was applied. As the result of utilizing 0.5 tesla 3-D MR angiography with optimal parameters, good visualization of main cerebral arteries such as second-order branches was obtained. Cerebral aneurysms, AVMs, and arterial occlusions were also well demonstrated, but some of the giant aneurysms were displayed insufficiently for the various flows to be determined. We concluded that 3-D MR angiography on the 0.5 tesla system has the ability to detect intracranial vascular lesions and should be the method for the screening and follow-up of intracranial vascular diseases. (author)

Utility of liver scintigraphy and angiography in preoperative detection of liver metastasis from gastrointestinal carcinoma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Konomi, K; Aso, M; Nakayama, F [Kyushu Univ., Fukuoka (Japan). Faculty of Medicine

1980-12-01

One hundred and seventy cases of cancer of digestive tract were separated into three groups, advanced gastric cancer, biliary and/or pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. The presence of liver metastasis in each group was studied preoperatively by either liver scintigraphy or celiac and superior mesenteric angiography. In advanced gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, false negative ranged between 6.7 - 12.7 per cent by both scintigraphy and angiography. In biliary tract and/or pancreatic cancer, the ratio of false negative was significantly higher i.e. 18.8 - 22.6 per cent, which suggests the difficulty in diagnosing liver metastasis correctly in this group. The most frequent occurrences of false positive either in scintigraphy or angiography were those of masses of less than 2 cm in diameter. The difference in correct diagnosis rates for liver metastasis between scintigraphy and angiography in all three groups was only 2.9 per cent. Hence, liver scintigraphy seems to be preferable for the purpose of detecting liver metastasis prior to surgery, since further angiographical examination entails irradiation, possible complications and economic factors.

Utility of liver scintigraphy and angiography in preoperative detection of liver metastasis from gastrointestinal carcinoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Konomi, Kohki; Aso, Masakazu; Nakayama, Fumio

1980-01-01

One hundred and seventy cases of cancer of digestive tract were separated into three groups, advanced gastric cancer, biliary and/or pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. The presence of liver metastasis in each group was studied properatively by either liver scintigraphy or celiac and superior mesenteric angiography. In advanced gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, false negative ranged between 6.7 - 12.7 per cent by both scintigraphy and angiography. In biliary tract and/or pancreatic cancer, the ratio of false negative was significantly higher i.e. 18.8 - 22.6 per cent, which suggests the difficulty in diagnosing liver metastasis correctly in this group. The moist frequent occurrences of false positive either in scintigraphy or angiography were those of masses of less than 2 cm in diameter. The difference in correct diagnosis ratio for liver metastasis between scintigraphy and angiography in all three groups was only 2.9 per cent. Hence, liver scintigraphy seems to be preferable for the purpose of detecting liver metastasis prior to surgery, since further angiographical examination entails irradiation, possible complications and economic factors. (author)

Copper K-shell emission cross sections for laser–solid experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Davies, J. R.; Betti, R.; Nilson, P. M.; Solodov, A. A. [Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623 (United States)

2013-08-15

Published measurements and models of the cross section for electrons causing K-shell emission from copper are reviewed to find a suitable expression to use when analyzing K{sub α}-emission measurements in laser–solid experiments at peak intensities above 10{sup 18} W/cm{sup 2}. Few measurements exist in the 0.1- to 10-MeV electron energy range currently of interest, leaving a number of possible suitable models that are summarized here with a number of typing errors corrected. Two different limiting forms for the cross section at relativistic energies are used, and existing measurements do not give a clear indication as to which is correct. Comparison with the limiting form of electron stopping power indicates an alternative relativistic form and also that the density-effect correction will be important in copper above 10 MeV. For data analysis relying on relative K{sub α} emission caused by electrons with energy much greater than the K-shell binding energy, the existing uncertainty in cross sections is unimportant, but it will be a source of uncertainty when using absolute values and for electron energies up to ∼6× the binding energy. K-shell emission caused by photons and protons is also briefly reviewed.

Spin-polarized x-ray emission of 3d transition-metal ions : A comparison via K alpha and K beta detection

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wang, Xin; deGroot, F.M.F.; Cramer, SP

1997-01-01

This paper demonstrates that spin-polarized x-ray-excitation spectra can be obtained using K alpha emission as well as K beta lines. A spin-polarized analysis of K alpha x-ray emission and the excitation spectra by K alpha detection on a Ni compound is reported. A systematic analysis of the

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of persistent fifth aortic arch in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhong, Yumin; Zhu, Ming; Sun, Aimin; Li, Yuhua; Jaffe, Richard B.; Gao, Wei

2007-01-01

Cine angiography and echocardiography have been utilized to diagnose congenital aortic arch anomalies. However, the visualization of great vessels by echocardiography is limited, while cine angiography requires cardiac catheterization with ionizing radiation. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a noninvasive modality suitable for visualization of congenital aortic arch anomalies. To evaluate the utility of contrast-enhanced MRA in the diagnosis of persistent fifth aortic arch, a rare congenital aortic arch anomaly, and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MRA with that of echocardiography and cine angiography. In four pediatric patients, contrast-enhanced MRA studies were performed for diagnosing persistent fifth aortic arch. The findings of MRA were compared with echocardiographic findings and confirmed by cine angiography and operation. Transthoracic surface echocardiography noted an aberrant vessel arising from the ascending aorta in two of four patients; the etiology of this vessel was uncertain. In the other two patients a diagnosis of coarctation was made. Of the four patients, only one was diagnosed with interruption of the aortic arch. Contrast-enhanced MRA clarified uncertain echocardiographic findings, enabling the correct diagnosis of persistent fifth aortic arch with fourth aortic arch interruption in all four patients. Contrast-enhanced MRA is a safe, accurate, and fast imaging technique for the evaluation of persistent fifth aortic arch and may obviate the need for conventional cine angiography. Cardiac catheterization may be reserved for some types of complicated congenital heart disease and for obtaining hemodynamic information. (orig.)

Utility emissions associated with electric and hybrid vehicle (EHV) charging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1993-04-01

This project is a joint effort between the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct a comprehensive, in-depth assessment of the emission impacts of electric and hybrid vehicles (EHVs). The study determines local and regional emission impacts under a variety of scenarios, covering both conservative and optimistic assumptions about vehicle efficiency, power plant efficiency, and other factors. In all scenarios, EHV use significantly reduces urban emissions of CO, VOC, and TSP. Changes in NO x and CO 2 emissions are very sensitive to average or marginal power plant emissions and vehicle efficiency assumptions. NO x and CO 2 emissions changes vary dramatically by region. Certain combinations of EHV and CV scenarios and regions result in significant reductions, while other combinations result in significant increases. Careful use of these results is advised. In all scenarios, SO 2 increases with EHV use although the amount is small-less than 1% of total utility emissions even vath the deployment of 12 million EHVS. But because of emission cap provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, national SO 2 totals will not be allowed to increase. Thus, utilities will have to apply more stringent measures to combat increased SO 2 emissions due to the increased use of electric vehicles

Renal computed angiography. Part I: Renal CT arteriography in hypertension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Amin, M.; Hadjidekov, V.

2012-01-01

Visualization of renal vasculature is needed in several clinical condition among which hypertension is dominant. CT angiography now day replaces catheter angiography as non-invasive method. The goal of this study is to present initial authors experience in visualization of renal arteries using 64 MDCT and to evaluated the utility in hypertensive patients. MDCT assures excellent assessment of renal arteries conditions. Multiplanar reconstruction and allow better delineation in tortuous vessels course and anatomic variants. (authors)

Carbon emissions and management scenarios for consumer-owned utilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fischlein, Miriam; Smith, Timothy M.; Wilson, Elizabeth J.

2009-01-01

An important subset of the utility sector has been scarcely explored for its ability to reduce carbon dioxide emissions: consumer-owned electric utilities significantly contribute to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, but are often excluded from energy efficiency and renewable energy policies. They sell a quarter of the nation's electricity, yet the carbon impact of these sales is not well understood, due to their small size, unique ownership models, and high percentage of purchased power for distribution. This paper situates consumer-owned utilities in the context of emerging U.S. climate policy, quantifying for the first time the state-by-state carbon impact of electricity sales by consumer-owned utilities. We estimate that total retail sales by consumer-owned utilities account for roughly 568 million metric tons of CO 2 annually, making this sector the 7th largest CO 2 emitter globally, and examine state-level carbon intensities of the sector in light of the current policy environment and the share of COU distribution in the states. Based on efficiency and fuel mix pathways under conceivable regulations, carbon scenarios for 2030 are developed.

A phantom test of proton-induced dual-energy X-ray angiography using iodinated contrast media

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oguri, Y.; Hasegawa, J.; Ogawa, M.; Kaneko, J.; Sasa, K.

2007-01-01

Characteristic-line radiation from heavy metal targets bombarded by MeV proton beams has been tested as an X-ray source for dual-energy K-edge subtraction imaging for human angiography (blood vessel imaging) based on iodinated contrast media. To utilize the strong absorption by iodine (Z=53) at its K-absorption edge (33.2 keV), we used K α -line of La (lanthanum, Z=57) at 33.4 keV. As a reference, also K α X emission of Sn (tin, Z=50) at 25.2 keV was employed. Metallic plates of La and Sn were irradiated by 7-MeV protons to produce these characteristic X-rays. Energy-subtraction method was tested using Lucite phantoms which contain aqueous solutions of KI (potassium iodide) with different concentrations. Also Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 powder was stuffed in these phantoms to simulate bones. The transmission images of the phantoms were recorded on imaging plates. During the exposure, the energy spectra of the X-rays were monitored by a CdTe detector. We found that the contrast of images of iodide solutions taken with La X-rays was higher than that with Sn X-rays. Also the energy subtraction procedure was successfully applied to reduce the graphical noise due to the bones and inhomogeneity of the soft tissue. However, to apply the present method to actual clinical use, the X-ray intensity must be increased by several orders of magnitude. Also the transmission of the 'lower-energy' photons has to be a few orders higher for imaging of objects as thick as human chest. (author)

Multidetector-row CT angiography of hepatic artery: comparison with conventional angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jin Woong; Jeong, Yong Yeon; Yoon, Woong; Kim, Jae Kyu; Park, Jin Gyoon; Seo, Jeong Jin; Kang, Heoung Keun

2003-01-01

To determine the usefulness of three-dimensional CT angiography using multidetector-row CT (MD-CT) for delineating the arterial anatomy of the liver. Hepatic arterial three-dimensional CT angiography was performed using MDCT (lightspeed Qx/I; GE medical systems, milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A.) in 45 patients with HCC undergoing conventional angiography for transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization. The scanning parameters during the early arterial phase were 2.5 mm slice thickness, 7.5 mm rotation of table speed, and a pitch of 3. Images were obtained by one radiologist using maximum intensity projection from axial CT images obtained during the early arterial phase. Two radiologists blinded to the findings of conventional angiography independently evaluated the hepatic arterial anatomy and the quality of the images obtained. Compared with conventional angiography, reader A correctly evaluated the hepatic arterial anatomy depicted at three-dimensional CT angiography. Reader B's evaluation was correct in 40 of 45 patients. Interobserver agreement was good (kappa value, 0.73), and both readers assessed the quality of three-dimensional CT angiography as excellent. Three-dimensional CT angiography using MDCT was accurate for delineating the arterial anatomy of the liver, and interobserver agreement was good. The modality may provide, prior to conventional angiography, valuable information regrading a patient's hepatic arterial anatomy

Simulation analysis of emissions trading impact on a non-utility power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Imran, Kashif; Ahmad, Intesar; Hassan, Tehzeebul; Aslam, Muhammad Farooq; Ngan, Hon-Wing

2009-01-01

Non-utility power plants can competitively participate in open electricity market to reduce operational costs but in the absence of pollution charges or emissions trading such generators are tempted to cause greater pollution for profit maximization. This paper presents a solution that incorporates pollution charges for nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide emissions in line with existing national environmental quality standards and a new carbon dioxide emissions trading mechanism. A novel approach has been used for allocation of allowable emissions that favors efficiently fuelled and environmentally friendly operation for maximizing profit. Impact of proposed carbon trading on economical utilization of enormous indigenous coal reserves has been analyzed and determined to be acceptable. Software developed in this paper, harnessing Sequential Quadratic Programming capabilities of Matlab, is shown to be adequate simulation tool for various emissions trading schemes and an useful operational decision making tool for constrained non-linear optimization problem of a non-utility power plant. (author)

Simulation analysis of emissions trading impact on a non-utility power plant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Imran, Kashif; Ahmad, Intesar [Department of Electrical Engineering, COMSATS Institute of IT, Lahore (Pakistan); Hassan, Tehzeebul [Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore (Pakistan); Aslam, Muhammad Farooq [Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore (Pakistan); Ngan, Hon-Wing [Department of Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (China)

2009-12-15

Non-utility power plants can competitively participate in open electricity market to reduce operational costs but in the absence of pollution charges or emissions trading such generators are tempted to cause greater pollution for profit maximization. This paper presents a solution that incorporates pollution charges for nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide emissions in line with existing national environmental quality standards and a new carbon dioxide emissions trading mechanism. A novel approach has been used for allocation of allowable emissions that favors efficiently fuelled and environmentally friendly operation for maximizing profit. Impact of proposed carbon trading on economical utilization of enormous indigenous coal reserves has been analyzed and determined to be acceptable. Software developed in this paper, harnessing Sequential Quadratic Programming capabilities of Matlab, is shown to be adequate simulation tool for various emissions trading schemes and an useful operational decision making tool for constrained non-linear optimization problem of a non-utility power plant. (author)

Clinical utility of coronary CT angiography with low-dose chest CT in the evaluation of patients with atypical chest pain: a preliminary report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lim, Soo Jin; Choo, Ki Seok; Kim, Chang Won

2008-01-01

To determine the clinical utility of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with low-dose chest CT in the evaluation of patients with atypical chest pain. Ninety-six patients (mean age 60.2 years; age range, 41-68 years; 70 males) were referred for CCTA with low-dose chest CT (16-slice MDCT, Siemens) for an evaluation of atypical chest pain. When significant stenoses (lumen diameter reduction > 50%) were detected on CCTA, invasive coronary angiography (CA) was performed as the standard of reference. In all patients, medical chart review or telephone contact with patients was used to evaluate the contribution of CCTA with low-dose chest CT to the final clinical diagnosis, at least 6 months after performing CCTA. Among 96 patients, seven patients (7%) had significant stenoses as detected on CCTA, whereas two patients (2%) had significant stenoses and five patients had insignificant stenoses or no stenosis, as detected on conventional catheter angiography. In 18 (19%) of the 89 patients without significant stenosis detected on CCTA, this protocol provided additional information that suggested or confirmed an alternate clinical diagnosis. In patients with atypical chest pain, CCTA with low-dose chest CT could help to exclude ischemic heart disease and could provide important ancillary information for the final diagnosis

NOX EMISSION CONTROL OPTIONS FOR COAL-FIRED ELECTRIC UTILITY BOILERS

Science.gov (United States)

The paper reviews NOx control options for coal-fired electric utility boilers. (NOTE: Acid Rain NOx regulations, the Ozone Transport Commission's NOx Budget Program, revision of the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for NOx emissions from utility sources, and Ozone Transpor...

Imaging of the digital arteries: Digital subtraction angiography versus conventional angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Menanteau, B.P.; Treutenaere, J.M.; Marcus, C.; Ladam, V.; Gausserand, F.

1986-01-01

The authors report their experience with the use of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and conventional angiography of the hand. Of the 95 patients in the study group, 80 underwent conventional angiography and 15 underwent DSA. They analyzed the studies with regard to the type and amount of contrast agent used, the number of radiographs needed, and the diagnostic quality of the images. Conventional angiography often requires general anesthesia, magnification, and pharmaco-angiographic techniques to improve the image-based diagnosis. In comparison with conventional angiography, intraarterial DSA is characterized by improved contrast sensitivity and inferior spatial resolution. However, DSA provides images as acceptable as those of conventional angiography. Smaller catheters can be used, and the examination is performed under local anesthesia. The authors conclude that intraarterial DSA is now the technique of choice for examining patients with chronic ischemia of the hand

MR-angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seiderer, M.

1989-01-01

Three categories of MRI techniques for vascular imaging are discussed: 2d-angiography using rephasing and dephasing pulse sequences and slice selective imaging; 3d-angiography using rehpasing and dephasing pulse sequences and fas 3d-imaging techniques; 3d-angiography using signal intensity modulation caused by pre- and post-contrast data acquisition (e.g. Gadolinium-DTPA) in combination with fast 3d-imaging (only one type of pulse sequence). (H.W.). 6 figs

Emissions from the utility power industry in Poland - limitations and trends

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Badyda, K.; Uzunov, N.

1999-01-01

According to the modified legislation in 1998 the detailed limitations concern three categories power generation enterprises by site and type using solid organic fuels mainly: electric energy generation based in 99 % and heat generation - in 75 % on coal. For the first category consists of about 100 utility electric power enterprises combined heat and power and heating stations of about 10000 MW total capacity the modernization programme was realized to reduce the basic pollutant emissions like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide during the period 1989-1997. Tendency of burning low-sulfur and low-ash coals with much calorific value is shown in a table. The average calorific value of the hard coals burned increased from 18280 kJ/kg in 1989 to 21423 in 1997 and sulfur content decreased from 1.148 % to 0.851 % due also to building of desulfurization installations. Decreasing of the nitrogen oxides emission took part in the last years. The new limitations on emission and concentration of harmful substances in the atmosphere related to standard oxygen contents in the flue gases. Table data for comparison of the permissible emissions for high capacity plants (500 MW and above) on solid fuels in Austria, France, Netherlands, Germany,Poland, Turkey, USA, UK and Italy. Table data for Polish pollutant concentration standards, compared to the values in the E U and USA, in μg/m 3 . Table data about the charges for air pollutant emissions in Poland in 1999. Despite of significant improvement of new legislation treating harmful substances emissions to the atmosphere, there are still some practical shortcomings: decisions without technological considerations; changes without a transition period; the emissions from engines and gas turbines are out of the regulating decree or there is no uniform regulations and lack of uniform method for emission measurement at power installations. The programme for regulation of the Polish environment protection is estimated to about 35 billion

Microembolism after cerebral angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manaka, Hiroshi; Sakai, Hideki; Nagata, Izumi

2000-01-01

Acute microemboli are detected more precisely with the recently developed diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI). We happened to obtain 24 DWIs after 350 diagnostic cerebral angiographies in 1999. DWIs after cerebral angiographies showed bright lesions in 7 patients (28%), of whom 6 had no neurological symptoms after cerebral angiography. Seven of the 24 patients had risk factors for arteriosclerosis. Only one patient had embolic events due to angiography. Microemboli related to cerebral angiographies are inevitable in some patients. Most are silent, however, we should investigate the cause of microemboli and should make cerebral angiography safer. (author)

Pediatric CT angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Siegel, M.J.

2005-01-01

Advances in CT technology are having profound impact on imaging children and have made CT angiography possible even in neonates. Even with the tiny anatomy of neonates, small volumes of contrast material, and small venous access catheters, successful CT angiography can be performed with attention to detail. Meticulous attention to patient preparation, the proper selection of technical factors, and optimal delivery of contrast material are crucial. Data post-processing and the creation of 3-D reconstructions are also essential in establishing a correct diagnosis. The applications fo CT angiography are different in children than in adults and most applications in children involve assessment of congenital and postoperative vascular and cardiac diseases. The use of CT angiography offers the opportunity to eliminate the long periods of sedation associated with MR and reduce the radiation exposure associated with conventional angiography. Generally, the benefits of CT angiography in children outweigh the risk, namely that of radiation exposure. However, care must still be taken to minimize the radiation exposure. (orig.)

Right ventricular functional analysis utilizing first pass radionuclide angiography for pre-operative ventricular assist device planning: a multi-modality comparison.

Science.gov (United States)

Avery, Ryan; Day, Kevin; Jokerst, Clinton; Kazui, Toshinobu; Krupinski, Elizabeth; Khalpey, Zain

2017-10-10

Advanced heart failure treated with a left ventricular assist device is associated with a higher risk of right heart failure. Many advanced heart failures patients are treated with an ICD, a relative contraindication to MRI, prior to assist device placement. Given this limitation, left and right ventricular function for patients with an ICD is calculated using radionuclide angiography utilizing planar multigated acquisition (MUGA) and first pass radionuclide angiography (FPRNA), respectively. Given the availability of MRI protocols that can accommodate patients with ICDs, we have correlated the findings of ventricular functional analysis using radionuclide angiography to cardiac MRI, the reference standard for ventricle function calculation, to directly correlate calculated ejection fractions between these modalities, and to also assess agreement between available echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters of right ventricular function. A retrospective review from January 2012 through May 2014 was performed to identify advanced heart failure patients who underwent both cardiac MRI and radionuclide angiography for ventricular functional analysis. Nine heart failure patients (8 men, 1 woman; mean age of 57.0 years) were identified. The average time between the cardiac MRI and radionuclide angiography exams was 38.9 days (range: 1 - 119 days). All patients undergoing cardiac MRI were scanned using an institutionally approved protocol for ICD with no device-related complications identified. A retrospective chart review of each patient for cardiomyopathy diagnosis, clinical follow-up, and echocardiogram and right heart catheterization performed during evaluation was also performed. The 9 patients demonstrated a mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using cardiac MRI of 20.7% (12 - 40%). Mean LVEF using MUGA was 22.6% (12 - 49%). The mean right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) utilizing cardiac MRI was 28.3% (16 - 43%), and the mean RVEF calculated by

The accuracy and utility of contrast-enhanced MR angiography for localization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: the Toronto experience

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lindenholz, Arjen [University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurosurgery AB71, PO Box 30001, Groningen (Netherlands); Toronto Western Hospital, Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Toronto, ON (Canada); TerBrugge, Karel G.; Farb, Richard I. [Toronto Western Hospital, Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Toronto, ON (Canada); Dijk, J.M.C. van [University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurosurgery AB71, PO Box 30001, Groningen (Netherlands)

2014-11-15

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and utility of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) in spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF). A retrospective analysis from 1999-2012 identified 70 patients clinically suspected of harboring a SDAVF. Each patient underwent consecutive conventional MR-imaging, CE-MRA, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The presence or absence of serpentine flow voids, T2-weighted hyperintensity, and cord enhancement were evaluated, as well as location of the fistula as predicted by CE-MRA. DSA was used as the reference standard. Of the 70 cases, 53 were determined to be a SDAVF, 10 cases were shown to be other forms of vascular malformation, and 7 were DSA-negative. On MRI, all reported cases of SDAVF showed serpentine flow voids (100 %). T2-weighted hyperintensity was seen in 48 of 50 cases (96 %), extending to the conus in 41 of 48 cases (85 %). Cord enhancement was seen in 38 of 41 cases (93 %). CE-MRA correctly localized the SDAVF in 43 of the 53 cases (81 %). CE-MRA is a useful non-invasive examination for the detection and localization of SDAVF. CE-MRA facilitates but does not replace DSA as confirmation of location, fistula type, and arterial detail, which are required before treatment. (orig.)

Flexible 75 kWel Stirling CHP-plant for bio-fuels with low emissions and a high fuel utilization. Final technical report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

2011-07-01

The objective of the project ''Flexible 75 kWel Stirling CHP-plant for bio-fuels with low emissions and a high fuel utilization'' was to combine the Danish experiences with the Stirling engine and updraft gasification with the application of the FLOX gas burner technology for developing and demonstrating a flexible biomass-based small scale CHP plant with 75 kW electrical output, high power efficiency and low emissions. Further, the project has aimed at increasing the technology's reliability and decreasing the need for service. Also, the project has included the development of a control and communication system for unmanned start-up and operation of the plant. During the project the objective was altered and so the development of a new Stirling engine design was done on the 4-cylindred 35 kWe Stirling engine instead of the 8-cylindred 75 kWe Stirling engine. Focus has been on designing a more durable engine designed for easy and fast service. Cold test of the engine has been successful and now full-scale hot tests are to be performed. In the project Stirling DK has also in cooperation with project partner Danish gas Technology Centre developed the Stirling Engine with Diluted Oxidation (SEDIOX) concept which is a combustion technology based on the diluted oxidation principle. A trademark is obtained and also a patent application is filed and pending regarding the SEDIOX combustion chamber concept. All components for the Stirling gasification plant were produced and installed at Svanholm Estate. The plant consisted of one conventional combustion chamber and one SD3E-type Stirling engine. The plant was commissioned in June 2009 and 1,472 hours of operation and 43 MWh of electricity production was achieved before the plant was de-commissioned in February 2010 due to divergences between Svanholm Estate and Stirling DK. During operation the control system including remote access was tested thoroughly and with great success. The new overall

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available Toggle navigation Test/Treatment Patient Type Screening/Wellness Disease/Condition Safety En Español More Info Images/Videos About Us News Physician Resources Professions Site Index A-Z Catheter Angiography Catheter angiography ...

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arlart, I.P.; Guhl, L.

1992-01-01

An account is given in this paper of the physical and technical principles underlying the 'time-of-flight' technique for imaging of vessels by magnetic resonance tomography. Major indications for the new procedure of magnetic resonance angiography at present are intracerebral and extracerebral vessels, with digital subtraction angiography quite often being required to cope with minor alterations (small aneurysms, small occlusions). Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography are compared to each other for advantages and disadvantages. Basically, replacement of radiological angiography by magnetic resonance angiography appears to be possible only within limits, since X-ray diagnostics primarily provides morphological information about vessels, whereas flow dynamics is visualized by the 'time-of-flight' technique. (orig.) [de

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... you are pregnant and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, medications you're taking and allergies, especially ... is Catheter Angiography? Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical ...

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... far outweighs the risk. If you have a history of allergy to x-ray contrast material, your ... Angiography (CTA) X-ray, Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Radiation Safety Images related to Catheter Angiography Sponsored ...

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses ... has narrowed the arteries to the legs and help prepare for endovascular intervention or surgery. detect disease ...

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... resonance imaging (MRI) In catheter angiography, a thin plastic tube, called a catheter , is inserted into an ... The catheter used in angiography is a long plastic tube about as thick as a strand of ...

Overall evaluability of low dose protocol for computed tomography angiography of thoracic aorta using 80 kV and iterative reconstruction algorithm using different concentration contrast media.

Science.gov (United States)

Annoni, Andrea Daniele; Mancini, Maria E; Andreini, Daniele; Formenti, Alberto; Mushtaq, Saima; Nobili, Enrica; Guglielmo, Marco; Baggiano, Andrea; Conte, Edoardo; Pepi, Mauro

2017-10-01

Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography (MDCTA) is presently the imaging modality of choice for aortic disease. However, the effective radiation dose and the risk related to the use of contrast agents associated with MDCTA is an issue of concern. Aim of this study was to assess image quality of a low dose ECG-gated MDCTA of thoracic aorta using different concentration contrast media without tailored injection protocol. Two-hundred patients were randomised into four different scan protocols: Group A (Iodixanol 320 and 80 Kvp tube voltage), Group B (Iodixanol 320 and 100 Kvp tube voltage), Group C (Iomeprol 400 and 80 Kvp tube voltage) and Group D (Iomeprol 400 and 100 Kvp tube voltage). Image quality, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and effective dose (ED) were compared among groups. No significant differences in image noise, SNR and CNR between groups with the same tube voltage. Significant differences in SNR and CNR were found among groups with 80 kV versus groups using 100 kV but without differences in terms of image quality. ED was significantly lower in groups with 80 kV. Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography protocols using 80 kV and low concentration contrast media are feasible without need of tailored injection protocols. © 2017 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available ... lies. The catheter used in angiography is a long plastic tube about as thick as a strand of spaghetti. top of page How does the procedure work? Catheter angiography works much the same as a ...

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... story about radiology? Share your patient story here Images × Image Gallery Interventional radiologist performing an angiography exam View ... ray, Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Radiation Safety Images related to Catheter Angiography Sponsored by Please note ...

Electron cyclotron emission measurements at the stellarator TJ-K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sichardt, Gabriel; Ramisch, Mirko [Institut fuer Grenzflaechenverfahrenstechnik und Plasmatechnologie, Universitaet Stuttgart (Germany); Koehn, Alf [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Plasmaphysik, Garching (Germany)

2016-07-01

Electron temperature (T{sub e}) measurements in the magnetised plasmas of the stellarator TJ-K are currently performed by means of Langmuir probes. The use of these probes is restricted to relatively low temperatures and the measurement of temperature profiles requires the acquisition of the local current-voltage characteristics which limits strongly the sampling rate. As an alternative, T{sub e} can be measured using the electron cyclotron emission (ECE) that is generated by the gyration of electrons in magnetised plasmas. Magnetic field gradients in the plasma lead to a spatial distribution of emission frequencies and thus the measured intensity at a given frequency can be related to its point of origin. The T{sub e} dependence of the intensity then leads to a temperature profile along the line of sight for Maxwellian velocity distributions. A diagnostic system for T{sub e} measurements using ECE is currently being set up at TJ-K. When non-thermal electrons are present the emission spectrum changes dramatically. Therefore, the ECE can also be used to investigate the contribution of fast electrons to previously observed toroidal net currents in TJ-K. Simulations are used to examine the role of electron drift orbits in generating these currents.

Abdominal MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wegmueller, H.; Vock, P.

1993-01-01

The two techniques currently most often used for MR angiography, those based on time-of-flight effects and on phase-contrast, are introduced, and our results with three-dimensional phase contrast angiography of the abdomen are presented. Several basic differences from other imaging procedures render MR angiography clinically useful for screening for renal artery stenosis in critical situations, such as renal failure or intolerance to contrast agents. In the future, the spectrum of applications of MR angiography will broaden and include other indications, such as portal venous hypertension and follow-up studies after surgical portal systemic shunting. (orig.) [de

Magnetic resonance angiography vs. angiography in tetralogy of Fallot.

Science.gov (United States)

Rao, Uppalapati Venkateswara; Vanajakshamma, Velam; Rajasekhar, Durgaprasad; Lakshmi, Amancharla Yadagiri; Reddy, Reddivari Niranjan

2013-08-01

: To determine whether gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography can provide a noninvasive alternative to diagnostic catheterization for evaluation of pulmonary artery anatomy in tetralogy of Fallot. Thirty-five consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot, who attended the cardiology outpatient department between January 2008 and December 2009, were included in the study. There were 21 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 9 ± 4.15 years (range, 3-21 years). Thirty-two patients had tetralogy of Fallot with varying severities of valvular and infundibular stenosis. Three patients had tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. All patients underwent both cardiac catheterization with X-ray angiography and 3-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography within one month. Measurements of right and left pulmonary arteries and aortopulmonary collaterals were equal by both methods. There was a good correlation between magnetic resonance angiography and catheterization measurements of branch pulmonary arteries. Gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography can be used as a reliable noninvasive alternative to X-ray cineangiography for delineation of pulmonary arterial anatomy in sick infants and young children, obviating the need for catheterization.

K-α emission form medium and high-Z materials irradiated by femtosecond laser pulses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Limpouch, J.; Klimo, O.; Zhavoronkov, N.; Andreev, A.A.

2006-01-01

Complete test of publication follows. Fast electrons are created at the target surface during the interaction of high intensity ultra short laser pulses with solids. Fast electrons penetrate deep into the target where they generate K-α and Bremsstrahlung radiation. Generated high brightness K-α pulses offer the prospect of creating a cheap and compact X-ray source, posing a promising alternative to synchrotron radiation, e.g. in medical application and in material science. With an increase in laser intensity, efficient X-ray emission in the multi-keV range with pulse duration shorter than few picoseconds is expected. This short incoherent but monochromatic X-ray emission synchronized with laser pulses may be used for time-resolved measurements. Acceleration of fast electrons, their transport and K-α photon generation and emission from the target surface in both forward and backward directions are studied here numerically. The results are compared to recent experiments studying K-α emission from the front and rear surface of copper foil targets of various thicknesses and for various parameters of the laser plasma interaction. One-dimensional PIC simulations coupled with 3D time-resolved Monte Carlo simulations show that account of ionization processes and of density profile formed by laser ASE emission is essential for reliable explanation of experimental data. While sub-relativistic intensities are optimum for laser energy transformation into K-α emission for medium-Z targets, relativistic laser intensities have to be used for hard X-ray generation in high-Z materials. The cross-section for K-α shell ionization of high-Z elements by electrons increases or remains approximately constant within a factor of two at relativistic electron energies up to electron energies in the 100-MeV range. Moreover, the splitting ratio of K-α photon emission to Auger electron emission is favorable for high-Z materials, and thus efficient K-α emission is possible. In our

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available Toggle navigation Test/Treatment Patient Type Screening/Wellness Disease/Condition Safety En Español More Info Images/Videos About Us News Physician ... Catheter Angiography? Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. ...

Computed Tomographic Perfusion Improves Diagnostic Power of Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography in Women

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Penagaluri, Ashritha; Higgins, Angela Y.; Vavere, Andrea L

2016-01-01

laboratories. Prevalence of flow-limiting CAD defined by invasive coronary angiography equal to 50% or greater with an associated single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging defect was 45% (114/252) and 23% (30/129) in males and females, respectively. Patient-based diagnostic......Background-Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and myocardial perfusion imaging (CTP) is a validated approach for detection and exclusion of flow-limiting coronary artery disease (CAD), but little data are available on gender-specific performance of these modalities. In this study, we...... aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of combined coronary CTA and CTP in detecting flow-limiting CAD in women compared with men.  Methods and Results-Three hundred and eighty-one patients who underwent both CTA-CTP and single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging...

Evaluation of hemodynamic significance of coronary fistulae. Diagnostic integration between coronary angiography and stress/rest myocardial scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rubini, G.; Sebastiani, M.

2000-01-01

It is here reported on the importance of the integration of data obtained from digital coronary angiography and stress/rest 99m Tc sestamibi myocardial perfusion single photon emission tomography in evaluationing the hemodynamic significance of coronary arteriovenous fistulae. Coronary fistulae were detected with coronary angiography in 9 patients. All patients underwent clinical examination, trans thoracic echocardiography, stress electrocardiogram and stress/rest 99m Tc sestamibi myocardial perfusion single photon emission tomography. Stress/rest 99m Tc sestamibi myocardial perfusion single photon tomography and stress electrocardiogram showed stress-induced myocardial ischemia in 2 patients. The first patient with familial predisposition and risk factors for ischemic heart disease presented a mesocardic heart murmur on clinical examination. At stress ECG (125 Watt, 153 b/m max frequency 93%, arterial pressure 230 mmHg, max frequency pressure product 35200) ischemic alterations were recorded at the first minute of the second stage of the Bruce protocol. Coronary angiography detected a circumflex artery fistula in the coronary sinus. Stress/rest 99m Tc sestamibi myocardial perfusion single photon emission tomography for the evaluation of stress/rest perfusion detected a reversible perfusion defect of the proximal portion of the posterolateral and lateral walls, thus confirming the hemodynamic importance of the flow through the fistula during stress cycloergometric testing. In the second patient familial predisposition to ischemic heart disease and previous inferior wall myocardial infarction and non-significant stress ECG, coronary angiography identified a seclusive stenosis of the right coronary artery and anomaly between the anterior interventricular artery and the left pulmonary artery. The presence of the contrast medium in the left pulmonary artery identified a flow from the left ventricle to the left pulmonary artery. Good angiographic results were obtained

Software-triggered contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography of the intracranial arteries.

Science.gov (United States)

Isoda, H; Takehara, Y; Isogai, S; Takeda, H; Tanaka, T; Takahashi, M; Nozaki, A; Sun, Y

2000-02-01

We investigated the effectiveness of software-triggered contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) MR angiography in evaluating intracranial arteries. We studied 38 patients with suspected brain lesions. Imaging was performed using a 1.5-T superconducting MR system with a commercially available head coil. To monitor signal intensity changes we used software to place a tracker volume at the basilar artery or the internal carotid artery. A 20-ml bolus of gadodiamide hydrate was administered through the antecubital vein at a rate of 2-4 ml/sec, followed by a saline flush. Three-dimensional MR angiography using a spoiled gradient-echo sequence with centric K-space ordering was triggered by the arrival of the contrast bolus in the tracker volume. Imaging times ranged from 12 to 20 sec. We used MR images to assess the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography in revealing intracranial arteries with minimal venous overlap. The software triggered imaging on the arrival of the contrast bolus in 81.6% of examinations. In 77.6% of examinations, the resulting MR angiograms revealed intracranial arteries with minimal venous overlap. Software-triggered contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography with centric K-space ordering is a promising technique for viewing intracranial arteries.

K and L X-ray emission intensities of some radionuclides

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Verma, H R; Pal, D [Punjabi Univ., Patiala (India). Dept. of Physics

1985-01-01

The K and L x-ray emission intensities per 100 disintegrations have been calculated for some radionuclides using the latest adopted data for gamma-ray intensities, electron capture and internal conversion coefficients for the parent nuclides, fluorescence yield values, Coster-Kronig transition probabilities, average total number of primary L shell vacancies produced in the decay of K shell vacancies and emission rates for various shells and subshells for the daughter nuclei. The results are in good agreement with theoretical and experimental values for the K x-ray intensities. There are no experimental results available to compare with the present calculations for the L x-ray intensities; however, there is a marked discrepancy in the L..cap alpha.. and L..beta.. intensities available on the basis of theoretical estimates.

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available ... further information please consult the ACR Manual on Contrast Media and its references. The risk of serious allergic ... View full size with caption Related Articles and Media Angioplasty and Vascular Stenting MR Angiography (MRA) Contrast Materials CT Angiography (CTA) X-ray, Interventional Radiology ...

Design study of wind turbines, 50 kW to 3000 kW for electric utility applications: Executive summary

Science.gov (United States)

1977-01-01

Preliminary designs of low power (50 to 500 kW) and high power (500 to 3000 kW) wind generator systems (WGS) for electric utility applications were developed. These designs provide the bases for detail design, fabrication, and experimental demonstration testing of these units at selected utility sites. Several feasible WGS configurations were evaluated, and the concept offering the lowest energy cost potential and minimum technical risk for utility applications was selected. The selected concept was optimized utilizing a parametric computer program prepared for this purpose. The utility requirements evaluation task examined the economic, operational and institutional factors affecting the WGS in a utility environment, and provided additional guidance for the preliminary design effort. Results of the conceptual design task indicated that a rotor operating at constant speed, driving an AC generator through a gear transmission is the most cost effective WGS configuration.

Detection of aneurysms in subarachnoidal hemorrhage - CT-angiography versus digital subtraction angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roehnert, W.; Haenig, V.; Hietschold, V.; Abolmaali, N.

1998-01-01

Purpose: The value of CT-angiography (CT-A) for the visualization of intracranial aneurysms was more closely defined by comparison with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Methods: Over a period of 18 months a total of 106 patients in whom a subarachnoidal hemorrhage had been detected on native CT were examined in parallel by spiral CT and DSA. CT-angiography was performed under standardized parameters and included processing with 3D surface reconstructions. Results: In 64 patients (60.4%) at total of 72 aneurysms were detected. In four cases (6.2%) there were two and in two cases (3.1%) even three aneurysms. The findings of DSA and CTA agreed in 98 cases (92.5%). In four patients (3.8%) a false negative results was obtained in CTA and the initial DSA. Conclusions: Digital subtraction angiography must still be considered as the gold standard in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms. On account of its excellent spatial delineation of aneurysms and possibilities for exact measurements, CT-angiography represents a valuable, supplementary method - in some cases also an alternative method - to digital subtraction angiography. (orig.) [de

Emission spectra of alkali-metal (K,Na,Li)-He exciplexes in cold helium gas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Enomoto, K.; Hirano, K.; Kumakura, M.; Takahashi, Y.; Yabuzaki, T.

2004-01-01

We have observed emission spectra of excimers and exciplexes composed of a light alkali-metal atom in the first excited state and 4 He atoms [K*He n (n=1-6), Na * He n (n=1-4), and Li * He n (n=1,2)] in cryogenic He gas (the temperature 2 K -1 . Differently from exciplexes with heavier alkali-metal atoms, the spectra for the different number of He atoms were well separated, so that their assignment could be made experimentally. Comparing with the spectra of K * He n , we found that the infrared emission spectrum of the K atom excited in liquid He was from K*He 6 . To confirm the assignment, we have also carried out ab initio calculation of adiabatic potential curves and peak positions of the emission spectra of the exciplexes

Rest and exercise radionuclide angiography for diagnosis in chronic ischemic heart disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gibbons, R.J.

1991-01-01

Rest and exercise radionuclide angiography is frequently employed for the diagnosis of chest pain syndromes. Its value and limitations in this regard have been well studied, but proper utilization of the technique requires an understanding of five critical concepts: (1) Radionuclide angiography is superior to treadmill exercise testing and probably equivalent to thallium scintigraphy, although the published series did not use current methods. (2) The true specificity of radionuclide angiography is about 80%, intermediate between the early optimistic estimates and the later pessimistic ones. (3) The peak exercise ejection fraction is the preferred test parameter for diagnosis, although exercise hemodynamics, symptoms, and electrocardiographic changes should also be considered. (4) Although radionuclide angiography is clearly helpful for noninvasive diagnosis, significant numbers of patients will continue to fall in an uncertain category. (5) The proper application of the technique requires recognition of its limitations and careful attention to technical details. When properly applied, this modality can make an important contribution to clinical decision making. 58 references

Intracranial MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Davis, W.L.; Blatter, D.D.; Parker, D.L.; Robison, R.O.; Harnsberger, H.R.

1991-01-01

This paper compares the more traditional three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight MR angiography with a novel new technique, MOTSA, in the evaluation of both normal and abnormal intracranial anatomy. The authors performed sequential, location-matched 3D TOF and MOTSA MR angiography in 10 subjects with normal and 25 with abnormal intracranial anatomy. Images were evaluated for visualization of specific vessels and depiction of pathologic anatomy. All images were subjected to an objective scoring system. Digital angiography was available in 15 of 25 abnormal cases. In the normal cases, large- and small-vessel visualization was improved. Significant improvement in visualization of venous anatomy was also observed. In the abnormal cases, pathologic anatomy was better visualized, providing important diagnostic information. Multiple overlapping thin-slab-acquisition MR angiography demonstrates vessel visualization that is increased over that of 3D TOF MR angiography in both normal and abnormal cases. Because of the decrease in saturation effects and phase dispersion, MOTSA is especially useful in the evaluation of complex intracranial vascular abnormalities

CONTROL OF MERCURY EMISSIONS FROM COAL-FIRED ELECTRIC UTILITY BOILERS: INTERIM REPORT

Science.gov (United States)

The report provides additional information on mercury (Hg) emissions control following the release of "Study of Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions from Electric Utility Steam Generating Units--Final Report to Congress" in February 1998. Chapters 1-3 describe EPA's December 2000 de...

Coronary CT angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dewey, Marc [Charite - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin (Germany). Inst. fuer Radiologie

2009-07-01

Coronary CT angiography has attained increasing scientific attention at academic institutions and has become a highly accurate diagnostic modality. Extending this knowledge into a practice setting is the purpose of 'Coronary CT Angiography'. This book will assist you in integrating cardiac CT into your daily practice, while also giving an overview of the current technical status and applications. The specific features of scanners from all four main vendors are also presented providing an objective overview of noninvasive coronary angiography using CT. (orig.)

Understanding the basic concepts of CO2 angiography

Science.gov (United States)

Zannoli, Romano; Bianchini, David; Rossi, Pier Luca; Caridi, James G.; Corazza, Ivan

2016-11-01

The diagnostic quality of carbon dioxide angiography depends both on optimal setting of radiological aspects (X-ray emission and image post-processing) and on the mechanical behavior of the injected gas bubbles. The gas behavior differs in large cavities (d > 12 mm), medium sized vessels (d > 6 mm), and small diameter vessels (d rules governing the phenomenon in the particular situation. In most cases, it is impossible to fill a vessel completely with gas, and to obtain an adequate angiogram, the gas volume and injection pressure must be properly selected, patient's position must be adjusted and radiological image optimization algorithms, like Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and stacking, must be applied. In this optimization process, the cultural and practical intervention of a medical physicist is fundamental. Obtaining a good quality CO2 angiogram is not only a matter of medical operator experience or radiological system performance, but involves matching a wide knowledge of medical physics to particular pathophysiological conditions and to unusual measurement tests. Most medical physicists are used to dealing mainly with radiological problems, and other physical aspects are considered beyond their interest. In CO2 angiography, non-radiological aspects strongly interfere with radiological issues and an optimal result can only be obtained by tackling the two simultaneously.

Angiography in angiology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeitler, E.; Grosse-Vorholt, R.

1980-01-01

A review is given of recent developments in angiography including advances in the equipment, in the technique and in image processing. Indications for and interpretation of angiography are discussed and angiographic-therapeutic procedures are considered. (C.F.)

Clinical application of magnetic resonance coronary angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murakami, Akihiko; Onoe, Teruyuki; Kodera, Akifumi; Ohtsuki, Tetsuya; Shiomi, Akio; Ida, Masaaki; Sawada, Takahisa

1999-01-01

We performed the magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) in the cases which underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and obtained images were compared. Lesion with significant constriction more than 75% on CAG were determined as abnormal findings on MRCA, however, lesions with about 50% constriction were as the normal findings. On the assessment of the re-constriction after PTCA, the changes in signal were found in about half of cases. This may come from the contribution of flexion lesions, the difficulty to assess moderate constriction after PTCA, etc. For the anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery, peripheral large vessels could be simultaneously imaged by MRCA and be also assessed among their clear spatial relationship. Although MRCA has some problems on the assessment for flexion or moderate constriction, these results suggested that MRCA is useful to clinical application as the non-invasive examination. (K.H.)

Spectral analysis of K-shell X-ray emission of magnesium plasma

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

2014-02-06

Feb 6, 2014 ... Spectral analysis of K-shell X-ray emission of magnesium plasma, produced by laser pulses of 45 fs duration, focussed up to an intensity of ∼1018 W cm-2, is carried out. The plasma conditions prevalent during the emission of X-ray spectrum were identified by comparing the experimental spectra with the ...

Diagnostic yield and accuracy of CT angiography, MR angiography, and digital subtraction angiography for detection of macrovascular causes of intracerebral haemorrhage: Prospective, multicentre cohort study

NARCIS (Netherlands)

C.J.J. Van Asch (Charlotte J.J.); B.K. Velthuis (Birgitta K.); G.J.E. Rinkel (Gabriël J.E.); A. Algra (Ale); G.A.P. de Kort (G. A P); T.D. Witkamp (Theo); J.C.M. De Ridder (Johanna C.M.); K.M. Van Nieuwenhuizen (Koen M.); F.-E. De Leeuw (Frank-Erik); W.J. Schonewille (Wouter); P.L.M. de Kort (Paul); D.W.J. Dippel (Diederik); T.W.M. Raaymakers (Theodora W.M.); J. Hofmeijer; M.J.H. Wermer (Marieke); H. Kerkhoff (Henk); K. Jellema (Korné); I.M. Bronner (Irene M.); M.J.M. Remmers (Michel ); H.P. Bienfait (Henri); R.J.G.M. Witjes (Ron J.G.M.); J.P. Greving (Jacoba); C.J.M. Klijn (Catharina J.M.); H.F. de Leeuw (Frank); H.B. Boogaarts; E.J. van Dijk (Ewoud); W.J. Schonewille; W.M.J. Pellikaan; C. Puppels-De Waard; P.L.M. De Kort; J.P. Peluso; J. van Tuijl (Jordie); J. Hofmeijer; F.B.M. Joosten (Frank); D.W.J. Dippel (Diederik); L. Khajeh (Ladbon); T.W.M. Raaijmakers; M.J. Wermer; M.A.A. van Walderveen (Marianne); H. Kerkhoff; E. Zock; K. Jellema (Korné); G.J. Lycklama à Nijeholt (Geert); I.M. Bronner; M.J.M. Remmers; R.J.G.M. Witjes; H.P. Bienfait; K.E. Droogh-Greve; R. Donders (Rogier); V.I.H. Kwa; T.H.C.M.L. Schreuder (Tobien H. C. M. L.); C.L. Franke (Cees); J.S. Straver; C. Jansen; S.L.M. Bakker (Stef); C.C. Pleiter (C.); M.C. Visser; C.J.J. Van Asch; B.K. Velthuis (Birgitta); G.J.E. Rinkel (Gabriel); K.M. Van Nieuwenhuizen; C.J.M. Klijn (Catharina J.M.)

2015-01-01

textabstractStudy question What are the diagnostic yield and accuracy of early computed tomography (CT) angiography followed by magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in patients with non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage? Methods This

Circumstellar X-ray Emission from SN1978K

Science.gov (United States)

Schlegel, Eric M.; Colbert, E.; Petre, R.

1995-02-01

We present the X-ray light curve in the 0.2 2.4 keV band based on fiveROSAT observations of SN1978K in NGC 1313. The X-ray emission is believed to arise from the interaction of the reverse shock and the expanding debris from the supernova. The reverse shock becomes established after the outgoing shock runs into circumstellar matter.

Utility of computed axial tomography angiography in anatomic evaluation of pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mosquera, Walter A; Reyes P, Rafael; Aguilera N, Favio M; Breton, Cesar A; Buitrago, Danuby A; Suarez J Ramiro; Castillo, Victor

2007-01-01

Although echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization are used as first option tools for congenital heart diseases diagnosis, computed tomography angiography is a minimally invasive exam that through two to three dimensional images in real time gives an adequate approach to patients having this type of pathologies that require a rapid and precise evaluation of its extra cardiac anatomy. Objective: describe the institutional experience from August 2005 to August 2006 in the use of angiography by tomography as a complementary diagnostic method in the evaluation of pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases. Method: serial descriptive study. 58 pediatric patients with clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of congenital heart diseases were evaluated through the General Electric Multislice Light peed/16 scanner. Results: 58 patients with history of congenital heart disease were evaluated through CT angiography. Mean age was 2.4 ± 4.03 years. Twenty (33.8%) had diagnosis of pulmonary atresia, four (6.7%) had tricuspid atresia, eight (13.5%,) had double-outlet right ventricle, seven (11.8%) had tetralogy of Fallot, nine (15.2%) had alterations of the aortic arch, seven (11.8%) had coarctation of the aorta two (3.3%) had interrupted aortic arch, six (10.3%) had persistent ductus arteriosus, four (6.7%) had anomalous venous drainage and three (5.1 %) had transposition of the great arteries. High quality images that allowed assessing the precise vascular anatomy were obtained. Conclusions: computed tomography angiography turned out to be a useful tool in the diagnostic approach of congenital heart diseases, because it allowed a tridimensional anatomic reconstruction. New studies that may permit the assessment of sensitivity, specificity and concordance level of this technique with other invasive diagnostic methods available for the diagnosis of this type of diseases, are required

3D-CT angiography. Intracranial arterial lesions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Asato, Mikio; Tong, X.Q.; Tamura, Shozo [Miyazaki Medical Coll., Kiyotake (Japan)] [and others

1997-06-01

Since its introduction, three dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA) on spiral (helical) CT has played an important role in clinical imaging. Initially it was reported to be useful in depicting aortic abnormalities, afterwards the merit in detecting intracranial aneurysm by 3D-CTA was also described. We have investigated the usefullness of 3D-CTA in detecting patients of intracranial aneurysm as well as arterio-venous malformation (AVM), Moyamoya disease and stenosis of middle cerebral artery, meanwhile the MR angiography (MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination of these patients were also studied as comparison to the 3D-CTA results. The sensitivity and specificity on investigating intracranial aneurysm were similar with other reports so far. 3D-CTA was possible to identify the feeding artery, nidus and draining vein of AVM, although DSA showed higher detectability. Occlusion of internal carotid artery and post-operative anastomosis in Moyamoya disease were all demonstrated by 3D-CTA, however the Moyamoya collaterals were shown better on MRA. 3D-CTA revealed the site of stenosis of middle cerebral artery in all of our cases, but in general maximum intensity projection (MIP) images can provide more exact information about the degree of stenosis. Five years has passed since the emergence of spiral CT and utilizing of 3D-CTA in clinical applications. With the development of hard and soft ware in the near future, it is possible to delineate more small vessels by 3D-CTA. We predict that 3D-CTA would be widely used for detecting vasculature of the whole body, and may take the place of conventional angiography in many cases. (author)

Systematic Field Study of NO(x) Emission Control Methods for Utility Boilers.

Science.gov (United States)

Bartok, William; And Others

A utility boiler field test program was conducted. The objectives were to determine new or improved NO (x) emission factors by fossil fuel type and boiler design, and to assess the scope of applicability of combustion modification techniques for controlling NO (x) emissions from such installations. A statistically designed test program was…

Angiography - interventional diagnostic applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schild, H.

1994-01-01

The angiography system is very different from the other systems used in diagnostic radiology. The invasivity of angiography requires special, high standards in theoretical and practical training and experience both of beginners and experienced personnel. This textbook fully meets the demand for in-depth and exhaustive information, as it presents: - The fundamentals and techniques of angiography, the vascular anatomy, and many hints and tips of great help in practice. - A comprehensive survey of diagnostic problems and examination approaches, including neuro-angiography, with 221 reproductions of original angiographs, and additional schematic representations. - A special chapter devoted to indication and relevant techniques for the major vascular interventional examinations. - A great number of tables explain at a glance standard examination techniques, indications and diagnostic criteria. (orig./CB) [de

MR angiography with Vasovist

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goyen, Mathias [University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251 Hamburg (Germany)], E-mail: goyen@uke.uni-hamburg.de

2007-12-15

Vasovist (Gadofosveset) is the first intravascular contrast agent approved for use with magnetic resonance angiography in the European Union. This blood pool contrast agent reversibly binds to albumin providing extended intravascular enhancement compared to existing extracellular magnetic resonance contrast agents. Prior to approval, Vasovist underwent extensive clinical and pre-clinical testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug. The clinical trials program included blinded, placebo-controlled dose ranging, efficacy in a variety of vascular beds (aorto-iliac, renal, pedal), examination of potential drug interaction with warfarin, and comparison with X-ray angiography. The clinical trials show that Vasovist-enhanced MR angiography is safe and well tolerated in patients with vascular disease, effective for the detection of vascular stenosis and aneurysms, significantly more accurate (both more sensitive and specific) than non-contrast MR angiography for the diagnosis of vascular stenoses, and similar to conventional angiography for the overall characterization of vascular disease, without the need for catheterization. This review article highlights the product characteristics of Vasovist, gives an overview of the clinical development program and discusses selected clinical applications.

MR angiography with Vasovist

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goyen, Mathias

2007-01-01

Vasovist (Gadofosveset) is the first intravascular contrast agent approved for use with magnetic resonance angiography in the European Union. This blood pool contrast agent reversibly binds to albumin providing extended intravascular enhancement compared to existing extracellular magnetic resonance contrast agents. Prior to approval, Vasovist underwent extensive clinical and pre-clinical testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug. The clinical trials program included blinded, placebo-controlled dose ranging, efficacy in a variety of vascular beds (aorto-iliac, renal, pedal), examination of potential drug interaction with warfarin, and comparison with X-ray angiography. The clinical trials show that Vasovist-enhanced MR angiography is safe and well tolerated in patients with vascular disease, effective for the detection of vascular stenosis and aneurysms, significantly more accurate (both more sensitive and specific) than non-contrast MR angiography for the diagnosis of vascular stenoses, and similar to conventional angiography for the overall characterization of vascular disease, without the need for catheterization. This review article highlights the product characteristics of Vasovist, gives an overview of the clinical development program and discusses selected clinical applications

The increased use of computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography as the sole imaging modalities prior to infrainguinal bypass has had no effect on outcomes.

Science.gov (United States)

Shue, Bing; Damle, Rachelle N; Flahive, Julie; Kalish, Jeffrey A; Stone, David H; Patel, Virendra I; Schanzer, Andres; Baril, Donald T

2015-08-01

Angiography remains the gold standard imaging modality before infrainguinal bypass. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have emerged as noninvasive alternatives for preoperative imaging. We sought to examine contemporary trends in the utilization of CTA and MRA as isolated imaging modalities before infrainguinal bypass and to compare outcomes following infrainguinal bypass in patients who underwent CTA or MRA versus those who underwent conventional arteriography. Patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass within the Vascular Study Group of New England were identified (2003-2012). Patients were stratified by preoperative imaging modality: CTA/MRA alone or conventional angiography. Trends in utilization of these modalities were examined and demographics of these groups were compared. Primary end points included primary patency, secondary patency, and major adverse limb events (MALE) at 1 year as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate the effect of imaging modality on primary patency, secondary patency, and MALE after adjusting for confounders. In 3123 infrainguinal bypasses, CTA/MRA alone was used in 462 cases (15%) and angiography was used in 2661 cases (85%). Use of CTA/MRA alone increased over time, with 52 (11%) bypasses performed between 2003 and 2005, 189 (41%) bypasses performed between 2006 and 2009, and 221 (48%) bypasses performed between 2010 and 2012 (P < 0.001). Patients with CTA/MRA alone, compared with patients with angiography, more frequently underwent bypass for claudication (33% vs. 26%, P = 0.001) or acute limb ischemia (13% vs. 5%, P < 0.0001), more frequently had prosthetic conduits (39% vs. 30%, P = 0.001), and less frequently had tibial/pedal targets (32% vs. 40%, P = 0.002). After adjusting for these and other confounders, multivariable analysis demonstrated that the use of CTA/MRA alone was not associated with a significant

ULTRAHIGH SPEED SWEPT SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY OF RETINAL AND CHORIOCAPILLARIS ALTERATIONS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT RETINOPATHY.

Science.gov (United States)

Choi, WooJhon; Waheed, Nadia K; Moult, Eric M; Adhi, Mehreen; Lee, ByungKun; De Carlo, Talisa; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Baumal, Caroline R; Duker, Jay S; Fujimoto, James G

2017-01-01

To investigate the utility of ultrahigh speed, swept source optical coherence tomography angiography in visualizing retinal microvascular and choriocapillaris (CC) changes in diabetic patients. The study was prospective and cross-sectional. A 1,050 nm wavelength, 400 kHz A-scan rate swept source optical coherence tomography prototype was used to perform volumetric optical coherence tomography angiography of the retinal and CC vasculatures in diabetic patients and normal subjects. Sixty-three eyes from 32 normal subjects, 9 eyes from 7 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 29 eyes from 16 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and 51 eyes from 28 diabetic patients without retinopathy were imaged. Retinal and CC microvascular abnormalities were observed in all stages of diabetic retinopathy. In nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, optical coherence tomography angiography visualized a variety of vascular abnormalities, including clustered capillaries, dilated capillary segments, tortuous capillaries, regions of capillary dropout, reduced capillary density, abnormal capillary loops, and foveal avascular zone enlargement. In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal neovascularization above the inner limiting membrane was visualized. Regions of CC flow impairment in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy were also observed. In 18 of the 51 of eyes from diabetic patients without retinopathy, retinal mircrovascular abnormalities were observed and CC flow impairment was found in 24 of the 51 diabetic eyes without retinopathy. The ability of optical coherence tomography angiography to visualize retinal and CC microvascular abnormalities suggests it may be a useful tool for understanding pathogenesis, evaluating treatment response, and earlier detection of vascular abnormalities in patients with diabetes.

Energy utilization and carbon dioxide emission in the fresh, paste, whole-peeled, diced, and juiced tomato production processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karakaya, Ahmet; Ozilgen, Mustafa

2011-01-01

Energy utilization and carbon dioxide emission during the production of fresh, peeled, diced, and juiced tomatoes are calculated. The energy utilization for production of raw and packaging materials, transportation, and waste management are also considered. The energy utilization to produce one-ton retail packaged fresh tomatoes is calculated to be 2412.8 MJ, whereas when the tomatoes are converted into paste, the energy utilization increases almost twofold; processing the same amount into the peeled or diced-tomatoes increases the energy utilization seven times. In case of juice production, the increase is five times. The carbon dioxide emission is determined by the source of energy used and is 189.4 kg/t of fresh tomatoes in the case of retail packaging, and did not change considerably when made into paste. The carbon dioxide emission increased twofold with peeled or diced-tomatoes, and increased threefold when juiced. Chemical fertilizers and transportation made the highest contribution to energy utilization and CO 2 emission. The difference in energy utilization is determined mainly by water to dry solids ratio of the food and increases with the water content of the final product. Environmentally conscious consumers may prefer eating fresh tomatoes or alternatively tomato paste, to minimize carbon dioxide emission. -- Highlights: → Energy utilization for producing one-ton retail packaged fresh tomatoes was 2412.8 MJ → Energy utilization was 2 folds with paste, 7 times with peeled or diced-tomatoes, 5 times with juice. → Energy utilization increases with water content of the final product. → Transportation, packaging, evaporation and chemicals are the major energy consumers. → Carbon dioxide emission is determined by the source of energy.

Relationship Between Quantitative Adverse Plaque Features From Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography and Downstream Impaired Myocardial Flow Reserve by 13N-Ammonia Positron Emission Tomography: A Pilot Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Dey, Damini; Diaz Zamudio, Mariana; Schuhbaeck, Annika; Juarez Orozco, Luis Eduardo; Otaki, Yuka; Gransar, Heidi; Li, Debiao; Germano, Guido; Achenbach, Stephan; Berman, Daniel S; Meave, Aloha; Alexanderson, Erick; Slomka, Piotr J

2015-10-01

We investigated the relationship of quantitative plaque features from coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography and coronary vascular dysfunction by impaired myocardial flow reserve (MFR) by (13)N-Ammonia positron emission tomography (PET). Fifty-one patients (32 men, 62.4±9.5 years) underwent combined rest-stress (13)N-ammonia PET and CT angiography scans by hybrid PET/CT. Regional MFR was measured from PET. From CT angiography, 153 arteries were evaluated by semiautomated software, computing arterial noncalcified plaque (NCP), low-density NCP (NCP<30 HU), calcified and total plaque volumes, and corresponding plaque burden (plaque volumex100%/vessel volume), stenosis, remodeling index, contrast density difference (maximum difference in luminal attenuation per unit area in the lesion), and plaque length. Quantitative stenosis, plaque burden, and myocardial mass were combined by boosted ensemble machine-learning algorithm into a composite risk score to predict impaired MFR (MFR≤2.0) by PET in each artery. Nineteen patients had impaired regional MFR in at least 1 territory (41/153 vessels). Patients with impaired regional MFR had higher arterial NCP (32.4% versus 17.2%), low-density NCP (7% versus 4%), and total plaque burden (37% versus 19.3%, P<0.02). In multivariable analysis with 10-fold cross-validation, NCP burden was the most significant predictor of impaired MFR (odds ratio, 1.35; P=0.021 for all). For prediction of impaired MFR with 10-fold cross-validation, receiver operating characteristics area under the curve for the composite score was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.91) greater than for quantitative stenosis (0.66, 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.76, P=0.005). Compared with stenosis, arterial NCP burden and a composite score combining quantitative stenosis and plaque burden from CT angiography significantly improves identification of downstream regional vascular dysfunction. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Use of intraoperative cerebral and spinal digital angiography as an aid to vascular neurosurgery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Joseph, G.J.; Barrow, D.L.; Hoffman, J.C.; O'Brien, M.K.

1990-01-01

This paper determines the utility of intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (IODSA) in evaluating completeness of resection/clipping of vascular abnormalities of the central nervous system. IODSA was performed in 61 patients undergoing resection of intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVMs) (n = 25), aneurysms (n = 33), and spinal AVMs (n = 3). Results were reviewed immediately; if further surgery was required, additional studies were performed until resection was considered radiographically and surgically complete. All patients with AVM and 15 with aneurysm underwent postoperative angiography for confirmation of IODSA findings

Reproducibility and Reliability of Repeated Quantitative Fluorescence Angiography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nerup, Nikolaj; Knudsen, Kristine Bach Korsholm; Ambrus, Rikard

2017-01-01

INTRODUCTION: When using fluorescence angiography (FA) in perioperative perfusion assessment, repeated measures with re-injections of fluorescent dye (ICG) may be required. However, repeated injections may cause saturation of dye in the tissue, exceeding the limit of fluorescence intensity...... that the camera can detect. As the emission of fluorescence is dependent of the excitatory light intensity, reduction of this may solve the problem. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproducibility and reliability of repeated quantitative FA during a reduction of excitatory light....

The experiments of high power electron beam emission by the K-9M-57 and K-9M-58 rockets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaneko, Osamu; Sasaki, Susumu; Yamori, Akira; Hagiwara, Michinobu; Kawashima, Nobuki

1977-01-01

Active experiments have been conducted to obtain the precise picture of the ionosphere and magnetosphere. As the turbulence source of the active experiment by the authors, electron beam was employed, and the variation of the rocket potential, wave excitation and turbulence of peripheral plasma were investigated. The rated voltage and current of the present electron gun were 6 kV and 500 mA, respectively. The Langmuir probe, floating probe, optical detector and wave receiver were used for the measurement of various phenomena associated with electron beam emission. The experimental data on the voltage-current characteristics of the electron gun, the rocket potential, total light emission and plasma density and temperature were obtained by the K-9M-57 and K-9M-58 rockets. (Yoshimori, M.)

Evaluation of the pedal artery: comparison of three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography with digital subtraction angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Jeong Min; Kang, Sung Gwon; Byun, Joo Nam; Kim, Young Cheol; Choi, Jeong Yeol; Kim, Dong Hyun [College of Medicine, Chosun Univ., Kwangju (Korea, Republic of)

2002-07-01

To compare the three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for evaluation of the pedal artery. In 12 extremities of 11 patients, both digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MR angiography) were performed during the same week. Among ten of the 11 patients, the following conditions were present: atherosclerosis (n=4), diabetic foot (n=3), Buerger's disease (n=1), calciphylactic arteriopathy (n=1) and arteriovenous malformation of the foot (n=1). The remaining patient underwent angiography prior to flap surgery. For MR angiography, a 1.5T system using an extremity or head coil was used. A three-dimensional FISP (fast imaging with steady state precession) sequence was obtained before enhancement, followed by four sequential acquisitions (scan time, 20 secs, scan interval time, 10 secs) 10 seconds after intravenous bolus injection of normal saline (total 10 cc), following intravenous administration of gadolinium (0.02 mmol/kg, 3 ml/sec). Arterial segments of the ankle and foot were classified as the anterior or posterior tibial artery, the distal peroneal artery, the medial or lateral plantar artery, the pedal arch, and the dorsalis pedis artery. Two radiologists independently analysed visualization of each arteraial segment and the mean of visible arterial segments in one extreminty using CE-MR angiography and DSA. Among 84 arterial segments, 16 were invisible at both CE-MR angiography and DSA, while 39 were demonstrated by both modalities. Twenty-six segments were visible only at CE-MR angiography and three only at DSA. CE-MR angiography displayed a higher number of arterial segments than DSA (mean, 5.42 vs. mean 3.50, respectively), a difference which was statistically significant (p<0.000). The difference between each arterial segment was not statistically significant, except for the dorsalis pedis artery (t test, p<0.000). In that it provides additional information for

Spatially extended K Iλ7699 emission in the nebula of VY CMa: kinematics and geometry

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, Nathan

2004-04-01

Long-slit echelle spectra reveal bright extended emission from the K Iλ7699 resonance line in the reflection nebula surrounding the extreme red supergiant VY Canis Majoris. The central star has long been known for its unusually bright K I emission lines, but this is the first report of intrinsic emission from K I in the nebula. The extended emission is not just a reflected spectrum of the star, but is due to resonant scattering by K atoms in the outer nebula itself, and is therefore a valuable probe of the kinematics and geometry of the circumstellar environment of VY CMa. Dramatic velocity structure is seen in the long-slit spectra, and most lines of sight through the nebula intersect multiple distinct velocity components. A faint `halo' at large distances from the star does appear to show a reflected spectrum, however, and suggests a systemic velocity of +40 km s-1 with respect to the Sun. The most striking feature is blueshifted emission from the filled interior of a large shell seen in images; the kinematic structure is reminiscent of a Hubble flow, and provides strong evidence for asymmetric and episodic mass loss due to localized eruptions on the stellar surface.

Individual behavioural predictors of amphetamine-induced emission of 50 kHz vocalization in rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Mulvihill, Kevin G; Brudzynski, Stefan M

2018-05-11

Measurement of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) produced by adult rats represents a highly useful index of emotional arousal. The associations found between 50 kHz USV production and a variety of behavioural and pharmacological protocols increasingly suggests they serve as a marker of positive motivational states. This study used a powerful within-subjects design to investigate the relationships among individual differences in approach to a sweet-food reward, predisposition to emit 50 kHz USVs spontaneously, and 50 kHz USVs emission following acute systemic administration of amphetamine. Both approach motivation and predisposition to call were found to not correlate with each other but did predict 50 kHz USV response to acute amphetamine. These two behavioural phenotypes appear to represent dissociable predictors of acute amphetamine-induced emission of 50 kHz USVs in a non-sensitization paradigm. In contrast to that, a measure of sucrose preference was not found to predict 50 kHz USV emission following amphetamine. Acute amphetamine was also found to increase average sound frequency of emitted USVs and selectively increase the proportion of Trill subtype 50 kHz USVs. Together, these data demonstrate that acute amphetamine-induced 50 kHz USVs in the adult rat represent more than just a univariate motivational state and may represent the product of dissociable subsystems of emotional behavior. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Time-resolved CT angiography in aortic dissection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meinel, Felix G.; Nikolaou, Konstantin; Weidenhagen, Rolf; Hellbach, Katharina; Helck, Andreas; Bamberg, Fabian; Reiser, Maximilian F.; Sommer, Wieland H.

2012-01-01

Objectives: We performed this study to assess feasibility and additional diagnostic value of time-resolved CT angiography of the entire aorta in patients with aortic dissection. Materials and methods: 14 consecutive patients with known or suspected aortic dissection (aged 60 ± 9 years) referred for aortic CT angiography were scanned on a dual-source CT scanner (Somatom Definition Flash; Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) using a shuttle mode for multiphasic image acquisition (range 48 cm, time resolution 6 s, 6 phases, 100 kV, 110 mAs/rot). Effective radiation doses were calculated from recorded dose length products. For all phases, CT densities were measured in the aortic lumen and renal parenchyma. From the multiphasic data, 3 phases corresponding to a triphasic standard CT protocol, served as a reference and were compared against findings from the time-resolved datasets. Results: Mean effective radiation dose was 27.7 ± 3.5 mSv. CT density of the true lumen peaked at 355 ± 53 HU. Compared to the simulated triphasic protocol, time-resolved CT angiography added diagnostic information regarding a number of important findings: the enhancement delay between true and false lumen (n = 14); the degree of membrane oscillation (n = 14); the perfusion delay in arteries originating from the false lumen (n = 9). Other additional information included true lumen collapse (n = 4), quantitative assessment of renal perfusion asymmetry (n = 2), and dynamic occlusion of aortic branches (n = 2). In 3/14 patients (21%), these additional findings of the multiphasic protocol altered patient management. Conclusions: Multiphasic, time-resolved CT angiography covering the entire aorta is feasible at a reasonable effective radiation dose and adds significant diagnostic information with therapeutic consequences in patients with aortic dissection.

MR angiography (MRA)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hasuo, Kanehiro [Kyushu Univ., Fukuoka (Japan). Faculty of Medicine

1995-12-01

The primary goal of vascular imaging is the visualization of morphology and hemodynamics. Catheter angiography has been regarded as a gold standard for this purpose. However, MR angiography (MRA) is now increasingly being recognized as an important noninvasive technique for the depiction of vascular diseases and is partially superseding catheter angiography. The author evaluated the usefulness of MRA in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms and moyamoya disease. All aneurysms 5 mm or larger in diameter could be detected and most of those less than 5 mm in diameter were also detectable with using a combination of MIP images, target MIP images and source images. In moyamoya disease, the diagnosis could be made in all. For hemodynamic changes, flow directions in the circle of Willis could be visualized by phase-contrast MRA in a normal volunteer. In addition, MRA successfully showed the patency of surgical collaterals in cases of moyamoya disease. Despite some limitations compared with catheter angiography, MRA has a high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular abnormalities. Furthermore, screening of cerebral aneurysms or cerebrovascular occlusive diseases seems to be a new, and important indication for MRA. (author).

Risk of renal allograft rejection following angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heideman, M.; Claes, G.; Nilson, A.E.

1976-01-01

In a retrospective study of 173 immediately functioning primary kidney transplants, correlation between angiography and renal allograft rejection was studied during the first 14 days. It was found that rejection was more frequent in kidneys undergoing angiography than in those not undergoing angiography. It was also found that in kidneys undergoing angiography an overwhelming number of the rejections started the day after angiography. These differences in rejection frequency could not be explained by differences in HLA matching or the origin of the kidneys. These findings suggest a possible connection indicating that the angiography might elicit an acute rejection episode. A possible mechanism for starting this reaction might be activation of the complement system which was found in 50 percent of the patients undergoing angiography in peripheral blood and in 100 percent when studied in vitro

Digital subtraction angiography in ischemic cerebrovascular accidents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manelfe, C.; Bonafe, A.; Ducos de Lahitte, M.; Rascol, A.; Prere, J.; Guiraud, B.; Marc-Vergnes, J.P. (Hopital Purpan, 31 - Toulouse (France))

1983-12-29

Recent advances in computer and radiological technology have permitted reassessment of intravenous angiography in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disorders. Although digital subtraction angiography is a relatively new technique, it has rapidly gained a widespread acceptance. It has extended the use of angiography to outpatients and to people in whom conventional angiography is contraindicated. This reliable, safe, and relatively noninvasive technique offers the user two benefits: real-time subtraction and enhanced image quality. The system allows angiographic evaluation of the extracranial and intracranial vessels by means of intravenous injection of contrast material. Extracranial studies clearly demonstrate stenoses and occlusions of the major cervicocephalic arteries. Intracranial studies usually detect major cerebrovascular occlusions and provide insight into the collateral flow patterns. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography permits accurate assessment of cervicocephalic vessels after surgical repair. Although intravenous digital subtraction angiography obviates the need for conventional angiography in many cases, movements from the patients, or superimposition of vascular structures can substantially degrade the quality of the images. Digital subtraction angiography with intra-arterial injection of contrast medium will be contemplated in patients with poor intravenous digital subtraction angiography studies prior to surgery.

Digital subtraction angiography in ischemic cerebrovascular accidents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manelfe, C.; Bonafe, A.; Ducos de Lahitte, M.; Rascol, A.; Prere, J.; Guiraud, B.; Marc-Vergnes, J.P.

1983-01-01

Recent advances in computer and radiological technology have permitted reassessment of intravenous angiography in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disorders. Although digital subtraction angiography is a relatively new technique, it has rapidly gained a widespread acceptance. It has extended the use of angiography to outpatients and to people in whom conventional angiography is contraindicated. This reliable, safe, and relatively noninvasive technique offers the user two benefits: real-time subtraction and enhanced image quality. The system allows angiographic evaluation of the extracranial and intracranial vessels by means of intravenous injection of contrast material. Extracranial studies clearly demonstrate stenoses and occlusions of the major cervicocephalic arteries. Intracranial studies usually detect major cerebrovascular occlusions and provide insight into the collateral flow patterns. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography permits accurate assessment of cervicocephalic vessels after surgical repair. Although intravenous digital subtraction angiography obviates the need for conventional angiography in many cases, movements from the patients, or superimposition of vascular structures can substantially degrade the quality of the images. Digital subtraction angiography with intra-arterial injection of contrast medium will be contemplated in patients with poor intravenous digital subtraction angiography studies prior to surgery [fr

Vasovist-enhanced MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goyen, M.; Shamsi, K.; Schoenberg, S.O.

2006-01-01

Vasovist (MS-325) is the first intravascular contrast agent approved for use with magnetic resonance angiography in the European Union. Vasovist reversibly binds to albumin, providing extended intravascular enhancement compared to existing extracellular magnetic resonance contrast agents. Prior to approval, Vasovist underwent extensive testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug; the clinical trials program included blinded, placebo-controlled dose ranging, efficacy in a variety of vascular beds (AIOD, renal, pedal), examination of potential drug interaction with warfarin and comparison with XRA. The clinical trials show that Vasovist-enhanced MR angiography is safe and well-tolerated in patients with vascular disease, effective for the detection of vascular stenosis and aneurysms, significantly more accurate (both more sensitive and specific) than non-contrast MR angiography for the diagnosis of vascular stenoses, and similar to conventional angiography for the overall characterization of vascular disease, without the need for catheterization. (orig.)

Vasovist-enhanced MR angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goyen, M. [Univ. Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg (Germany); Shamsi, K. [Berlex Lab., Inc., Montville, NJ (United States); Schoenberg, S.O. [Dept. of Clinical Radiology, Univ. Hospitals Grosshadern, Munich (Germany)

2006-02-15

Vasovist (MS-325) is the first intravascular contrast agent approved for use with magnetic resonance angiography in the European Union. Vasovist reversibly binds to albumin, providing extended intravascular enhancement compared to existing extracellular magnetic resonance contrast agents. Prior to approval, Vasovist underwent extensive testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug; the clinical trials program included blinded, placebo-controlled dose ranging, efficacy in a variety of vascular beds (AIOD, renal, pedal), examination of potential drug interaction with warfarin and comparison with XRA. The clinical trials show that Vasovist-enhanced MR angiography is safe and well-tolerated in patients with vascular disease, effective for the detection of vascular stenosis and aneurysms, significantly more accurate (both more sensitive and specific) than non-contrast MR angiography for the diagnosis of vascular stenoses, and similar to conventional angiography for the overall characterization of vascular disease, without the need for catheterization. (orig.)

Is fasting necessary for elective cerebral angiography?

Science.gov (United States)

Kwon, O-K; Oh, C W; Park, H; Bang, J S; Bae, H-J; Han, M K; Park, S-H; Han, M H; Kang, H-S; Park, S-K; Whang, G; Kim, B-C; Jin, S-C

2011-05-01

In order to prevent unexpected events such as aspiration pneumonia, cerebral angiography has been performed under fasting in most cases. We investigated prospectively the necessity of fasting before elective cerebral angiography. The study is an open-labeled clinical trial without random allocation. In total, 2554 patients who underwent elective cerebral angiography were evaluated on development of nausea, vomiting, and pulmonary aspiration during and after angiography. Potential risks and benefits associated with fasting were provided in written documents and through personal counseling to patients before the procedure. The patients chose their fasting or nonfasting option. No restriction in diet was given after angiography. The patients were observed for 24 hours. Nausea and vomiting during and within 1 hour after angiography was considered as a positive event associated with cerebral angiography. The overall incidence of nausea and vomiting during and within 1 hour after angiography was 1.05% (27/2554 patients). There was no patient with pulmonary aspiration. No statistical difference in nausea and vomiting development between the fasting and the diet groups was found. The incidence of nausea and vomiting associated with cerebral angiography is low and not affected by diet or fasting. Pulmonary aspiration had no difference between the diet and the fasting group. Our study suggests that fasting may not be necessary for patients who undergo elective cerebral angiography.

Anisotropic emission of the X-ray K-emission band of nitrogen in hexagonal boron nitride

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tegeler, E.; Kosuch, N.; Wiech, G.; Faessler, A.

1977-05-01

The intensity distribution of the N K-emission band of hexagonal boron nitride samples with partially orientated crystallites was found to be strongly dependent upon the take-off angle of the emitted radiation. The observed emission bands can be separated unambiguously into a sigma- and a π-subband. On the basis of the directional characteristic of radiating dipoles within the layers (sigma-bondings) and perpendicular to the layers (π-bonding) the angular dependence of the intensity of the subbands is quantitatively explained. In addition the degree of orientation of the crystallites on the sample can be determined. The intensity distributions of the emission bands to be expected for single crystals and for samples without any texture are determined; in the latter case the results are found to be in good agreement with experimental results. (orig.) [de

Evolutionary Adaptation of Kluyveromyces marxianus NIRE-K3 for Enhanced Xylose Utilization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharma, Nilesh Kumar; Behera, Shuvashish; Arora, Richa; Kumar, Sachin

2017-01-01

The evolutionary adaptation was approached on the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus NIRE-K3 at 45°C on xylose as a sole source of carbon for enhancement of xylose uptake. After 60 cycles, evolved strain K. marxianus NIRE-K3.1 showed comparatively 3.75- and 3.0-fold higher specific growth and xylose uptake rates, respectively, than that of native strain. Moreover, the short lag phase was also observed on adapted strain. During batch fermentation with xylose concentration of 30 g l −1 , K. marxianus NIRE-K3.1 could utilize about 96% of xylose in 72 h and produced 4.67 and 15.7 g l −1 of ethanol and xylitol, respectively, which were 9.72- and 4.63-fold higher than that of native strain. Similarly, specific sugar consumption rate, xylitol, and ethanol yields were 5.07-, 1.15-, and 2.44-fold higher as compared to the native strain, respectively. The results obtained after evolutionary adaptation of K. marxianus NIRE-K3 show the significant improvement in the xylose utilization, ethanol and xylitol yields, and productivities. By understanding the results obtained, the significance of evolutionary adaptation has been rationalized, since the adapted culture could be more stable and could enhance the productivity.

Evolutionary Adaptation of Kluyveromyces marxianus NIRE-K3 for Enhanced Xylose Utilization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sharma, Nilesh Kumar [Biochemical Conversion Division, Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy, Kapurthala (India); I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala (India); Behera, Shuvashish; Arora, Richa; Kumar, Sachin, E-mail: sachin.biotech@gmail.com [Biochemical Conversion Division, Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy, Kapurthala (India)

2017-12-12

The evolutionary adaptation was approached on the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus NIRE-K3 at 45°C on xylose as a sole source of carbon for enhancement of xylose uptake. After 60 cycles, evolved strain K. marxianus NIRE-K3.1 showed comparatively 3.75- and 3.0-fold higher specific growth and xylose uptake rates, respectively, than that of native strain. Moreover, the short lag phase was also observed on adapted strain. During batch fermentation with xylose concentration of 30 g l{sup −1}, K. marxianus NIRE-K3.1 could utilize about 96% of xylose in 72 h and produced 4.67 and 15.7 g l{sup −1} of ethanol and xylitol, respectively, which were 9.72- and 4.63-fold higher than that of native strain. Similarly, specific sugar consumption rate, xylitol, and ethanol yields were 5.07-, 1.15-, and 2.44-fold higher as compared to the native strain, respectively. The results obtained after evolutionary adaptation of K. marxianus NIRE-K3 show the significant improvement in the xylose utilization, ethanol and xylitol yields, and productivities. By understanding the results obtained, the significance of evolutionary adaptation has been rationalized, since the adapted culture could be more stable and could enhance the productivity.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Retinal Diseases.

Science.gov (United States)

Chalam, K V; Sambhav, Kumar

2016-01-01

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new, non-invasive imaging system that generates volumetric data of retinal and choroidal layers. It has the ability to show both structural and blood flow information. Split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) algorithm (a vital component of OCTA software) helps to decrease the signal to noise ratio of flow detection thus enhancing visualization of retinal vasculature using motion contrast. Published studies describe potential efficacy for OCTA in the evaluation of common ophthalmologic diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusions and sickle cell disease. OCTA provides a detailed view of the retinal vasculature, which allows accurate delineation of microvascular abnormalities in diabetic eyes and vascular occlusions. It helps quantify vascular compromise depending upon the severity of diabetic retinopathy. OCTA can also elucidate the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in wet AMD. In this paper, we review the knowledge, available in English language publications regarding OCTA, and compare it with the conventional angiographic standard, fluorescein angiography (FA). Finally, we summarize its potential applications to retinal vascular diseases. Its current limitations include a relatively small field of view, inability to show leakage, and tendency for image artifacts. Further larger studies will define OCTA's utility in clinical settings and establish if the technology may offer a non-invasive option of visualizing the retinal vasculature, enabling us to decrease morbidity through early detection and intervention in retinal diseases.

Indications for coronary angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaltenbach, M.; Vallbracht, C.

1985-01-01

Today selective coronary angiography, introduced by Sones in 1957, is used as clinical routine for diagnosing morphological changes in the coronary arteries. Hitherto, more recent techniques such as digital subtraction angiography cannot provide comparable information. Strict criteria for its indication depending on possible therapeutic consequences, have to be applied, although the risk is low with a letality of 0.01 to 0.05 percent. Radionuclear investigations can be used as additional tool in selected cases. The careful indication for coronary angiography usually implies the possible need for coronary bypass graft surgery of balloon angioplasty. (orig./MG) [de

Design study of wind turbines 50 kW to 3000 kW for electric utility applications: Analysis and design

Science.gov (United States)

1976-01-01

In the conceptual design task, several feasible wind generator systems (WGS) configurations were evaluated, and the concept offering the lowest energy cost potential and minimum technical risk for utility applications was selected. In the optimization task, the selected concept was optimized utilizing a parametric computer program prepared for this purpose. In the preliminary design task, the optimized selected concept was designed and analyzed in detail. The utility requirements evaluation task examined the economic, operational, and institutional factors affecting the WGS in a utility environment, and provided additional guidance for the preliminary design effort. Results of the conceptual design task indicated that a rotor operating at constant speed, driving an AC generator through a gear transmission is the most cost effective WGS configuration. The optimization task results led to the selection of a 500 kW rating for the low power WGS and a 1500 kW rating for the high power WGS.

Gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography of arterial occlusive disease in lower extremity : comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shin, Sang June; Koh, Young Hwan; Cha, Joo Hee; Kim, Hyu Beom; Chung, Jin Wook; Park, Jae Hyung

2000-01-01

To compare the diagnostic value of gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography with that of conventional digital subtraction angiography for the evaluation of lower extremity arterial occlusive diseases. In 26 patients with symptomatic lower extremity arterial occlusive disease, both conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) were performed during the same week. MR angiography was performed using three-dimensional gradient-echo acquisition before, and two sequential acquisitions after, the administration of gadolinium (0.2 mmol/kg). In 23 patients, two separate, contiguous areas were scanned using additional doses. In three patients, only one field with a suspicious lesion was scanned. Three radiologists independently analyzed the CE-MRA and DSA findings of each vascular segment (20 segments per arterial tree) for the presence of obstructive lesions; the grade assigned was either mild or none (less than 50%), stenotic (50%-99%), or occlusion (100%). From among a total of 462 segments, DSA detected 99 which were significantly narrowed (stenosis, 33; occlusion, 66). Using MR angiography, 102 segments (stenosis 39; occlusion, 63) were identified, and 94 lesions (stenosis, 32; occlusion, 62) were graded correctly. Seven lesions were overestimated and four were underestimated. For the detection of hemodynamically significant stenosis or occlusions using MR angiography, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 95%, 98%, and 98% (G=3D0.995, P less than 0.001), respectively. To prove the absence of lesions, we repeated DSA in two patients with arterial spasm due to puncture. Three occluded segments seen on DSA, which revealed intact segments on MR angiography, suggested slow distal flow after reconstitution. For the evaluation of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease, the diagnostic value of gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography is comparable with that of digital subtraction angiography. The advantages of the

MR angiography in pediatric neurological disorders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, B.C.P.; Park, T.S.; Kaufman, B.A.

1995-01-01

MR angiography using 3D and 2D time-of-flight techniques were used to evaluate pediatric neurological disorders. MRA (arteriography) and MRV (venography) were abnormal in 63 and 45 cases, respectively. Conventional cerebral angiography was performed in 30 cases. These techniques were compared with MRI and conventional angiography. In addition, the value of MR angiography for surgical planning was subjectively evaluated. Our results showed that intracranial vessels were invariably better shown on MR angiography than on MRI. MRA and MRV were most useful in evaluating vascular distortions related to congenital brain malformations and intracranial tumors. MRA was valuable in detecting arterial narrowing but overestimated the degree of stenosis compared with conventional angiography. MRV was the technique of choice for evaluation of dural sinus and cerebral venous thrombosis and compression. MRA played little to no role in preoperative planning of vascular malformations and aneurysms. It did not appear to be accurate in assessing tumor vascularity or lesions in small arteries and arteritis. (orig.)

Multi-section CT angiography compared with digital subtraction angiography in diagnosing major arterial hemorrhage in inflammatory pancreatic disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hyare, Harpreet; Desigan, Sharmini; Nicholl, Helen; Guiney, Michael J.; Brookes, Jocelyn A.; Lees, William R.

2006-01-01

Purpose: Major arterial hemorrhage is an uncommon but serious complication of pancreatitis with high morbidity and mortality. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has long been the gold standard for the detection of a visceral artery pseudoaneurysm or for the site of active bleeding in patients with pancreatitis. Multi-section CT angiography is a minimally invasive technique which can provide high-resolution and high-contrast images of the arterial lumen and wall, with a much lower risk of complication and morbidity compared to DSA. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of multi-section CT angiography for the diagnosis of arterial complications of inflammatory pancreatitic disease. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing visceral angiography for major bleeding as a complication of pancreatitis between 1998 and 2004 was performed. Twenty-nine studies in 25 patients (20 males, 5 females) with a mean age of 50.9 years (range 11-67 years) were identified where multi-section CT angiography was performed in the 24 h preceding the digital subtraction angiogram. Results: Digital subtraction angiography detected a pseudoaneurysm or contrast extravasation in 19 studies and no bleeding was demonstrated in 9 studies. CT angiography correctly identified the site and type of bleeding in 18 of the 19 positive studies. CT angiography detected extravasation of contrast in one study that was not demonstrated on digital subtraction angiography. The sensitivity and specificity for multi-section CT angiography for the detection of major arterial bleeding on a background of pancreatitis were 0.947 and 0.900, respectively. Conclusion: Multi-section CT angiography is a sensitive and accurate technique for the detection of major arterial hemorrhage in inflammatory pancreatic disease and should be considered as the first investigation in the management of these patients

ORIGIN OF THE GALACTIC DIFFUSE X-RAY EMISSION: IRON K-SHELL LINE DIAGNOSTICS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nobukawa, Masayoshi [Department of Teacher Training and School Education, Nara University of Education, Takabatake-cho, Nara, 630-8528 (Japan); Uchiyama, Hideki [Faculty of Education, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529 (Japan); Nobukawa, Kumiko K.; Koyama, Katsuji [Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502 (Japan); Yamauchi, Shigeo, E-mail: nobukawa@nara-edu.ac.jp [Department of Physics, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoyanishimachi, Nara, 630-8506 (Japan)

2016-12-20

This paper reports detailed K-shell line profiles of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) of the Galactic Center X-ray Emission (GCXE), Galactic Bulge X-ray Emission (GBXE), Galactic Ridge X-ray Emission (GRXE), magnetic Cataclysmic Variables (mCVs), non-magnetic Cataclysmic Variables (non-mCVs), and coronally Active Binaries (ABs). For the study of the origin of the GCXE, GBXE, and GRXE, the spectral analysis is focused on equivalent widths of the Fe i-K α , Fe xxv-He α , and Fe xxvi-Ly α  lines. The global spectrum of the GBXE is reproduced by a combination of the mCVs, non-mCVs, and ABs spectra. On the other hand, the GRXE spectrum shows significant data excesses at the Fe i-K α and Fe xxv-He α  line energies. This means that additional components other than mCVs, non-mCVs, and ABs are required, which have symbiotic phenomena of cold gas and very high-temperature plasma. The GCXE spectrum shows larger excesses than those found in the GRXE spectrum at all the K-shell lines of iron and nickel. Among them the largest ones are the Fe i-K α , Fe xxv-He α , Fe xxvi-Ly α , and Fe xxvi-Ly β  lines. Together with the fact that the scale heights of the Fe i-K α , Fe xxv-He α , and Fe xxvi-Ly α lines are similar to that of the central molecular zone (CMZ), the excess components would be related to high-energy activity in the extreme envelopment of the CMZ.

Impact on a utility, utility customers and the environment of an ensemble of solar domestic hot water systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cragan, K.E.; Klein, S.A.; Beckman, W.A.

1995-01-01

The benefits of the installation of a large number of solar domestic hot water (SDHW) systems are identified and quantified. The benefits of SDHW systems include reduced energy use, reduced electrical demand, and reduced pollution. The avoided emissions, capacity contribution, energy and demand savings were evaluated using the power generation schedules, emissions data and annual hourly load profiles from a Wisconsin utility. It is shown that each six square meter solar water heater system can save annually: 3,560 kWh of energy, 0.66 kW of peak demand, and over four tons of pollution

Digital angiography in pulmonary embolism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bjoerk, L.

1986-01-01

Pulmonary digital subtraction angiography was diagnostic in 98.3% of patients with possible acute pulmonary embolism. The procedure was well tolerated even in severely ill patients. A large image intensifier made simultaneous imaging of both lungs possible reducing the number of contrast injections necessary. Small volumes of low iso-osmolar concentration of modern contrast media were used. There was no need for catherization of the pulmonary artery. Theoretical considerations and our limited experience indicate that this will reduce the number of complications compared with conventional pulmonary angiography. The procedure is rapidly performed and the diagnostic accuracy high. This makes digital subtraction angiography cost effective. Digital pulmonary angiography can be recommended as the primary diagnostic method in most patients with possible pulmonary embolism. (orig.)

Infrared-laser-based fundus angiography

Science.gov (United States)

Klingbeil, Ulrich; Canter, Joseph M.; Lesiecki, Michael L.; Reichel, Elias

1994-06-01

Infrared fundus angiography, using the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG), has shown great potential in delineating choroidal neovascularization (CNV) otherwise not detectable. A digital retinal imaging system containing a diode laser for illumination has been developed and optimized to perform high sensitivity ICG angiography. The system requires less power and generates less pseudo-fluorescence background than nonlaser devices. During clinical evaluation at three retinal centers more than 200 patients, the majority of which had age-related macular degeneration, were analyzed. Laser based ICG angiography was successful in outlining many of the ill-defined or obscure CNV as defined by fluorescein angiography. The procedure was not as successful with classic CNV. ICG angiograms were used to prepare and guide laser treatment.

Diagnostic accuracy and utility of coronary CT angiography with consideration of unevaluable results: A systematic review and multivariate Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis with intention to diagnose

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Menke, Jan [University Medical Center Goettingen, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goettingen (Germany); Kowalski, Joerg [Dr. Lauterbach-Klinik, Department of Cardiology, Bad Liebenstein (Germany)

2016-02-15

To meta-analyze diagnostic accuracy, test yield and utility of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in coronary artery disease (CAD) by an intention-to-diagnose approach with inclusion of unevaluable results. Four databases were searched from 1/2005 to 3/2013 for prospective studies that used 16-320-row or dual-source CTs and provided 3 x 2 patient-level data of CCTA (positive, negative, or unevaluable) versus catheter angiography (positive or negative) for diagnosing ≥50 % coronary stenoses. A Bayesian multivariate 3 x 2 random-effects meta-analysis considered unevaluable CCTAs. Thirty studies (3422 patients) were included. Compared to 16-40 row CT, test yield and accuracy of CCTA has significantly increased with ≥64-row CT (P < 0.05). In ≥64-row CT, about 2.5 % (95 %-CI, 0.9-4.8 %) of diseased patients and 7.5 % (4.5-11.2 %) of non-diseased patients had unevaluable CCTAs. A positive likelihood ratio of 8.9 (6.1-13.5) indicated moderate suitability for identifying CAD. A negative likelihood ratio of 0.022 (0.01-0.04) indicated excellent suitability for excluding CAD. Unevaluable CCTAs had an equivocal likelihood ratio of 0.42 (0.22-0.71). In the utility analysis, CCTA was useful at intermediate pre-test probabilities (16-70 %). CCTA is useful at intermediate CAD pre-test probabilities. Positive CCTAs require verification to confirm CAD, unevaluable CCTAs require alternative diagnostics, and negative CCTAs exclude obstructive CAD with high certainty. (orig.)

The Utility of 64 Channel Multidetector CT Angiography for Evaluating the Renal Vascular Anatomy and Possible Variations: a Pictorial Essay

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, Sheo; Neyaz, Zafar; Gupta, Archna [Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow (India)

2010-06-15

The increased use of laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery has prompted the need for a more detailed radiological evaluation of the renal vascular anatomy. Multidetector CT angiography is a fast and accurate modality for assessing the precise anatomy of the renal vessels. In this pictorial review, we present the multidetector CT angiography appearances of the normal renal vascular anatomy and a spectrum of various anomalies that require accurate vascular depiction before undergoing surgical treatment.

The utility of 64 channel multidetector CT angiography for evaluating the renal vascular anatomy and possible variations: a pictorial essay.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Sheo; Neyaz, Zafar; Gupta, Archna

2010-01-01

The increased use of laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery has prompted the need for a more detailed radiological evaluation of the renal vascular anatomy. Multidetector CT angiography is a fast and accurate modality for assessing the precise anatomy of the renal vessels. In this pictorial review, we present the multidetector CT angiography appearances of the normal renal vascular anatomy and a spectrum of various anomalies that require accurate vascular depiction before undergoing surgical treatment.

The Utility of 64 Channel Multidetector CT Angiography for Evaluating the Renal Vascular Anatomy and Possible Variations: a Pictorial Essay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, Sheo; Neyaz, Zafar; Gupta, Archna

2010-01-01

The increased use of laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery has prompted the need for a more detailed radiological evaluation of the renal vascular anatomy. Multidetector CT angiography is a fast and accurate modality for assessing the precise anatomy of the renal vessels. In this pictorial review, we present the multidetector CT angiography appearances of the normal renal vascular anatomy and a spectrum of various anomalies that require accurate vascular depiction before undergoing surgical treatment

Angiography and the gastrointestinal bleeder

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baum, S.

1982-01-01

The role of angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage is discussed. Three categories of gastrointestinal bleeding are considered: upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroesophageal varices, upper gastrointestinal bleeding of arterial or capillary origin, and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The advantages and disadvantages of angiography are compared with those of radionuclide scanning and endoscopy or colonoscopy. It is anticipated that, as radionuclide scans are more widely employed, angiography will eventually be performed only in those patients with positive scans

A collaborative project on the effects of coal quality on NO{sub x} emissions and carbon burnout in pulverised coal-fired utility boilers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tilley, H.A.; O`Connor, M.; Stephenson, P.L.; Whitehouse, M.; Richards, D.G.; Hesselmann, G.; MacPhail, J.; Lockwood, F.C.; Williamson, J.; Williams, A.; Pourkashanian, M. [ETSU, Harwell (United Kingdom)

1998-12-01

This paper describes a UK Department of Trade and Industry-supported collaborative project entitled `The Effects of Coal Quality on Emission of Oxides of Nitrogen (NO{sub x}) and Carbon Burnout in Pulverised Coal-fired Utility Boilers`. The project involved extensive collaboration between the UK power generators, boiler and burner manufacturers and research groups in both industry and academia, together with several of the world`s leading computational fluid dynamics (CFD) `software houses`. The prime objectives of the project were to assess the relationship between NO{sub x} emissions and carbon burnout and to develop and validate predictive tools for assessing coals. Experimental work was carried out on various laboratory-scale apparatus and on single burner test facilities ranging from 160 kW{sub th} to 40 MW{sub th} in size and measurements were obtained from full-scale 500 MW{sub e} utility boiler trials. This data and basic coal data were then used to develop mathematical models to predict full-scale boiler performance with respect to NO{sub x} emissions and carbon-in-ash. Results showed good correlations for NO{sub x} and carbon burnout when comparing data from full-scale and large-scale rig trials. Laboratory-scale tests were found to be useful but the influence of burner aerodynamics was more difficult to quantify. Modelling showed that predicted NO{sub x} emissions were encouragingly close to measured emissions but predicting carbon burnout was less successful. 24 refs., 4 figs., 6 tabs.

A database for estimating organ dose for coronary angiography and brain perfusion CT scans for arbitrary spectra and angular tube current modulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rupcich, Franco; Badal, Andreu; Kyprianou, Iacovos; Schmidt, Taly Gilat

2012-01-01

within 1% of those calculated using Monte Carlo simulations with the same geometry and scan parameters for all organs except red bone marrow (within 6%), and within 23% of published estimates for different voxelized phantoms. Results from the example of using the database to estimate organ dose for coronary angiography CT acquisitions show 2.1%, 1.1%, and −32% change in breast dose and 2.1%, −0.74%, and 4.7% change in lung dose for reduced kVp, tube current modulated, and partial angle protocols, respectively, relative to the reference protocol. Results show −19.2% difference in dose to eye lens for a tilted scan relative to a nontilted scan. The reported relative changes in organ doses are presented without quantification of image quality and are for the sole purpose of demonstrating the use of the proposed database. Conclusions: The proposed database and calculation method enable the estimation of organ dose for coronary angiography and brain perfusion CT scans utilizing any spectral shape and angular tube current modulation scheme by taking advantage of the precalculated Monte Carlo simulation results. The database can be used in conjunction with image quality studies to develop optimized acquisition techniques and may be particularly beneficial for optimizing dual kVp acquisitions for which numerous kV, mA, and filtration combinations may be investigated.

Towards the use of OCT angiography in clinical dermatology

Science.gov (United States)

Baran, Utku; Choi, Woo June; Wang, Ruikang K.

2016-02-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a popular imaging technique used in ophthalmology, and on the way to become clinically viable alternative in dermatology due to its capability of acquiring histopathology level images of in vivo tissue, noninvasively. In this study, we demonstrate the capabilities of OCT-based angiography (OMAG) in detecting high-resolution, volumetric structural and microvascular features of in vivo human skin with various conditions using a swept source OCT system that operates on a central wavelength of 1310 nm with an A-line rate of 100 kHz. OMAG images provide detailed in vivo visualization of microvasculature of abnormal human skin conditions from face, chest and belly. Moreover, the progress of wound healing on human skin from arm is monitored during longitudinal wound healing process. The presented results promise the clinical use of OCT angiography in treatment of prevalent cutaneous diseases within human skin, in vivo.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography in the Pig using Hyperpolarized Water

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lipsø, Hans Kasper Wigh; Bowen, Sean; Laustsen, Christoffer

, the magnetization achievable with hyperpolarized water is superior to other nuclei. Methods A 1 mL sample of 50% water and 50% glycerol with 30 mM TEMPO is polarized in a Spinlab (GE Healthcare) at 5 T, 0.9 K, 139.9 GHz for an hour. The sample is rapidly dissolved in 16 mL deoxygenized dissolution medium (DM......Introduction Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is an important tool in diagnostics of medical conditions such as emboli, stenosis and aneurysms. Sub-millimetre resolution can be obtained with proton imaging, and further optimization can be obtained with Gd-based blood pool agents1. However......, the acquisition time is several minutes, and conventional MRA methods thus fail to image within a single respiration or heartbeat and therefore suffers from motion artefacts. We demonstrate that hyperpolarized (HP) water can be used as an imaging agent to provide subsecond angiographies in pigs. Previous work...

Apparatus to measure emissivities of metallic films between 90K and room temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bekeris, V.I.; Ramos, E.D.; Sanchez, D.H.

1975-01-01

The development of multilayer insulations is aerospace and cryogenic required to know the emissivity of the metallic films used as reflective layers. This work describes an emissometer that measures the total hemispherical emissivity of metallic films evaporated on polyester substrates. The apparatus works at liquid oxigen temperatures and permits to get emissivities from 90K to room temperatures within a 15% precision. The emissometer construction and operation are described in detail. Results of measurements done on Single Aluminized Mylar are presented [pt

Apparatus to measure emissivities of metallic films between 90K and room temperature

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bekeris, V I [Nunez Univ. Nacional (Argentina). Faculdad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales; Ramos, E D [Santa Rosa Univ. Nacional (Argentina). Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales; Sanchez, D H [Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica, San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina). Centro Atomico Bariloche

1975-09-01

The development of multilayer insulations is aerospace and cryogenic required to know the emissivity of the metallic films used as reflective layers. This work describes an emissometer that measures the total hemispherical emissivity of metallic films evaporated on polyester substrates. The apparatus works at liquid oxigen temperatures and permits to get emissivities from 90K to room temperatures within a 15% precision. The emissometer construction and operation are described in detail. Results of measurements done on Single Aluminized Mylar are presented.

The effects of coal quality on NO{sub x} emissions and carbon burnout in pulverised coal-fired utility boilers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

O`Connor, M. [National Power plc, Swindon (United Kingdom)

1999-04-01

A comprehensive study is reported on the impact of coal quality on nitrogen oxides emissions and carbon burnout in utility boilers, with the aim of assessing their relationship and developing predictive tools for assessing coals. Experimental work was carried out on various laboratory-scale apparatus and on single burner test facilities ranging from 160 kW{sub th} to 40 MW{sub th} in size and measurements were obtained from full-scale 500 MW{sub e} utility boiler trials. This data and basic coal data were then used to develop mathematical models to predict full-scale boiler performance with respect to NO{sub x} emissions and carbon burnout. Power station trials demonstrated that coal quality effects nitrogen oxides and burnout. The variability in boiler conditions also impacted on these factors. Lower nitrogen and higher volatile coals generally produced less NO{sub x}. Volatile content was the most important generic coal property for predicting burnout. Modelling rig tests, using data from advanced laboratory-scale tests, were found to be just as successful as using rig tests for predicting NO{sub x} performance of different coals. Laboratory-scale tests were found to be successful in providing accurate predictions of burnout for the coals studied. Mathematical models, however, were found to be less successful in this area and further work to develop this is required. A major achievement was CFD solutions of full-scale utility boiler furnaces in a single mesh. 32 refs., 15 figs., 33 tabs., 2 apps.

Measurement of X-ray emission efficiency for K-lines.

Science.gov (United States)

Procop, M

2004-08-01

Results for the X-ray emission efficiency (counts per C per sr) of K-lines for selected elements (C, Al, Si, Ti, Cu, Ge) and for the first time also for compounds and alloys (SiC, GaP, AlCu, TiAlC) are presented. An energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) of known detection efficiency (counts per photon) has been used to record the spectra at a takeoff angle of 25 degrees determined by the geometry of the secondary electron microscope's specimen chamber. Overall uncertainty in measurement could be reduced to 5 to 10% in dependence on the line intensity and energy. Measured emission efficiencies have been compared with calculated efficiencies based on models applied in standardless analysis. The widespread XPP and PROZA models give somewhat too low emission efficiencies. The best agreement between measured and calculated efficiencies could be achieved by replacing in the modular PROZA96 model the original expression for the ionization cross section by the formula given by Casnati et al. (1982) A discrepancy remains for carbon, probably due to the high overvoltage ratio.

MDCT angiography and transcatheter embolization in management ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Hassan Abdelsalam

2015-12-18

Dec 18, 2015 ... 14 patients did not have a MDCT and proceeded straight to angiography;. 6 of them showed active bleeding on angiography. Conclusion: MDCT is an excellent technique before angiography and embolization in cases with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Transcatheter embolization is an effective tool for ...

Synchrotron-based intra-venous K-edge digital subtraction angiography in a pig model: A feasibility study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schueltke, Elisabeth; Fiedler, Stefan; Nemoz, Christian; Ogieglo, Lissa; Kelly, Michael E.; Crawford, Paul; Esteve, Francois; Brochard, Thierry; Renier, Michel; Requardt, Herwig; Le Duc, Geraldine; Juurlink, Bernhard; Meguro, Kotoo

2010-01-01

Background: K-edge digital subtraction angiography (KEDSA) combined with the tunability of synchrotron beam yields an imaging technique that is highly sensitive to low concentrations of contrast agents. Thus, contrast agent can be administered intravenously, obviating the need for insertion of a guided catheter to deliver a bolus of contrast agent close to the target tissue. With the high-resolution detectors used at synchrotron facilities, images can be acquired at high spatial resolution. Thus, the KEDSA appears particularly suited for studies of neurovascular pathology in animal models, where the vascular diameters are significantly smaller than in human patients. Materials and methods: This feasibility study was designed to test the suitability of KEDSA after intravenous injection of iodine-based contrast agent for use in a pig model. Four adult male pigs were used for our experiments. Neurovascular angiographic images were acquired using KEDSA with a solid state Germanium (Ge) detector at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. Results: After intravenous injection of 0.9 ml/kg iodinated contrast agent (Xenetix), the peak iodine concentrations in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries reached 35 mg/ml. KEDSA images in radiography mode allowed the visualization of intracranial arteries of less than 1.5 mm diameter.

Synchrotron-based intra-venous K-edge digital subtraction angiography in a pig model: a feasibility study.

Science.gov (United States)

Schültke, Elisabeth; Fiedler, Stefan; Nemoz, Christian; Ogieglo, Lissa; Kelly, Michael E; Crawford, Paul; Esteve, Francois; Brochard, Thierry; Renier, Michel; Requardt, Herwig; Le Duc, Geraldine; Juurlink, Bernhard; Meguro, Kotoo

2010-03-01

K-edge digital subtraction angiography (KEDSA) combined with the tunability of synchrotron beam yields an imaging technique that is highly sensitive to low concentrations of contrast agents. Thus, contrast agent can be administered intravenously, obviating the need for insertion of a guided catheter to deliver a bolus of contrast agent close to the target tissue. With the high-resolution detectors used at synchrotron facilities, images can be acquired at high spatial resolution. Thus, the KEDSA appears particularly suited for studies of neurovascular pathology in animal models, where the vascular diameters are significantly smaller than in human patients. This feasibility study was designed to test the suitability of KEDSA after intravenous injection of iodine-based contrast agent for use in a pig model. Four adult male pigs were used for our experiments. Neurovascular angiographic images were acquired using KEDSA with a solid state Germanium (Ge) detector at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. After intravenous injection of 0.9 ml/kg iodinated contrast agent (Xenetix), the peak iodine concentrations in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries reached 35 mg/ml. KEDSA images in radiography mode allowed the visualization of intracranial arteries of less than 1.5mm diameter. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synchrotron-based intra-venous K-edge digital subtraction angiography in a pig model: A feasibility study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schueltke, Elisabeth [Departments of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (Canada); Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (Canada); Department of Neurological Sciences, Walton Medical Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L97 LJ (United Kingdom)], E-mail: e.schultke@usask.ca; Fiedler, Stefan [European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Nottkestrasse 85, 22603 Hamburg (Germany); Nemoz, Christian [European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 6 rue Horowitz, 38043 Grenoble (France); Ogieglo, Lissa [Departments of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (Canada); Kelly, Michael E. [Departments of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (Canada); Department of Neurosurgery, Section of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH (United States); Crawford, Paul [Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herfordshire AL9 7TA (United Kingdom); Esteve, Francois [INSERM U836-ESRF, 6 rue Horowitz, 38043 Grenoble (France); Brochard, Thierry; Renier, Michel; Requardt, Herwig; Le Duc, Geraldine [European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 6 rue Horowitz, 38043 Grenoble (France); Juurlink, Bernhard [Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (Canada); Meguro, Kotoo [Departments of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (Canada)

2010-03-15

Background: K-edge digital subtraction angiography (KEDSA) combined with the tunability of synchrotron beam yields an imaging technique that is highly sensitive to low concentrations of contrast agents. Thus, contrast agent can be administered intravenously, obviating the need for insertion of a guided catheter to deliver a bolus of contrast agent close to the target tissue. With the high-resolution detectors used at synchrotron facilities, images can be acquired at high spatial resolution. Thus, the KEDSA appears particularly suited for studies of neurovascular pathology in animal models, where the vascular diameters are significantly smaller than in human patients. Materials and methods: This feasibility study was designed to test the suitability of KEDSA after intravenous injection of iodine-based contrast agent for use in a pig model. Four adult male pigs were used for our experiments. Neurovascular angiographic images were acquired using KEDSA with a solid state Germanium (Ge) detector at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. Results: After intravenous injection of 0.9 ml/kg iodinated contrast agent (Xenetix), the peak iodine concentrations in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries reached 35 mg/ml. KEDSA images in radiography mode allowed the visualization of intracranial arteries of less than 1.5 mm diameter.

Digital subtraction angiography of the heart and lungs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moodie, D.S.; Yiannikas, J.

1986-01-01

This book contains 12 chapters. Some of the chapter titles are: Physical Principles of Cardiac Digital Subtraction Angiography, The Use of Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography in Evaluating Patients with Complex Congenital Heart Disease, Exercise Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiograpny, Cardiomyopathic and Cardiac Neoplastic Disease, Digital Subtraction Angiography in the Catheterization Laboratory, and Cardiac Digital Subtraction Angiography - Future Directions

Study of the delayed neutron emission through the time-of-flight method. Application to 49K, 50K and 51K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rachidi, J.

1983-04-01

This work is dedicated to the study of the emission of delayed neutrons observed in the decay of 49 K, 50 K and 51 K. Spectroscopic data are non-existent for these 3 isotopes, so we have had to design a specific detection system based on a large-surface scintillation counter. A series of n-γ coincidence measurement has allowed us to determine the energy levels of the non-bound states of 49 Ca, 50 Ca and 51 Ca and to establish the nature of the beta transitions (K → Ca). We have measured the energy of the delayed neutrons through the time-of-flight method. Our results are consistent with the model of the p-n states based on the Bansac-French's works. This model shows that the non-bound states of the calcium isotopes discovered in the experiment are represented by simple configurations of the (sd) -1 (fp) n type. (A.C.)

Application of OCT angiography in ophthalmology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ai-Ping Yang

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTAis a new technology of angiography in recent years. In addition to the advantages of traditional OCT, it can observe blood flow in different retinal and choroidal segmentation slab. By using the pseudo-color, abnormal vascular structure can be distinguished from normal vascular structure of the retina. Dye injection is not needed with OCTA, which is different from fundus fluorescein angiography(FFAand indocyanine green angiography(ICGA. OCTA provides more and more accurate blood flow information. However, like other biometric technology, OCTA has its limitations and shortcomings. This review will analyze and summarize the operating principle of OCTA, its application in ophthalmology, as well as its advantages and limitations.

2- to 3-kHz continuum emissions as possible indications of global heliospheric 'breathing'

Science.gov (United States)

Grzedzielski, S.; Lazarus, A. J.

1993-01-01

The paper analyzes the main features of 2- to 3-kHz heliospheric emissions in the context of a general heliospheric 'breathing' as inferred from the Voyager 2 solar wind average ram pressure data. Triggers for the three 3-kHz emission events seen to date are suggested, and good agreement is obtained in timing and expected postshock frequency for termination shock distances of about 90 AU. It is suggested that the visibility of the individual 3-kHz events and their observed upward frequency drift are enhanced when the postulated global heliospheric expansion results in the formation of a transient, compressed external plasma barrier around the heliopause that prevents radiation escape for several months. The average termination shock distance is estimated to be in the range 80-90 AU.

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in most cases, a contrast material injection ...

CONTROL OF NOX EMISSIONS FROM U.S. COAL-FIRED ELECTRIC UTILITY BOILERS

Science.gov (United States)

The paper discusses the control of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from U.S. coal-fired electric utility boilers. (NOTE: In general, NOx control technologies are categorized as being either primary or secondary control technologies. Primary technologies reduce the amount of NOx pr...

Emission profiles of K-He exciplexes in cold helium gas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allard, N F

2012-01-01

Emission spectra of exciplexes composed of a light alkali atom in the first excited state and 4 He atoms have been observed in cryogenic gas in the spectral range from the atomic D lines to 6300 cm −1 . A unified semi-classical theory of line broadening has been used to determine the total profile from the center to the far wings of emission profiles of potassium perturbed by helium at low temperatures and high He density. The agreement of the theoretical peak positions of K*He n exciplexes compared to the experimental determinations is fairly good. Such comparisons provide a critical test of the calculated molecular potentials and the relevance of the theoretical approach which has been used.

Image quality and radiation dose of lower extremity CT angiography at 70 kVp on an integrated circuit detector dual-source computed tomography.

Science.gov (United States)

Qi, Li; Zhao, Yan'E; Zhou, Chang Sheng; Spearman, James V; Renker, Matthias; Schoepf, U Joseph; Zhang, Long Jiang; Lu, Guang Ming

2015-06-01

Despite the well-established requirement for radiation dose reduction there are few studies examining the potential for lower extremity CT angiography (CTA) at 70 kVp. To compare the image quality and radiation dose of lower extremity CTA at 70 kVp using a dual-source CT system with an integrated circuit detector to similar studies at 120 kVp. A total of 62 patients underwent lower extremity CTA. Thirty-one patients were examined at 70 kVp using a second generation dual-source CT with an integrated circuit detector (70 kVp group) and 31 patients were evaluated at 120 kVp using a first generation dual-source CT (120 kVp group). The attenuation and image noise were measured and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Two radiologists assessed image quality. Radiation dose was compared. The mean attenuation of the 70 kVp group was higher than the 120 kVp group (575 ± 149 Hounsfield units [HU] vs. 258 ± 38 HU, respectively, P < 0.001) as was SNR (44.0 ± 22.0 vs 32.7 ± 13.3, respectively, P = 0.017), CNR (39.7 ± 20.6 vs 26.6 ± 11.7, respectively, P = 0.003) and the mean image quality score (3.7 ± 0.1 vs. 3.2 ± 0.3, respectively, P < 0.001). The inter-observer agreement was good for the 70 kVp group and moderate for the 120 kVp group. The dose-length product was lower in the 70 kVp group (264.5 ± 63.1 mGy × cm vs. 412.4 ± 81.5 mGy × cm, P < 0.001). Lower extremity CTA at 70 kVp allows for lower radiation dose with higher SNR, CNR, and image quality when compared with standard 120 kVp. © The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Coronary CT angiography: Diagnostic value and clinical challenges.

Science.gov (United States)

Sabarudin, Akmal; Sun, Zhonghua

2013-12-26

Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease due to improved spatial and temporal resolution with high diagnostic value being reported when compared to invasive coronary angiography. Diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography has been significantly improved with the technological developments in multislice CT scanners from the early generation of 4-slice CT to the latest 320- slice CT scanners. Despite the promising diagnostic value, coronary CT angiography is still limited in some areas, such as inferior temporal resolution, motion-related artifacts and high false positive results due to severe calcification. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the technical developments of multislice CT and diagnostic value of coronary CT angiography in coronary artery disease based on different generations of multislice CT scanners. Prognostic value of coronary CT angiography in coronary artery disease is also discussed, while limitations and challenges of coronary CT angiography are highlighted.

330 kWe Packaged CHP System with Reduced Emissions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Plahn, Paul [Cummins Power Generation, Minneapolis, MN (United States); Keene, Kevin [Cummins Power Generation, Minneapolis, MN (United States); Pendray, John [Cummins Power Generation, Minneapolis, MN (United States)

2015-03-31

The objective of this project was to develop a flexible, 330 kWe packaged Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system that can be deployed to commercial and light industrial applications at a lower total cost of ownership than current CHP solutions. The project resulted in a CHP system that is easy to use and inexpensive to install, offering world class customer support, while providing a low-emissions, higher-efficiency internal combustion engine for a CHP system of this size.

Contrast-enhanced MR angiography in Leriche's syndrome

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Link, J.; Steffens, J.C.; Brossmann, J.; Heller, M.; Loose, R.

1998-01-01

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of contrast-enhanced MR angiography for the diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome. Material and methods: Leriche's syndrome was seen in 7 patients via DSA. In [dition, contrast-enhanced MR angiography was performed (T R 7.8 ms/T E 2.1 ms, flip angle 30 , slab thickness 116 mm, slice thickness 1.82 mm, 64 partitions, FOV 500x438 mm, matrix 224x512). Results: Diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome was possible by contrast-enhanced MR angiography in each case. Visualisation of the femoral arteries was not possible in two patients by intraarterial DSA, in three other patients there was an insufficient contrast in the femoral arteries with DSA. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography revealed good visualisation of the femoral arteries in these patients. In [dition, contrast-enhanced MR angiography allowed complete visualisation of the patent lower limb arteries. In intraarterial DSA visualisation of the lower limb arteries was achieved reached in only one patient, but was incomplete. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced MR angiography yielded the correct diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome in all 7 patients. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography was superior to DSA in the assessment of the distal run-off vessels in five of seven patients. (orig.) [de

Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography after coronary bypass surgery - an alternative to coronary angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hauenstein, H.K.; Roeren, T.; Schlosser, V.; Urbani, B.

1985-01-01

Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography after coronary bypass surgery - an alternative to coronary angiography. Intraarterial DSA is a suitable method for early postoperative control of coronary artery bypass grafts. Small quantities of contrast media with low iodine content are injected into the aortic root. Investigations can be carried out with a routine fluoroscopic and digital equipment; additional cine-technique and analogue memory disc are not necessary. At an image rate of 3/s the bypass anastomoses can be exactly visualized in 75%, whereas diagnostic information was not sufficient in only 4% of all cases. The use of modern F-5-catheters and the nonselective injection make this method a less invasive alternative to coronary angiography. It is paticularly useful in evaluation of short- and long-term results. (orig.) [de

Emission lines of [K V] in the optical spectra of gaseous nebulae.

Science.gov (United States)

Keenan, Francis P; Aller, Lawrence H; Espey, Brian R; Exter, Katrina M; Hyung, Siek; Keenan, Michael T C; Pollacco, Don L; Ryans, Robert S I

2002-04-02

Recent R-matrix calculations of electron impact excitation rates in K v are used to derive the nebular emission line ratio R = I(4122.6 A)/I(4163.3 A) as a function of electron density (N(e)). This ratio is found to be very sensitive to changes in N(e) over the density range 10(3) to 10(6) cm(-3), but does not vary significantly with electron temperature, and hence in principle should provide an excellent optical N(e) diagnostic for the high-excitation zones of nebulae. The observed value of R for the planetary nebula NGC 7027, measured from a spectrum obtained with the Hamilton Echelle spectrograph on the 3-m Shane Telescope, implies a density in excellent agreement with that derived from [Ne iv], formed in the same region of the nebula as [K v]. This observation provides observational support for the accuracy of the theoretical [K v] line ratios, and hence the atomic data on which they are based. However, the analysis of a high-resolution spectrum of the symbiotic star RR Telescopii, obtained with the University College London Echelle Spectrograph on the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope, reveals that the [K v] 4122.6 A line in this object is badly blended with Fe ii 4122.6 A. Hence, the [K v] diagnostic may not be used for astrophysical sources that show a strong Fe ii emission line spectrum.

Renal computed angiography. Part I: Renal CT phlebography. Renal veins variants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Amin, M.; Krupev, M.; Hadjidekov, V.; Plachkov, I.

2012-01-01

The changing trend in renal surgery, transplantation and minimal invasive urology implies preprocedure evaluation of renal veins. Development of imaging methods offers new possibilities for venographic visualization. The goal of this study is to present authors experience in visualization of renal veins using 64 MDCT and to evaluate the utility in assessments of their variants. 128 patients (68 females and 60 males, mean age 53,3) with urological complaints underwent 64MDCT examination including CT angiography. Contrast enhancement includes 3-4ml/sec injection flow of 90 ml contrast medium followed by 20 ml saline at the same rate. In 23 out of 128 examined patients some of the common variants of the renal vein is found. 64 MDCT angiography visualize very well renal veins and becomes method of choice in preoperative assessment of renal vein anatomy. (authors)

Symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis and occlusion. Comparison of three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography with conventional angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sawada, Motoshi; Yano, Hirohito; Shinoda, Jun; Funakoshi, Takashi [Daiyukai General Hospital, Ichinomiya, Aichi (Japan); Kumagai, Morio

1994-10-01

The usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography using the three-dimensional time-of-flight method for the characterization of symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusive lesions was evaluated in 10 patients with MCA occlusion and 10 with MCA stenosis. All lesions were symptomatic and documented by conventional angiography. There was no false-negative MR angiogram that failed to demonstrate the MCA occlusive lesion. MR angiography correctly evaluated the location of lesions and the difference between stenosis and occlusion. Stenosis appeared as a focal signal loss (<1.0cm) of the MCA at the site of stenosis, and occlusion as a complete signal loss of the MCA distal to the site of occlusion. However, MR angiography could not distinguish diffuse stenosis and one point stenosis demonstrated by conventional angiography. MR angiography is a useful noninvasive diagnostic method for evaluating occlusive lesions of the MCA in symptomatic patients. (author).

Patient satisfaction with coronary CT angiography, myocardial CT perfusion, myocardial perfusion MRI, SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging and conventional coronary angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feger, S.; Rief, M.; Zimmermann, E.; Richter, F.; Roehle, R. [Freie Universitaet Berlin, Department of Radiology, Charite - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin Campus Mitte, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Berlin (Germany); Dewey, M. [Freie Universitaet Berlin, Department of Radiology, Charite - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin Campus Mitte, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Berlin (Germany); Institut fuer Radiologie, Berlin (Germany); Schoenenberger, E. [Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Department of Medicine, Hannover (Germany)

2015-07-15

To evaluate patient acceptance of noninvasive imaging tests for detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), including single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI), stress perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), coronary CT angiography (CTA) in combination with CT myocardial stress perfusion (CTP), and conventional coronary angiography (CCA). Intraindividual comparison of perception of 48 patients from the CORE320 multicentre multinational study who underwent rest and stress SPECT-MPI with a technetium-based tracer, combined CTA and CTP (both with contrast agent, CTP with adenosine), MRI, and CCA. The analysis was performed by using a validated questionnaire. Patients had significantly more concern prior to CCA than before CTA/CTP (p < 0.001). CTA/CTP was also rated as more comfortable than SPECT-MPI (p = 0.001). Overall satisfaction with CT was superior to that of MRI (p = 0.007). More patients preferred CT (46 %; p < 0.001) as a future diagnostic test. Regarding combined CTA/CTP, CTP was characterised by higher pain levels and an increased frequency of angina pectoris during the examination (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed a higher degree of pain during SPECT-MPI with adenosine stress compared to physical exercise (p = 0.016). All noninvasive cardiac imaging tests are well accepted by patients, with CT being the preferred examination. (orig.)

Identification of arteries and veins in cerebral angiography fluoroscopic images

Science.gov (United States)

Andra Tache, Irina

2017-11-01

In the present study a new method for pixels tagging into arteries and veins classes from temporal cerebral angiography is presented. This need comes from the neurosurgeon who is evaluating the fluoroscopic angiography and the magnetic resonance images from the brain in order to locate the fistula of the patients who suffer from arterio-venous malformation. The method includes the elimination of the background pixels from a previous segmentation and the generation of the time intensity curves for each remaining pixel. The later undergo signal processing in order to extract the characteristic parameters needed for applying the k-means clustering algorithm. Some of the parameters are: the phase and the maximum amplitude extracted from the Fourier transform, the standard deviation and the mean value. The tagged classes are represented into images which then are re-classified by an expert into artery and vein pixels.

Diagnostic and interventional angiography of superior mesenteric artery

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Simonetti, G; Urigo, F; Canalis, G C; Guazzaroni, M; Caboni, M; Rossi, P; Passariello, R

1986-01-01

The widespread diffusion of digital imaging progressivaly reduces the indications to conventional angiography in all vascular districts. On the contrary, angiography of mesenteric arteries still works as a valid complementary diagnostic tool in granulomatous and neoplastic lesions of ileum. Today, in selected patients, angiography is the first diagnostic approach to vascular ischemic and hemorrhagic pathology of ileum; timely resort to interventional angiography improve a dramatic prognosis. 70 refs.

Hemifacial spasm; The value of vertebral angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Hak Seok; Kim, Myung Soon; Han, Yong Pyo

1992-01-01

In order to evaluate the value of vertebral angiography in assesment of hemifacial spasm, We reviewed retrospectively the vertebral angiography of 28 patients (30 cases) with surgically proved hemifacial spasm but normal CT scans of posterior fossa. There were 9 males and 19 females. Angiography revealed vascular focus of hemifacial spasm located at anterior inferior cerebellar artery , posterior inferior cerebellar artery, and vertebral artery in 19, 9, and 2 cases respectively. Right side was involved in 20 cases. All involved vessels were elongated, tortuous, and dilated. In conclusion, vertebral angiography was valuable in evaluating hemifacial spasm of vascular origin in the posterior fossa

Catheter Angiography

Medline Plus

Full Text Available ... to your primary care or referring physician , who will discuss the results with you. top of page What are the benefits vs. risks? Benefits Angiography may eliminate the need ...

Diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography, stress dual-energy CT perfusion, and stress perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography for coronary artery disease: Comparison with combined invasive coronary angiography and stress perfusion cardiac MRI

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chung, Hyun Woo; Ko, Sung Min; Hwang, Hweung Kon; So, Young; Yi, Jeong Geun [Konkuk University Medical Center, Research Institute of Biomedical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Eun Jeong [Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2017-06-15

To investigate the diagnostic performance of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), stress dual-energy computed tomography perfusion (DE-CTP), stress perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and the combinations of CCTA with myocardial perfusion imaging (CCTA + DE-CTP and CCTA + SPECT) for identifying coronary artery stenosis that causes myocardial hypoperfusion. Combined invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (SP-CMR) imaging are used as the reference standard. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 25 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, who underwent CCTA, DE-CTP, SPECT, SP-CMR, and ICA. The reference standard was defined as ≥ 50% stenosis by ICA, with a corresponding myocardial hypoperfusion on SP-CMR. For per-vascular territory analysis, the sensitivities of CCTA, DE-CTP, SPECT, CCTA + DE-CTP, and CCTA + SPECT were 96, 96, 68, 93, and 68%, respectively, and specificities were 72, 75, 89, 85, and 94%, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were 0.84 ± 0.05, 0.85 ± 0.05, 0.79 ± 0.06, 0.89 ± 0.04, and 0.81 ± 0.06, respectively. For per-patient analysis, the sensitivities of CCTA, DE-CTP, SPECT, CCTA + DE-CTP, and CCTA + SPECT were 100, 100, 89, 100, and 83%, respectively; the specificities were 14, 43, 57, 43, and 57%, respectively; and the AUCs were 0.57 ± 0.13, 0.71 ± 0.11, 0.73 ± 0.11, 0.71 ± 0.11, and 0.70 ± 0.11, respectively. The combination of CCTA and DE-CTP enhances specificity without a loss of sensitivity for detecting hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis, as defined by combined ICA and SP-CMR.

Cerebral glucose utilization in pediatric neurological disorders determined by positron emission tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yanai, Kazuhiko; Tohoku Univ., Sendai; Iinuma, Kazuie; Miyabayashi, Shigeaki; Narisawa, Kuniaki; Tada, Keiya; Matsuzawa, Taiju; Tohoku Univ., Sendai; Ito, Masatoshi; Yamada, Kenji

1987-01-01

We measured local cerebral glucose utilization in 19 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LG), partial seizures (PS), atypical and classical phenylketonuria (PKU), Leigh disease, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), using positron emission tomography (PET). The mean values of regional glucose utilization in interictal scans of LG were significantly reduced in all brain regions when compared with that of PS (P<0.005). PET studies of glucose utilization in LG revealed more widespread hypometabolism than in PS. Two sibling with dihydropteridine reductase deficiency, a patient with classical PKU, and a boy with cytochrome c oxidase deficiency showed reduced glucose utilization in the caudate and putamen. A marked decrease in glucose utilization was found in the cortical gray matter of a patient with rapidly progressive SSPE, despite relatively preserved utilization in the caudate and putamen. The PET study of a patient with slowly progressive SSPE revealed patterns and values of glucose utilization similar to those of the control. Thus, PET provided a useful clue toward understanding brain dysfunction in LG, PS, PKU, Leigh disease, and SSPE. (orig.)

Cerebral glucose utilization in pediatric neurological disorders determined by positron emission tomography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yanai, Kazuhiko; Iinuma, Kazuie; Miyabayashi, Shigeaki; Narisawa, Kuniaki; Tada, Keiya; Matsuzawa, Taiju; Ito, Masatoshi; Yamada, Kenji

1987-09-01

We measured local cerebral glucose utilization in 19 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LG), partial seizures (PS), atypical and classical phenylketonuria (PKU), Leigh disease, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), using positron emission tomography (PET). The mean values of regional glucose utilization in interictal scans of LG were significantly reduced in all brain regions when compared with that of PS (P<0.005). PET studies of glucose utilization in LG revealed more widespread hypometabolism than in PS. Two sibling with dihydropteridine reductase deficiency, a patient with classical PKU, and a boy with cytochrome c oxidase deficiency showed reduced glucose utilization in the caudate and putamen. A marked decrease in glucose utilization was found in the cortical gray matter of a patient with rapidly progressive SSPE, despite relatively preserved utilization in the caudate and putamen. The PET study of a patient with slowly progressive SSPE revealed patterns and values of glucose utilization similar to those of the control. Thus, PET provided a useful clue toward understanding brain dysfunction in LG, PS, PKU, Leigh disease, and SSPE.

Digital subtraction angiography - a new approach to brain death determination in the newborn

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Albertini, A.; Schonfeld, S.; Hiatt, M.; Hegyi, T.

1993-01-01

The diagnosis of brain death in the newborn infants is elusive and often difficult. The lack of cerebral blood flow has become an identified criterion for loss of cerebral function. The diagnosis can be obtained by the technique of digital subtraction angiography, which is presented in two case reports demonstrating the utility of this technique. (orig.)

Computed tomography versus invasive coronary angiography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Napp, Adriane E.; Haase, Robert; Laule, Michael

2017-01-01

Objectives: More than 3.5 million invasive coronary angiographies (ICA) are performed in Europe annually. Approximately 2 million of these invasive procedures might be reduced by noninvasive tests because no coronary intervention is performed. Computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate...... angiography (ICA) is the reference standard for detection of CAD.• Noninvasive computed tomography angiography excludes CAD with high sensitivity.• CT may effectively reduce the approximately 2 million negative ICAs in Europe.• DISCHARGE addresses this hypothesis in patients with low-to-intermediate pretest...

Digital subtraction angiography for breast cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsurumi, Kiyohiko; Okuyama, Nobuo

1987-01-01

We performed digital subtraction angiography (DSA) on 42 patients with breast diseases to investigate its efficiency. As a result we came to the following conclusions: 1. The sensitivity was well evaluated in intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) of breast. 2. IA-DSA could diagnose difficult cases like cancer which had undergone augmentation mammoplasty, or like Paget's disease and others. 3. DSA was a safe examination method. 4. The sensitivity of IA-DSA of breast cancer is superior to intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV-DSA). (author)

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available Toggle navigation Test/Treatment Patient Type Screening/Wellness Disease/Condition Safety En Español More Info Images/Videos About Us News Physician Resources Professions Site Index A-Z Catheter Angiography ...

Latest techniques in head and neck CT angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schuknecht, B.

2004-01-01

Continuous evolution of multi row CT is increasingly making CT angiography a viable imaging modality for assessment of the supraaortic and intracranial vessels as an anatomically and functionally coherent vascular system. Extended non-invasive examinations with reduced contrast volume have become feasible with the availability of 16 and 64 row MDCT scanners. Prerequisites to obtain high resolution CT angiographies of the head and neck vessels with superior detail include the administration of low contrast volume, high contrast density (400 mg I/ml) contrast media, adequate timing and data acquisition, optimal flow rate (4 ml/s) and saline flushing. Non-invasiveness, delineation of vessel calcification, virtual independence from hemodynamic conditions, and the ability to provide quantification without needing to correct for magnification are all attributes that favour CT angiography over digital subtraction angiography and to some extent even magnetic resonance angiography as an alternative non-invasive technique. CT angiography is established as a modality of choice for the assessment of patients with acute stroke and chronic steno-occlusive disease. CT angiography may indicate the presence of extra- or intracranial acute vessel occlusion and dissection, predisposing atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease and thus indicate thrombo-embolism or local appositional thrombosis as the principle pathogenic factor. CT angiography is used to assess anatomy, and to depict the presence, location and extent of calcified and non-calcified plaque as a cause of high grade stenosis. Despite relatively limited sensitivity CT angiography is indicated for suspected or confirmed aneurysms that demand further verification of their presence, geometry, or relationship to parent artery branches and osseous anatomic landmarks. Low volume high density contrast media have substantially increased the ability of CT angiography to depict small aneurysms, small branches, and collateral vessels

Observer reliability of CT angiography in the assessment of acute ischaemic stroke: data from the Third International Stroke Trial

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mair, Grant; Farrall, Andrew J.; Sellar, Robin J.; Mollison, Daisy; Sakka, Eleni; Palmer, Jeb; Wardlaw, Joanna M.; Kummer, Ruediger von; Adami, Alessandro; White, Philip M.; Adams, Matthew E.; Yan, Bernard; Demchuk, Andrew M.; Ramaswamy, Rajesh; Rodrigues, Mark A.; Samji, Karim; Baird, Andrew J.; Boyd, Elena V.; Cohen, Geoff; Perry, David; Sandercock, Peter A.G.; Lindley, Richard

2015-01-01

CT angiography (CTA) is often used for assessing patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Only limited observer reliability data exist. We tested inter- and intra-observer reliability for the assessment of CTA in acute ischaemic stroke. We selected 15 cases from the Third International Stroke Trial (IST-3, ISRCTN25765518) with various degrees of arterial obstruction in different intracranial locations on CTA. To assess inter-observer reliability, seven members of the IST-3 expert image reading panel (>5 years experience reading CTA) and seven radiology trainees (<2 years experience) rated all 15 scans independently and blind to clinical data for: presence (versus absence) of any intracranial arterial abnormality (stenosis or occlusion), severity of arterial abnormality using relevant scales (IST-3 angiography score, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score, Clot Burden Score), collateral supply and visibility of a perfusion defect on CTA source images (CTA-SI). Intra-observer reliability was assessed using independently repeated expert panel scan ratings. We assessed observer agreement with Krippendorff's-alpha (K-alpha). Among experienced observers, inter-observer agreement was substantial for the identification of any angiographic abnormality (K-alpha = 0.70) and with an angiography assessment scale (K-alpha = 0.60-0.66). There was less agreement for grades of collateral supply (K-alpha = 0.56) or for identification of a perfusion defect on CTA-SI (K-alpha = 0.32). Radiology trainees performed as well as expert readers when additional training was undertaken (neuroradiology specialist trainees). Intra-observer agreement among experts provided similar results (K-alpha = 0.33-0.72). For most imaging characteristics assessed, CTA has moderate to substantial observer agreement in acute ischaemic stroke. Experienced readers and those with specialist training perform best. (orig.)

Angiography in portal hypertension

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zeitler, E

1982-04-05

We report on the cooperative possibilities the radiologist has as to diagnosis and therapy of portal hypertension. The catheter angiography allows to make a differentiation between pre- and intrahepatic bloc and the localization of bleeding esophagus varices. Only after all endoscopic measures with sclerotherapy and Laser coagulation have failed, catheter angiography will be carried out as a therapeutic measure. The future development, however, will give the opportunity to a series of therapeutic attempts on the field of interventional radiology.

Sectoral roles in greenhouse gas emissions and policy implications for energy utilization and carbon emissions trading: a case study of Beijing, China.

Science.gov (United States)

Ge, Jianping; Lei, Yalin; Xu, Qun; Wang, Xibo

2016-01-01

In this study, a decomposition and emissions matrix is developed to identify the roles (giver or taker) played by the sectors in the greenhouse gas emissions for the economy of Beijing in China. Our results indicate that services were the most important emitter if we consider the total (direct and indirect) emissions. In addition to Construction, Scientific studies and technical services and Finance sectors of services were the largest takers. They have a large role in boosting greenhouse gas emissions throughout the economy of Beijing. As the basis and supporter of production activities, the electricity production and the transportation sectors were the greatest givers. More emphasis should be placed on using clean energy and carbon capture and storage technologies to reduce emissions within these sectors. Based on the roles played by these sectors in greenhouse gas emissions, some policy implications were proposed for energy utilization and carbon emissions trading.

Magnetic resonance angiography for the head and neck region

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aschenbach, R.; Esser, D.

2004-01-01

Magnetic resonance angiography is a noninvasive method in vascular imaging using noncontrast- enhanced and contrast-enhanced techniques. The contrast media used in contrast- enhanced magnetic resonance angiography are different from the X-ray contrast media and do not affect the thyroid gland or renal function. In detecting hypervascularized lesions in the head and neck, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is the method of choice, which provides an acceptable quality in comparison to digital subtraction angiography. Future developments in magnetic resonance imaging techniques will cause a wider use of magnetic resonance angiography, especially in head and neck imaging. Digital subtraction angiography should therefore only be used in problem cases and for preoperative embolization [de

MsmK, an ATPase, Contributes to Utilization of Multiple Carbohydrates and Host Colonization of Streptococcus suis.

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, Mei-Fang; Gao, Ting; Liu, Wan-Quan; Zhang, Chun-Yan; Yang, Xi; Zhu, Jia-Wen; Teng, Mu-Ye; Li, Lu; Zhou, Rui

2015-01-01

Acquisition and metabolism of carbohydrates are essential for host colonization and pathogenesis of bacterial pathogens. Different bacteria can uptake different lines of carbohydrates via ABC transporters, in which ATPase subunits energize the transport though ATP hydrolysis. Some ABC transporters possess their own ATPases, while some share a common ATPase. Here we identified MsmK, an ATPase from Streptococcus suis, an emerging zoonotic bacterium causing dead infections in pigs and humans. Genetic and biochemistry studies revealed that the MsmK was responsible for the utilization of raffinose, melibiose, maltotetraose, glycogen and maltotriose. In infected mice, the msmK-deletion mutant showed significant defects of survival and colonization when compared with its parental and complementary strains. Taken together, MsmK is an ATPase that contributes to multiple carbohydrates utilization and host colonization of S. suis. This study gives new insight into our understanding of the carbohydrates utilization and its relationship to the pathogenesis of this zoonotic pathogen.

Angiography and interventional radiology of the kidneys; Angiographie und interventionelle Radiologie der Nieren

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hansmann, J.; Richter, G.M.; Hallscheidt, P.; Duex, M.; Noeldge, G.; Kaufmann, G.W. [Heidelberg Univ. (Germany). Abt. Radiodiagnostik

1999-05-01

For imaging of renal pathology a broad spectrum of radiologic diagnostic procedures are available which are, sometimes and particularly more recently, competing among each other in their diagnostic yield and relevance. For tumorous lesions ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are performed predominantly. Angiography is no longer required with the exception of highly selected cases and in some specific preoperative workup requirements. Until recently, catheter based digital subtraction angiography has been considered as gold standard. However, non-invasive techniques such as CT-angiography and MR-angiography are evolving parallel to their quantum leap of resolutions and readiness to use. Nevertheless, well accepted criteria for quality assessement of these new modalities are still lacking. More comparison studies are urgently warranted. Despite the availability of ultrashort pulse sequences applying the T1 relaxation reduction effect of gadolinium enhanced MR techniques overestimation of renal artery stenosis still poses a substantial problem. Renal intervention implies a variety of procedures such as plain angioplasty, stent placement, embolization of traumatic and both benign and malignant tumors. These methods have emerged over the last two decades from a more experimental nature to a fully accepted treatment option. When renal artery angioplasty is embedded in an aggressive approach including stenting as an adjunct for more complex cases, renal ostial lesions and a well organized follow-up regimen its therapeutic potential for treatment of renal insufficiency, malignant hypertension, for organ preservation bears a very high potential. Provided adequate periinterventional drug regimen restenosis rates may be as low as 10%. In highly selected cases capillary embolization might be used as an alternative to nephrectomy with a similar clinical outcome. Particularly the development of superselective small caliber embolization catheters

Comparison of CO2 DSA and conventional angiography using non-ionic contrast media in lower extremity angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jae Kyu; Park, Sung Jae; Koh, Seok Wan; Seo, Jeong Jin; Kang, Heoung Keun; Chung, Hyon De

1994-01-01

The purpose of this study is to compare CO 2 DSA and nonionic contrast media angiography in respect to the quality of the opacification of collaterals and incidence of side-effects in peripheral occlusive arterial disease. Sixteen patients who were suspected to have peripheral occlusive arterial disease were performed angiography with nonionic contrast media and CO 2 at the same location with the same catheter. The causes of the lesions were atherosclerosis(n=7) and Buerger's disease(n=9). CO 2 DSA was compared with nonionic contrast media angiography in respect to the quality of image in the diagnosis of the lesions, opacifications of collaterals and side-effects. In atherosclerosis; quality of the images of CO 2 DSA was same as that of nonionic contrast media angiography in 6 patients and was poor in 1 patient; opacifications of collaterals of CO 2 DSA were same as that of nonionic contrast media angiography in 5 patients and was poor in 2 patients. In Buerger's disease; quality of the images of CO 2 DSA was same as that of nonionic contrast media angiography in 2 patients and was poor in 7 patients; opacifications of collaterals of CO 2 DSA were same as that of nonionic contrast media angiography in 1 patient and was poor in 8 patients. Leg pain was the only side-effect after CO 2 injection occurring in 4 out of 16 patients. CO 2 could be used as safe contrast media in patient with risk factors for nonionic contrast media and for diagnosis of the atherosclerosis in lower extremity. For the procedures such as vascular intervention requiring large amount of contrast media CO 2 could effectively replace nonionic contrast media

Videodensitometric quantitative angiography after coronary balloon angioplasty, compared to edge-detection quantitative angiography and intracoronary ultrasound imaging

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Peters, R. J.; Kok, W. E.; Pasterkamp, G.; von Birgelen, C.; Prins, M. [=Martin H.; Serruys, P. W.

2000-01-01

AIMS: To assess the value of videodensitometric quantification of the coronary lumen after angioplasty by comparison to two other techniques of coronary artery lumen quantification. METHODS AND RESULTS: Videodensitometric quantitative angiography, edge detection quantitative angiography and 30 MHz

Practical applications and methods in performing cardiac digital subtraction angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Markovic, D.M.; Withrow, S.; Moodie, D.S.

1986-01-01

One of the purposes of this book is to outline the utility of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in common clinical practice. No text has dealt with the actual physical setup of the room or the patient prior and during a digital subtraction angiographic study at rest and with exercise. This chapter outlines the steps commonly used when cardiac DSA is performed on patients in the authors' laboratory. The authors have learned over the last few years the best way to prepare the patient and the equipment and it is hoped that utilizing this experience, other centers may avoid the mistakes the authors have made in the past and develop new techniques for the future

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in most cases, a contrast material injection ... congenital abnormalities in blood vessels, especially arteries in children (e.g., malformations in the heart or other ...

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Full Text Available ... imaging (MRI) In catheter angiography, a thin plastic tube, called a catheter , is inserted into an artery ... examined, a contrast material is injected through the tube and images are captured using a small dose ...

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Full Text Available ... accurate pictures of the blood vessels and may eliminate the need for surgery. Tell your doctor if ... are the benefits vs. risks? Benefits Angiography may eliminate the need for surgery. If surgery remains necessary, ...

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... spaghetti. top of page How does the procedure work? Catheter angiography works much the same as a ... angiogram may be performed in less than an hour; however, it may last several hours. top of ...

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Full Text Available ... medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in most cases, a contrast material injection ... a tendency to bleed. top of page Additional Information and Resources Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) - Patient ...

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Full Text Available ... diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. An example is finding an area of severe arterial narrowing, ... contrast material, your radiologist may advise that you take special medication for 24 hours before catheter angiography ...

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Full Text Available ... possible to combine diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. Catheter angiography produces very detailed, clear and ... possible to combine diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. An example is finding an area of ...

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Full Text Available ... blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke. identify a small aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (abnormal ... you. top of page What are the benefits vs. risks? Benefits Angiography may eliminate the need for ...

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Full Text Available ... iodine. If angiography is essential, a variety of methods is used to decrease risk of allergy: You ... radiation oncology provider in your community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database . This website does ...

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Full Text Available ... of a catheter makes it possible to combine diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. Catheter angiography ... of a catheter makes it possible to combine diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. An example ...

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Full Text Available ... examine blood vessels in key areas of the body for abnormalities such as aneurysms and disease such ... to produce pictures of blood vessels in the body. Angiography is performed using: x-rays with catheters ...

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Full Text Available ... rare, and radiology departments are well-equipped to deal with them. There is a small risk that ... standard x-ray contrast. Catheter angiography should be done very cautiously—if at all—in patients who ...

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Full Text Available ... few millimeters) in the skin where the catheter can be inserted into an artery. The catheter is ... need for surgery. If surgery remains necessary, it can be performed more accurately. Catheter angiography presents a ...

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Full Text Available ... 20 minutes (or by using a special closure device). When the examination is complete, you may be ... contrast material, your radiologist may advise that you take special medication for 24 hours before catheter angiography ...

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Full Text Available ... rays ). top of page What are some common uses of the procedure? Catheter angiography is used to ... community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database . This website does not provide cost information. The ...

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Full Text Available ... medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in most cases, a contrast material injection ... far outweighs the risk. If you have a history of allergy to x-ray contrast material, your ...

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Full Text Available ... spaghetti. top of page How does the procedure work? Catheter angiography works much the same as a ... and x-rays. Manufacturers of intravenous contrast indicate mothers should not breastfeed their babies for 24-48 ...

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Full Text Available ... Catheter angiography uses a catheter, x-ray imaging guidance and an injection of contrast material to examine ... removable dental appliances, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x- ...

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Full Text Available ... medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in most cases, a contrast material injection ... American College of Radiology (ACR) and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology note that the available data ...

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Full Text Available ... spaghetti. top of page How does the procedure work? Catheter angiography works much the same as a ... possible to combine diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. An example is finding an area of ...

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Full Text Available ... most cases, the kidneys will regain their normal function within five to seven days. Rarely, the catheter ... limitations of Catheter Angiography? Patients with impaired kidney function, especially those who also have diabetes, are not ...

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Full Text Available ... medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in most cases, a contrast material injection ... in key areas of the body, including the: brain neck heart chest abdomen (such as the kidneys ...

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Full Text Available ... top of page What are the benefits vs. risks? Benefits Angiography may eliminate the need for surgery. ... in the typical diagnostic range for this exam. Risks There is always a slight chance of cancer ...

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Full Text Available ... serious allergic reaction to contrast materials that contain iodine is extremely rare, and radiology departments are well- ... having a reaction to contrast materials that contain iodine. If angiography is essential, a variety of methods ...

Angiography in portal hypertension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeitler, E.

1982-01-01

We report on the cooperative possibilities the radiologist has as to diagnosis and therapy of portal hypertension. The catheter angiography allows to make a differentiation between pre- and intrahepatic bloc and the localization of bleeding esophagus varices. Only after all endoscopic measures with sclerotherapy and Laser coagulation have failed, catheter angiography will be carried out as a therapeutic measure. The future development, however, will give the opportunity to a series of therapeutic attempts on the field of interventional radiology. (orig.) [de

Magnetic resonance angiography of arteriovenous malformation in the brainstem

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oyama, Hirofumi; Kida, Yoshihisa; Kobayashi, Tatsuya; Tanaka, Takayuki; Iwakoshi, Takayasu; Kai, Osamu; Hirose, Mitsuhiko [Komaki City Hospital, Aichi (Japan)

1993-11-01

The magnetic resonance (MR) angiography appearance of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the tegmentum and pons is described. The interpeduncular perforating branches of the posterior cerebral artery and median pontine branches of the basilar artery were seen more clearly by MR angiography than by conventional angiography. MR angiography was very useful for the follow-up of AVM after stereotactic radiosurgery. (author).

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Pilot study of dynamic cine CT angiography for the evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms : Implications for endograft treatment

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Teutelink, A; Rutten, A; Muhs, BE; Olree, M; van Herwaarden, JA; de Vos, AM; Prokop, M; Moll, FL; Verhagen, HJM

Purpose: To utilize 40-slice electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated cine computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to characterize normal aortic motion during the cardiac cycle at relevant anatomical landmarks in preoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients. Methods: In 10 consecutive

Multidetector CT angiography in living donor renal transplantation: accuracy and discrepancies in right venous anatomy.

Science.gov (United States)

Kulkarni, S; Emre, S; Arvelakis, A; Asch, W; Bia, M; Formica, R; Israel, G

2011-01-01

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is a reliable technique for assessing pre-operative renal anatomy in living kidney donors. The method has largely evolved into protocols that eliminate dedicated venous phase and instead utilize a combined arterial/venous phase to delineate arterial and venous anatomy simultaneously. Despite adoption of this protocol, there has been no study to assess its accuracy. To assess whether or not MDCT angiography compares favorably to intra-operative findings, 102 donors underwent MDCT angiography without a dedicated venous phase with surgical interpretation of renal anatomy. Anatomical variants included multiple arteries (12%), multiple veins (7%), early arterial bifurcation (13%), late venous confluence (5%), circumaortic renal veins (5%), retroaortic vein (1%), and ureteral duplication (2%). The sensitivity and specificity of multiple arterial anomalies were 100% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of multiple venous anomalies were 92% and 98%, respectively. The most common discrepancy was noted exclusively in the interpretation of right venous anatomy as it pertained to the renal vein/vena cava confluence (3%). MDCT angiography using a combined arterial/venous contrast-enhanced phase provides suitable depiction of renal donor anatomy. Careful consideration should be given when planning a right donor nephrectomy whether the radiographic interpretation is suggestive of a late confluence. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Analyzing electric utility NO{sub x} emission allowance trading strategies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selker, F.

2005-04-01

This article presented a computer model designed to help power producers negotiate the nitrous oxide (NO{sub x}) emission allowance (EA) market. Created in 1999, the EA market poses a serious constraint to utilities and has the potential to substantially increase total power productions costs and to force plant shutdowns if emissions exceed limits. The market was created in response to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, with the goal of effectively reducing the cost of summer ozone levels. Over 450 sources in the Northeast regions receive an allocation of NO{sub x} allowances to cover their NO{sub x} emissions during the May to September period. Various uncertainties created by the market were examined, including late summer heat waves and nuclear outages, both of which could boost emissions during times when offsets are difficult to initiate. Weather, planning and plant outages were also discussed. Supply shortages were considered along with issues concerning the model's ability to assess options and uncertainties. The feasibility of the emissions allowance acting as a viable buffer was also evaluated. It was noted that the net cost of buying and selling allowances during the NO{sub x} season varied with inventory levels. A hypothetical analysis of a NO{sub x} inventory was presented. It was suggested that purchasing options to buy allowances offered another hedge against NO{sub x} EA shortages and noncompliance. It was concluded that the model allowed users to explore the cost and risk tradeoffs of various combinations. 5 figs.

Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary angiography with third-generation dual-source CT at 70 kVp tube voltage: feasibility, image quality, radiation dose, and effect of iterative reconstruction.

Science.gov (United States)

Hell, Michaela M; Bittner, Daniel; Schuhbaeck, Annika; Muschiol, Gerd; Brand, Michael; Lell, Michael; Uder, Michael; Achenbach, Stephan; Marwan, Mohamed

2014-01-01

Low tube voltage reduces radiation exposure in coronary CT angiography (CTA). Using 70 kVp tube potential has so far not been possible because CT systems were unable to provide sufficiently high tube current with low voltage. We evaluated feasibility, image quality (IQ), and radiation dose of coronary CTA using a third-generation dual-source CT system capable of producing 450 mAs tube current at 70 kVp tube voltage. Coronary CTA was performed in 26 consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease, selected for body weight Image noise was lower in IR vs FBP (60 ± 10 HU vs 74 ± 8 HU; P < .001). In patients <100 kg and with a regular heart rate <60 beats/min, third-generation dual-source CT using high-pitch spiral acquisition and 70 kVp tube voltage is feasible and provides both robust IQ and very low radiation exposure. Copyright © 2014 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Three-Dimensional Respiratory-Gated Coronary Mr Angiography with Reference to X-Ray Coronary Angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ikonen, A. E. J.; Manninen, H. I.; Vainio, P.; Vanninen, R. L.; Matsi, P. J.; Soimakallio, S.; Hirvonen, T.P.J.; Hartikainen, J.E.K.

2003-01-01

Purpose: To assess the clinical value of three-dimensional coronary MR angiography (CMRA) in the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis using conventional X-ray angiography as the standard reference. Material and Methods: Sixty-nine patients underwent X-ray coronary angiography and CMRA because of suspected or previously diagnosed coronary artery disease. MRI was performed with a 1.5-T whole body imaging system using ECG-triggered 3D gradient echo sequence with retrospective navigator echo respiratory gating and fat suppression. Results: A total of 276 coronary artery segments were analyzed. The X-ray coronary angiography was normal in 22 patients. Significant proximal stenoses (exceeding 50%) or occlusions were present in 102 coronary artery segments. In all, 120 stenoses or occlusions were identified in CMRA. Sixteen percent of the coronary artery segments had to be excluded because of poor image quality. The overall sensitivity and specificity for MRA for identification of significant stenosis were 75% and 62%, respectively. CMRA correctly detected 89% of patients with at least one vessel disease, but 6 patients with coronary artery disease would have been missed. Conclusions: Because of the high data exclusion and false-negative case rate, CMRA with retrospective navigator echo triggering is at present not suitable as a clinical screening method in coronary artery disease

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... with you. top of page What are the benefits vs. risks? Benefits Angiography may eliminate the need for surgery. If ... cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk. ...

Online Angiography Image-Based FFR Assessment During Coronary Catheterization: A Single-Center Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Kornowski, Ran; Vaknin-Assa, Hana; Assali, Abid; Greenberg, Gabriel; Valtzer, Orna; Lavi, Ifat

2018-03-15

To assess the diagnostic performance of angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRangio) measurements in patients with stable coronary artery disease when used online in the catheterization laboratory during routine coronary angiography. FFR, an index of the hemodynamic severity of coronary stenosis, is derived from invasive measurements using a pressure-monitoring guidewire and hyperemic stimulus. While FFR is the gold standard, it remains under-utilized. FFRangio may have several advantages owing to the reduced operator time, no wire-related or procedural complications, and no need for administration of vasodilators. FFRangio is a novel technology that uses a patient's hemodynamic data and routine angiograms to generate FFR values at each point along the coronary tree. We present the online application of the system where FFRangio was successfully used in the catheterization laboratory during routine coronary angiography and compared to invasive FFR. Fifty-three patients (79% men) and 60 coronary lesions were analyzed. Values derived using FFRangio ranged from 0.58-0.96 and correlated closely (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r=0.91; Psystem. In this single-center experience, FFRangio values showed high correlation rates to invasive FFR.

Magnetic resonance angiography for patients with positional vertigo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seo, Toru; Tominaga, Satoru; Fujiki, Hiroya (Takarazuka City Hospital, Hyogo (Japan)); Kumoi, Takeo

1993-11-01

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can image the blood vessels without invasion. Using MRA, we studied the vascular morphology of the vertebral artery in patients with positional nystagmus and vertigo. Fifteen patients without vestibular disorder such as benign positional vertigo were examined. Six cases underwent conventional vertebral angiography, including digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for comparison with MRA. In all cases. we observed the vertebral artery from the bifurcation to the basilar artery with MRA. In 12 cases, abnormal findings of elongation, bending, narrowing or obstruction of the vertebral artery were found. In five cases, arterial compression and elongation increased in association with head rotation. A difference in the vessel diameter on each side was observed in 4 cases. Accordingly, some abnormal vessels were found in 14 of 15 cases in our study. This rate was very close to previous results obtained with conventional angiography. In two cases, MRA findings differed from conventional angiography due to peculiar artifacts of MRA. Therefore, MRA may be the first choice for the patients with vertigo, followed by conventional angiography, if necessary. (author).

Magnetic resonance angiography for patients with positional vertigo

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seo, Toru; Tominaga, Satoru; Fujiki, Hiroya; Kumoi, Takeo.

1993-01-01

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can image the blood vessels without invasion. Using MRA, we studied the vascular morphology of the vertebral artery in patients with positional nystagmus and vertigo. Fifteen patients without vestibular disorder such as benign positional vertigo were examined. Six cases underwent conventional vertebral angiography, including digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for comparison with MRA. In all cases. we observed the vertebral artery from the bifurcation to the basilar artery with MRA. In 12 cases, abnormal findings of elongation, bending, narrowing or obstruction of the vertebral artery were found. In five cases, arterial compression and elongation increased in association with head rotation. A difference in the vessel diameter on each side was observed in 4 cases. Accordingly, some abnormal vessels were found in 14 of 15 cases in our study. This rate was very close to previous results obtained with conventional angiography. In two cases, MRA findings differed from conventional angiography due to peculiar artifacts of MRA. Therefore, MRA may be the first choice for the patients with vertigo, followed by conventional angiography, if necessary. (author)

Observer reliability of CT angiography in the assessment of acute ischaemic stroke: data from the Third International Stroke Trial

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mair, Grant; Farrall, Andrew J.; Sellar, Robin J.; Mollison, Daisy; Sakka, Eleni; Palmer, Jeb; Wardlaw, Joanna M. [University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, Edinburgh (United Kingdom); Kummer, Ruediger von [Dresden University Stroke Centre, University Hospital, Department of Neuroradiology, Dresden (Germany); Adami, Alessandro [Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Negrar (Italy); White, Philip M. [Stroke Research Group, Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom); Adams, Matthew E. [National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroradiology, London (United Kingdom); Yan, Bernard [Royal Melbourne Hospital, Neurovascular Research Group, Parkville (Australia); Demchuk, Andrew M. [Calgary Stroke Program, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Calgary (Canada); Ramaswamy, Rajesh; Rodrigues, Mark A.; Samji, Karim; Baird, Andrew J. [Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Department of Radiology, Edinburgh (United Kingdom); Boyd, Elena V. [Northwick Park Hospital, Department of Radiology, Harrow (United Kingdom); Cohen, Geoff; Perry, David; Sandercock, Peter A.G. [University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Edinburgh (United Kingdom); Lindley, Richard [University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital Clinical School and The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney (Australia); Collaboration: The IST-3 Collaborative Group

2014-10-07

CT angiography (CTA) is often used for assessing patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Only limited observer reliability data exist. We tested inter- and intra-observer reliability for the assessment of CTA in acute ischaemic stroke. We selected 15 cases from the Third International Stroke Trial (IST-3, ISRCTN25765518) with various degrees of arterial obstruction in different intracranial locations on CTA. To assess inter-observer reliability, seven members of the IST-3 expert image reading panel (>5 years experience reading CTA) and seven radiology trainees (<2 years experience) rated all 15 scans independently and blind to clinical data for: presence (versus absence) of any intracranial arterial abnormality (stenosis or occlusion), severity of arterial abnormality using relevant scales (IST-3 angiography score, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score, Clot Burden Score), collateral supply and visibility of a perfusion defect on CTA source images (CTA-SI). Intra-observer reliability was assessed using independently repeated expert panel scan ratings. We assessed observer agreement with Krippendorff's-alpha (K-alpha). Among experienced observers, inter-observer agreement was substantial for the identification of any angiographic abnormality (K-alpha = 0.70) and with an angiography assessment scale (K-alpha = 0.60-0.66). There was less agreement for grades of collateral supply (K-alpha = 0.56) or for identification of a perfusion defect on CTA-SI (K-alpha = 0.32). Radiology trainees performed as well as expert readers when additional training was undertaken (neuroradiology specialist trainees). Intra-observer agreement among experts provided similar results (K-alpha = 0.33-0.72). For most imaging characteristics assessed, CTA has moderate to substantial observer agreement in acute ischaemic stroke. Experienced readers and those with specialist training perform best. (orig.)

Comparison of spiral CT angiography with conventional digital subtraction angiography in the evaluation of renal transplant donors: a pilot study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chu, C.; Young, N.; Lau, H.

2001-01-01

Conventional digital subtraction renal arteriography (IA-DSA) has been traditionally used as the preoperative imaging modality for assessment of renal vascular anatomy for renal transplant donors. This study evaluates the potential use of spiral CT angiography in replacing IA-DSA in the preoperative assessment of this group of patients. Seven patients underwent both spiral CT angiography and IA-DSA between October 1997 and April 1998. It is concluded that spiral CT angiography can demonstrate the number, length and location of renal arteries and it is suggested that spiral CT angiography can potentially replace IA-DSA in the preoperative assessment of renal donors. Copyright (2001) Blackwell Science Pty Ltd

Complications with Outpatient Angiography and Interventional Procedures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Young, Noel; Chi, Ka-Kit; Ajaka, Joe; McKay, Lesa; O'Neill, Diane; Wong, Kai Ping

2002-01-01

Purpose: To prospectively identify the complications, and rates of complication, in outpatient angiography and interventional procedures. Methods: There were 1050 consecutive patients, 646 men and 404 women, aged 17-89 years, with a total of 1239 procedures studied in a 2-year period, 1997 to 1999. Results: There were 560 cases of aorto-femoral angiography,resulting in 124 complications (22%), with pain or hematoma in 110.There were 206 cases of neck and cerebral angiography, resulting in 51 complications (25%), with pain and hematoma in 34, transient ischemic attack in 2 and cerebrovascular accident in 1. There were 197 interfentional procedures, with 177 being balloon dilatations, resulting in 68 complications (35%), with 2 having hematomas and 1 having hematoma/abscess requiring active treatment. There were 276 cases having various 'other' procedures (e.g., renal angiography),resulting in 65 complications (24%), with pain and hematoma in 61. No procedure-related death occurred. Eighteen cases (1.5%) had significant complications, with contrast allergy in eight. Conclusion: Outpatient angiography and intervention are relatively safe, with low significant complication rates

Noise Emission of a 200 kW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Erik Möllerström

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The noise emission from a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT has been investigated. A noise measurement campaign on a 200 kW straight-bladed VAWT has been conducted, and the result has been compared to a semi-empirical model for turbulent-boundary-layer trailing edge (TBL-TE noise. The noise emission from the wind turbine was measured, at wind speed 8 m/s, 10 m above ground, to 96.2 dBA. At this wind speed, the turbine was stalling as it was run at a tip speed lower than optimal due to constructional constraints. The noise emission at a wind speed of 6 m/s, 10 m above ground was measured while operating at optimum tip speed and was found to be 94.1 dBA. A comparison with similar size horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs indicates a noise emission at the absolute bottom of the range. Furthermore, it is clear from the analysis that the turbulent-boundary-layer trailing-edge noise, as modeled here, is much lower than the measured levels, which suggests that other mechanisms are likely to be important, such as inflow turbulence.

Preoperative cerebral aneurysm assessment by three-dimensional CT angiography. Feasibility of surgery without cerebral angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kashiwagi, Shiro; Yamashita, Katsuhiro; Kato, Shoichi; Ito, Haruhide; Kurokawa, Kensuke; Watanabe, Yutaka

1999-01-01

The purpose of this study is to assess the capability of three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA) to replace conventional catheter angiography as a preoperative examination for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. A prospective study was designed to evaluate 18 patients with 20 unruptured intracranial aneurysms (13 middle cerebral artery aneurysms, 6 anterior communicating artery aneurysms, and 1 internal carotid posterior communicating artery aneurysm) who underwent surgery. There were 12 women and 6 men with the average age of 63 years old. All patients were initially diagnosed as having intracranial aneurysms by MR angiography, followed by 3D-CTA and conventional catheter angiography for confirmation. Three experienced neurosurgeons were in charge of the operations. One of the neurosurgeons (surgeon 1) was provided with only 3D-CTA as the preoperative radiological evaluation, while the others (surgeon 2 and 3) were given through assessments with MRA, 3D-CTA, and conventional angiography. Surgeon 1 carried out the operations under careful observation by the surgeons 2 and 3. Problems encountered by the surgeon 1 during surgery were recorded. Neck clipping in 19 aneurysms and dome wrapping in 1 were successfully accomplished. All patients were discharged without complication. Surgeries went smoothly in 16 aneurysms with 3D-CTA alone. Discrepancies between the 3D-CTA findings and microsurgical anatomy were noted in 4 aneurysms: the size of the neck was overestimated in 3 aneurysms, the relationships to parent arteries were obscure in 2 aneurysms, and a perforating artery problematic to neck clipping was missed in 1 aneurysms by 3D-CTA. The results of this study support the notion that 3D-CTA can replace conventional catheter angiography as preoperative examination in the majority of regular-sized anterior circulation aneurysms. Nevertheless, surgeons should recognize and be prepared for the fact that 3D-CTA can give false impression about the aneurysm neck and

Dual-energy CT head bone and hard plaque removal for quantification of calcified carotid stenosis: utility and comparison with digital subtraction angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uotani, Kensuke; Watanabe, Yoshiyuki; Higashi, Masahiro; Nakazawa, Tetsuro; Kono, Atsushi K.; Hori, Yoshiro; Fukuda, Tetsuya; Kanzaki, Suzu; Yamada, Naoaki; Naito, Hiroaki; Itoh, Toshihide; Sugimura, Kazuro

2009-01-01

We evaluated quantification of calcified carotid stenosis by dual-energy (DE) CTA and dual-energy head bone and hard plaque removal (DE hard plaque removal) and compared the results to those of digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Eighteen vessels (13 patients) with densely calcified carotid stenosis were examined by dual-source CT in the dual-energy mode (tube voltages 140 kV and 80 kV). Head bone and hard plaques were removed from the dual-energy images by using commercial software. Carotid stenosis was quantified according to NASCET criteria on MIP images and DSA images at the same plane. Correlation between DE CTA and DSA was determined by cross tabulation. Accuracies for stenosis detection and grading were calculated. Stenosis could be evaluated in all vessels by DE CTA after applying DE hard plaque removal. In contrast, conventional CTA failed to show stenosis in 13 out of 18 vessels due to overlapping hard plaque. Good correlation between DE plaque removal images and DSA images was observed (r 2 =0.9504) for stenosis grading. Sensitivity and specificity to detect hemodynamically relevant (>70%) stenosis was 100% and 92%, respectively. Dual-energy head bone and hard plaque removal is a promising tool for the evaluation of densely calcified carotid stenosis. (orig.)

Technologies for utilization of industrial excess heat: Potentials for energy recovery and CO2 emission reduction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Broberg Viklund, Sarah; Johansson, Maria T.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Technologies for recovery and use of industrial excess heat were investigated. • Heat harvesting, heat storage, heat utilization, and heat conversion technologies. • Heat recovery potential for Gävleborg County in Sweden was calculated. • Effects on global CO 2 emissions were calculated for future energy market scenarios. - Abstract: Industrial excess heat is a large untapped resource, for which there is potential for external use, which would create benefits for industry and society. Use of excess heat can provide a way to reduce the use of primary energy and to contribute to global CO 2 mitigation. The aim of this paper is to present different measures for the recovery and utilization of industrial excess heat and to investigate how the development of the future energy market can affect which heat utilization measure would contribute the most to global CO 2 emissions mitigation. Excess heat recovery is put into a context by applying some of the excess heat recovery measures to the untapped excess heat potential in Gävleborg County in Sweden. Two different cases for excess heat recovery are studied: heat delivery to a district heating system and heat-driven electricity generation. To investigate the impact of excess heat recovery on global CO 2 emissions, six consistent future energy market scenarios were used. Approximately 0.8 TWh/year of industrial excess heat in Gävleborg County is not used today. The results show that with the proposed recovery measures approximately 91 GWh/year of district heating, or 25 GWh/year of electricity, could be supplied from this heat. Electricity generation would result in reduced global CO 2 emissions in all of the analyzed scenarios, while heat delivery to a DH system based on combined heat and power production from biomass would result in increased global CO 2 emissions when the CO 2 emission charge is low

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special detector. Different ... about radiology? Share your patient story here Images × ... Related Articles and Media Angioplasty and Vascular Stenting MR Angiography (MRA) Contrast ...

Stent sizing strategies in renal artery stenting: the comparison of conventional invasive renal angiography with renal computed tomographic angiography.

Science.gov (United States)

Kadziela, Jacek; Michalowska, Ilona; Pregowski, Jerzy; Janaszek-Sitkowska, Hanna; Lech, Katarzyna; Kabat, Marek; Staruch, Adam; Januszewicz, Andrzej; Witkowski, Adam

2016-01-01

Randomized trials comparing invasive treatment of renal artery stenosis with standard pharmacotherapy did not show substantial benefit from revascularization. One of the potential reasons for that may be suboptimal procedure technique. To compare renal stent sizing using two modalities: three-dimensional renal computed tomography angiography (CTA) versus conventional angiography. Forty patients (41 renal arteries), aged 65.1 ±8.5 years, who underwent renal artery stenting with preprocedural CTA performed within 6 months, were retrospectively analyzed. In CTA analysis, reference diameter (CTA-D) and lesion length (CTA_LL) were measured and proposed stent diameter and length were recorded. Similarly, angiographic reference diameter (ANGIO_D) and lesion length (ANGIO_LL) as well as proposed stent dimensions were obtained by visual estimation. The median CTA_D was 0.5 mm larger than the median ANGIO_D (p < 0.001). Also, the proposed stent diameter in CTA evaluation was 0.5 mm larger than that in angiography (p < 0.0001). The median CTA_LL was 1 mm longer than the ANGIO_LL (p = NS), with significant correlation of these variables (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001). The median proposed stent length with CTA was equal to that proposed with angiography. The median diameter of the implanted stent was 0.5 mm smaller than that proposed in CTA (p < 0.0005) and identical to that proposed in angiography. The median length of the actual stent was longer than that proposed in angiography (p = 0.0001). Renal CTA has potential advantages as a tool adjunctive to angiography in appropriate stent sizing. Careful evaluation of the available CTA scans may be beneficial and should be considered prior to the planned procedure.

Energy utilization, carbon dioxide emission, and exergy loss in flavored yogurt production process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sorgüven, Esra; Özilgen, Mustafa

2012-01-01

This paper investigates the impact of food production processes on the environment in terms of energy and exergy utilization and carbon dioxide emission. There are three different energy utilization mechanisms in food production: Utilization of solar energy by plants to produce agricultural goods; feed consumption by herbivores to produce meat and milk; fossil fuel consumption by industrial processes to perform mixing, cooling, heating, etc. Production of strawberry-flavored yogurt, which involves these three mechanisms, is investigated here thermodynamically. Analysis starts with the cultivation of the ingredients and ends with the transfer of the final product to the market. The results show that 53% of the total exergy loss occurs during the milk production and 80% of the total work input is consumed during the plain yogurt making. The cumulative degree of perfection is 3.6% for the strawberry-flavored yogurt. This value can rise up to 4.6%, if renewable energy resources like hydropower and algal biodiesel are employed instead of fossil fuels. This paper points the direction for the development of new technology in food processing to decrease waste of energy and carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere. -- Highlights: ► Energy and exergy utilization and carbon dioxide emission during strawberry-flavored yogurt production. ► Cumulative degree of perfection of strawberry-flavored yogurt is 3.6%. ► 53% of the total exergy loss occurs during the milk production. ► 80% of the total work input is consumed during the plain yogurt making.

Infrared normal spectral emissivity of Ti-6Al-4V alloy in the 500-1150 K temperature range

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gonzalez-Fernandez, L. [Departamento de Fisica de la Materia Condensada, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnologia, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia (Spain); Industria de Turbo Propulsores, S.A., Planta de Zamudio, Edificio 300, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia (Spain); Risueno, E. [CIC Energigune, Parque Tecnologico, Albert Einstein 48, 01510 Minano, Alava, Spain. (Spain); Perez-Saez, R.B., E-mail: raul.perez@ehu.es [Departamento de Fisica de la Materia Condensada, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnologia, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia (Spain); Instituto de Sintesis y Estudio de Materiales, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Apdo. 644,48080 Bilbao, Spain. (Spain); Tello, M.J. [Departamento de Fisica de la Materia Condensada, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnologia, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia (Spain); Instituto de Sintesis y Estudio de Materiales, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Apdo. 644,48080 Bilbao, Spain. (Spain)

2012-11-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer First heating cycle acts as a annealing, relieving the surface stresses. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stress relieving occurs mainly above 900 K. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Emissivity decreases between 0.35 and 0.10 in the 2.5-22 {mu}m spectral range. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Emissivity increases linearly with temperature, with the same slope for {lambda} > 10 {mu}m. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Good agreement between resistivity and emissivity by means of Hagen-Rubens relation. - Abstract: Thermal radiative emissivity is related to the optical and electrical properties of materials, and it is a key parameter required in a large number of industrial applications. In the case of Ti-6Al-4V, spectral emissivity experimental data are not available for the range of temperatures between 400 and 1200 K, where almost all industrial applications take place. The experimental results in this paper show that the normal spectral emissivity decreases with wavelength from a value of about 0.35 at 2.5 {mu}m to about 0.10 at 22 {mu}m. At the same time, the spectral emissivity shows a slight linear increase with temperature between 500 and 1150 K, with approximately the same slope for all wavelengths. Additionally, the influence of the samples thermal history on the emissivity is studied. A strong decrease in the emissivity values appears due to the effect of surface stress relaxation processes. This means that the radiative properties of this alloy strongly depend on the surface stress state. A thermal treatment to relieve the surface stress should be carried out to achieve a steady state of the radiative properties. In addition, a good qualitative agreement is found between the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity obtained using conventional measurements and the one obtained from the emissivity experimental results by using the Hagen-Rubens equation.

Low-dose celiac CT angiography with fixed current-time product

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Hong; Li Huimin; Li Xiaolin; Zhu Shiqiang; Zhang Jiaming; Wang Xiangming; Zou Xiaofeng

2009-01-01

Objective: To characterize the feasibility of low-dose CT angiography on 16-slice multi-slice computed tomography (16-MSCT), and its relationship to the noise in the pre-contrast image and enhancement value. Methods: Forty-three consecutive patients (male 21, female 22, mean age 59 years, median age 56 years) underwent abdominal 16-MSCT (Toshiba Aquilion 16) with constant scanning parameters including 120 kVp, a 0.5-second gantry rotation time, a pitch of 0.938: 1, and 16 x 1-mm detector collimation. The mA was set at 200 in the pre-contrast scan and 160 in the contrast-enhanced scan. The arterial phase images were retrospectively reconstructed with 1-mm slice thickness, 0.8 mm interval. The pre-contrast noise was defined as the standard deviation (SD) of the aorta at the level of right posterior crura of diaphragm. The enhancement of aorta was also measured at level of celiac artery. The volume rendering of CT angiography was made and classified into three grades (excellent, good, bad). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the relationship between the image quality of CT angiography and noise in the pre-contrast image and enhancement value. Results: Twenty-five cases had the aorta enhancement between 300.0-400.0 HU. The sensitivity and specificity of excellent CTA image was 75% and 62%, respectively when the SD was 12.00. Eighteen cases had the aorta enhancement more than 400.0 HU. The sensitivity and specificity of excellent CTA image was all 100% when the SD was 12.25, and 100% and 75%, respectively when the SD was 13.35. The area under curve of CTA image quality and enhancement in receiver-operated characteristic analysis was 0.907. The enhancement was more than 356.7 HU when the sensitivity and specificity of excellent CTA image was 100% and 60%, respectively, and 389.8 HU when 78% and 80%. When the enhancement was more than 442.4 HU, the specificity of excellent CTA image was 100%. Conclusions: MSCT angiography with low radiation

Catheter Angiography

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Full Text Available ... navigation Test/Treatment Patient Type Screening/Wellness Disease/Condition Safety En Español More Info Images/Videos About Us ... the equipment look like? How does the procedure work? How is the ... and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, ...

Directivity of the radio emission from the K1 dwarf star AB Doradus

Science.gov (United States)

Lim, Jeremy; White, Stephen M.; Nelson, Graam J.; Benz, Arnold O.

1994-01-01

We present measurements of the spectrum and polarization of the flaring radio emission from the K1 dwarf star AB Doradus, together with previously reported single frequency measurements (with no polarization information) on 3 other days. On all 4 days spanning a 6 month period, the emission was strong and, when folded with the stellar rotation period, showed similar time variations with two prominant peaks at phase 0.35 and 0.75. These peaks coincide in longitude with two large starspots identified from the stellar optical light curve and have half-powe widths as small as 0.1 rotations and no larger than 0.2 rotations. The modulated emission shows no measurable circular polarization, and its two peaks have different turnover frequencies.

Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in Germany in 2009: utilization and state of the practice

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lindner, Oliver; Burchert, Wolfgang [University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Heart and Diabetes Centre North Rhine-Westphalia, Bad Oeynhausen (Germany); Bengel, Frank M. [Hanover University School of Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hannover (Germany); Zimmermann, Rainer [Klinikum Pforzheim GmbH, Cardiology Department, Pforzheim (Germany); Dahl, Juergen vom [Kliniken Maria Hilf GmbH, Cardiology Department, Moenchengladbach (Germany); Schaefers, Michael [Westfaelische Wilhelms Universitaet Muenster, European Institute of Molecular Imaging, Muenster (Germany)

2011-08-15

Since 2006, the working group Cardiovascular Nuclear Medicine of the German Society of Nuclear Medicine, in cooperation with the working group Nuclear Cardiology of the German Cardiac Society, has been surveying the utilization and technical realization of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) in Germany. This paper presents the results of the reporting year 2009. A total of 291 centres participated in the inquiry, including 179 private practices (PP), 86 hospitals (HO) and 26 university hospitals (UH). MPS of 98,103 patients were reported. The MPS numbers per million population (pmp) were estimated at 2,360; 76% of the MPS were performed in PP, 17% in HO and 7% in UH. The ratio of MPS to coronary angiography to revascularization was 0.5 to 2.3 to 1. Data from 134 centres which participated in the surveys from 2005 to 2009 showed a decrease in MPS utilization of 2.2%. Nearly half of the MPS were requested by ambulatory care cardiologists. Of all MPS studies, 89% were conducted with {sup 99m}Tc perfusion tracers. Ergometry was the preferred stress test (69%). Adenosine was used in 16%, adenosine + exercise in 7%, dipyridamole in 3%, dipyridamole + exercise in 5% and dobutamine in <1%. Gated single proton emission computed tomography (SPECT) acquisition was performed in 56% of all rest MPS and in 56% of all stress MPS. Both rest and stress MPS were ECG gated in 41%. Only 33% of the centres always performed a quantification of the perfusion studies, whereas 51% did not apply any quantification; 4% of the MPS studies were corrected for attenuation, and 17 centres used transmission sources of 12 CT-based systems. A scan activity of 2,380 MPS pmp is in the upper third of the European range. The ratios to coronary angiography and to revascularization suggest that angiography dominates diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease (CAD). The clinical and technical realizations reveal that the predominant goals of further trainings to optimize MPS are in the field

New emissions targeting strategy for site utility of process industries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manesh, Mohamamd Hasan Khoshgoftar; Amidpour, Majid; Hamedi, Mohammad Hosein; Abadi, Sajad Khamis; Ghalami, Hooman

2013-01-01

A new procedure for environmental targeting of co-generation system is presented. The proposed method is based on the concepts of pinch technology for total site targeting of fuel, power, steam, environmental impacts and total annualized cost with considering emissions taxes. This approach provides a consistent, general procedure for determining mass flow rates and efficiencies of the applied turbines. This algorithm utilizes the relationship of entropy with enthalpy and isentropic efficiency. Also, the life cycle assessment (LCA) as a well-known tool for analyzing environmental impacts on a wide perspective with reference to a product system and the related environmental and economic impacts have been applied. In this regard, a damage-oriented impact analysis method based on Eco-indicator 99 and footprints analysis was considered. In addition, the present work demonstrates the effect of including both sensible and latent heating of steam in the extended Site Utility Grand Composite Curve (ESUGCC). It is shown that including sensible heating allows for better thermal matching between the processes. Furthermore, the other representation YSUGCC as the other form of Site Utility Grand Composite has been proposed. Two case studies were used to illustrate the usefulness of the new environmental targeting method

Your Radiologist Explains Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

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Full Text Available ... Sponsored by Image/Video Gallery Your Radiologist Explains Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) Transcript Welcome to Radiology Info dot ... I’d like to talk with you about magnetic resonance angiography, or as it’s commonly known, MRA. MRA ...

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the circle of Willis: a prospective comparison with conventional angiography in 54 subjects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Patrux, B.; Laissy, J.P.; Jouini, S.; Kawiecki, W.; Coty, P.; Thiebot, J.

1994-01-01

We prospectively correlated the findings of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with those of transfemoral four-vessel angiography in 54 patients to investigate the direction of flow within the circle of Willis. Our primary goal was to assess the direction of flow using the size of the vessel and signal intensity, without saturation techniques. Analysis of the circle of Willis, especially the communicating arteries, was performed double-blind by two groups of two radiologists. Three types of arteries were identified: high flow or cross-cerebral circulation, patent and nonvisualised arteries. Cerebral angiography was the standard for comparison between the two methods. MRA did not reveal any arteries invisible on angiography, thus providing a specificity of 100%. The sensitivity of MRA was 89.2% for the anterior and 81.3% for the posterior communicating arteries, and 100% for the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries. MRA was shown to be a useful technique for the assessment of patency of the circle of Willis. (orig.)

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the circle of Willis: a prospective comparison with conventional angiography in 54 subjects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Patrux, B. (Neuroradiology, CHU Charles Nicolle, Rouen (France)); Laissy, J.P. (Neuroradiology, CHU Charles Nicolle, Rouen (France) Dept. of Radiology, CHU Bichat, Paris (France)); Jouini, S. (Neuroradiology, CHU Charles Nicolle, Rouen (France)); Kawiecki, W. (Siemens Medical Systems, Saint-Denis (France)); Coty, P. (Neuroradiology, CHU Charles Nicolle, Rouen (France)); Thiebot, J. (Neuroradiology, CHU Charles Nicolle, Rouen (France))

1994-04-01

We prospectively correlated the findings of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with those of transfemoral four-vessel angiography in 54 patients to investigate the direction of flow within the circle of Willis. Our primary goal was to assess the direction of flow using the size of the vessel and signal intensity, without saturation techniques. Analysis of the circle of Willis, especially the communicating arteries, was performed double-blind by two groups of two radiologists. Three types of arteries were identified: high flow or cross-cerebral circulation, patent and nonvisualised arteries. Cerebral angiography was the standard for comparison between the two methods. MRA did not reveal any arteries invisible on angiography, thus providing a specificity of 100%. The sensitivity of MRA was 89.2% for the anterior and 81.3% for the posterior communicating arteries, and 100% for the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries. MRA was shown to be a useful technique for the assessment of patency of the circle of Willis. (orig.)

Cerebral bone subtraction CT angiography using 80 kVp and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction: contrast medium and radiation dose reduction with improvement of image quality

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nagayama, Yasunori [Kumamoto City Hospital, Department of Radiology, Kumamoto (Japan); Kumamoto University, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto (Japan); Nakaura, Takeshi; Oda, Seitaro; Kidoh, Masafumi; Utsunomiya, Daisuke; Yamashita, Yasuyuki [Kumamoto University, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto (Japan); Tsuji, Akinori; Urata, Joji; Furusawa, Mitsuhiro; Yuki, Hideaki; Hirarta, Kenichiro [Kumamoto City Hospital, Department of Radiology, Kumamoto (Japan)

2017-02-15

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a contrast medium (CM), radiation dose reduction protocol for cerebral bone-subtraction CT angiography (BSCTA) using 80-kVp and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE). Seventy-five patients who had undergone BSCTA under the 120- (n = 37) or the 80-kVp protocol (n = 38) were included. CM was 370 mgI/kg for the 120-kVp and 296 mgI/kg for the 80-kVp protocol; the 120- and the 80-kVp images were reconstructed with filtered back-projection (FBP) and SAFIRE, respectively. We compared effective dose (ED), CT attenuation, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of two protocols. We also scored arterial contrast, sharpness, depiction of small arteries, visibility near skull base/clip, and overall image quality on a four-point scale. ED was 62% lower at 80- than 120-kVp (0.59 ± 0.06 vs 1.56 ± 0.13 mSv, p < 0.01). CT attenuation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) was significantly higher on 80- than 120-kVp (ICA: 557.4 ± 105.7 vs 370.0 ± 59.3 Hounsfield units (HU), p < 0.01; MCA: 551.9 ± 107.9 vs 364.6 ± 62.2 HU, p < 0.01). The CNR was also significantly higher on 80- than 120-kVp (ICA: 46.2 ± 10.2 vs 36.9 ± 7.6, p < 0.01; MCA: 45.7 ± 10.0 vs 35.7 ± 9.0, p < 0.01). Visibility near skull base and clip was not significantly different (p = 0.45). The other subjective scores were higher with the 80- than the 120-kVp protocol (p < 0.05). The 80-kVp acquisition with SAFIRE yields better image quality for BSCTA and substantial reduction in the radiation and CM dose compared to the 120-kVp with FBP protocol. (orig.)

A simulation study of enhancement duration in three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohkubo, Masaki; Ohgoshi, Yukio; Inoue, Tomoko; Naito, Kenichi; Suzuki, Kiyotaka

2001-01-01

In our study on three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced MR angiography we performed a computer simulation to investigate quantitative vessel visibility. In the simulation, we evaluated the relative loss of signal intensity in a vessel due to shortened duration of contrast-enhancement. The mid-point of enhancement-duration was assumed to be at the point in which the data in the center of k-space (k y axis) was acquired. Signal intensity of a vessel decreased as the enhancement-duration was shortened and the diameter of the vessel was decreased. When the duration was shortened 40%, the signal intensity of a vessel in which the diameter was more than 2 pixels was preserved by approximately 70% or more. This suggests that the vessel visibility is high. When the duration was shortened 20%, the signal intensity of a vessel in which the diameter was less than 2 pixels decreased to less than approximately 40% or less. The simulation was confirmed by using 3D MR angiography with a tube phantom filled with Gd-DTPA to simulate a vessel model. At anytime during data acquisition, we could set the phantom on the region being scanned or take it out by using the ''pause'' function of the MR scanner. This made it possible to change the enhancement-duration to match the simulation. Results of the phantom study were comparable to those of the simulation, suggesting that the simulation was valid. Our results and simple techniques for both the simulation and the phantom study using the ''pause'' function, were considered useful in the study of 3D MR angiography. (author)

Pion emission from the T2K replica target: method, results and application

CERN Document Server

Abgrall, N.; Anticic, T.; Antoniou, N.; Argyriades, J.; Baatar, B.; Blondel, A.; Blumer, J.; Bogomilov, M.; Bravar, A.; Brooks, W.; Brzychczyk, J.; Bubak, A.; Bunyatov, S.A.; Busygina, O.; Christakoglou, P.; Chung, P.; Czopowicz, T.; Davis, N.; Debieux, S.; Di Luise, S.; Dominik, W.; Dumarchez, J.; Dynowski, K.; Engel, R.; Ereditato, A.; Esposito, L.S.; Feofilov, G.A.; Fodor, Z.; Ferrero, A.; Fulop, A.; Gazdzicki, M.; Golubeva, M.; Grabez, B.; Grebieszkow, K.; Grzeszczuk, A.; Guber, F.; Haesler, A.; Hakobyan, H.; Hasegawa, T.; Idczak, R.; Igolkin, S.; Ivanov, Y.; Ivashkin, A.; Kadija, K.; Kapoyannis, A.; Katrynska, N.; Kielczewska, D.; Kikola, D.; Kirejczyk, M.; Kisiel, J.; Kiss, T.; Kleinfelder, S.; Kobayashi, T.; Kochebina, O.; Kolesnikov, V.I.; Kolev, D.; Kondratiev, V.P.; Korzenev, A.; Kowalski, S.; Krasnoperov, A.; Kuleshov, S.; Kurepin, A.; Lacey, R.; Larsen, D.; Laszlo, A.; Lyubushkin, V.V.; Mackowiak-Pawlowska, M.; Majka, Z.; Maksiak, B.; Malakhov, A.I.; Maletic, D.; Marchionni, A.; Marcinek, A.; Maris, I.; Marin, V.; Marton, K.; Matulewicz, T.; Matveev, V.; Melkumov, G.L.; Messina, M.; Mrowczynski, St.; Murphy, S.; Nakadaira, T.; Nishikawa, K.; Palczewski, T.; Palla, G.; Panagiotou, A.D.; Paul, T.; Peryt, W.; Petukhov, O.; Planeta, R.; Pluta, J.; Popov, B.A.; Posiadala, M.; Pulawski, S.; Puzovic, J.; Rauch, W.; Ravonel, M.; Renfordt, R.; Robert, A.; Rohrich, D.; Rondio, E.; Rossi, B.; Roth, M.; Rubbia, A.; Rustamov, A.; Rybczynski, M.; Sadovsky, A.; Sakashita, K.; Savic, M.; Sekiguchi, T.; Seyboth, P.; Shibata, M.; Sipos, M.; Skrzypczak, E.; Slodkowski, M.; Staszel, P.; Stefanek, G.; Stepaniak, J.; Strabel, C.; Strobele, H.; Susa, T.; Szuba, M.; Tada, M.; Taranenko, A.; Tereshchenko, V.; Tolyhi, T.; Tsenov, R.; Turko, L.; Ulrich, R.; Unger, M.; Vassiliou, M.; Veberic, D.; Vechernin, V.V.; Vesztergombi, G.; Wilczek, A.; Wlodarczyk, Z.; Wojtaszek-Szwarc, A.; Wyszynski, O.; Zambelli, L.; Zipper, W.; Hartz, M.; Ichikawa, A.K.; Kubo, H.; Marino, A.D.; Matsuoka, K.; Murakami, A.; Nakaya, T.; Suzuki, K.; Yuan, T.; Zimmerman, E.D.

2013-01-01

The T2K long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment in Japan needs precise predictions of the initial neutrino flux. The highest precision can be reached based on detailed measurements of hadron emission from the same target as used by T2K exposed to a proton beam of the same kinetic energy of 30 GeV. The corresponding data were recorded in 2007-2010 by the NA61/SHINE experiment at the CERN SPS using a replica of the T2K graphite target. In this paper details of the experiment, data taking, data analysis method and results from the 2007 pilot run are presented. Furthermore, the application of the NA61/SHINE measurements to the predictions of the T2K initial neutrino flux is described and discussed.

Feasibility of MR-guided angioplasty of femoral artery stenoses using real-time imaging and intraarterial contrast-enhanced MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paetzel, C.; Zorger, N.; Bachthaler, M.; Voelk, M.; Seitz, J.; Herold, T.; Feuerbach, S.; Lenhart, M.; Nitz, W.R.

2004-01-01

Purpose: To show the feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) for guided interventional therapy of femoral and popliteal artery stenoses with commercially available materials supported by MR real-time imaging and intraarterial MR angiography. Materials and Methods: Three patients (1 female, 2 male), suffering from symptomatic arterial occlusive disease with stenoses of the femoral (n=2) or popliteal (n=1) arteries were included. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography was performed in each patient pre- and post-interventionally as standard of reference to quantify stenoses. The degree of the stenoses reached from 71-88%. The MR images were acquired on a 1.5 T MR scanner (Magnetom Sonata; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). For MR-angiography, a Flash 3D sequence was utilized following injection of 5 mL diluted gadodiamide (Omniscan; Amersham Buchler, Braunschweig, Germany) via the arterial access. Two maximum intensity projections (MIP) were used as road maps and localizer for the interactive positioning of a continuously running 2D-FLASH sequence with a temporal solution of 2 images per second. During the intervention, an MR compatible monitor provided the image display inside the scanner room. Safety guidelines were followed during imaging in the presence of a conductive guidewire. The lesion was crossed by a commercially available balloon catheter (Wanda, Boston Scientific; Ratingen, Germany), which was mounted on a 0.035'' guidewire (Terumo; Leuven, Belgium). The visibility was provided by radiopaque markers embedded in the balloon and was improved by injection of 1 mL gadodiamide into the balloon. After dilation, the result was checked by intraarterial MR angiography and catheter angiography. Results: The stenoses could be correctly localized by intraarterial MR angiography. There was complete correlation between intraarterial MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The combination of guidewire and balloon was visible and the balloon was placed

Diagnostic accuracy of computer tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography in the stenosis detection of autologuous hemodialysis access: a meta-analysis.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bin Li

Full Text Available PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performances of computer tomography angiography (CTA and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA for detection and assessment of stenosis in patients with autologuous hemodialysis access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library database from January 1984 to May 2013 for studies comparing CTA or MRA with DSA or surgery for autologuous hemodialysis access. Eligible studies were in English language, aimed to detect more than 50% stenosis or occlusion of autologuous vascular access in hemodialysis patients with CTA and MRA technology and provided sufficient data about diagnosis performance. Methodological quality was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies (QUADAS instrument. Sensitivities (SEN, specificities (SPE, positive likelihood ratio (PLR, negative likelihood values (NLR, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR and areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC were pooled statistically. Potential threshold effect, heterogeneity and publication bias was evaluated. The clinical utility of CTA and MRA in detection of stenosis was also investigated. RESULT: Sixteen eligible studies were included, with a total of 500 patients. Both CTA and MRA were accurate modality (sensitivity, 96.2% and 95.4%, respectively; specificity, 97.1 and 96.1%, respectively; DOR [diagnostic odds ratio], 393.69 and 211.47, respectively for hemodialysis vascular access. No significant difference was detected between the diagnostic performance of CTA (AUC, 0.988 and MRA (AUC, 0.982. Meta-regression analyses and subgroup analyses revealed no statistical difference. The Deek's funnel plots suggested a publication bias. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic performance of CTA and MRA for detecting stenosis of hemodialysis vascular access had no statistical difference. Both techniques may function as an alternative or an important complement to conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA and may be

CT Angiography in the Diagnosis of Brain Death

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sawicki, Marcin; Bohatyrewicz, Romuald; Walecka, Anna; Sołek-Pastuszka, Joanna; Rowiński, Olgierd; Walecki, Jerzy

2014-01-01

Summary Brain death is defined as the irreversible cessation of functioning of the entire brain, including the brainstem. Brain death is principally established using clinical criteria including coma, absence of brainstem reflexes and loss of central drive to breathe assessed with apnea test. In situations in which clinical testing cannot be performed or when uncertainty exists about the reliability of its parts due to confounding conditions ancillary tests (i.a. imaging studies) may be useful. The objective of ancillary tests in the diagnosis of brain death is to demonstrate the absence of cerebral electrical activity (EEG and evoked potentials) or cerebral circulatory arrest. In clinical practice catheter cerebral angiography, perfusion scintigraphy, transcranial Doppler sonography, CT angiography and MR angiography are used. Other methods, like perfusion CT, xenon CT, MR spectroscopy, diffusion weighted MRI and functional MRI are being studied as potentially useful in the diagnosis of brain death. CT angiography has recently attracted attention as a promising alternative to catheter angiography – a reference test in the diagnosis of brain death. Since 1998 several major studies were published and national guidelines were introduced in several countries (e.g. in France, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Canada). This paper reviews technique, characteristic findings and criteria for the diagnosis of cerebral circulatory arrest in CT angiography

Feasibility of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography with 30 mL iodinated contrast agent at 70 kVp: initial experience

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Long Jiang; Qi, Li; Tang, Chun Xiang; Zhou, Chang Sheng; Ji, Xue Man; Lu, Guang Ming [Medical School of Nanjing University, Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China); Wang, Jing [Medical School of Nanjing University, Department of Cardiology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China); Spearman, James V.; De Cecco, Carlo Nicola; Meinel, Felix G. [Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Charleston, SC (United States); Schoepf, U.J. [Medical School of Nanjing University, Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China); Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Charleston, SC (United States)

2014-07-15

To evaluate the feasibility, image quality and radiation dose of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with 30 mL contrast agent at 70 kVp. Fifty-eight patients with suspected coronary artery disease, a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m{sup 2}, sinus rhythm and a heart rate (HR) of less than 70 beats per minute (bpm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Thirty mL of 370 mg I/mL iodinated contrast agent was administrated at a flow rate of 5 mL/s. All patients underwent prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA on a second-generation dual-source CT system at 70 kVp using automated tube current modulation. Fifty-six patients (96.6 %) had diagnostic CCTA images and two patients (3.4 %) had one vessel with poor image quality each rated as non-diagnostic. No significant effects of HR, HR variability and BMI on CCTA image quality were observed (all P > 0.05). Effective dose was 0.17 ± 0.02 mSv and the size-specific dose estimate was 1.03 ± 0.13 mGy. Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp with 30 mL of contrast agent can provide diagnostic image quality at a radiation dose of less than 0.2 mSv in patients with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m{sup 2} and an HR of less than 70 bpm. (orig.)

Gated single photon emission computer tomography for the detection of silent myocardial ischemia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pena Q, Yamile; Coca P, Marco Antonio; Batista C, Juan Felipe; Fernandez-Britto, Jose; Quesada P, Rodobaldo; Pena C; Andria

2009-01-01

Background: Asymptomatic patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis may have a normal resting electrocardiogram and stress test. Aim: To assess the yield of Gated Single Photon Emission Computer Tomography (SPECT) for the screening of silent myocardial ischemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Material and methods: Electrocardiogram, stress test and gated-SPECT were performed on 102 type 2 diabetic patients aged 60 ± 8 years without cardiovascular symptoms. All subjects were also subjected to a coronary angiography, whose results were used as gold standard. Results: Gated-SPECT showed myocardial ischemia on 26.5% of studied patients. The sensibility, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 92.3%, 96%, 95%, 88.8%, 97.3%, respectively. In four and six patients ischemia was detected on resting electrocardiogram and stress test, respectively. Eighty percent of patients with doubtful resting electrocardiogram results and 70% with a doubtful stress test had a silent myocardial ischemia detected by gated-SPECT. There was a good agreement between the results of gated-SPECT and coronary angiography (k =0.873). Conclusions: Gated-SPECT was an useful tool for the screening of silent myocardial ischemia

Treatment of arteriovenous malformations with stereotactic radiosurgery employing both magnetic resonance angiography and standard angiography as a database

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Petereit, D.; Mehta, M.; Turski, P.; Levin, A.; Strother, C.; Mistretta, C.; Mackie, R.; Gehring, M.; Kubsad, S.; Kinsella, T.

1993-01-01

Twenty-one arteriovenous malformations were prospectively evaluated using magnetic resonance angiography, compare it to stereotactic angiography, employ magnetic resonance angiography in follow-up, and semiquanitfy flow. A correlative evaluation between flow and response to stereotactic radiosurgery was carried out. Phase contrast angiograms were obtained at flow velocities of 400, 200, 100, 60 and 20 cm/sec. The fractionated velocities provided images that selectively demonstrated the arterial and venous components of the arteriovenous malformations. Qualitative assessment of the velocity within the arteriovenous malformations and the presence of fistulae were also determined by multiple velocity images. In addition, 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiograms were obtained to define the exact size and shape of the nidus. This technique also permitted evaluation of the nidus and feeding arteries for the the presence of low flow aneurysms. Correlation between the two imaging modalities was carried out by subjective and semiquantitative estimation of flow velocity and estimation of nidus size. The following velocity parameters were employed: fast, intermediate, slow, and none. Early analysis suggests that slower flowing arteriovenous malformations may obliterate faster after stereotactic radiosurgery an flow parameters should be employed to predict response. In conclusion, magnetic resonance angiography permits semiquantitative flow velocity assessment and may therefore be superior to stereotactic angiography. An additional advantage of magnetic resonance angiography is the generation of serial transverse images which can replace the conventional CT scan employed for stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning. A single diagnostic test may therefore be used for diagnosis, radiosurgical treatment planning, follow-up, and treatment selection by identifying patients likely to respond early to radiosurgical management

Utilization of actively-induced, prompt radiation emission for nonproliferation applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blackburn, B.W.; Jones, J.L.; Moss, C.E.; Mihalczo, J.T.; Hunt, A.W.; Harmon, F.; Watson, S.M.; Johnson, J.T.

2007-01-01

The pulsed photonuclear assessment (PPA) technique, which has demonstrated the ability to detect shielded nuclear material, is based on utilizing delayed neutrons and photons between accelerator pulses. While most active interrogation systems have focused on delayed neutron and gamma-ray signatures, there is an increasing need to bring faster detection and acquisition capabilities to field inspection applications. This push for decreased interrogation times, increased sensitivity, and mitigation of false positives requires that detection systems take advantage of all available information. Collaborative research between Idaho National Lab (INL), Idaho State University's Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has focused on exploiting actively-induced, prompt radiation signatures from nuclear material within a pulsed photonuclear environment. To date, these prompt emissions have not been effectively exploited due to difficulties in detection and signal processing inherent in the prompt regime as well as an overall poor understanding of the magnitude and yields of these emissions. Exploitation of prompt radiation (defined as during an accelerator pulse/photofission event and/or immediately after (<1 μs)) has the potential to dramatically reduce interrogation times since neutron yields are more than two orders of magnitude greater than delayed emissions. Recent preliminary experiments conducted at the IAC suggest that it is indeed possible to extract prompt neutron information within a pulsed photon environment. Successful exploitation of prompt emissions is critical for the development of an improved robust, high-throughput, low target dose inspection system for detection of shielded nuclear materials

Utilization of Actively-induced, Prompt Radiation Emission for Nonproliferation Applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

F. W. Blackburn; J. L. Jones; C. E. Moss; J. T. Mihalzco; A. W. Hunt; F. Harmon

2006-01-01

The pulsed Photonuclear Assessment (PPA) technique, which has demonstrated the ability to detect shielded nuclear material, is based on utilizing delayed neutrons and photons between accelerator pulses. While most active interrogation systems have focused on delayed neutron and gamma-ray signatures, the current requirements of various agencies necessitate bringing faster detection and acquisition capabilities to field inspection applications. This push for decreased interrogation times, increased sensitivity and mitigation of false positives requires that detection systems take advantage of all available information. Collaborative research between Idaho National Lab (INL), Idaho State University's Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has focused on exploiting actively-induced, prompt radiation signatures from nuclear material within a pulsed photonuclear environment. To date, these prompt emissions have not been effectively exploited due to difficulties in detection and signal processing inherent in the prompt regime as well as an overall poor understanding of the magnitude and yields of these emissions. Exploitation of prompt radiation (defined as during an accelerator pulse/(photo) fission event and/or immediately after (< l ms)) has the potential to dramatically reduce interrogation times since the yields are more than two orders of magnitude greater than delayed emissions. Recent preliminary experiments conducted at the IAC suggest that it is indeed possible to extract prompt neutron information within a pulsed photon environment. Successful exploitation of prompt emissions is critical for the development of an improved robust, high-throughput, low target dose inspection system for detection of shielded nuclear materials

Post-mortem computed tomography angiography utilizing barium sulfate to identify microvascular structures : a preliminary phantom model and case study

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Haakma, Wieke; Rohde, Marianne; Kuster, Lidy; Uhrenholt, Lars; Pedersen, Michael; Boel, Lene Warner Thorup

2016-01-01

We investigated the use of computer tomography angiography (CTA) to visualize microvascular structures in a vessel-mimicking phantom and post-mortem (PM) bodies. A contrast agent was used based on 22% barium sulfate, 20% polyethylene glycol and 58% distilled water. A vessel-mimicking phantom

Clinical experience of magnetic resonance angiography in hand surgery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawabata, Hidehiko; Yasui, Natsuo; Kitano, Motohiro; Sai, Eikoh

1996-01-01

Magnetic resonance angiography was performed in fourteen patients with congenital hand abnormalities. A two-dimentional time-of-flight imaging clearly demonstrated presence or absence of the radial, ulnar, and anterior interosseous arteires at forearm. However, smaller arteries such as digital arteries were depressed sometimes. This fact makes clinical application of the method somewhat limited. At present. appropriate applications in orthopaedic fields are evaluation of run-off of the major vessels after trauma or atherosclerotic diseases, venous vascular problems such as thrombophlebitis and aneurysm, and preoperative and post operative evaluation in microsurgery. If more detailed information is required, for example, in differential diagnosis of tumors conventional angiography or digital subtraction angiography is recommended. Because magnetic resonance angiography is non-invasive and does not need anesthesia, it is suitable especially for children. No requirement of contrast medium makes it easy to apply angiography to high risk patients and allergic patients to iodine. Technical advancement in near future will rise up magnetic resonance angiography to a standard evaluation method for vascular problems in orthopaedic fields very soon. (author)

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ludwig, J.W.; Eikelboom, B.C.; Van Schaik, C.C.; Taams, A.J.; Teeuwen, C.

1985-01-01

Besides the non-invasive techniques, angiography remains essential. The disadvantages of angiography are the complexity of the procedure and the possibility of complications. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a considerable improvement in the examination of vessels. In DSA, subtraction combined with enhancement of the signals allows the use of intravenous injection to obtain good images of the arteries. However, when the contrast material is supplied intravenously, a rather large amount of contrast material is necessary to obtain images of good quality. Quantities of 30-40 cc of contrast material are required. The advantage of the intravenous injection of contrast material rather than the use of a catheter to deliver the contrast material in loco is that it is almost non-invasive thus circumventing the complications caused by catheter manipulation in the arterial system. This makes it possible to apply this method on an out-patient basis. DSA can also be applied with intra-arterial selective injection of the contrast material. In this case, the strong enhancement with DSA allows the use of a small quantity of contrast material while still obtaining images of the vessels with good contrast definition

Software development for estimating the conversion factor (k-factor) at suitable scan areas, relating the dose length product to the effective dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kobayashi, Masanao; Asada, Yasuki; Suzuki, Syouichi; Kato, Ryouichi; Matsubara, Kosuke; Koshida, Kichiro; Matsunaga, Yuta; Kawaguchi, Ai; Haba, Tomonobu; Toyama, Hiroshi

2017-01-01

We developed a k-factor-creator software (kFC) that provides the k-factor for CT examination in an arbitrary scan area. It provides the k-factor from the effective dose and dose-length product by Imaging Performance Assessment of CT scanners and CT-EXPO. To assess the reliability, we compared the kFC-evaluated k-factors with those of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) publication 102. To confirm the utility, the effective dose determined by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) was evaluated by a phantom study and k-factor studies. In the CCTA, the effective doses were 5.28 mSv in the phantom study, 2.57 mSv (51%) in the k-factor of ICRP, and 5.26 mSv (1%) in the k-factor of the kFC. Effective doses can be determined from the kFC-evaluated k-factors in suitable scan areas. Therefore, we speculate that the flexible k-factor is useful in clinical practice, because CT examinations are performed in various scan regions. (authors)

Diagnostic performance of combined noninvasive coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging using 320 row detector computed tomography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vavere, Andrea L; Simon, Gregory G; George, Richard T

2013-01-01

Multidetector coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a promising modality for widespread clinical application because of its noninvasive nature and high diagnostic accuracy as found in previous studies using 64 to 320 simultaneous detector rows. It is, however, limited in its ability...... to detect myocardial ischemia. In this article, we describe the design of the CORE320 study ("Combined coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial perfusion evaluation using 320 detector row computed tomography"). This prospective, multicenter, multinational study is unique in that it is designed to assess...... the diagnostic performance of combined 320-row CTA and myocardial CT perfusion imaging (CTP) in comparison with the combination of invasive coronary angiography and single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI). The trial is being performed at 16 medical centers located in 8...

Device with Complex System for Heat Utilization and Reduction of Hazardous Air Emissions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

O. V. Kascheeva

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Investigations concern heat utilization and reduction of hazardous emissions occurring in residential buildings and accompanying operation of a great number of industrial enterprises in particular heat and power objects, and firstly, heat-generating units of small power located in densely populated residential areas without centralized heat supply.The investigation target is to reduce cost of heat produced by independent system of building heat supply, reduction of air pollution  due to hazardous gas emissions and reduction of heat pollution of the environment as a result of building ventilation system operation, ventilation of their internal and external sewerage network and higher reliability of their operation.The target is achieved because the device with complex system for heat utilization and reduction of hazardous air emissions has additionally an assembly tank for mixing flue gases, ventilation emissions and atmospheric air, heat pump. Evaporation zone of the pump is a condensator of the gas mixture and its condensate zone contains a heat supply line for a heat consumer. The line is equipped with assembling  and distributing collectors, pipeline connecting the heat supply line with the system of direct and return delivery water from a boiler house, a separator for division of liquid and gaseous mixture phases, neutralizing devices for separate reduction of concentrations of hazardous and odorous substances being released in gaseous and liquid portions of the mixture, a pipeline for periodic supply of air with higher concentration of hazardous and odorous substances in the boiler furnace. The supplied air is obtained as a result of its passing through gas filters at their regeneration when their exchange capacity is exhausted.

Life-cycle energy production and emissions mitigation by comprehensive biogas-digestate utilization.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Shaoqing; Chen, Bin; Song, Dan

2012-06-01

In the context of global energy shortages and climate change, developing biogas plants with links to agricultural system has become an important strategy for cleaner rural energy and renewable agriculture. In this study, a life-cycle energy and environmental assessment was performed for a biogas-digestate utilization system in China. The results suggest that biogas utilization (heating, illumination, and fuel) and comprehensive digestate reuse are of equal importance in the total energy production of the system, and they also play an important role in systemic greenhouse gas mitigation. Improvement can be achieved in both energy production and emissions mitigation when the ratio of the current three biogas utilization pathways is adjusted. Regarding digestate reuse, a tradeoff between energy and environmental performance can be obtained by focusing on the substitution for top-dressing, base fertilizers, and the application to seed soaking. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Infrared normal spectral emissivity of Ti–6Al–4V alloy in the 500–1150 K temperature range

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

González-Fernández, L.; Risueño, E.; Pérez-Sáez, R.B.; Tello, M.J.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► First heating cycle acts as a annealing, relieving the surface stresses. ► Stress relieving occurs mainly above 900 K. ► Emissivity decreases between 0.35 and 0.10 in the 2.5–22 μm spectral range. ► Emissivity increases linearly with temperature, with the same slope for λ > 10 μm. ► Good agreement between resistivity and emissivity by means of Hagen–Rubens relation. - Abstract: Thermal radiative emissivity is related to the optical and electrical properties of materials, and it is a key parameter required in a large number of industrial applications. In the case of Ti–6Al–4V, spectral emissivity experimental data are not available for the range of temperatures between 400 and 1200 K, where almost all industrial applications take place. The experimental results in this paper show that the normal spectral emissivity decreases with wavelength from a value of about 0.35 at 2.5 μm to about 0.10 at 22 μm. At the same time, the spectral emissivity shows a slight linear increase with temperature between 500 and 1150 K, with approximately the same slope for all wavelengths. Additionally, the influence of the samples thermal history on the emissivity is studied. A strong decrease in the emissivity values appears due to the effect of surface stress relaxation processes. This means that the radiative properties of this alloy strongly depend on the surface stress state. A thermal treatment to relieve the surface stress should be carried out to achieve a steady state of the radiative properties. In addition, a good qualitative agreement is found between the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity obtained using conventional measurements and the one obtained from the emissivity experimental results by using the Hagen–Rubens equation.

Rotation and chromospheric emission among F, G, and K dwarfs of the Pleiades

Science.gov (United States)

Soderblom, David R.; Stauffer, John R.; Hudon, J. D.; Jones, Burton F.

1993-01-01

High-resolution echelle spectra of more than 100 F, G, and K dwarfs in the Pleiades are reported. Chromospheric activity in these stars is measured via comparisons of the profiles of H-alpha and the Ca II IR triplet to chromospherically inactive field stars. Consistent dereddened colors are determined from the available photometry and temperatures are derived. Most G and K dwarfs in the Pleiades rotate slowly, but about 20 percent of the stars are ultrafast rotators (UFRs). That fraction of UFRs is independent of color, and the highest rotation rates are found among the K dwarfs. The Pleiades exhibit a broad range in the strength of chromospheric emission at any one color. Most G and K dwarfs in the Pleiades show H-alpha and the IR triple in absorption, with filling in of the line cores.

Radiation and contrast agent doses reductions by using 80-kV tube voltage in coronary computed tomographic angiography: A comparative study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cao, Jian-xin [Department of Radiology, Wuhan 161th Hospital, Wuhan (China); Wang, Yi-min, E-mail: wym6669@yahoo.com.cn [Department of Radiology, Wuhan 161th Hospital, Wuhan (China); Lu, Jin-guo [Department of Cardiology, Asia Heart Hospital, Wuhan (China); Zhang, Yu; Wang, Peng; Yang, Cheng [Department of Radiology, Wuhan 161th Hospital, Wuhan (China)

2014-02-15

Objective: To investigate the effects of 80-kilovoltage (kV) tube voltage coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) with a reduced amount of contrast agent on qualitative and quantitative image quality parameters and on radiation dose in patients with a body mass index (BMI) <23.0 kg/m{sup 2}. Methods: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients with a BMI <23.0 kg/m{sup 2} and a low calcium load undergoing retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated dual-source CCTA were randomized into two groups [standard-tube voltage (120-kV) vs. low-tube voltage (80-kV)]. The injection flow rate of contrast agent (350 mg I/mL) was adjusted to body weight of each patient (4.5–5.5 mL/s in the 120-kV group and 2.8–3.8 mL/s in the 80-kV group). Radiation and contrast agent doses were evaluated. Quantitative image quality parameters and figure of merit (FOM) of coronary artery were evaluated. Each coronary segment was evaluated for image quality on a 4-point scale. Results: Compared with the 120-kV group, effective dose and amount of contrast agent in the 80-kV group were decreased by 57.8% and 30.5% (effective dose:2.7 ± 0.5vs. 6.4 ± 1.3 mSv; amount of contrast agent:57.1 ± 3.2 vs. 82.1 ± 6.1 mL; both p < 0.0001), respectively. Image noise was 22.7 ± 2.1 HU for 120-kV images and 33.2 ± 5.2 HU for 80-kV images (p < 0.0001). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) and left main coronary artery (LMA) were all lower in 80-kV than 120-kV images (SNR in the proximal RCA: 16.5 ± 1.8 vs. 19.4 ± 2.8; SNR in the LMA: 16.3 ± 2.0 vs.19.6 ± 2.7; CNR in the proximal RCA: 19.4 ± 2.3 vs.22.9 ± 3.0; CNR in the LMA: 18.8 ± 2.4 vs. 22.7 ± 2.9; all p < 0.0001). FOM were all significantly higher in 80-kV than 120-kV images (proximal RCA: 146.7 ± 45.1 vs. 93.4 ± 32.0; LMA: 139.1 ± 47.2 vs. 91.6 ± 31.1; all p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in image quality score between the two groups (3.3 ± 0

Radiation and contrast agent doses reductions by using 80-kV tube voltage in coronary computed tomographic angiography: A comparative study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cao, Jian-xin; Wang, Yi-min; Lu, Jin-guo; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Peng; Yang, Cheng

2014-01-01

Objective: To investigate the effects of 80-kilovoltage (kV) tube voltage coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) with a reduced amount of contrast agent on qualitative and quantitative image quality parameters and on radiation dose in patients with a body mass index (BMI) <23.0 kg/m 2 . Methods: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients with a BMI <23.0 kg/m 2 and a low calcium load undergoing retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated dual-source CCTA were randomized into two groups [standard-tube voltage (120-kV) vs. low-tube voltage (80-kV)]. The injection flow rate of contrast agent (350 mg I/mL) was adjusted to body weight of each patient (4.5–5.5 mL/s in the 120-kV group and 2.8–3.8 mL/s in the 80-kV group). Radiation and contrast agent doses were evaluated. Quantitative image quality parameters and figure of merit (FOM) of coronary artery were evaluated. Each coronary segment was evaluated for image quality on a 4-point scale. Results: Compared with the 120-kV group, effective dose and amount of contrast agent in the 80-kV group were decreased by 57.8% and 30.5% (effective dose:2.7 ± 0.5vs. 6.4 ± 1.3 mSv; amount of contrast agent:57.1 ± 3.2 vs. 82.1 ± 6.1 mL; both p < 0.0001), respectively. Image noise was 22.7 ± 2.1 HU for 120-kV images and 33.2 ± 5.2 HU for 80-kV images (p < 0.0001). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) and left main coronary artery (LMA) were all lower in 80-kV than 120-kV images (SNR in the proximal RCA: 16.5 ± 1.8 vs. 19.4 ± 2.8; SNR in the LMA: 16.3 ± 2.0 vs.19.6 ± 2.7; CNR in the proximal RCA: 19.4 ± 2.3 vs.22.9 ± 3.0; CNR in the LMA: 18.8 ± 2.4 vs. 22.7 ± 2.9; all p < 0.0001). FOM were all significantly higher in 80-kV than 120-kV images (proximal RCA: 146.7 ± 45.1 vs. 93.4 ± 32.0; LMA: 139.1 ± 47.2 vs. 91.6 ± 31.1; all p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in image quality score between the two groups (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 3

Selective angiography in fifty patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shou-Zhong, Wang; Xing-Rong, Chen; Gong-Xian, Wang

1983-06-01

Selective angiography is of great importance in the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. It offers information on the findings, multicentricity, localisation, extension, and type of growth. This paper discusses angiography from the methodical point of view, the findings to be obtained, the types of hepatocellular carcinoma, and the diagnostic efficiency of selective angiography in the evaluation of this type of tumour.

Computational intelligence approach for NOx emissions minimization in a coal-fired utility boiler

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou Hao; Zheng Ligang; Cen Kefa

2010-01-01

The current work presented a computational intelligence approach used for minimizing NO x emissions in a 300 MW dual-furnaces coal-fired utility boiler. The fundamental idea behind this work included NO x emissions characteristics modeling and NO x emissions optimization. First, an objective function aiming at estimating NO x emissions characteristics from nineteen operating parameters of the studied boiler was represented by a support vector regression (SVR) model. Second, four levels of primary air velocities (PA) and six levels of secondary air velocities (SA) were regulated by using particle swarm optimization (PSO) so as to achieve low NO x emissions combustion. To reduce the time demanding, a more flexible stopping condition was used to improve the computational efficiency without the loss of the quality of the optimization results. The results showed that the proposed approach provided an effective way to reduce NO x emissions from 399.7 ppm to 269.3 ppm, which was much better than a genetic algorithm (GA) based method and was slightly better than an ant colony optimization (ACO) based approach reported in the earlier work. The main advantage of PSO was that the computational cost, typical of less than 25 s under a PC system, is much less than those required for ACO. This meant the proposed approach would be more applicable to online and real-time applications for NO x emissions minimization in actual power plant boilers.

Advanced techniques for digital angiography of the heart

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoehne, K.H.; Obermoeller, U.; Riemer, M.; Witte, G.

1987-01-01

Digital angiography is widely considered as being simply a method in which images taken at different times are subtracted from each other. This paper presents some techniques which are performed in the frequency domain after the application of the Fourier Transform. Nonselective bypass angiograms and intravenous ventriculograms are taken as examples to show that simple procedures utilizing these techniques exhibit the advantages of improved signal to noise ratio in the subtraction images, reduction of motion artefacts, easy application of phase-synchronous subtraction, integration and quantitative visualization of blood propagation. Furthermore it is shown that the storage of the angiographic image sequence as Fourier-coefficients leads to data compression and convenient data access in an image database. (Auth.)

Digital angiography and surgery in the same room

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goldman, M.L.; Hack, S.N.; Sarrafizadeh, M.S.; Marar, H.G.; Behar, D.J.; Chigurupati, R.C.; Klein, S.I.; Widlus, D.M.; Fortune, J.B.

1986-01-01

Albany Medical Center and private industries (XRE and United X-ray corporations) have collaborated to develop a room within the operating suite that allows high-speed and high-resolution digital angiography and surgery to be performed simultaneously. Patients who have sustained massive trauma can be transferred directly from the ambulance to this new facility. While the patient is undergoing exploratory laparotomy, other vital areas of the body can be evaluated by angiography. This combined approach of surgery and angiography has also led to improved management of patients with massive or occult intestinal hemorrhage and patients with peripheral vascular disease. Other patients undergoing difficult emergency or elective surgery, as in the biliary tract, can now have available the benefits of an operating room facility that also allows high-resolution fluoroscopy and complete angiography to be undertaken

On the Calculation of the Fe K-alpha Line Emissivity of Black Hole Accretion Disks

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krawczynski, H.; Beheshtipour, B., E-mail: krawcz@wustl.edu [Physics Department and McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, CB 1105, St. Louis, MO 63130 (United States)

2017-11-01

Observations of the fluorescent Fe K α emission line from the inner accretion flows of stellar mass black holes in X-ray binaries and supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei have become an important tool to study the magnitude and inclination of the black hole spin, and the structure of the accretion flow close to the event horizon of the black hole. Modeling spectral, timing, and soon also X-ray polarimetric observations of the Fe K α emission requires the calculation of the specific intensity in the rest frame of the emitting plasma. We revisit the derivation of the equation used for calculating the illumination of the accretion disk by the corona. We present an alternative derivation leading to a simpler equation, and discuss the relation to previously published results.

Correlation of angiography and MR imaging in cerebral vasculitis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cloft, H.J.; Phillips, C.D.; Dix, J.E.; McNulty, B.C.; Kallmes, D.F.; Zagardo, M.T.

1999-01-01

Purpose: MR imaging and cerebral angiography were correlated in patients with primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) to assess the relative roles of these imaging modalities in the diagnosis. Material and Methods: In 9 patients, MR imaging and angiography were compared with regard to the relative involvement of each major vascular territory. Vascular territories assessed were the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries, and the posterior fossa. Results: All patients had angiographic findings consistent with vasculitis in multiple vascular territories. MR findings ranged from normal to diffusely abnormal. One patient had a completely normal MR investigation. Of 50 territories affected by vasculitis on angiography, 17 (34%) were normal on MR. Conclusion: Relative to cerebral angiography, MR imaging is a poor indicator of the presence or absence of PACNS. Angiography is indicated when clinical suspicion of PACNS is strong, regardless of the findings on MR. (orig.)

A comparison of patient dose levels between 3/4 vessel conventional angiography and computed tomography angiography during examinations to investigate subarachnoid haemorrhage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spanton, David; Strudwick, Ruth M.

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the levels of ionising radiation dose received by patients whilst undergoing radiological examination for Subarachnoid haemorrhage by conventional angiography (single and bi plane) and computed tomography angiography. The results obtained from previous examinations have been compared to consider which method of investigation delivers the lowest ionising radiation dose to the patient. Consideration was also given to comparing single plane angiography to bi plane angiography as empirical evidence suggested that radiologists received no formal training and only a small amount of informal training on newly installed equipment at the hospital in which the research was carried out. Would this lead to patients being inadvertently exposed to increased radiation as radiologists familiarised themselves with the equipment? The dose received by 30 patients examined for SAH by each modality was converted to effective dose (mSv) for comparison. These results were then further compared by removing the lowest and highest recorded doses to eliminate any bias that may have been caused by skewed data. The results showed that CTA consistently delivered a lower dose to patients than single or bi plane angiography and that bi plane delivered a lower mean average dose than single plane angiography, with or without any skewed data

Fluorescence angiography in retinal tumours

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fuhrmann, M [Staedtisches Klinikum Berlin-Buch (German Democratic Republic)

1980-01-01

On the basis of the available photographic material the results of fluorescein angiography are reported in 4 cases of retinoblastoma and 3 cases of Bourneville's disease. The clinical diagnosis of retinoblastoma was confirmed histologically in all cases since the first eye had been removed for the same reason previously. One child had not yet been treated, and in 3 cases radioactive isotopes were used in the treatment. In the group of phacomatosis the patients had only periodical outpatient examinations. The importance of this angiography in the diagnosis and follow-up of these diseases is stressed.

Contrast agent choice for intravenous coronary angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeman, H.D.; Siddons, D.P.

1989-01-01

The screening of the general population for coronary artery disease would be practical if a method existed for visualizing the extent of occlusion after an intravenous injection of contrast agent. Measurements performed with monochromatic synchrotron radiation x-rays and an iodine containing contrast agent at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory have shown that such an intravenous angiography procedure would be possible with an adequately intense monochromatic x-ray source. Because of the size and cost of synchrotron radiation facilities it would be desirable to make the most efficient use of the intensity available, while reducing as much as possible the radiation dose experienced by the patient. By choosing contrast agents containing elements with a higher atomic number than iodine, it is possible to both improve the image quality and reduce the patient radiation dose, while using the same synchrotron source. By using Si monochromator crystals with a small mosaic spread, it is possible to increase the x-ray flux available for imaging by over an order of magnitude, without any changes in the storage ring or wiggler magnet. The most critical imaging task for intravenous coronary angiography utilizing synchrotron radiation x-rays is visualizing a coronary artery through the left ventricle or aorta which also contains a contrast agent. Calculations have been made of the signal to noise ratio expected for this imaging task for various contrast agents with atomic numbers between that of iodine and bismuth

CT and MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bert, A.L.; Marshal, G.

1995-01-01

CT-angiography is a new vessel imaging technique based on the volumetric scanning of the region of interst during the first pass of IV bolus injection of contrast medium. MR-angiography is a titally noninvasive technique. The differentiation of flowing blood from the adjecent stationary tissues is based on the detection of blood motion. The flowing blood is highlighted with white light. CT- and MR-angiographic techniques are used to establish% stenoses and occlusions in intracranial arteries; aneurisms; trombosis of intracranial veins and venous angioma; diseases of neck vessels, thoracic vessels, abdominal vessels. Blood flow direction in cirrotic patients with portal hypertension can be determined in the portal vein, as well as the presence of thrombosis

Transient Global Amnesia following Neural and Cardiac Angiography May Be Related to Ischemia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hongzhou Duan

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Introduction. Transient global amnesia (TGA following angiography is rare, and the pathogenesis has not been illustrated clearly till now. The aim of this research is to explore the pathogenesis of TGA following angiography by analyzing our data and reviewing the literature. Methods. We retrospectively studied 20836 cases with angiography in our hospital between 2007 and 2015 and found 9 cases with TGA following angiography. The data of these 9 cases were analyzed. Results. We found all 9 cases with TGA following neural angiography (5 in 4360 or cardiac angiography (4 in 8817 and no case with TGA following peripheral angiography (0 in 7659. Statistical difference was found when comparing the neural and cardiac angiography group with peripheral group (p=0.022. Two cases with TGA were confirmed with small acute infarctions in hippocampus after angiography. This might be related to the microemboli which were rushed into vertebral artery following blood flow during neural angiography or cardiac angiography. There was no statistical difference when comparing the different approaches for angiography (p=0.82 and different contrast agents (p=0.619. Conclusion. Based on the positive findings of imaging study and our analysis, we speculate that ischemia in the medial temporal lobe with the involvement of the hippocampus might be an important reason of TGA following angiography.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography and conventional pulmonary angiography for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism : a prospective study

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Oudkerk, M; van Beek, EJR; Wielopolski, P; van Ooijen, PMA; Brouwers-Kuyper, EMJ; Bongaerts, AHH; Berghout, A

2002-01-01

Background Diagnostic strategies for pulmonary embolism are complex and consist of non-invasive diagnostic tests done to avoid conventional pulmonary angiography as much as possible. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the diagnosis of pulmonary

The comparative study on diagnostic validity of cerebral aneurysm by computed tomography angiography versus digital subtraction angiography after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Masih Saboori

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Background: In order to declare the preoperative diagnostic value of brain aneurysms, two radiological modalities, computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography were compared. Methods: In this descriptive analytic study, diagnostic value of computed tomographic angiography (CTA was com-pared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated and compared between the two modalities. All data were analyzed with SPSS software, version 16. Results: Mean age of patients was 49.5 ± 9.13 years. 57.9 % of subjects were female. CTA showed 89% sensitivity and 100% specificity whereas DSA demonstrated 74% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Positive predictive value of both methods was 100%, but negative predictive value of CTA and DSA was 85% and 69%, respectively. Conclusions: Based on our data, CTA is a valuable diagnostic modality for detection of brain aneurysm and su-barachnoid hemorrhage.

White organic light-emitting diodes utilized by near UV-deep blue emitter and exciplex emission.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Young Wook; Kim, Young Min; Choi, Jin Hwan; Park, Tae Hyun; Choi, Hyun Ju; Yu, Hong Jung; Cho, Min Ju; Choi, Dong Hoon; Kim, Sung Hyun; Ju, Byeong Kwon

2011-02-01

Numerous investigations have been made into the development of wide color gamut displays for deep-blue OLEDs, including the RGB sub pixels, and white OLEDs (WOLEDs). One of the well known deep-blue emissive dopants, tris(phenyl-methyl-benzimidazolyl)iridium(III) [Ir(pmb)3], successfully introduced its fascinating color coordinate of Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) 1931 (0.17, 0.06), however there have been no reports utilizing its accomplishments as WOLEDs. In this report, using only one phosphorescent dopant, the near UV-deep blue emissive Ir(pmb)3, the WOLEDs having the CIE 1931 coordinate of (0.33, 0.38) at 100 cd/m2 with a color rendering index of 85 are demonstrated. The white emission of the fabricated OLEDs are oriented from the near UV-deep blue emission of Ir(pmb)3 and the successfully controlled exciplex emission, between the Ir(pmb)3-host, and the Ir(pmb)3-interfaced material.

Unusual Congenital Aortic Anomaly with Rare Common Celiamesenteric Trunk Variation: MR Angiography and Digital Substraction Angiography Findings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tosun, Ozgur; Sanlidilek, Umman; Cetin, Huseyin; Ozdemir, Ozcan; Kurt, Aydin; Sakarya, Mehmet Emin; Tas, Ismet

2007-01-01

Magnetic resonance angiography and digital substraction angiography (DSA) findings in a case with a rare congenital thoracoabdominal aortic hypoplasia and common celiamesenteric trunk variation with occlusion of infrarenal abdominal aorta are described here. To our knowledge, this aortic anomaly has not been previously described in the English literature. DSA is the optimum imaging modality for determination of aortic hypoplasia, associated vascular malformations, collateral vessels, and direction of flow within vessels

Carbon emissions associated with the procurement and utilization of forest harvest residues for energy, northern Minnesota, USA

Science.gov (United States)

Grant M. Domke; Dennis R. Becker; Anthony W. D' Amato; Alan R. Ek; Christopher W. Woodall

2012-01-01

Interest in the use of forest-derived biomass for energy has prompted comparisons to fossil fuels and led to controversy over the atmospheric consequences of its utilization. Much of the debate has centered on the carbon storage implications of utilizing whole trees for energy and the time frame necessary to offset the carbon emissions associated with fixed-life...

Clinical performance of a free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced pediatric abdominal MR angiography.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Tao; Yousaf, Ufra; Hsiao, Albert; Cheng, Joseph Y; Alley, Marcus T; Lustig, Michael; Pauly, John M; Vasanawala, Shreyas S

2015-10-01

Pediatric contrast-enhanced MR angiography is often limited by respiration, other patient motion and compromised spatiotemporal resolution. To determine the reliability of a free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography method for depicting abdominal arterial anatomy in young children. With IRB approval and informed consent, we retrospectively identified 27 consecutive children (16 males and 11 females; mean age: 3.8 years, range: 14 days to 8.4 years) referred for contrast-enhanced MR angiography at our institution, who had undergone free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography studies. A radio-frequency-spoiled gradient echo sequence with Cartesian variable density k-space sampling and radial view ordering, intrinsic motion navigation and intermittent fat suppression was developed. Images were reconstructed with soft-gated parallel imaging locally low-rank method to achieve both motion correction and high spatiotemporal resolution. Quality of delineation of 13 abdominal arteries in the reconstructed images was assessed independently by two radiologists on a five-point scale. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of the proportion of diagnostically adequate cases were calculated. Interobserver agreements were also analyzed. Eleven out of 13 arteries achieved acceptable image quality (mean score range: 3.9-5.0) for both readers. Fair to substantial interobserver agreement was reached on nine arteries. Free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography frequently yields diagnostic image quality for most abdominal arteries in young children.

Clinical performance of a free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced pediatric abdominal MR angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Tao; Cheng, Joseph Y. [Stanford University, Department of Radiology, Stanford, CA (United States); Stanford University, Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford, CA (United States); Yousaf, Ufra; Alley, Marcus T.; Vasanawala, Shreyas S. [Stanford University, Department of Radiology, Stanford, CA (United States); Hsiao, Albert [University of California, San Diego, Department of Radiology, San Diego, CA (United States); Lustig, Michael [Stanford University, Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford, CA (United States); University of California, Berkeley, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, Berkeley, CA (United States); Pauly, John M. [Stanford University, Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford, CA (United States)

2015-10-15

Pediatric contrast-enhanced MR angiography is often limited by respiration, other patient motion and compromised spatiotemporal resolution. To determine the reliability of a free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography method for depicting abdominal arterial anatomy in young children. With IRB approval and informed consent, we retrospectively identified 27 consecutive children (16 males and 11 females; mean age: 3.8 years, range: 14 days to 8.4 years) referred for contrast-enhanced MR angiography at our institution, who had undergone free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography studies. A radio-frequency-spoiled gradient echo sequence with Cartesian variable density k-space sampling and radial view ordering, intrinsic motion navigation and intermittent fat suppression was developed. Images were reconstructed with soft-gated parallel imaging locally low-rank method to achieve both motion correction and high spatiotemporal resolution. Quality of delineation of 13 abdominal arteries in the reconstructed images was assessed independently by two radiologists on a five-point scale. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of the proportion of diagnostically adequate cases were calculated. Interobserver agreements were also analyzed. Eleven out of 13 arteries achieved acceptable image quality (mean score range: 3.9-5.0) for both readers. Fair to substantial interobserver agreement was reached on nine arteries. Free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography frequently yields diagnostic image quality for most abdominal arteries in young children. (orig.)

Clinical performance of a free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced pediatric abdominal MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Tao; Cheng, Joseph Y.; Yousaf, Ufra; Alley, Marcus T.; Vasanawala, Shreyas S.; Hsiao, Albert; Lustig, Michael; Pauly, John M.

2015-01-01

Pediatric contrast-enhanced MR angiography is often limited by respiration, other patient motion and compromised spatiotemporal resolution. To determine the reliability of a free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography method for depicting abdominal arterial anatomy in young children. With IRB approval and informed consent, we retrospectively identified 27 consecutive children (16 males and 11 females; mean age: 3.8 years, range: 14 days to 8.4 years) referred for contrast-enhanced MR angiography at our institution, who had undergone free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography studies. A radio-frequency-spoiled gradient echo sequence with Cartesian variable density k-space sampling and radial view ordering, intrinsic motion navigation and intermittent fat suppression was developed. Images were reconstructed with soft-gated parallel imaging locally low-rank method to achieve both motion correction and high spatiotemporal resolution. Quality of delineation of 13 abdominal arteries in the reconstructed images was assessed independently by two radiologists on a five-point scale. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of the proportion of diagnostically adequate cases were calculated. Interobserver agreements were also analyzed. Eleven out of 13 arteries achieved acceptable image quality (mean score range: 3.9-5.0) for both readers. Fair to substantial interobserver agreement was reached on nine arteries. Free-breathing spatiotemporally accelerated 3-D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography frequently yields diagnostic image quality for most abdominal arteries in young children. (orig.)

Angiography of the upper extremity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Janevski, B.K.

1982-01-01

This thesis provides a description of the technical and medical aspects of arteriography of the upper extremity and an extensive analysis of the angiographic anatomy and pathology of 750 selective studies performed in more than 500 patients. A short historical review is provided of angiography as a whole and of arteriography of the hand in particular. The method of percutaneous transfemoral catheterization of the arteries of the upper extremity and particularly the arteries of the hand is considered, discussing the problems the angiographer encounters frequently, describing the angiographic complications which may occur and emphasizing the measures to keep them to a minimum. The use of vasodilators in hand angiography is discussed. A short description of the embryological patterns persisting in the arteries of the arm is included in order to understand the congenital variations of the arteries of the upper extremity. The angiographic patterns and clinical aspects of the most common pathological processes involving the arteries of the upper extremities are presented. Special attention is paid to the correlation between angiography and pathology. (Auth.)

Effective selection of hypertensive patients for angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

van der Voorde, F.; Derkx, F.H.M.; Bossuyt, P.M.M.; Segaar, R.W.; de Wind, A.; Pieterman, H.

1989-01-01

The authors prospectively observed 373 severe hypertensives with either diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 105 and age ≤ 40, or BP with three drugs ≥ 105 (regardless of age). Excluded were patients who were older than 75 or who had creatinine >400. History, physical examination, and laboratory data were used to identify high-yield criteria for arteriography. All patients underwent angiography as the gold standard; angiography showed 127 unilateral renal artery stenoses, 73 bilateral renal artery stenoses, and 173 (nonstenosed) essential hypertensives. The authors constructed a logistic regression model of height, weight, age, smoking, and hypertension duration, which could be used to identify 90% of stenosed patients with 50% fewer angiographies in the essential hypertensives

Reductions in energy use and environmental emissions achievable with utility-based cogeneration: Simplified illustrations for Ontario

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosen, M.A.

1998-01-01

Significant reductions in energy use and environmental emissions are demonstrated to be achievable when electrical utilities use cogeneration. Simplified illustrations of these reductions are presented for the province of Ontario, based on applying cogeneration to the facilities of the main provincial electrical utility. Three cogeneration illustrations are considered: (i) fuel cogeneration is substituted for fuel electrical generation and fuel heating, (ii) nuclear cogeneration is substituted for nuclear electrical generation and fuel heating, and (iii) fuel cogeneration is substituted for fuel electrical generation and electrical heating. The substitution of cogeneration for separate electrical and heat generation processes for all illustrations considered leads to significant reductions in fuel energy consumption (24-61%), which lead to approximately proportional reductions in emissions. (Copyright (c) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)

Carbon emission coefficient measurement of the coal-to-power energy chain in China

OpenAIRE

Shiwei Yu; Yi-Ming Wei; Haixiang Guo; Liping Ding

2012-01-01

Coal-fired electricity generation has become the largest source of carbon emission in China. This study utilizes life-cycle assessment to assess the effect of carbon emissions and to calculate the coefficient of carbon emissions in coal-to-energy chains. Results show that the carbon emission coefficient of the coal-to-energy chain in China is 875 g/kW h-1, which is a relatively low level compared with that of other countries. CO2 is the main type of greenhouse gas emission and the most abunda...

Utility of time-resolved three-dimensional magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography without contrast material for assessment of intracranial dural arterio-venous fistula

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hori, Masaaki; Aoki, Shigeki; Nakanishi, Atsushi; Shimoji, Keigo; Kamagata, Koji; Houshito, Haruyoshi; Kuwatsuru, Ryohei; Oishi, Hidenori; Arai, Hajime

2011-01-01

Background: Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is an arteriovenous shunting disease of the dura. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is expected to be a safer alternative method in evaluation of DAVF, compared with invasive intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA). Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic use of time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time-SLIP) three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography (MRDSA) without contrast material in six patients with DAVF. Material and Methods: Images for 3D time-of-flight MRA, which has been a valuable tool for the diagnosis of DAVF but provide little or less hemodynamic information, and Time-SLIP 3D MRDSA, were acquired for each patient. The presence, side, and grade of the disease were evaluated according to IADSA. Results: In all patients, the presence and side of the DAVF were correctly identified by both 3D time-of-flight MRA and Time-SLIP 3D MRDSA. Cortical reflux present in a patient with a grade 2b DAVF was not detected by Time-SLIP 3D MRDSA, when compared with IADSA findings. Conclusion: Time-SLIP 3D MRDSA provides hemodynamic information without contrast material and is a useful complementary tool for diagnosis of DAVF

Digital subtraction cerebral angiography by intraarterial injection: comparison with conventional angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brant-Zawadzki, M.; Gould, R.; Norman, D.; Newton, T.H.; Lane, B.

1983-01-01

For 4 months, a prototype digital subtraction system was used to obtain images of the cerebral vasculature after intraarterial contrast injections. In 12 instances, the intraarterial injections were recorded with both a digital subtraction unit and conventional direct magnification film-screen system. The digital subtraction and conventional film subtraction images were compared and graded for quality and information content by three skilled observers. In addition, quantitative measurements of contrast-detail performance and spatial resolution were obtained on both the digital system and the screen-film imaging chain. In a clinical setting, both the digital subtraction and conventional film-screen systems provided similar quality images and angiographic information. Contrast-detail curves demonstrated that digital subtraction angiography outperformed conventional film technique for low-contrast objects. Digital subtraction angiography also reduced the time required to obtain the angiogram, markedly reduced film cost, and lowered the contrast agent burden

FIELD EVALUATION OF LOW-EMISSION COAL BURNER TECHNOLOGY ON UTILITY BOILERS VOLUME III. FIELD EVALUATIONS

Science.gov (United States)

The report gives results of field tests conducted to determine the emission characteristics of a Babcock and Wilcox Circular burner and Dual Register burner (DRB). The field tests were performed at two utility boilers, generally comparable in design and size except for the burner...

Fluorescence angiography in retinal tumours

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fuhrmann, M.

1980-01-01

On the basis of the available photographic material the results of fluorescein angiography are reported in 4 cases of retinoblastoma and 3 cases of Bourneville's disease. The clinical diagnosis of retinoblastoma was confirmed histologically in all cases since the first eye had been removed for the same reason previously. One child had not yet been treated, and in 3 cases radioactive isotopes were used in the treatment. In the group of phacomatosis the patients had only periodical outpatient examinations. The importance of this angiography in the diagnosis and follow-up of these diseases is stressed. (author)

Optimization of Ecg Gating in Quantitative Femoral Angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nilsson, S.; Berglund, I.; Erikson, U.; Johansson, J.; Walldius, G.

2003-01-01

Purpose: To determine which phase of the heart cycle would yield the highest reproducibility in measuring atherosclerosis-related variables such as arterial lumen volume and edge roughness. Material and Methods: 35 patients with hypercholesterolemia underwent select ive femoral angiography, repeated four times at 10-min intervals. The angiographies were performed with Ecg-gated exposures. In angiographies 1 and 2 the delay from R-wave maximum to each exposure was 0.1 s, in angiographies 3 and 4 the delay was 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 s or the exposures were performed 1/s without Ecg gating. Arterial lumen volume and edge roughness were measured in a 20-cm segment of the superficial femoral artery using a computer-based densitometric method. Measurement reproducibility was determined by comparing angiographies 1-2 and angiographies 3-4. Results: When measuring arterial lumen volume and edge roughness of a 20-cm segment of the femoral artery, reproducibility was not dependent on Ecg gating. In measuring single arterial diameters and cross-sectional areas, the reproducibility was better when exposures were made 0.1 s after the R-wave maximum than when using other settings of the Ecg gating device or without Ecg gating. Conclusion: The influence of pulsatile flow upon quantitative measurement in femoral angiograms seems to be the smallest possible in early systole, as can be demonstrated when measuring single diameters and cross-sectional areas. In variables based on integration over longer segments, measurement reproducibility seems to be independent of phase

Optimization of Ecg Gating in Quantitative Femoral Angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nilsson, S.; Berglund, I.; Erikson, U. [Univ. Hospital, Uppsala (Sweden). Dept. of Oncology, Radiology and Clinical Immunology; Johansson, J.; Walldius, G. [Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm (Sweden). King Gustav V Research Inst.

2003-09-01

Purpose: To determine which phase of the heart cycle would yield the highest reproducibility in measuring atherosclerosis-related variables such as arterial lumen volume and edge roughness. Material and Methods: 35 patients with hypercholesterolemia underwent select ive femoral angiography, repeated four times at 10-min intervals. The angiographies were performed with Ecg-gated exposures. In angiographies 1 and 2 the delay from R-wave maximum to each exposure was 0.1 s, in angiographies 3 and 4 the delay was 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 s or the exposures were performed 1/s without Ecg gating. Arterial lumen volume and edge roughness were measured in a 20-cm segment of the superficial femoral artery using a computer-based densitometric method. Measurement reproducibility was determined by comparing angiographies 1-2 and angiographies 3-4. Results: When measuring arterial lumen volume and edge roughness of a 20-cm segment of the femoral artery, reproducibility was not dependent on Ecg gating. In measuring single arterial diameters and cross-sectional areas, the reproducibility was better when exposures were made 0.1 s after the R-wave maximum than when using other settings of the Ecg gating device or without Ecg gating. Conclusion: The influence of pulsatile flow upon quantitative measurement in femoral angiograms seems to be the smallest possible in early systole, as can be demonstrated when measuring single diameters and cross-sectional areas. In variables based on integration over longer segments, measurement reproducibility seems to be independent of phase.

Lithium abundances, K line emission and ages of nearby solar type stars

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duncan, D.K.

1981-01-01

Li abundances and chromospheric emission fluxes measured in the core of the Ca II K line have been determined in over 100 field F5--G5 dwarfs and subgiants. Although both quantities are known statistically to decrease in older stars, the correlation between them is not good. In particular, there are a number of anomalous solar type stars which show high Li abundances and very little chromospheric flux; the converse is rare. This might be understood if the intensity of chromospheric emission undergoes a sudden decrease when stars reach an age of 1 to 2 x 10 9 years, before much Li depletion occurs. Some of the anomalous stars appear to be older than this, however. Such stars must have preserved their Li from main sequence destruction

Catheter versus non-catheter angiography in isolated third nerve palsy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, A.G.

2007-01-01

To discuss the controversies surrounding the indications for catheter angiography versus non-catheter and less invasive angiography techniques (e.g. magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computerized tomography angiography (CTA)) in the evaluation of patients with a third nerve palsy. Clinical opinion-perspective and literature review. The patient with an isolated third nerve palsy might have a vasculopathic (and typically benign, self limited course) etiology or a life threatening intracranial posterior communicating artery aneurysm. Although it is clear that non-isolated third nerve palsies require imaging directed at the topographical localization of the clinical findings, the evaluation of the neurologically isolated third nerve palsy remains controversial. The completeness of the external (i.e. somatic) motor dysfunction and the presence or absence of internal (i.e. pupillary) dysfunction are generally used to guide the choice of initial neuroimaging. Advances in MRA and CTA technology have reduced but not eliminated our dependence upon catheter angiography in this setting. A properly performed and interpreted MRA or CTA probably will be able to detect greater than 95 % of aneurysms producing a third nerve palsy. The issues surrounding the use of catheter angiography in third nerve palsy are reviewed. If the clinician is highly confident in the capability, availability, and reliability of the neuroradiologist and of their institutional experience and quality of less invasive non-catheter MRA and CTA and if the risk of aneurysm is low or if the risk of angiography is high (e.g. elderly, renal failure, iodinated contrast allergy, risk of stroke) then MRI and MRA (or CTA) may be a reasonable alternative to catheter angiography. Patients with a moderate or uncertain risk of aneurysm and a lower risk for catheter angiography or if there is a low confidence in the quality or the interpretation of the institutional MRA (or CTA) may still require catheter

Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) with carbon dioxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takeda, Toshiaki; Ido, Kunio; Yuasa, Yuji

1988-01-01

Intra-Arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography (IA-DSA) with Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) was performed on 41 patients mainly with liver or renal diseases, and its angiographic manifestation was compared with that of conventional angiography. Although the image quality of the arterial or capillary phase was inferior to that of conventional angiography with iodinated contrast media, the detectablity of arterio-venous shunting was excellent. In fact, DSA with CO 2 revealed the presence of A-V (A-P) shunt in 26 patients (26/41:63.4 % HCC, 13/15:86.7% metastatic liver tumor, 2/3:66.7 % RCC, 1/5:20 %). On the other hand, conventional angiography was able to show in only 5 cases. DSA with CO 2 will become an effective method for detecting minute arterio-venous shunting which can not be demonstrated with conventional angiography. (author)

Comparison between angiography and CT scan in the urologic field

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fujioka, Toshio; Takao, Masaya; Odajima, Kunio; Nakamura, Hiroshi

1988-02-01

Seventy-five consecutive patients with urological diseases were examined preoperatively by means of computerized tomography and renal angiography. Classification of the diseases were 53 renal diseases which included renal cell carcinoma, sarcoma, cyst, renal bleeding, arteriovenous fistula, trauma, hydronephrosis and tuberculosis, 11 vesical diseases which included bladder tumor and endometriosis, 9 adrenal diseases which included primary aldosteronism, Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and metastatic tumor, and 1 case of intra-abdominal testes. For renal diseases, both angiography and CT were useful imaging tools. For vesical diseases, CT was a more useful imaging method but, for adrenal diseases, angiography was superior to CT. CT offers certain advantages over conventional techniques but, in the near future, it may be replaced by MRI. On the contrary, angiography will remain popular for a long time, because angiography is the only way to show which vessels feed organs.

Exposed dose comparison between coronary computed tomographic angiography and coronary angiography. Basic examination by phantom

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kato, Kyoichi; Takahashi, Yoshimasa; Takahashi, Toshiyuki; Sai, Syogo; Fujimura, Kazumasa; Watanabe, Hiroyuki; Sato, Hisaya; Imai, Yasuhiro; Nakazawa, Yasuo

2007-01-01

The new type of coronary angiography (CAG) that uses 40 mm volumetric computed tomography (VCT) has great potential for cardiac disease. However, it is still necessary to be cognizant of exposure dose. We measured doses of CAG by both VCT and cardiovascular X-ray using a body phantom within 170 glass dosimeters. VCT protocols were 120 kV, 570 mA, and 0.35 sec/rot with and without the dose-reduction features (small cardiac X-ray beam filter and electrocardiogram (ECG) mA modulation). The cardiovascular X-ray protocol was Auto (65-77 kV) kV, Auto (41-46 mA) mA, 5 sec x 11 shots + 11 min fluoroscopy (minimum protocol for screening). VCT with and without the dose-reduction features has the same dose distribution, however, the dose-reduction features reduced the amount of dose by about 40-50%. For VCT with those features, measured dose was about 70 mGy in the cardiac area and 60 mGy at the skin of the back, whereas those of cardiovascular X-ray were 10 mGy and 30 mGy. We measured detailed dose distributions and variations in the phantom, and we also demonstrated the possibility of VCT's dose-reduction features. The CT dose was still higher than that of cardiovascular X-ray, however, there were advantages of CT scanning, for instance, information about calcification, soft plaque, and three-dimensional (3D) visualization. We think it is important to use both systems with an understanding of their advantages and limitations. (author)

Spiral CT angiography of renal arteries: comparison with angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wittenberg, G.; Kenn, W.; Tschammler, A.; Sandstede, J.; Hahn, D.

1999-01-01

A prospective study was carried out to determine the accuracy of spiral CT angiography (CTA) in the detection of renal artery stenosis (RAS). Eighty-two patients with arterial hypertension underwent CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to exclude RAS. For CTA a contrast medium bolus of 100-150 ml (flow rate 3 ml/s) was injected. A 24 or 40 s CTA was started at the origin of the superior mesenteric artery after a delay time determined by test bolus injection (collimation = 2 mm, pitch = 1/1.5). For stenosis detection transverse images supported by maximum intensity projections (MIP) or multiplanar reconstruction projections were used. Of 197 renal arteries examined (including 33 accessory arteries), 34 RAS were visualized using DSA. With CTA, one hemodynamic RAS was missed and one additional hemodynamic RAS was found. Sensitivity/specificity was calculated to be 94 %/98 %. For hemodynamically relevant RAS (> 50 %) the sensitivity/specificity was 96 %/99 %. CTA additionally depicted five adrenal masses. The high accuracy rate of RAS detection thus allows the use of CTA as a screening method in patients with arterial hypertension to exclude a renovascular cause. (orig.)

Angiography in tumors of cartilaginous genesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Korolev, V.I.

1986-01-01

Angiography was used for 122 patients with tumors and tumor-like processes of the cartilage. Angiography was carried out by the S. Seldinger method. Normal angioarchitecture was observed in 16 patients with benign tumors (20 patients), characters of malignant tumor are determined in 4 patients. Normal angioarchitecture is determined in 9.4% of patients with chondrosarcoma (102 patients). The examination carried out showed that angiographic symptotics in chondrosarcomas varied depending on the stage, localization and the degree of morphologic differentiation

Software Development for Estimating the Conversion Factor (K-Factor) at Suitable Scan Areas, Relating the Dose Length Product to the Effective Dose.

Science.gov (United States)

Kobayashi, Masanao; Asada, Yasuki; Matsubara, Kosuke; Suzuki, Syouichi; Koshida, Kichiro; Matsunaga, Yuta; Kawaguchi, Ai; Haba, Tomonobu; Toyama, Hiroshi; Kato, Ryouichi

2017-05-01

We developed a k-factor-creator software (kFC) that provides the k-factor for CT examination in an arbitrary scan area. It provides the k-factor from the effective dose and dose-length product by Imaging Performance Assessment of CT scanners and CT-EXPO. To assess the reliability, we compared the kFC-evaluated k-factors with those of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) publication 102. To confirm the utility, the effective dose determined by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) was evaluated by a phantom study and k-factor studies. In the CCTA, the effective doses were 5.28 mSv in the phantom study, 2.57 mSv (51%) in the k-factor of ICRP, and 5.26 mSv (1%) in the k-factor of the kFC. Effective doses can be determined from the kFC-evaluated k-factors in suitable scan areas. Therefore, we speculate that the flexible k-factor is useful in clinical practice, because CT examinations are performed in various scan regions. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Venous digital subtraction angiography for diagnosis of renal artery stenosis in arterial hypertony

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schoerner, W.; Kempter, H.; Banzer, D.; Aviles, C.; Weiss, T.; Felix, R.

1984-01-01

Venous digital subtraction angiography was performed in 248 patients for the diagnosis of renal arterial stenosis. In 88% of the investigations the stenosis could be found. Comparison of digital angiography and conventional angiography was made for 57 renal arteries (25 investigations). In 52 renal arteries we found the same results with both methods, in 5 renal arteries we found the same results with both methods, in 5 renal arteries the digital angiography showed false positive results. The spatial resolution of digital subtraction angiography is sufficient for the correct diagnosis of significant renal arterial stenosis. With regard to the lower invasion of digital subtraction angiography compared to conventional angiography the first method should be used for clarification of renal arterial hypertension. (orig.)

Clinical utility and limitation of MRI in neuroradiology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aoki, Shigeki; Machida, Tohru; Shirouzu, Ichirou; Ohkubo, Toshiyuki; Sasaki, Yasushi.

1992-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has several advantages over computed tomography in the neuroradiological field: it provids biochemical information, images in any plane without bone artifacts, and superior contrast between gray matter and white matter. It is, however, of limited availability because of longer imaging time, poor spatial resolution, and poor visualization of calcification and the bone. In this review, pathophysiology that shows relatively characteristic signal intensity is described, including hemorrhage, fat, protein-rich cyst, calcification, iron, and posterior pituitary gland. The utility and limitation of MRI are discussed in terms of the following diseases and lesion sites: small tumors in the skull base; demyelination of white matter or degenerative disease; cerebral infarction or cerebral ischemic disease; intramedullary lesion; meningeal lesion; and pediatric diseases such as medullary sheath formation and malformation. Finally, recent advance and future perspectives of MRI are presented, focusing on 3-dimensional imaging, MR angiography, fat-suppression MR imaging, MR spectroscopy, intravoxel incoherent motion imaging, imaging time, and spatial resolution. (N.K.) 82 refs

Microsurgical management of cerebral aneurysms based in CT angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction (3D-CTA) and without preoperative cerebral angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gonzalez-Darder, J.M.; Pesudo-Martinez, J.V.; Feliu-Tatay, R.A.

2001-01-01

Objective. To study the possibilities of the microsurgical management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with the sole preoperative information provided by computed tomography angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction (3D-CTA). Methods. Patients were studied with 3D-CTA after diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. If the study had an adequate quality and revealed an aneurysm congruent with the clinical findings or neurological examination and/or with the location of the bleeding on computed tomography (CT) scan an early microsurgical clipping of the lesion was done. When the quality of the 3D-CTA study was not adequate or the quality being adequate displayed no lesions or the findings were not accurate enough to warrant direct microsurgical treatment, the patient was studied with cerebral digital substraction (DS) angiography. A total of 44 consecutive patients harboring a total of 47 intracranial aneurysms diagnosed by 3D-CTA and without preoperative DS angiography were submitted to microsurgical clipping and included in the study. Results. The overall mortality was 15.9 % and the favorable results evaluated 6 months after discharge by means of the Glasgow outcome scale reached 70.4 %. All lesions were successfully clipped. Surgery was done a mean of 4.1 days after the admission bleeding. A total of four microlesions undiagnosed by 3D-CTA were found at surgery and clipped. Postoperative DS angiography and necropsy findings were also used as control of the 3D-CTA findings but no additional information was provided excepting the finding in DS angiography of an asymptomatic intracavemous aneurysm. Therefore the sensitivity of the 3D-CTA for diagnosis of symtomatic aneurysms was 100 % and the overall sensitivity 90.4 %. Conclusions. We have reached similar results in patients operated on with or without preoperative angiography. 3D-CTA provides very valuable anatomical information, which has an additional value in the microsurgical treatment of aneurysms of the

Comparison between digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography in investigation of nonlacunar ischemic stroke in young patients: preliminary results.

Science.gov (United States)

Conforto, Adriana Bastos; Fregni, Felipe; Puglia, Paulo; Leite, Claudia da Costa; Yamamoto, Fabio Iuji; Coracini, Karen F; Scaff, Milberto

2006-06-01

We preliminarily investigated the relevance of performing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in addition to magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in definition of ischemic stroke etiology in young patients. DSAs and MRAs from 17 young patients with nonlacunar ischemic stroke were blindly analyzed and their impact on stroke management was evaluated. Etiologies were the same considering results of either DSA or MRA in 12/17 cases. In 15/17 patients no changes would have been made in treatment, regardless of the modality of angiography considered. These preliminary results suggest that DSA may be redundant in two thirds of ischemic strokes in young patients. Further larger prospective studies are necessary to determine indications of DSA in this age group.

Greenhouse gas emissions and energy balances in bio-ethanol production and utilization in Brazil (1996)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Macedo, Isaias de Carvalho

1998-01-01

Production of sugar cane in Brazil in the 1996/97 season was 273 million t (harvested wet wt)/year, leading to 13.7 million m 3 ethanol and 13.5 million t of sugar. Emissions of greenhouse gases were evaluated for the agronomic/industrial production processes and product utilization including N 2 O and methane. Up-dating the energy balance from 1985 to 1995 indicated the effect of the main technological trends; apparently, fossil fuel consumption due to the increasing agricultural mechanization is largely off-set by technological advances in transportation and overall conversion efficiencies (agricultural and industrial). Output/input energy ratio in ethanol grew to 9.2 (average) and 11.2 (best values). Net savings in CO 2 (equivalent) emissions, due to ethanol and bagasse substitution for fossil fuels, correspond to 46.7 x 10 6 t CO 2 (equivalent)/year, nearly 20% of all CO 2 emissions from fuels in Brazil. Ethanol alone is responsible for 64% of the net avoided emissions. (author)

Interobserver variability in the evaluation of internal carotid artery stenosis by CT angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carrascosa, Patricia; Meli, Francisco; Sampere, Tulio; Capunay, Carlos; Sanchez, Flavio; Carrascosa, Jorge

2001-01-01

Ischemic cerebral vascular events are primarily due to atherosclerotic narrowing of carotid bifurcation. Catheter Angiography (CA) is the best test for determining carotid artery stenosis, but it is invasive and has some risks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate CT Angiography (CTA) as a non-invasive method compared with CA. Different estimate procedures (NASCET, ESCT and area quantification) were done to compare the Sensitivity (S) and Specificity (E) of each one with CA. Afterwards, interobserver variability of the three procedures was evaluated. Thirty-eight internal carotid arteries were studied in 19 patients with transient ischemic attacks. CTA studies were done in a helical CT scanner. The images were evaluated in a workstation by two radiologists, who were blinded to the percentage of stenosis determined by CA. For statistical analysis, the measurement of stenosis percentage was divided in two groups: a) Negative (0-69%) and b) Positive:(70-100%). Kappa analysis (K) was used to determine the agreement of stenosis. Results: Observer 1: Sensitivity (S) NASCET: 94%, ESCT: 77% and area 94% and Specificity (E): 91%, 87,5% and 87,5%. Observer 2: 77%, 77% and 74%. The interobserver K was 0.83, 0792 and 0.78 for NASCET, ESCT and area quantification methods respectively. In conclusion, CTA has high S and E especially in NASCET and area quantification. (author)

Multislice CT Angiography in Renal Artery Stent Evaluation: Prospective Comparison with Intra-Arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raza, Syed A.; Chughtai, Aamer R.; Wahba, Mona; Cowling, Mark G.; Taube, David; Wright, Andrew R.

2004-01-01

Purpose: To assess the role of multislice computed tomography angiography (MCTA) in the evaluation of renal artery stents, using intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the gold standard. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (15 men, 5 women) with 23 renal artery stents prospectively underwent both MCTA and DSA. Axial images, multiplanar reconstructions and maximum intensity projection images were used for diagnosis. The MCTA and DSA images were each interpreted without reference to the result of the other investigation. Results:The three cases of restenosis on DSA were detected correctly by MCTA; in 19 cases where MCTA showed a fully patent stent, the DSA was also negative. Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of MCTA were therefore 100%. In four cases, MCTA showed apparently minimal disease which was not shown on DSA. These cases are taken as false positive giving a specificity of 80% and a positive predictive value of 43%. Conclusion: The high sensitivity and NPV suggest MCTA may be useful as a noninvasive screen for renal artery stentrestenosis. MCTA detected mild disease in a few patients which was not confirmed on angiography

Preparing Canada's power systems for transition to the year 2000 : Y2K readiness assessment results for Canadian electric utility companies : first quarter 1999

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-01-01

The effort made by Canadian electric utilities to minimize any power disruptions during the year 2000 (Y2K) transition is discussed and the state of readiness of the electric power industry with respect to the Y2K computer challenge is outlined. Canadian utilities started addressing Y2K issues several years ago, and today, reports show that every major electric utility in Canada is either on, or ahead of schedule to meet the industry established milestones for Y2K readiness. This report includes the assessment of all of Canada's large electric utilities, plus about 95 per cent of Canada's small distribution utilities. On average, the bulk electric utilities in Canada expect to be Y2K ready by mid-June 1999. This means that equipment and systems will operate properly for all dates including Y2K, or that there will be an operating strategy in place to mitigate the effects of any improper operations of equipment or systems. In terms of overall preparations for Y2K, Canada is ahead of the North American averages. Bulk electric utilities for non-nuclear generation are now 100 per cent complete in the inventory phase, 99 per cent complete in the assessment phase, and 91 per cent complete in the remediation/testing phase. For nuclear generation, completion rates are the same except for the remediation/testing phase which is 97 per cent complete. 1 tab., 21 figs

Acoustic emission of heat treated compared graphite iron under 873-1173 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nam, Ki Woo; Lee, Soo Chul [Pukyong National University, Busan (Korea, Republic of); Ahn, Byung Kun [Korea Polytechnic, Busan Campus, Busan (Korea, Republic of)

2013-10-15

CGI is gaining popularity in applications that require either greater strength, or lower weight than cast iron. Recently, compacted graphite iron has been used for diesel engine blocks, turbo housings and exhaust manifolds. This paper were assessed acoustic emission characteristics according to the mechanical properties change of degraded CGI340 during 1-24 hours at 873-1173 K. In results of pencil lead fracture test, the dominant frequency and the velocity of base metal were 97 kHz and 5490 m/sec, respectively. The base metal in a tensile test was obtained relatively high dominant frequency. However, the heat treated materials, the longer the heat treatment time, the higher the heat treatment temperature, were obtained in the area of lower frequencies. This phenomenon appears by long-term use.

Acoustic emission of heat treated compared graphite iron under 873-1173 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nam, Ki Woo; Lee, Soo Chul; Ahn, Byung Kun

2013-01-01

CGI is gaining popularity in applications that require either greater strength, or lower weight than cast iron. Recently, compacted graphite iron has been used for diesel engine blocks, turbo housings and exhaust manifolds. This paper were assessed acoustic emission characteristics according to the mechanical properties change of degraded CGI340 during 1-24 hours at 873-1173 K. In results of pencil lead fracture test, the dominant frequency and the velocity of base metal were 97 kHz and 5490 m/sec, respectively. The base metal in a tensile test was obtained relatively high dominant frequency. However, the heat treated materials, the longer the heat treatment time, the higher the heat treatment temperature, were obtained in the area of lower frequencies. This phenomenon appears by long-term use.

Value of MR-angiography in brain infarction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pirronello, Veronica; Capizzano, Aristides A.; Chouela, Carolina L.; Ternak, Alejandro; Ramirez, Susana; Mazzuco, Juan C.

2004-01-01

A retrospective study has been performed in a series of 237 patients, with brain and neck MR and MR angiography techniques. 108/237 (45.5%) patients presented either hemorrhage or lacunar and non lacunar ischemic stroke, 67 of which showed restricted diffusion. Diffusion and perfusion techniques can significantly contribute to study acute stroke. In our series MR angiography showed a 4% sensitivity to detect small arteries pathology. (author)

Whole-body magnetic resonance angiography with blood-pool agents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kramer, H.; Morana, G.

2007-01-01

Although often asymptomatic, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with significant morbidity in a large proportion of patients. Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathology in many instances, involving the whole arterial tree. Whole-body magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) permits rapid, non-invasive and accurate evaluation of the entire vascular system and can be used for both diagnostic purposes and monitoring of vascular involvement in diseases such as diabetes, Marfan's syndrome and Takayasu arteritis. MRA has been used successfully in the identification of high-grade stenosis in PAD, abnormalities of the ileocaval veins and carotid plaque imaging. Carotid disease is significantly correlated with severe coronary artery disease and renal artery atherosclerosis. Symptomatic lesions in one vascular bed are often related to additional asymptomatic atherosclerotic lesions in other vascular regions. MRA may be advantageous over computed tomographic angiography because it can be performed with contrast media virtually devoid of serious toxicity and without utilization of ionizing radiation. Display of the entire arterial vasculature can be achieved in < 90 s, with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Recent technological advances, such as parallel imaging and the implementation of dedicated matrix coils, have further increased image quality, and in combination with the blood-pool contrast agents, such as gadofosveset trisodium (Vasovist, Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany), extended imaging time, higher spatial resolution and larger anatomical coverage can be achieved. (orig.)

Whole-body magnetic resonance angiography with blood-pool agents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kramer, H. [Inst. for Clinical Radiology, Univ. Hospital Munich, Munich (Germany); Morana, G. [Radiological Dept., Hospital Ca' Foncello, Treviso (Italy)

2007-03-15

Although often asymptomatic, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with significant morbidity in a large proportion of patients. Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathology in many instances, involving the whole arterial tree. Whole-body magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) permits rapid, non-invasive and accurate evaluation of the entire vascular system and can be used for both diagnostic purposes and monitoring of vascular involvement in diseases such as diabetes, Marfan's syndrome and Takayasu arteritis. MRA has been used successfully in the identification of high-grade stenosis in PAD, abnormalities of the ileocaval veins and carotid plaque imaging. Carotid disease is significantly correlated with severe coronary artery disease and renal artery atherosclerosis. Symptomatic lesions in one vascular bed are often related to additional asymptomatic atherosclerotic lesions in other vascular regions. MRA may be advantageous over computed tomographic angiography because it can be performed with contrast media virtually devoid of serious toxicity and without utilization of ionizing radiation. Display of the entire arterial vasculature can be achieved in < 90 s, with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Recent technological advances, such as parallel imaging and the implementation of dedicated matrix coils, have further increased image quality, and in combination with the blood-pool contrast agents, such as gadofosveset trisodium (Vasovist, Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany), extended imaging time, higher spatial resolution and larger anatomical coverage can be achieved. (orig.)

Postmortem CT Angiography Compared with Autopsy: A Forensic Multicenter Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Grabherr, Silke; Heinemann, Axel; Vogel, Hermann; Rutty, Guy; Morgan, Bruno; Woźniak, Krzysztof; Dedouit, Fabrice; Fischer, Florian; Lochner, Stefanie; Wittig, Holger; Guglielmi, Giuseppe; Eplinius, Franziska; Michaud, Katarzyna; Palmiere, Cristian; Chevallier, Christine; Mangin, Patrice; Grimm, Jochen M

2018-05-01

Purpose To determine if postmortem computed tomography (CT) and postmortem CT angiography help to detect more lesions than autopsy in postmortem examinations, to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and to define their indications. Materials and Methods Postmortem CT angiography was performed on 500 human corpses and followed by conventional autopsy. Nine centers were involved. All CT images were read by an experienced team including one forensic pathologist and one radiologist, blinded to the autopsy results. All findings were recorded for each method and categorized by anatomic structure (bone, organ parenchyma, soft tissue, and vascular) and relative importance in the forensic case (essential, useful, and unimportant). Results Among 18 654 findings, autopsies helped to identify 61.3% (11 433 of 18 654), postmortem CT helped to identify 76.0% (14 179 of 18 654), and postmortem CT angiography helped to identify 89.9% (16 780 of 18 654; P < .001). Postmortem CT angiography was superior to autopsy, especially at helping to identify essential skeletal lesions (96.1% [625 of 650] vs 65.4% [425 of 650], respectively; P < .001) and vascular lesions (93.5% [938 of 1003] vs 65.3% [655 of 1003], respectively; P < .001). Among the forensically essential findings, 23.4% (1029 of 4393) were not detected at autopsy, while only 9.7% (428 of 4393) were missed at postmortem CT angiography (P < .001). The best results were obtained when postmortem CT angiography was combined with autopsy. Conclusion Postmortem CT and postmortem CT angiography and autopsy each detect important lesions not detected by the other method. More lesions were identified by combining postmortem CT angiography and autopsy, which may increase the quality of postmortem diagnosis. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

The clinical application studies of CT spinal angiography with 64-detector row spiral CT in diagnosing spinal vascular malformations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gao Sijia; Zhang Mengwei; Liu Xiping; Zh Yushen; Liu Jinghong; Wang Zhonghui; Zang Peizhuo; Shi Qiang; Wang Qiang; Liang Chuansheng; Xu Ke

2009-01-01

Background and purpose: To explore the value of CT spinal angiography with 64-detector row spiral CT in diagnosing spinal vascular malformations. Methods: Seventeen patients with initial MR and clinical findings suggestive of spinal vascular diseases underwent CT spinal angiography. Among these, 14 patients took DSA examination within 1 week after CT scan, 7 patients underwent surgical treatment, and 6 patients underwent vascular intervention embolotheraphy. CT protocol: TOSHIBA Aquilion 64 Slice CT scanner, 0.5 mm thickness, 0.5 s/r, 120 kV and 350 mA, positioned at the aortic arch level, and applied with 'sure start' technique with CT threshold of 180 Hu. Contrast agent Iohexol (370 mg I/ml) was injected at 6 ml/s velocity with total volume of 80 ml. The post-processing procedures included MPR, CPR, MIP, VR, etc. Among the 17 patients, four patients underwent fast dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography imaging. CT spinal angiography and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D CE-MRA) images were compared and evaluated with DSA and operation results based on disease type, lesion range, feeding arteries, fistulas, draining veins of vascular malformation by three experienced neuroradiologists independently, using double blind method. The data were analyzed using SPSS analytic software with χ 2 -test. We compared the results with DSA and operation results. Results: The statistical analysis of the diagnostic results by the three experienced neuroradiologists had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). All of the 17 patients showed clearly the abnormality of spinal cord vessels and the range of lesions by CT spinal angiography. Among them, one patient was diagnosed as arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) by MRI and CT spinal angiography, which was verified by surgical operation. DSA of the same patient, however, did not visualize the lesion. One case was diagnosed as AVM complicated with AVF by DSA, but CT spinal angiography could only show AVM not AVF. The

The clinical application studies of CT spinal angiography with 64-detector row spiral CT in diagnosing spinal vascular malformations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gao Sijia [Department of Radiology, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001 (China)], E-mail: scarlettgao@126.com; Zhang Mengwei; Liu Xiping; Zh Yushen; Liu Jinghong; Wang Zhonghui [Department of Radiology, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001 (China); Zang Peizhuo [Department of Neurosurgery, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001 (China); Shi Qiang; Wang Qiang [Department of Radiology, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001 (China); Liang Chuansheng [Department of Neurosurgery, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001 (China); Xu Ke [Department of Radiology, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001 (China)

2009-07-15

Background and purpose: To explore the value of CT spinal angiography with 64-detector row spiral CT in diagnosing spinal vascular malformations. Methods: Seventeen patients with initial MR and clinical findings suggestive of spinal vascular diseases underwent CT spinal angiography. Among these, 14 patients took DSA examination within 1 week after CT scan, 7 patients underwent surgical treatment, and 6 patients underwent vascular intervention embolotheraphy. CT protocol: TOSHIBA Aquilion 64 Slice CT scanner, 0.5 mm thickness, 0.5 s/r, 120 kV and 350 mA, positioned at the aortic arch level, and applied with 'sure start' technique with CT threshold of 180 Hu. Contrast agent Iohexol (370 mg I/ml) was injected at 6 ml/s velocity with total volume of 80 ml. The post-processing procedures included MPR, CPR, MIP, VR, etc. Among the 17 patients, four patients underwent fast dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography imaging. CT spinal angiography and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D CE-MRA) images were compared and evaluated with DSA and operation results based on disease type, lesion range, feeding arteries, fistulas, draining veins of vascular malformation by three experienced neuroradiologists independently, using double blind method. The data were analyzed using SPSS analytic software with {chi}{sup 2}-test. We compared the results with DSA and operation results. Results: The statistical analysis of the diagnostic results by the three experienced neuroradiologists had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). All of the 17 patients showed clearly the abnormality of spinal cord vessels and the range of lesions by CT spinal angiography. Among them, one patient was diagnosed as arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) by MRI and CT spinal angiography, which was verified by surgical operation. DSA of the same patient, however, did not visualize the lesion. One case was diagnosed as AVM complicated with AVF by DSA, but CT spinal angiography could only show

Pediatric angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fitz, A.R.

1987-01-01

Angiography of the cerebral and visceral arterial systems is performed much less frequently than it was before the advent of computed tomographic scanning (CT). Most institutions have experienced at least a 50% reduction in the number of angiograms performed since installing a CT scanner. However, angiography still plays an important role in the confirmation of diagnoses made using a scanner, and in providing valuable information to the surgeon prior to excision of tumors or the repair of traumatized organs. Recently a number of sophisticated therapeutic procedures requiring vascular catheterization and the injection of contrast agents have been developed. In these procedures catheters are selectively placed in blood vessels perfusing a pathological process, such as an arteriovenous malformation, or at the site of an arterial stenosis; embolization of the arteriovenous malformation or tumor, or dilatation of the stenotic segment, is then performed. Whether the vessel catheterization is for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, the basic approach is the same, and the technologist's duties are similar. The principal difference between a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure is the length of time required to carry out the study; therapeutic procedures often require significantly longer periods of general anesthesia or sedation than do diagnostic studies

The clinical safety of dual axis rotational angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Huiliang; Jin Zhigeng; Yang Shengli; Ma Dongxing; Luo Jianping; Liu Ying; Wang Lei; Jing Limin; Meng Rongying

2011-01-01

Objective: To observe the clinical safety of dual axis rotational coronary angiography (DARCA) in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in Chinese population. Methods: From March to December in 2010, 74 patients undergoing diagnostic DARCA were enrolled. The improved isocentering technique was adopted in 34 of the patients at the end of the study during DARCA. Blood pressure, heart rate and symptoms were recorded immediately before-and-after contrast injections. Contrast dose, radiation exposure and procedure time for DARCA were recorded. Continuous variable data were analyzed using Student's t test, if normality assumption was violated, rank sum test would be used. Categorical variables were analyzed using χ 2 test. Results: (1) Clinical safety: There was no chest pain documented during or immediately post-injection for all patients. Only 1 patient (1%) had an attack of ventricular tachycardia immediately after the contrast injection and then relieved automatically. Pre and post-injection systolic blood pressure values of left coronary artery were statistically different [(116±20) mm Hg vs. (111± 18) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), t=3.303, P=0.001], and heart rates differed, too [73 (65- 84) bpm vs. 71 (64-78) bpm, Z=-4.789, P=0.001], but that imposed no clinical significance. (2) Contrast dose, radiation dose and procedure time: The mean contrast utilization, radiation dose and procedure time for DARCA were 28 (25-34) ml, 8979 (6733-12363) mGycm 2 and 200 (164-270) s. Compared with conventional DARCA, improved isocentering technique during DARCA had less radiation exposure and procedure time in left coronary artery angiography and the whole coronary artery angiography left coronary artery angiographic radiation exposure: 4004 (2932-5772) mGycm 2 vs, 5808 (4798- 8838) mGycm 2 , Z=-3.471, P=0.001; total radiation exposure: (8116±2493) mGycm 2 vs. (11371± 4122) mGycm 2 , t=-4.176, P=0.001; left coronary artery angiographic procedure time: 120 (80- 180)s vs

Diagnostic accuracy of multi-slice computed tomographic angiography in the detection of cerebral aneurysms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haghighatkhah, H. R.; Sabouri, S.; Borzouyeh, F.; Bagherzadeh, M. H.; Bakhshandeh, H.; Jalali, A. H.

2008-01-01

Multislice computed tomographic angiography is a rapid and minimally invasive method for the detection of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to compare Multislice computed tomographic angiography with digital subtraction angiography In the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms. Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study we evaluated 111 consecutive patients [42(37.8%) male and 69(62.2%) female], who were admitted under clinical symptoms and signs. suggestive of harboring an intracranial aneurysm by using a four detector Multislice computed tomographic angiography. Then we compared results of Multislice computed tomographic angiography with digital subtraction angiography results as a gold standard method. Digital subtraction angiography was performed by bilateral selective common carotid artery injections and either unilateral or bilateral vertebral artery injections, as necessary. Multislice computed tomographic angiography images were interpreted by one radiologist and digital subtraction angiography was performed by another radiologist who was blinded to the interpretation of the Multislice computed tomographic angiograms. Results: The mean ±S D age of the patients was 49.1±13.6 years (range: 12-84 years). We performed Multislice computed tomographic in 111 and digital subtraction angiography in 85 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio of Multislice computed tomographic angiography, when compared with digital subtraction angiography as the gold standard, were 100%, 90%, 87.5%, 100%, 10 and 0, respectively. Conclusion: Multislice computed tomographic angiography seems to be an accurate and noninvasive imaging modality in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms

Design study of wind turbines 50 kW to 3000 kW for electric utility applications. Volume 2: Analysis and design

Science.gov (United States)

1976-01-01

All possible overall system configurations, operating modes, and subsystem concepts for a wind turbine configuration for cost effective generation of electrical power were evaluated for both technical feasibility and compatibility with utility networks, as well as for economic attractiveness. A design optimization computer code was developed to determine the cost sensitivity of the various design features, and thus establish the configuration and design conditions that would minimize the generated energy costs. The preliminary designs of both a 500 kW unit and a 1500 kW unit operating in a 12 mph and 18 mph median wind speed respectively, were developed. The various design features and components evaluated are described, and the rationale employed to select the final design configuration is given. All pertinent technical performance data and component cost data is included. The costs of all major subassemblies are estimated and the resultant energy costs for both the 500 kW and 1500 kW units are calculated.

Technical requirements, biophysical considerations and protocol optimization with magnetic resonance angiography using blood-pool agents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rohrer, M.; Geerts-Ossevoort, L.; Laub, G.

2007-01-01

In order to maximize the potential benefits of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography, careful attention must be paid to the choice of hardware, data acquisition and processing, and to the choice of contrast agent. Typically, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography uses parallel-imaging techniques, which shorten the acquisition time, enhance spatial resolution and reduce artefacts. The timing of data acquisition is crucial for maximal enhancement of the arteries: for optimal arterial depiction, the centre of k-space should be acquired at the time of peak concentration of contrast agent in the arterial bed being investigated, and a number of k-space acquisition techniques are available to achieve this. SENSE or GRAPPA techniques can be used to facilitate parallel-imaging reconstruction of either the image data or k-space data, respectively. Gadolinium contrast agents shorten the proton relaxation times (most importantly T1) of blood, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing differentiation between blood vessels and other tissues. The blood-pool (intravascular) contrast agent gadofosveset trisodium (Vasovist, Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) is reversibly protein-bound in human plasma. This results in a marked increase in relaxivity, and hence a strong T1 shortening effect compared with other gadolinium-based contrast agents. Furthermore, the blood retention time of gadofosveset trisodium is substantially prolonged compared with conventional contrast agents. As a result, gadofosveset trisodium permits both first-pass and steady-state imaging. (orig.)

Angiography in renal tuberculosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Choi, Doo Suk [Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

1974-10-15

Angiographies on forty cases of renal tuberculosis performed at the National Medical Center during a period 1960 through 1970 were reviewed. Abdominal angiography was performed via the femoral route. Some were followed by selective nephroangiography. All patients were subjected to urographyior to angiography. The results of X-ray findings in the forty cases with renal tuberculosis were follows. 1. The age varied 18 to 57 years, average 30.5 years. Twenty one patients were male, and nineteen were female. 2. The right kidney was involved in 17 cases and the left in 15 cases. Both kidneys were involved in 8 cases. 3. Urographic examination revealed pathologic changes in all patients. 4. Focal destruction in the collecting system was the most common finding in the urography of 16 patients. 5. A varying degree of hydronephrosis was present in 15 patients, of whom nine had complained of palpable mass due to hydronephrosis. 6. In the 7 patients with extensive destruction there was no observable excretion contrast medium from the diseased kidney. 7. Angiographic examination was normal in 6 of the 40 patients. 8. Decreased vascularity in the subsegmental or smaller arteries of the affected kidney was the most frequent finding, being found in 34 patients. 9. Occlusion or abrupt termination of the subsegmental arteries was present in 4 patients. 10. Eighteen of the patients had signs of an expansive process within the cavity, the vessels being displaced and stretched around the lesions.

Incidence of ischemic lesions in diffusion-weighted imaging after transbrachial digital subtraction angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aschenbach, R.; Majeed, A.; Eger, C.; Basche, S.; Kerl, J.M.; Vogl, T.J.

2008-01-01

Purpose: to evaluate the frequency of ischemia after transbrachial digital subtraction angiography under ambulant conditions using diffusion-weighted imaging. Materials and methods: 200 patients were included in a prospective study design and received transbrachial digital subtraction angiography under ambulant conditions. Before and after digital subtraction angiography, diffusion-weighted imaging of the brain was performed. Results: in our study population no new lesions were found in diffusion-weighted imaging after digital subtraction angiography during the 3-hour window after angiography. One new lesion was found 3 days after angiography as a late onset complication. Therefore, the frequency of neurological complications is at the level of the confidence interval of 0 - 1.5%. Conclusion: the transbrachial approach under ambulant conditions is a safe method for digital subtraction angiography resulting in a low rate of ischemic lesions in diffusion-weighted imaging. (orig.)

The Assessment of Biofuel Utilization Policy on the Total Output and CO2 Emissions in Thailand

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Suthathip Suanmali

2013-07-01

Full Text Available The transport sector is the largest energy-consuming sector in Thailand. Its primary energy supply is heavily depended on imported oil. Since 2005, world crude oil price has been rising and had reached a record of 147 $/barrel. Therefore the policy on promotion of biofuel utilization was initiated in 2005 by the Ministry of Energy; however, the economy-wide impacts have been rarely assessed. This paper presents the energy Input-Output Analysis (IO of the economy-wide impacts on the promotion policy, in particular, the change in Greenhouse Gas (GHG emissions. In order to measure the total GHG emission from different economic sectors, the contribution of emissions has to be considered. In this paper, the focus is placed on CO2 emissions. To calculate the amount of CO2 emissions, the emission amount of various final consumptions in the economy evaluated by the IO must be applied. The direct CO2 emissions in final energy consumptions in Thailand are evaluated by using conversion factors from Guidelines to Defra's GHG conversion factors, Annexes updated in June 2007. The CO2 emissions in various economic sectors will be calculated and compared with the figures in 2015 when the policy is fully implemented.

The effect of filtrating and reconstruction method on the left ventricular ejection fraction derived from GSPET. A statistical comparison of angiography and echocardiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bitarafan, A.; Rajabi, H.

2008-01-01

There are different protocols of reconstruction in myocardial gated imaging that produce different values of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). We attempted to determine how the parameters of reconstruction affect the calculated EF. The results were statistically compared with the values obtained from angiography and echocardiography. In this retrospective study, the data from 23 patients were used. All the patients had the angiographic and the echocardiographic data within 2 weeks before the test. Imaging was performed using a single-head gamma camera using technetium-99 methoxyisobutylisonitrile. The image data were reconstructed using 50 different combinations of the ramp, Hanning, Butterworth, Wiener, and Metz filters. The ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) technique was also examined using 12 combinations of iteration and subset. The calculated EF values were analyzed and compared with the echocardiographic and angiographic results. The backprojection technique produced higher values of EF than those derived from echocardiography and angiography. The OSEM on the other hand produced lower values when compared with echocardiography and angiography. On using the backprojection technique, the maximum correlation between the values derived from gated single-photon emission tomography and echocardiography (r=0.88, P<0.01) and angiography (r=0.81, P<0.01) was observed when using the Metz filter (full width at half maximum=5 mm and order=9) and the Gaussian filter (α=3), respectively. In the case of the OSEM technique, the maximum correlation with both angiography and echocardiography was observed when using the iteration=2 and the subset=12. On the average, the backprojection technique produces higher values, and iteration technique produces lower estimation of the EF when compared with angiography and echocardiography. (author)

Design study of wind turbines 50 kW to 3000 kW for electric utility applications. Volume 1: Summary report

Science.gov (United States)

1976-01-01

Wind turbine configurations that would lead to generation of electrical power in a cost effective manner were considered. All possible overall system configurationss, operating modes, and sybsystem concepts were evaluated for both technical feasibility and compatibility with utility networks, as well as for economic attractiveness. A design optimization computer code was developed to determine the cost sensitivity of the various design features, and thus establish the configuration and design conditions that would minimize the generated energy costs. The preliminary designs of both a 500 kW unit and a 1500 kW unit operating in a 12 mph and 18 mph median wind speed respectively, were developed. The rationale employed and the key findings are summarized.

Electrocardiographically gated snapshot MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brown, D.G.; Holsinger, A.E.; Riederer, S.J.

1990-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of applying ultrashort (∼12 msec) TR times and measuring the central phase encodings first in improving the accuracy of vascular depiction in MR angiography. The imaging method combines ultrashort TR imaging techniques with time-of-flight MR angiography. The central phase-encoding views are acquired first, and an inversion-recovery contrast preparation pulse is applied prior to image acquisition to null signal from static tissues. In initial studies, the method was tested on phantoms and volunteers. The contrast-preparation phase effectively nulls static spins at the start of image acquisition. During the TL period fresh blood flows into the imaging section; even slowly moving blood is fully replaced

Evaluation of spinal cord vessels using multi-slice CT angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Shuang; Zhu Ruijiang; Feng Xiaoyuan

2006-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the value of Multi-slice spiral CT angiography for spinal cord vessels. Methods: 11 adult subjects with suspected of myelopathy were performed with Multi-slice spiral CT angiography, An iodine contrast agent was injected at 3.5 ml/s, for total 100 ml. The parameters were axial 16 slice mode, 0.625 mm slice thickness, 0.8 s rotation, delay time depending on smartprep(15-25 s), multi-phase scan. The coronal and sagittal MPR and SSD were generated on a workstation compared with spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to analyze normal or abnormal spinal cord vessels. Results: Normal findings at spinal CTA and digital subtraction angiography in six adult normal subjects and spinal cord vascular malformations (1 intradural extramedullary AVF, 4 dural AVFs) in five cases, Recognizable intradural vessels corresponding to anterior median (midline) veins and/or anterior spinal arteries were show in six adult normal subjects. Abnormal intradural vessels were detected in all five spinal cord vascular malformation with CT angiography, in comparison with digital subtraction angiography these vessels were primarily enlarged veins of the coronal venous plexus on the cord surface, radiculomedullary-dural arteries could not be clearly shown in four dural AVF, only one anterior spinal artery was detected in one patient with intradural medullary AVF, which direct shunt between anterior spinal artery and perimedullary vein with tortuous draining vessel. Conclusion: Multi-slice CT angiography is able to visualize the normal or abnormal spinal cord vessels. It could be used as a noninvasive method to screen the spinal cord vascular disease. (authors)

Comparison of iodine K-edge subtraction and fluorescence subtraction imaging in an animal system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, H.; Zhu, Y.; Bewer, B.; Zhang, L.; Korbas, M.; Pickering, I.J.; George, G.N.; Gupta, M.; Chapman, D.

2008-01-01

K-Edge Subtraction (KES) utilizes the discontinuity in the X-ray absorption across the absorption edge of the selected contrast element and creates an image of the projected density of the contrast element from two images acquired just above and below the K-edge of the contrast element. KES has proved to be powerful in coronary angiography, micro-angiography, bronchography, and lymphatic imaging. X-ray fluorescence imaging is a successful technique for the detection of dilute quantities of elements in specimens. However, its application at high X-ray energies (e.g. at the iodine K-edge) is complicated by significant Compton background, which may enter the energy window set for the contrast material's fluorescent X-rays. Inspired by KES, Fluorescence Subtraction Imaging (FSI) is a technique for high-energy (>20 keV) fluorescence imaging using two different incident beam energies just above and below the absorption edge of a contrast element (e.g. iodine). The below-edge image can be assumed as a 'background' image, which includes Compton scatter and fluorescence from other elements. The above-edge image will contain nearly identical spectral content as the below-edge image but will contain the additional fluorescence of the contrast element. This imaging method is especially promising with thick objects with dilute contrast materials, significant Compton background, and/or competing fluorescence lines from other materials. A quality factor is developed to facilitate the comparison. The theoretical value of the quality factor sets the upper limit that an imaging method can achieve when the noise is Poisson limited. The measured value of this factor makes two or more imaging methods comparable. Using the Hard X-ray Micro-Analysis (HXMA) beamline at the Canadian Light Source (CLS), the techniques of FSI and KES were critically compared, with reference to radiation dose, image acquisition time, resolution, signal-to-noise ratios, and quality factor

Radiation Dose and Image Quality from Coronary Angiography in 320-Detecor Row CT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thanomphudsa, J.; Krisanachinda, A.; Tumkosit, M.

2012-01-01

Introduction: Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography examinations are increasing rapidly. New Computed Tomography has been developed to improve image quality with the patient dose reduction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate radiation dose and image quality of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in patients using 320-detector row CT. Methods: Forty-one patients referred for cardiac CT examinations at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were included in this study. All coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) examinations were performed on the 320-detector row CT, Toshiba Aquilion One. Scanning protocol was investigated on dose estimates and image quality. Patients were scanned base on heart rate (HR) by HR 75 bpm use retrospective with dose modulation. Scanning parameters, kVp, mAs, HR, BMI, CTDIvol(mGy) and DLP(mGy.cm), were recorded to study the factors affecting the image quality and patient dose. And mA and kVp setting depend on BMI of the patient. Effective dose is calculated from DLP using specific conversion factor. The image quality was evaluated in 4 vessels by two radiologists. Noise assessment was also studied quantitatively. Results: The patient effective dose in prospective gating 70-80% was 3.6 ± 0.9 mSv, prospective gating 30-80% (1R-R) was 6.3 ± 1.9 mSv, and 30-80% (2R-R) was 10.8 ± 1.8 mSv and in retrospective with tube current modulation was 12.1± 7.7 mSv. Image noise was highest in PGT 70-80% 1R-R and decreased in RGT with tube current modulation, PGT 30-80% 1R-R and lowest in PGT 30-80% 2 R-R. And overall qualitative image quality was mostly good to excellent score. Discussion: The heart rate, heart rate variability and disease of the patient are affecting in the radiation dose and image quality so the suitable acquisition protocol used could be necessary. the effective dose and the image noise for the image quality. (author)

Magnetic resonance angiography of fetal vasculature at 3.0 T

OpenAIRE

Neelavalli, Jaladhar; Krishnamurthy, Uday; Jella, Pavan K.; Mody, Swati S.; Yadav, Brijesh K.; Hendershot, Kelly; Hernandez-Andrade, Edgar; Yeo, Lami; Cabrera, Maria D.; Haacke, Ewart M.; Hassan, Sonia S.; Romero, Roberto

2016-01-01

Magnetic resonance angiography has not been used much previously for visualizing fetal vessels in utero for reasons that include a contraindication for the use of exogenous contrast agents, maternal respiratory motion and fetal motion. In this work, we report the feasibility of using an appropriately modified clinical time-of-flight magnetic resonance imaging sequence for non-contrast angiography of human fetal and placental vessels at 3.0 T. Using this 2D angiography technique, it is possibl...

Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography in acute gastrointestinal bleeding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chua, A. E.; Ridley, L. J.

2008-01-01

Full text: The aim of the study was to carry out a systematic review determining the accuracy of CT angiography in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. A search of published work in Medline and manual searching of reference lists of articles was conducted. Studies were included if they compared CT angiography to a reference standard of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, angiography or surgery in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Eight published studies evaluating 129 patients were included. Data were used to form 2 x2 tables. Computed tomography angiography showed pooled sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval 78-92%) and specificity of 95% (95% confidence interval 76-100%), without showing significant heterogeneity (x 2 = 3.5, P=0.6) and (x 2 - 5.4, P = 0.6), respectively. Summary receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.93. Computed tomography angiography is accurate in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and can show the precise location and aetiology of bleeding, thereby directing further management. Strong recommendations for use of CT cannot be made from this review because of the methodological limitations and further large prospective studies are needed to define the role of CT in acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Towards a comprehensive X-ray approach for studying the photosynthetic manganese complex-XANES, K{alpha}/K{beta}/K{beta}-satellite emission lines, RIXS, and comparative computational approaches for selected model complexes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaharieva, I; Chernev, P; Risch, M; Gerencser, L; Haumann, M; Dau, H [Free University Berlin, FB Physik, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin (Germany); Berggren, G; Shevchenko, D; Anderlund, M [Dept. of Photochemistry and Molecular Science, Uppsala University, Box 523, S-751 20 Uppsala (Sweden); Weng, T C, E-mail: holger.dau@fu-berlin.d, E-mail: michael.haumann@fu-berlin.d [European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, BP 220, F-38043 Grenoble Cedex (France)

2009-11-15

Advanced X-ray spectroscopy experiments can contribute to elucidation of the mechanism of water oxidation in biological (tetra-manganese complex of Photosystem II) and artificial systems. Although the electronic structure of the catalytic metal site is of high interest, it is experimentally not easily accessible. Therefore, we and other researchers are working towards a comprehensive approach involving a combination of methods, namely (1) quantitative analysis of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra collected at the K-edge and, in the long run, at the L-edge of manganese; (2) high-resolution X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) of K{alpha} and K{beta} lines, (3) two-dimensional resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) spectra. Collection of these spectroscopic data sets requires state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facilities as well as experimental strategies to minimize the radiation-induced modifications of the samples. Data analysis requires the use and development of appropriate theoretical tools. Here, we present exemplary data collected for three multi-nuclear synthetic Mn complexes with the Mn ions in the oxidation states II, III, and IV, and for Mn{sup VII} of the permanganate ion. Emission spectra are calculated for the Mn{sup VII} ion using both multiple-scattering (MS) approach and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT).

Evaluation of pulmonary hypertension using first-pass radionuclide angiography in patients with valvular heart disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Xuemei; Shi Rongfang; Pan Shiwei; Fang Wei; Wang Daoyu; Wang Qi; Zhang Hailong

2003-01-01

Objective: To evaluate pulmonary hypertension (PH) using first-pass radionuclide angiography in patients with valvular heart disease. Methods: One hundred and forty patients (54 males, 86 females, average age of 44.75±10.84) with valvular disease were included in this study. Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheterization, echocardiography and first-pass radionuclide angiography were performed on all patients before surgery. Patients were divided into four groups: pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) normal group [mean PAP (MPAP)<20 mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133 kPa)]; PAP slightly risen group (20 mm Hg≤MPAP<30 mm Hg); PAP moderately risen group (30 mm Hg≤MPAP<50 mm Hg); PAP highly risen group (MPAP≥50 mm Hg). Thirteen subjects with coronary heart disease and 40 normal subjects (36 males, 17 females, average age of 46.30±11.19) were included as control group. First-pass radionuclide angiography was performed on these subjects, Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheterization was performed on patients with coronary heart disease. Results: 1) Lung equilibrium time (LET) values by first-pass radionuclide angiography were (16.88±5.12), (15.89±4.69), (18.56±3.04), (25.37±5.89), (37.69±6.25) and (61.33±10.14) s in coronary heart disease group, normal subject group and four valvular heart disease groups, respectively. The differences were significant among four valvular heart disease groups; and among control group, PAP slightly risen group, PAP moderately risen group, PAP highly risen group (P<0.001). 2) Correlation coefficient between LET and MPAP from the afloat catheter manometer was 0.88 and between systolic PAP (SPAP) from echocardiography and SPAP from the afloat catheter manometer was 0.64. 3) Agreement was 71%, 78%, 81%, 100% between LET and MPAP in four valvular heart disease groups, respectively. 4) Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PAP using LET measuring was 85%, 79% and 83%, respectively. Conclusion: First-pass radionuclide angiography is an accurate and noninvasive

Usefulness of MR angiography in renal tumor

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Oka, Toshitsugu; Morimoto, Kouji; Nishimura, Kenji; Tsujimura, Akira; Yasunaga, Yutaka; Matsumiya, Kiyomi; Takaha, Minato (Osaka National Hospital (Japan))

1992-11-01

MR angiography using a gradient-echo, pulse sequence FLASH (fast, low-angle shot) method during breath-hold with a MAGNETOM H-15 scanner (1.5 Tesla; Siemens Medical System) was performed on 27 patients with renal tumor at our clinic between Feburary 20, 1990 and September 30, 1991 and we studied to evaluate its usefulness. Of these 27 patients, 22 patients including one patient under hemodialysis treatment had renal cell carcinoma and one patient had oncocytoma pathologically proven from the excised specimens. The remaining four patients including two patients associated with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus were clinically diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma based on the result of imaging examinations such as excretory urography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and conventional angiography. However, they could not be operated on because their tumors were too advanced. By reconstruction of the data of consecutive coronal scans of the abdominal blood vessels such as the abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava and renal arteries and veins simultaneously without any intravenous contrast materials. Our present study revealed that MR angiography has some advantages, especially with regard to preoperative angiographic information about the abdomen of patients with renal tumor. That is, MR angiography can delineate many kinds of arteries and veins of the abdomen simultaneously and in a broader range, as well as it can be performed on the patients with hypersensitivity to iodinate contrast materials or renal insufficiency in a usual fashion. Furthermore, our present study suggested that the MR angiography is useful for assessing the presence and extent of inferior vena caval tumor thrombus of renal cell carcinoma and for clearly distinguishing tumor lesion and the surrounding normal renal parenchyma in the patients with renal tumor. (author).

Usefulness of MR angiography in renal tumor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oka, Toshitsugu; Morimoto, Kouji; Nishimura, Kenji; Tsujimura, Akira; Yasunaga, Yutaka; Matsumiya, Kiyomi; Takaha, Minato

1992-01-01

MR angiography using a gradient-echo, pulse sequence FLASH (fast, low-angle shot) method during breath-hold with a 'MAGNETOM H-15' scanner (1.5 Tesla; Siemens Medical System) was performed on 27 patients with renal tumor at our clinic between Feburary 20, 1990 and September 30, 1991 and we studied to evaluate its usefulness. Of these 27 patients, 22 patients including one patient under hemodialysis treatment had renal cell carcinoma and one patient had oncocytoma pathologically proven from the excised specimens. The remaining four patients including two patients associated with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus were clinically diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma based on the result of imaging examinations such as excretory urography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and conventional angiography. However, they could not be operated on because their tumors were too advanced. By reconstruction of the data of consecutive coronal scans of the abdominal blood vessels such as the abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava and renal arteries and veins simultaneously without any intravenous contrast materials. Our present study revealed that MR angiography has some advantages, especially with regard to preoperative angiographic information about the abdomen of patients with renal tumor. That is, MR angiography can delineate many kinds of arteries and veins of the abdomen simultaneously and in a broader range, as well as it can be performed on the patients with hypersensitivity to iodinate contrast materials or renal insufficiency in a usual fashion. Furthermore, our present study suggested that the MR angiography is useful for assessing the presence and extent of inferior vena caval tumor thrombus of renal cell carcinoma and for clearly distinguishing tumor lesion and the surrounding normal renal parenchyma in the patients with renal tumor. (author)

Utility of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging in musculoskeletal imaging

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Ammar A Chaudhry; Maryam Gul; Elaine Gould; Mathew Teng; Kevin Baker; Robert Matthews

2016-01-01

Differentiation between neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) has established itself as one of the key clinical tools in evaluation of musculoskeletal pathology. However, MRI still has several key limitations which require supplemental information from additional modalities to complete evaluation of various disorders. This has led to the development hybrid positron emission tomography(PET)-MRI which is rapidly evolving to address key clinical questions by using the morphological strengths of MRI and functional information of PET imaging. In this article, we aim to review physical principles and techniques of PET-MRI and discuss clinical utility of functional information obtained from PET imaging and structural information obtained from MRI imaging for the evaluation of musculoskeletal pathology. More specifically, this review highlights the role of PET-MRI in musculoskeletal oncology including initial diagnosis and staging, treatment planning and posttreatment follow-up. Also we will review utility of PET-MRI in evaluating musculoskeletal infections(especially in the immunocompromised and diabetics) and inflammatory condition. Additionally, common pitfalls of PET-MRI will be addressed.

Luminescent solar concentrators utilizing stimulated emission.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaysir, Md Rejvi; Fleming, Simon; MacQueen, Rowan W; Schmidt, Timothy W; Argyros, Alexander

2016-03-21

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are an emerging technology that aims primarily to reduce the cost of solar energy, with great potential for building integrated photovoltaic (PV) structures. However, realizing LSCs with commercially viable efficiency is currently hindered by reabsorption losses. Here, we introduce an approach to reducing reabsorption as well as improving directional emission in LSCs by using stimulated emission. Light from a seed laser (potentially an inexpensive laser diode) passes through the entire area of the LSC panel, modifying the emission spectrum of excited dye molecules such that it is spectrally narrower, at wavelengths that minimize reabsorption to allow net gain in the system, and directed towards a small PV cell. A mathematical model, taking into account thermodynamic considerations, of such a system is presented which identifies key parameters and allows evaluation in terms of net effective output power.

Radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations based on magnetic resonance angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mehta, Minesh; Kubsad, Shrikant; Petereit, Daniel; Turski, Patrick; Levin, Allan; Kinsella, Timothy

1993-01-01

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) was performed to establish its feasibility, compare it with standard angiography (SA), employ MRA in follow-up and semiquantify AVM flow velocity (FV). A correlative evaluation between flow velocity and response to stereotactic radiosurgery was also attempted. (author). 8 refs., 1 tab

Estimating CO2 Emission Reduction of Non-capture CO2 Utilization (NCCU) Technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Ji Hyun; Lee, Dong Woog; Gyu, Jang Se; Kwak, No-Sang; Lee, In Young; Jang, Kyung Ryoung; Shim, Jae-Goo; Choi, Jong Shin

2015-01-01

Estimating potential of CO 2 emission reduction of non-capture CO 2 utilization (NCCU) technology was evaluated. NCCU is sodium bicarbonate production technology through the carbonation reaction of CO 2 contained in the flue gas. For the estimating the CO 2 emission reduction, process simulation using process simulator (PRO/II) based on a chemical plant which could handle CO 2 of 100 tons per day was performed, Also for the estimation of the indirect CO 2 reduction, the solvay process which is a conventional technology for the production of sodium carbonate/sodium bicarbonate, was studied. The results of the analysis showed that in case of the solvay process, overall CO 2 emission was estimated as 48,862 ton per year based on the energy consumption for the production of NaHCO 3 (7.4 GJ/tNaHCO 3 ). While for the NCCU technology, the direct CO 2 reduction through the CO 2 carbonation was estimated as 36,500 ton per year and the indirect CO 2 reduction through the lower energy consumption was 46,885 ton per year which lead to 83,385 ton per year in total. From these results, it could be concluded that sodium bicarbonate production technology through the carbonation reaction of CO 2 contained in the flue was energy efficient and could be one of the promising technology for the low CO 2 emission technology.

MR angiography of in situ and transplanted renal arteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, H.J.; Bakke, S.J.

1993-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) was performed in 34 patients with suspected renal artery disease. In situ (i.e., nontransplanted) renal arteries were studied with MRA in 14 patients. Of these, 12 had conventional angiography for comparison. Twenty-four MRAs of transplanted renal arteries were obtained in 20 patients; 8 of these had angiography as well. Significant stenoses of in situ renal arteries were diagnosed with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 95%. The stenoses were all proximal; 3D TOF MRA proved inadequate for depiction of peripheral renal arteries. MRA and angiography showed good agreement between findings in 7 of 8 patients with renal transplants. In one patient with a renal transplant, MRA showed a significant stenosis of the arterial anastomosis which appeared completely normal at i.a. DSA, indicating that findings at MRA still need to be confirmed by more established alternative methods. (orig.)

CT angiography versus 3D rotational angiography in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bechan, R.S.; Peluso, J.P.; Sluzewski, M.; Rooij, W.J. van [Sint Elisabeth Ziekenhuis Tilburg, Department of Radiology, Tilburg (Netherlands); Rooij, S.B. van [Medisch Centrum Alkmaar, Department of Radiology, Alkmaar (Netherlands); Sprengers, M.E.; Majoie, C.B. [Academisch Medisch Centrum, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam (Netherlands)

2015-12-15

CT angiography (CTA) is increasingly used as primary diagnostic tool to replace digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) has substituted DSA as a reference standard. In this prospective observational study, we compare CTA with 3DRA of all cerebral vessels in a large cohort of patients with SAH. Of 179 consecutive patients with SAH admitted between March 2013 and July 2014, 139 underwent 64- to 256-detector row CTA followed by complete cerebral 3DRA within 24 h. In 86 patients (62 %), 3DRA was performed under general anesthesia. Two observers from outside hospitals reviewed CTA data. In 118 of 139 patients (85 %), 3DRA diagnosed the cause of hemorrhage: 113 ruptured aneurysms, three arterial dissections, one micro-arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and one reversible vasoconstriction syndrome. On CTA, both observers missed all five non-aneurysmal causes of SAH. Sensitivity of CTA in depicting ruptured aneurysms was 0.88-0.91, and accuracy was 0.88-0.92. Of 113 ruptured aneurysms, 28 were ≤3 mm (25 %) and of 95 additional aneurysms, 71 were ≤3 mm (75 %). Sensitivity of depicting aneurysms ≤3 mm was 0.28-0.43. Of 95 additional aneurysms, the two raters missed 65 (68 %) and 58 (61 %). Sensitivity in detection was lower in aneurysms of the internal carotid artery than in other locations. CTA had some limitations as primary diagnostic tool in patients with SAH. All non-aneurysmal causes for SAH and one in ten ruptured aneurysms were missed. Performance of CTA was poor in aneurysms ≤3 mm. The majority of additional aneurysms were not depicted on CTA. (orig.)

3D Deep Learning Angiography (3D-DLA) from C-arm Conebeam CT.

Science.gov (United States)

Montoya, J C; Li, Y; Strother, C; Chen, G-H

2018-05-01

Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that has demonstrated unprecedented performance in many medical imaging applications. Our purpose was to develop a deep learning angiography method to generate 3D cerebral angiograms from a single contrast-enhanced C-arm conebeam CT acquisition in order to reduce image artifacts and radiation dose. A set of 105 3D rotational angiography examinations were randomly selected from an internal data base. All were acquired using a clinical system in conjunction with a standard injection protocol. More than 150 million labeled voxels from 35 subjects were used for training. A deep convolutional neural network was trained to classify each image voxel into 3 tissue types (vasculature, bone, and soft tissue). The trained deep learning angiography model was then applied for tissue classification into a validation cohort of 8 subjects and a final testing cohort of the remaining 62 subjects. The final vasculature tissue class was used to generate the 3D deep learning angiography images. To quantify the generalization error of the trained model, we calculated the accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and Dice similarity coefficients for vasculature classification in relevant anatomy. The 3D deep learning angiography and clinical 3D rotational angiography images were subjected to a qualitative assessment for the presence of intersweep motion artifacts. Vasculature classification accuracy and 95% CI in the testing dataset were 98.7% (98.3%-99.1%). No residual signal from osseous structures was observed for any 3D deep learning angiography testing cases except for small regions in the otic capsule and nasal cavity compared with 37% (23/62) of the 3D rotational angiographies. Deep learning angiography accurately recreated the vascular anatomy of the 3D rotational angiography reconstructions without a mask. Deep learning angiography reduced misregistration artifacts induced by intersweep motion, and it reduced radiation exposure

Rapid line scan MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Frahm, J.; Merboldt, K.D.; Hanicke, W.; Bruhn, H.

1987-01-01

Direct MR angiography may be performed using line scan imaging techniques combined with presaturation of stationary spins. Thus, a single line scan echo yields a projection of vessels due to the signal from reflowing unsaturated spins. Reconstruction of an angiographic image is performed line by line at slightly incremented positions. In particular, line scan angiography is direct and fast without a sensitivity to artifacts even for high flow rates. Image resolution and field of view may be chosen without restrictions, and zoom images using enhanced gradients may be recorded without aliasing artifacts. The method is robust with respect to eddy currents and pulsatile flow. Line scan MR angiograms of phantoms, animals, and human volunteers have been recorded using 90 0 radio frequency pulses and gradient-recalled echoes

Pulmonary angiography with lopamidol 370

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Braun, S.D.; Saeed, M.; Perlmutt, L.M.; Newman, G.E.; Illescas, F.F.; Cohan, R.H.; Dunnick, N.R.

1986-01-01

Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary angiography with iopamidol, 370 mg/ml, were studied prospectively. Patients were asked to grade any heat or pain felt on injection, and were observed for coughing. Right atrial and pulmonary artery pressures were obtained before the first and after the final contrast agent injection. Pressure changes were compared with those in a consecutive group of 25 patients who underwent examinations performed with Na-meglumine diatrizoate, 370 mg/ml. Film quality was evaluated for patient motion. Iopamidol generated marked discomfort in only three patients. Pressure changes were largely unremarkable. In no case was there any significant motion artifact secondary to coughing. Iopamidol is a safe, well-tolerated contrast agent for pulmonary angiography. It improves image quality by nearly eliminating coughing

Assessment Of Coronary Arterial Stents By Multislice-CT Angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maintz, D.; Fallenberg, E. M.; Heindel, W.; Fischbach, R.; Grude, M.

2003-01-01

Purpose: To assess patency and lumen visibility of coronary artery stents by multislice-CT angiography (MSCTA) in comparison with conventional coronary angiography as the standard of reference. Material and Methods: 47 stents of 13 different types were evaluated in 29 patients. MSCTA was performed on a 4-slice scanner with a standard coronary protocol (detector collimation 4 x 1 mm; table feed 1.5 mm/rotation, 400 mAs, 120 kV). Image evaluation was performed by two readers who were blinded to the reports from the catheter angiography. MIP reconstructions were evaluated for image quality on a 4-point scale (1 = poor, 4 = excellent) and stent patency (contrast distal to the stent as an indirect patency sign). Axial images and multiplanar reformations through the stents were used for assessment of stent lumen visibility (measurement of the visible stent lumen diameter) and detection of relevant in-stent stenosis (50%). Results: Image quality was fair to good on average (score 2.64 ± 1.0) and depended on the heart rate (heart rate 45-60: average score 3.2, heart rate 61-70: average score 2.8, heart rate >71: average score 1.4). Thirty-seven stents were correctly classified as patent, 1 was correctly classified as occluded and 9 stents were not assessable due to insufficient image quality because of triggering artifacts. Parts of the stent lumen could be visualized in 30 cases. On average, 20-40% of the stent lumen diameter was visible. Twenty-five stents were correctly classified as having no stenosis, 1 was falsely classified as stenosed, 1 was correctly classified as occluded. In 20 stents lumen visibility was not sufficient for stenosis evaluation. Conclusion: Although the stent lumen may be partly visualized in most stents, a reliable evaluation of in-stent stenoses does not seem practical by 4-slice MSCT. Nevertheless, for stent patency evaluation, MS-CTA might provide valuable clinical information. With submillimeter MSCT (e.g. 16-slice scanners) and more

Combined use of intraarterial digital subtraction angiography with conventional retrograde brachial vertebral angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamaguchi, Tatsuo; Ogawa, Toshihide; Inugami, Atsushi; Kawata, Yasushi; Shishido, Fumio; Uemura, Kazuo

1985-01-01

For 102 patients who had the examination of conventional bilaterally retrograde brachial vertebral angiography (retrograde VAG), intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was successively performed to investigate steno-occlusive lesions of proximal vertebral and subclavian arteries. All the patients had no complication due to the DSA procedure. In 50% of 72 ischemic stroke cases, positive findings were found either in the origin of the vertebral artery or in the subclavian artery. Stenosis of more than 50% of the lumen of the vertebral artery were found in 14% of the cases at the origin of the right one and also in 14% in the left one. Occlusion of the vertebral artery was found in 4% in the left side only. In 30 cases with non-ischemic brain diseases, positive findings were noted in 10%. Intraarterial DSA combined with retrograde VAG was thought to be useful, especially in the examination for ischemic stroke. (author)

SERENDIPITOUS DETECTION OF X-RAY EMISSION FROM THE HOT BORN-AGAIN CENTRAL STAR OF THE PLANETARY NEBULA K 1-16

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Montez, Rodolfo Jr. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 (United States); Kastner, Joel H., E-mail: rodolfo.montez.jr@gmail.com, E-mail: jhk@cis.rit.edu [Center for Imaging Science and Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics, Rochester Institute of Technology, 54 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 (United States)

2013-03-20

We report the serendipitous detection of point-like X-ray emission from the hot, PG1159-type central star of the planetary nebula (CSPN) K 1-16 by the XMM-Newton and Chandra X-Ray Observatories. The CSPN lies superimposed on a galaxy cluster that includes an X-ray-bright quasar, but we have successfully isolated the CSPN X-ray emission from the strong diffuse background contributed by the quasar and intracluster gas. We have modeled the XMM-Newton and Chandra X-ray data, taking advantage of the contrasting detection efficiencies of the two observatories to better constrain the low-energy spectral response of Chandra's Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer. We find that the CSPN X-ray spectrum is well characterized by the combination of a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere with T{sub *} {approx} 135 kK and a carbon-rich, optically thin thermal plasma with T{sub X} {approx} 1 MK. These results for X-ray emission from the K 1-16 CSPN, combined with those obtained for other PG1159-type objects, lend support to the 'born-again' scenario for Wolf-Rayet and PG1159 CSPNe, wherein a late helium shell flash dredges up carbon-rich intershell material and ejects this material into the circumstellar environment.

Magnetic resonance angiography of fetal vasculature at 3.0 T

Science.gov (United States)

Krishnamurthy, Uday; Jella, Pavan K.; Mody, Swati S.; Yadav, Brijesh K.; Hendershot, Kelly; Hernandez-Andrade, Edgar; Yeo, Lami; Cabrera, Maria D.; Haacke, Ewart M.; Hassan, Sonia S.; Romero, Roberto

2016-01-01

Magnetic resonance angiography has not been used much previously for visualizing fetal vessels in utero for reasons that include a contraindication for the use of exogenous contrast agents, maternal respiratory motion and fetal motion. In this work, we report the feasibility of using an appropriately modified clinical time-of-flight magnetic resonance imaging sequence for non-contrast angiography of human fetal and placental vessels at 3.0 T. Using this 2D angiography technique, it is possible to visualize fetal vascular networks in late pregnancy. PMID:27189488

Magnetic resonance angiography of fetal vasculature at 3.0 T

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neelavalli, Jaladhar; Krishnamurthy, Uday; Yadav, Brijesh K.; Haacke, Ewart M.; Jella, Pavan K.; Hendershot, Kelly; Cabrera, Maria D.; Mody, Swati S.; Hernandez-Andrade, Edgar; Yeo, Lami; Hassan, Sonia S.; Romero, Roberto

2016-01-01

Magnetic resonance angiography has not been used much previously for visualizing fetal vessels in utero for reasons that include a contraindication for the use of exogenous contrast agents, maternal respiratory motion and fetal motion. In this work, we report the feasibility of using an appropriately modified clinical time-of-flight magnetic resonance imaging sequence for non-contrast angiography of human fetal and placental vessels at 3.0 T. Using this 2D angiography technique, it is possible to visualize fetal vascular networks in late pregnancy. (orig.)

Magnetic resonance angiography of fetal vasculature at 3.0 T

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neelavalli, Jaladhar; Krishnamurthy, Uday; Yadav, Brijesh K.; Haacke, Ewart M. [Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Detroit, MI (United States); Wayne State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Detroit, MI (United States); Jella, Pavan K.; Hendershot, Kelly; Cabrera, Maria D. [Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Detroit, MI (United States); Mody, Swati S. [Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Detroit, MI (United States); Children' s Hospital of Michigan, Department of Radiology, Detroit, MI (United States); Hernandez-Andrade, Edgar; Yeo, Lami; Hassan, Sonia S. [Wayne State University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, MI (United States); Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI (United States); Romero, Roberto [Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI (United States); University of Michigan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ann Arbor, MI (United States); Michigan State University, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, East Lansing, MI (United States); Wayne State University, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Detroit, MI (United States)

2016-12-15

Magnetic resonance angiography has not been used much previously for visualizing fetal vessels in utero for reasons that include a contraindication for the use of exogenous contrast agents, maternal respiratory motion and fetal motion. In this work, we report the feasibility of using an appropriately modified clinical time-of-flight magnetic resonance imaging sequence for non-contrast angiography of human fetal and placental vessels at 3.0 T. Using this 2D angiography technique, it is possible to visualize fetal vascular networks in late pregnancy. (orig.)

Three dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA) in ruptured aneurysm surgery on acute stage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsumoto, Masato; Endo, Yuji; Nakano, Masayuki

1998-01-01

We evaluated three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA) for the treatment of acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Sixty patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage from cerebral aneurysms were investigated both by 3D-CTA and conventional angiography and 26 patients were studied using 3D-CTA without conventional angiography. In the 60 cases, both 3D-CTA and the conventional angiography revealed 100% accuracy in diagnosing ruptured aneurysms, and 3D-CTA and the conventional angiography showed 96% and 92% accuracy for unruptured aneurysms respectively. 3D-CTA was equal or superior to the conventional angiography. Based on these data, since December, 1996, we have operated on 26 consecutive patients with ruptured aneurysms located in the anterior circulation of the circle of Willis, using 3D-CTA without conventional angiography. Thirty-one aneurysms, including 5 associated unruptured aneurysms, were visualized by 3D-CTA and verified at surgery. All aneurysms were clipped successfully. We think that it will be possible to operate on most ruptured aneurysms using only 3D-CTA without the conventional angiography except for the cases of the following situations: if a cerebral infarction is present, conventional angiography is required to evaluate for a stenotic or occlusive lesion of the intracranial arteries, cervical carotid, or vertebral arteries; in cases of giant or large aneurysms, the dynamic information provided by the conventional angiography is needed in case bypass surgery is necessary; and for aneurysms close to bony structures, such as an internal carotid-ophthalmic artery aneurysm, conventional angiography is necessary. (author)

Magnetic resonance angiography of arteriovenous malformation in the thalamus

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oyama, Hirofumi; Kida, Yoshihisa; Kobayashi, Tatsuya; Tanaka, Takayuki; Iwakoshi, Takayasu; Kai, Osamu; Hirose, Mitsuhiko [Komaki City Hospital, Aichi (Japan)

1993-11-01

A comparative study of magnetic resonance angiography and conventional angiography of arteriovenous malformation in the thalamus showed that both methods clearly visualized the feeding arteries: perforating branches of the posterior cerebral artery, posterior choroidal artery and lenticulostriate artery. Draining veins such as the internal cerebral vein were also demonstrated well. (author).

Contemporary Patterns of Early Coronary Angiography Use in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the United States: Insights From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry.

Science.gov (United States)

Malta Hansen, Carolina; Wang, Tracy Y; Chen, Anita Y; Chiswell, Karen; Bhatt, Deepak L; Enriquez, Jonathan R; Henry, Timothy; Roe, Matthew T

2018-02-26

The study sought to characterize patient- and hospital-level variation in early angiography use among non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Contemporary implementation of guideline recommendations for early angiography use in NSTEMI patients in the United States have not been described. The study analyzed NSTEMI patients included in ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) registry (2012 to 2014) who underwent in-hospital angiography. Timing of angiography was categorized as early (≤24 h) vs. delayed (>24 h). The study evaluated factors associated with early angiography, hospital-level variation in early angiography use, and the relationship with quality-of-care measures. A total of 79,760 of 138,688 (57.5%) patients underwent early angiography. Factors most strongly associated with delayed angiography included weekend or holiday presentation, lower initial troponin ratio values, higher initial creatinine values, heart failure on presentation, and older age. Median hospital-level use of early angiography was 58.5% with wide variation across hospitals (21.7% to 100.0%). Patient characteristics did not differ substantially across hospitals grouped by tertiles of early angiography use (low, middle, and high). Hospitals in the highest tertile tended to more commonly use guideline-recommended medications and had higher defect-free care quality scores. In contemporary U.S. practice, high-risk clinical characteristics were associated with lower use of early angiography in NSTEMI patients; hospital-level use of early angiography varied widely despite few differences in case mix. Hospitals that most commonly utilized early angiography also had higher quality-of-care metrics, highlighting the need for improved NSTEMI guideline adherence. Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The evaluation of a formalized queue management system for coronary angiography waiting lists.

Science.gov (United States)

Alter, D A; Newman, Alice M; Cohen, Eric A; Sykora, Kathy; Tu, Jack V

2005-11-01

Lengthy waiting lists for coronary angiography have been described in many health care systems worldwide. The extent to which formal queue management systems may improve the prioritization and survival of patients in the angiography queue is unknown. To prospectively evaluate the performance of a formal queue management system for patients awaiting coronary angiography in Ontario. The coronary angiography urgency scale, a formal queue management system developed in 1993 using a modified Delphi panel, allocates recommended maximum waiting times (RMWTs) in accordance with clinical necessity. By using a provincial clinical registry, 35,617 consecutive patients referred into the coronary angiography queue between April 1, 2001, and March 31, 2002, were prospectively tracked. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examined mortality risk across urgency after adjusting for additional clinical and comorbid factors. Good agreement was determined in urgency ratings between scores from the coronary angiography urgency scale and implicit physician judgement, which was obtained independently at the time of the index referral (weighted kappa = 0.49). The overall mortality in the queue was 0.3% (0.47%, 0.26% and 0.13% for urgent, semiurgent and elective patients, respectively). Urgency, as specified by the coronary angiography urgency scale, was the strongest predictor of death in the queue (Pqueue management system may decrease mortality in the coronary angiography queue. The authors recommend its implementation in health care systems where patients experience excessive waiting time delays for coronary angiography.

ASSESSMENT OF CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES FOR REDUCING EMISSIONS OF SO2 AND NOX FROM EXISTING COAL-FIRED UTILITY BOILERS

Science.gov (United States)

The report reviews information and estimated costs on 15 emissioncontrol technology categories applicable to existing coal-fired electric utility boilers. he categories include passive controls such as least emission dispatching, conventional processes, and emerging technologies ...

MR angiography of the TMJ in asymptomatic volunteers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takagi, Ritsuo; Ohashi, Yasushi; Westesson, P.L.; Togashi, Hirosuke

1998-01-01

To evaluate the vascular anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding soft tissue non-invasively, we applied magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for delineating the arterial architecture around the TMJ. MR angiograms of the left and right TMJs in asymptomatic volunteers were obtained using 3D/Time-of-flight (TOF) (First Field Echo, TR/TE/FLIP=46 ms/6.8 ms/17 deg) with intravenous contrast. These MR angiograms were compared with experimental angiograms of human TMJ autopsy specimens in order to identify each of the branches of the arteries on the MR angiograms. This study enabled the depiction by MR angiography of arterial vessels around the TMJ region to some degree. In conclusion, MR angiography appears promising as a non-invasive tool to evaluate the vascular anatomy of the TMJ. (author)

Contrast-enhanced MR angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bosmans, H.; Marchal, G.

1996-01-01

Despite many optimizations, the current limitations of plain MR angiography include: Saturation that impairs the visualization of veins and arteries with slow flow and spin-dephasing signal voids in locations with turbulent flow. Recently, the use of contrast agents has been proposed to cope with these remaining problems. Because of induced shortening of the T1 of the blood, saturation in the blood vessels is overcome. As a result, arteries and veins are visualized with the same signal intensity, which makes the technique less flow-dependent. In combination with short T1-weighted acquisitions, today CE MRA can be obtained while the patient is holding his breath. This last approach is most promising for abdominal applications since the respiratory motion can be frozen. As these acquisitions also use very short echo times, spin dephasing can be reduced. In conclusion, the use of contrast agents has greatly increased the clinical usefulness of MR angiography. (orig.) [de

The 1943 K emission spectrum of H216O between 6600 and 7050 cm-1

Science.gov (United States)

Czinki, Eszter; Furtenbacher, Tibor; Császár, Attila G.; Eckhardt, André K.; Mellau, Georg Ch.

2018-02-01

An emission spectrum of H216O has been recorded, with Doppler-limited resolution, at 1943 K using Hot Gas Molecular Emission (HOTGAME) spectroscopy. The wavenumber range covered is 6600 to 7050 cm-1. This work reports the analysis and subsequent assignment of close to 3700 H216O transitions out of a total of more than 6700 measured peaks. The analysis is based on the Measured Active Rotational-Vibrational Energy Levels (MARVEL) energy levels of H216O determined in 2013 and emission line intensities obtained from accurate variational nuclear-motion computations. The analysis of the spectrum yields about 1300 transitions not measured previously and 23 experimentally previously unidentified rovibrational energy levels. The accuracy of the line positions and intensities used in the analysis was improved with the spectrum deconvolution software SyMath via creating a peak list corresponding to the dense emission spectrum. The extensive list of labeled transitions and the new experimental energy levels obtained are deposited in the Supplementary Material of this article as well as in the ReSpecTh (http://www.respecth.hu) information system.

Gallbladder visualization on CT shortly after angiography with ioxaglate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tajima, H.; Kaizu, T.; Ichikawa, T.; Kumazaki, T.

1994-01-01

Thirty-five patients underwent CT examination 15 to 30 min after abdominal angiography with ioxaglate. The gallbladder was visualized in 12 patients in the absence of clinical evidence of renal impairment. Gallbladder opacification on CT examinations shortly after angiography shows that the hepatobiliary tract is important in the excretion of ioxaglate. (orig.)

Comparison of magnetic resonance angiography and conventional angiography in sickle cell disease: clinical significance and realibility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kandeel, A.Y.; Zimmerman, R.A.; Ohene-Frempong, K.

1996-01-01

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and conventional angiograms of 21 patients with known sickle cell disease, who underwent a total of 50 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) studies. MRA and conventional angiography were assessed separately for evidence of stenosis or occulusion. Follow up MRI/MRA studies were also assessed for evidence of progression, regression or stability of the disease in these patients. In the carotid circulation, MRA made the correct diagnosis in 85% of the vessels evaluated with a sensitivity of 80.5% and a specificity of 94%. MRA was also found to show evidence of disease progression, more often than did MRI or the clinical condition of the patients. (orig.)

Diagnostic value of multislice computed tomography angiography in coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun Zhonghua; Jiang Wen

2006-01-01

Purpose: To perform a meta-analysis of the diagnostic value of multislice CT (MSCT) angiography in the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) when compared to conventional coronary angiography. Materials and methods: A search of PubMed and MEDLINE databases for English literature was performed. Only studies with at least 10 patients comparing MSCT angiography with conventional coronary angiography in the detection of CAD were included. Diagnostic value of MSCT angiography compared to coronary angiography was compared and analyzed at segment-, vessel- and patient-based assessment. Results: 47 studies (67 comparisons) met the criteria and were included in our study. Pooled overall sensitivity, specificity and 95% confidence interval for MSCT angiography in the detection of CAD were 83% (79%, 89%), 93% (91%, 96%) at segment-based analysis; 90% (87%, 94%), 87% (80%, 93%) at vessel-based analysis; and 91% (88%, 95%), 86% (81%, 92%) at patient-based analysis, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of MSCT angiography in evaluating assessable segments was significantly improved with 64-slice scanners when compared to that with 4- and 16-slice scanners (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis showed that MSCT angiography has potential diagnostic accuracy in the detection of CAD. Diagnostic performance of MSCT angiography has been significantly improved with the latest 64-slice CT, with resultant high qualitative and quantitative diagnostic accuracy. 16-slice CT was limited in spatial resolution which makes it difficult to perform quantitative assessment of coronary artery stenoses

Correlation between coronary computed tomographic angiography and fractional flow reserve

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kristensen, Thomas Skaarup; Engstrøm, Thomas; Kelbæk, Henning

2010-01-01

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has become an important modality to evaluate the presence of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery stenosis of intermediate severity remains a therapeutic dilemma. Measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) during coronary angiography is the most established...

First experience of combined cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography with invasive angiographic validation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Groves, Ashley M.; Kayani, Irfan; Endozo, Raymondo; Menezes, Leon J.; Prvulovich, Elizabeth; Ell, Peter J.; Speechly-Dick, Marie-Elsya; McEwan, Jean; Pugliese, Francesca; Habib, Said B.

2009-01-01

Despite modern CT systems and expert evaluators, the diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography is limited by overestimation of vessel stenosis which reduces the positive predictive value (PPV) of the test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of combined cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography. Included in this retrospective study were 33 consecutive patients (5 women, 28 men; mean age 61.6 years, range 47-87 years, mean BMI 27.3±5.2 kg/m 2 ) with clinically suspected flow-limiting coronary artery disease who underwent combined cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography and invasive angiography. Combined PET/CT images were reported by an experienced dual-accredited radiologist/nuclear physician. An experienced cardiac CT radiologist re-read the CT images without PET. Stenotic disease was defined as >50% vessel narrowing. Invasive coronary angiography was used as a reference standard. Local ethics committee approval and patient consent were obtained. CT angiography (without PET data) was concordant with invasive angiography in 31/33 patients and at a patient level, the sensitivity in detecting significant coronary artery lesions was 100%, the specificity was 82%, the PPV was 92% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. Using combined PET/CT angiography the findings were concordant with invasive angiography in 32/33 patients and at a patient level, the sensitivity was 96%, the specificity was 100%, the PPV was 100% and the NPV was 91%. The use of integrated cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography is feasible and appears to improve some aspects of the diagnostic performance of 64-detector coronary artery angiography in detecting coronary artery disease. (orig.)

The use of intravenous digital subtraction angiography in evaluating patients with complex congenital heart disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moodie, D.S.

1986-01-01

The author previously described his experience in 450 patients with congenital heart disease using intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to define cardiac anatomy. He has been impressed by the utility of DSA in the evaluation of patients with congenital heart disease. It is now an integral part of his clinical practice to perform intravenous DSA studies both pre- and postoperatively on an inpatient as well as outpatient basis. This chapter details his DSA experience with complex forms of congenital heart disease

Carbon emission coefficient measurement of the coal-to-power energy chain in China

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu, Shiwei; Wei, Yi-Ming; Guo, Haixiang; Ding, Liping

2014-01-01

Highlights: • CO 2 emissions coefficient of the coal-energy chain in China is currently at 875 g/kW h −1 . • The emission coefficient is a relatively low level compared with other countries. • CO 2 is the main type of GHG emission and the most direct emission in the chain. • A great decline of potential energy use exists in the coal mining process of China compared with other countries. - Abstract: Coal-fired electricity generation has become the largest source of carbon emission in China. This study utilizes life-cycle assessment to assess the effect of carbon emissions and to calculate the coefficient of carbon emissions in coal-to-energy chains. Results show that the carbon emission coefficient of the coal-to-energy chain in China is 875 g/kW h −1 , which is a relatively low level compared with that of other countries. CO 2 is the main type of greenhouse gas emission and is the most abundant type of direct emission. China has to reduce electrical consumption in the coal-mining process to reduce carbon emissions in coal-to-energy chains. Moreover, China has to facilitate railway-line construction to improve the proportion of railway transportation to coal transportation

H and K (Ca II) emissions as observed in coronal spectrum in the July 20, 1963 solar eclipse

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cavallini, F.; Righini, A.

1975-01-01

From a detailed analysis of a coronal spectrum taken from a DC-8 jet airplane during the Eclipse of 20 July, 1963 a rough model of a coronal cold region (T approximately 10 5 K) has been obtained. The model explains the presence of the abnormal H and K (Ca II) emissions and the large amount of F corona present in the spectrum. (Auth.)

Beneficial effect of compost utilization on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a rice cultivation system through the overall management chain.

Science.gov (United States)

Jeong, Seung Tak; Kim, Gil Won; Hwang, Hyun Young; Kim, Pil Joo; Kim, Sang Yoon

2018-02-01

Livestock manure application can stimulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially methane (CH 4 ) in rice paddy. The stabilized organic matter (OM) is recommended to suppress CH 4 emission without counting the additional GHG emission during the composting process. To evaluate the effect of compost utilization on the net global warming potential (GWP) of a rice cropping system, the fluxes of GHGs from composting to land application were calculated by a life cycle assessment (LCA) method. The model framework was composed of GHG fluxes from industrial activities and biogenic GHG fluxes from the composting and rice cultivation processes. Fresh manure emitted 30MgCO 2 -eq.ha -1 , 90% and 10% of which were contributed by CH 4 and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) fluxes, respectively, during rice cultivation. Compost utilization decreased net GWP by 25% over that of the fresh manure during the whole process. The composting process increased the GWP of the industrial processes by 35%, but the 60% reduction in CH 4 emissions from the rice paddy mainly influenced the reduction of GWP during the overall process. Therefore, compost application could be a good management strategy to reduce GHG emissions from rice paddy systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nosocomial septicemia and therapeutic angiography. Report of four cases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meyer, Ph.; Reizine, D.; Merland, J.J.; Guerin, J.M.

1988-01-01

Therapeutic angiography may be responsible for rare, but serious infectious complications.The authors report 4 cases occurring immediately following angiography. Three modes of contamination are proposed. Contamination by material used during the angiography is due to multiresistant hospital organisms. Penetration of cutaneous organisms into the circulation from the puncture site and bacterial contamination of a focus of tissue necrosis distal to the embolisation explain the other cases. Curative treatment is difficult because of the possibility of contamination of the embolisation material. Prophylactic treatment is essential and consists of respect of the rules of surgical asepsis, bacteriological control of the fluids used and eradication of adjacent septic foci. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis has yet to be evaluated [fr

Bolus timing in high-pitch CT angiography of the aorta

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beeres, Martin; Loch, Matthias; Schulz, Boris; Kerl, Matthias; Al-Butmeh, Firas; Bodelle, Boris; Herrmann, Eva; Gruber-Rouh, Tatjana; Lee, Clara; Jacobi, Volkmar; Vogl, Thomas J.

2013-01-01

Objective: To investigate the bolus geometry in high-pitch CT angiography (CTA) of the aorta without ECG synchronisation in comparison to single-source CT. Methods: Overall 160 consecutive patients underwent CTA either in conventional single-source mode with a pitch of 1.2 (group 1), or in dual-source mode with a pitch of 3.0 (groups 2, 3 and 4) using different contrast media timings with bolus triggering at 140 HU (5 s, group 1; 10 s, group 2; 12 s, group 3; 14 s, group 4). Contrast material, saline flush, flow rate and kV/mAs settings were kept equal for optimum comparability. Aortic attenuation was measured along the z-axis of the patient at different anatomic landmarks and subjective image quality was compared. Results: The most homogeneous enhancement of the aorta was reached with a delay of 10 s after reaching the trigger threshold. The imaging length was not significantly different, but the examination time was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter in the high-pitch group (7.7 s vs. 1.7 s for group 1 vs. 2, 3 and 4). Conclusion: In high-pitch CT angiography using a start delay of 10 s after a trigger threshold of 140 HU in the descending aorta is reached, a homogenous contrast along the z-axis is accomplished

Evaluation of angiography performed by radiographers and nurses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chalmers, N.; Conway, B.; Andrew, H.; Parkinson, A.; Butterfield, J.S.; Fawcitt, R. A.

2002-01-01

AIM: To evaluate out-patient angiography performed by nurses and radiographers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A protocol for out-patient angiography performed by nurses and radiographers was drawn up and approved by the Trust's Risk Management Committee. Following training, two experienced radiographers and one nurse undertook elective peripheral or renal angiography according to the protocol on 187 patients. Angiograms were performed using a 3F catheter introduced into the abdominal aorta from a femoral approach. Patients were discharged after 2 hours and contacted by telephone the following morning. RESULTS: No patient refused consent for the procedure. One hundred and seventy-two patients underwent successful catheterization without assistance from a radiologist. Radiologist assistance was required with femoral puncture or catheter/guidewire manipulation in 15 cases (8%). Images were considered diagnostic by the reporting radiologist in all but one case. This patient was recalled for further aortogram and pressure measurements. There was a single puncture site complication due to transient stenosis of the common femoral artery at the puncture site. This is thought to have been the result of subintimal injection of local anaesthetic, and it resolved spontaneously over 30 minutes. There were no delayed complications. CONCLUSION: Experienced nurses and radiographers can rapidly acquire the skills to perform diagnostic angiography safely and efficiently. Chalmers, N. et al. (2002)

Brain arteriovenous malformation diagnosis: value of time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography at 3.0T compared to DSA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Machet, A.; Kadziolka, K.; Robin, G.; Lanoix, O.; Pierot, L.; Portefaix, C.

2012-01-01

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the value of time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (TR-CE-MRA) with a 3.0-T magnetic field compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard for the diagnosis of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM). Nineteen patients with 19 angiographically confirmed untreated bAVM were investigated with both DSA and TR-CE-MRA for the initial diagnosis. Examinations were compared by two independent readers. Interobserver agreement and intermodality agreement with respect to nidus size, arterial feeders, and venous drainage were determined using the K statistic test. Also, the quality of the TR-CE-MRA images was evaluated. Seventeen of the 19 bAVM (89.5%) detected with DSA were diagnosed with TR-CE-MRA. Interobserver agreement for TR-CE-MRA was good for nidus size, venous drainage, and arterial feeders (K = 0.75, 95% CI 0.50-1.00; K = 0.77, 95% CI 0.54-1.00; and K = 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.00 respectively). Intermodality agreement was good for nidus size and venous drainage (K = 0.75, 95% CI 0.49-1.00 and K = 0.77, 95% CI 0.54-1.00, respectively) and moderate for arterial feeders (K = 0.44, 95% CI 0.17-0.70). TR-CE-MRA at 3.0 T has a good sensitivity for bAVM detection and good agreement with DSA for determining nidus size and the type of venous drainage, suggesting that TR-CE-MRA is potentially a reliable tool for the diagnosis and assessment of bAVMs. However, it still suffers from low spatial resolution and vessel superposition, making differentiation of the arterial feeders of the nidus difficult at times. (orig.)

Digital subtraction angiography of the thoracic aorta

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grossman, L.B.; Buonocore, E.; Modic, M.T.; Meaney, T.F.

1984-01-01

Forty-three patients with acquired and congenital abnormalities of the thoracic aorta were studied using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after an intravenous bolus injection of 40 ml of contrast material. Abnormalities studied included coarctation, pseudocoarctation, Marfan syndrome, cervical aorta, double aortic arch, aneurysm, dissection, and tumor. Twenty-four patients also had conventional angiography. DSA was accurate in 95% of cases; in the other 5%, involving patients with acute type I dissection, the coronary arteries could not be seen. The authors concluded that in 92% of their patients, DSA could have replaced the standard aortogram

Digital subtraction angiography of the thoracic aorta

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Grossman, L.B.; Buonocore, E.; Modic, M.T.; Meaney, T.F.

1984-02-01

Forty-three patients with acquired and congenital abnormalities of the thoracic aorta were studied using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after an intravenous bolus injection of 40 ml of contrast material. Abnormalities studied included coarctation, pseudocoarctation, Marfan syndrome, cervical aorta, double aortic arch, aneurysm, dissection, and tumor. Twenty-four patients also had conventional angiography. DSA was accurate in 95% of cases; in the other 5%, involving patients with acute type I dissection, the coronary arteries could not be seen. The authors concluded that in 92% of their patients, DSA could have replaced the standard aortogram.

Application of longitudinal magnification effect to magnification stereoscopic angiography. A new method of cerebral angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Doi, K.; Rossmann, K.; Duda, E.E.

1976-01-01

A new method of stereoscopic cerebral angiography was developed which employs 2X radiographic magnification. In order to obtain the same depth perception in the object as with conventional contact stereoscopic angiography, one can make the x-ray exposures at two focal spot positions which are separated by only 1 inch, whereas the contact technique requires a separation of 4 inches. The smaller distance is possible because, with 2X magnification, the transverse detail in the object is magnified by a factor of two, but the longitudinal detail, which is related to the stereo effect, is magnified by a factor of four, due to the longitudinal magnification effect. The small focal spot separation results in advantages such as improved stereoscopic image detail, better image quality, and low radiation exposure to the patient.

Application of longitudinal magnification effect to magnification stereoscopic angiography. A new method of cerebral angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doi, K.; Rossmann, K.; Duda, E.E.

1976-01-01

A new method of stereoscopic cerebral angiography was developed which employs 2X radiographic magnification. In order to obtain the same depth perception in the object as with conventional contact stereoscopic angiography, one can make the x-ray exposures at two focal spot positions which are separated by only 1 inch, whereas the contact technique requires a separation of 4 inches. The smaller distance is possible because, with 2X magnification, the transverse detail in the object is magnified by a factor of two, but the longitudinal detail, which is related to the stereo effect, is magnified by a factor of four, due to the longitudinal magnification effect. The small focal spot separation results in advantages such as improved stereoscopic image detail, better image quality, and low radiation exposure to the patient

Early diagnosis of retinopathy in juvenile diabetes by fluorescence angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krzywicki, S.; Slankiewicz, A.; Jablonska-Budaj, U.

1980-01-01

The authors defined the usefulness of the fluorescein angiography of the retina and choroid in the early stage diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy in children comparing its results to the traditional ophthalmoscopy. Examination involved 50 children from 4 to 18 (30 boys and 20 girls) on insulin treatment. The duration of the disease was 1 to 14 years (average 7.36 years). Ophthalmoscopy showed pathological changes in 24% of the children. The fluorescein angiography visualized more microaneurysms compared to ophthalmoscopy and showed them sometimes in the eyes where they had not been found in eye fundus studies. By means of angiography the early and advanced stages of vascular complications were found in 64% of patients. Comparing to ophthalmoscopy a 40% increase was noted. Fluorescein angiography can lead to the decrease in the number of patients with markedly impaired visual acuity and cases of blindness in the diabetic population. (author)

Early diagnosis of retinopathy in juvenile diabetes by fluorescence angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krzywicki, S; Slankiewicz, A; Jablonska-Budaj, U [Szpital-Pomnik Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka, Warsaw (Poland). Zespol Problemowy Okulistiky

1980-09-01

The authors defined the usefulness of the fluorescein angiography of the retina and choroid in the early stage diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy in children comparing its results to the traditional ophthalmoscopy. Examination involved 50 children from 4 to 18 (30 boys and 20 girls) on insulin treatment. The duration of the disease was 1 to 14 years (average 7.36 years). Ophthalmoscopy showed pathological changes in 24% of the children. The fluorescein angiography visualized more microaneurysms compared to ophthalmoscopy and showed them sometimes in the eyes where they had not been found in eye fundus studies. By means of angiography the early and advanced stages of vascular complications were found in 64% of patients. Comparing to ophthalmoscopy a 40% increase was noted. Fluorescein angiography can lead to the decrease in the number of patients with markedly impaired visual acuity and cases of blindness in the diabetic population.

Delayed angiography in the investigation of intracerebral hematomas caused by small arteriovenous malformations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Willinsky, R.A. (Dept. of Radiology, Toronto Hospital, Western Div., Toronto, ON (Canada) Univ. of Toronto, Brain Vascular Malformation Study Group, ON (Canada)); Fitzgerald, M. (Dept. of Radiology, Toronto Hospital, Western Div., Toronto, ON (Canada)); TerBrugge, K. (Dept. of Radiology, Toronto Hospital, Western Div., Toronto, ON (Canada) Univ. of Toronto, Brain Vascular Malformation Study Group, ON (Canada)); Montanera, W. (Dept. of Radiology, Toronto Hospital, Western Div., Toronto, ON (Canada)); Wallace, M. (Div. of Neurosurgery, Dept. of Surgery, Toronto Hospital, Western Div., ON (Canada) Univ. of Toronto, Brain Vascular Malformation Study Group, ON (Canada))

1993-04-01

We reviewed the clinical and radiological features of ten patients with small arteriovenous malformations that caused intracerebral hematomas. In six patients, angiography showed a small nidus (less than 1 cm in diameter) with a shunt at the site of the hematoma, and in four only an early-filling vein was evident. Six patients had only delayed angiography (4 weeks or more after the ictus). In three, angiography within 2 days of the ictus failed to reveal the cause of the bleed, but repeat angiography showed an early-filling vein in two, and a nidus with shunting in one. In only one patient did early angiography reveal the malformation. MRI was obtained in eight patients, and in two prominent vessels were evident in the wall of the hematoma cavity. In investigation of an unexplained intracerebral hematoma, MRI may be useful to exclude a neoplasm or cavernoma, although the latter may be not be evident in the presence of a recent hematoma. We suggest early MRI and angiography for investigation of an unexplained, nonhypertensive intracerebral bleed, with follow-up MRI and dealyed angiography if the initial studies fail to reveal the cause. (orig.)

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography of vascular lesions in children.

Science.gov (United States)

Katayama, H; Shimizu, T; Tanaka, Y; Narabayashi, I; Tamai, H

2000-01-01

We applied three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography to vascular lesions in children and evaluated the clinical usefulness of this technique. Ten patients, whose ages ranged from 1 month to 16 years, underwent 3D MR angiography for 12 vascular lesions, including lesions in seven pulmonary arteries, two thoracic aortae, a pair of renal arteries, and one iliac artery. Three-dimensional MR angiography was performed with body-or pelvic-phased array coils on a 1.5-T scanner using fast spoiled gradient echo sequence. Data were acquired with the following parameters: TE, 1.9 ms; TR, 10.1 ms; flip angle, 20-60 degrees ; 1 or 2 NEX; field of view, 24-48 x 18-40 cm; matrix, 256 or 512 x 128 or 256; slice thickness, 1.2-7.5 mm; and 12, 28, or 60 partitions. Vascular imaging was enhanced with 20% gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The examination was performed under breath-holding in six patients and with shallow breathing in four patients. In a comparative study with other noninvasive methods, 3D MR angiography was superior in seven of nine cases to other noninvasive examinations and in two cases, all methods evaluated the lesions. Furthermore, six cases were compared with conventional angiography. In five of the six cases, both methods depicted the lesions similarly, and in one case, MR angiography was more effective. A quantitative comparison of vascular diameter in the MR image was made with that in the conventional angiographic image. The correlation between them was excellent: y = 1.145x-2.090 (r = 0.987; P children.

Digital subtraction angiography in pediatric cerebrovascular occlusive disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faerber, E.N.; Griska, L.A.B.; Swartz, J.D.; Capitanio, M.A.; Popky, G.L.

1984-01-01

While conventional angiography has been used to demonstrate cerebrovascular occlusive disease in the past, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is capable of showing progressive vascular involvement with ease, simplicity, and extremely low morbidity, making it particularly well suited for children and outpatients either alone or coordinated with computed tomography. The authors discuss the usefulness and advantages of DSA as demonstrated in 7 infants and children with hemiplegia, 4 of whom had sickle-cell disease

Overexposure effects of a 1-kHz tone on the distortion product otoacoustic emission in humans

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Reuter, Karen; Ordoñez, Rodrigo Pizarro; Hammershøi, Dorte

2007-01-01

The effects of overexposure on the properties of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are investigated. In total, 39 normal-hearing humans were monaurally exposed to a 1-kHz tone lasting for 3 min at an equivalent threshold sound-pressure level of 105.5 dB. The effects of overexposure...

Contrast agent choice for intravenous coronary angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeman, H.D.; Siddons, D.P.

1990-01-01

The screening of the general population for coronary artery disease would be practical if a method existed for visualizing the extent of occlusion after an intravenous injection of contrast agent. Measurements performed with monochromatic synchrotron radiation X-rays and an iodine-containing contrast agent at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory have shown that such an intravenous angiography procedure would be possible with an adequately intense monochromatic X-ray source. Because of the size and cost of synchrotron radiation facilities it would be desirable to make the most efficient use of the intensity available, while reducing as much as possible the radiation dose experienced by the patient. By choosing contrast agents containing elements with a higher atomic number than iodine, it is possible to both improve the image quality and reduce the patient radiation dose, while using the same synchrotron radiation source. By using Si monochromator crystals with a small mosaic spread, it is possible to increase the X-ray flux available for imaging by over an order of magnitude, without any changes in the storage ring or wiggler magnet. The most critical imaging task for intravenous coronary angiography utilizing synchrotron radiation X-rays is visualizing a coronary artery through the left ventricle or aorta which also contain contrast agent. Calculations have been made of the signal to noise ratio expected for this imaging task for various contrast agents with atomic numbers between that of iodine and bismuth. The X-ray energy spectrum of the X-17 superconduction wiggler beam line at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory has been used for these calculations. Both perfect Si crystals and Si crystals with a small mosaic spread are considered as monochromators. Contrast agents containing Gd or Yb seem to have about the optimal calculated signal to noise ratio. (orig./HSI)

Contrast settling in cerebral aneurysm angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Zhijie; Hoffmann, Kenneth R; Guterman, Lee R; Wang Zhou; Rudin, Stephen; Meng Hui

2005-01-01

During angiography, blood flow is visualized with a radiopaque contrast agent, which is denser than blood. In complex vasculature, such as cerebral saccular aneurysms, the density difference may produce an appreciable gravity effect, where the contrast material separates from blood and settles along the gravity direction. Although contrast settling has been occasionally reported before, the fluid mechanics behind it have not been explored. Furthermore, the severity of contrast settling in cerebral aneurysms varies significantly from case to case. Therefore, a better understanding of the physical principles behind this phenomenon is needed to evaluate contrast settling in clinical angiography. In this study, flow in two identical groups of sidewall aneurysm models with varying parent-vessel curvature was examined by angiography. Intravascular stents were deployed into one group of the models. To detect contrast settling, we used lateral view angiography. Time-intensity curves were analysed from the angiographic data, and a computational fluid dynamic analysis was conducted. Results showed that contrast settling was strongly related to the local flow dynamics. We used the Froude number, a ratio of flow inertia to gravity force, to characterize the significance of gravity force. An aneurysm with a larger vessel curvature experienced higher flow, which resulted in a larger Froude number and, thus, less gravitational settling. Addition of a stent reduced the aneurysmal flow, thereby increasing the contrast settling. We found that contrast settling resulted in an elevated washout tail in the time-intensity curve. However, this signature is not unique to contrast settling. To determine whether contrast settling is present, a lateral view should be obtained in addition to the anteroposterior (AP) view routinely used clinically so as to rule out contrast settling and hence to enable a valid time-intensity curve analysis of blood flow in the aneurysm

Conventional and CT angiography in children: dosimetry and dose comparisons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Frush, Donald P.; Yoshizumi, Terry

2006-01-01

Tremendous advances have been made in imaging in children with both congenital and acquired heart disease. These include technical advances in cardiac catheterization and conventional angiography, especially with advancements in interventional procedures, as well as noninvasive imaging with MR and CT angiography. With rapid advances in multidetector CT (MDCT) technology, most recently 64-detector array systems (64-slice MDCT), have come a number of advantages over MR. However, both conventional and CT angiography impart radiation dose to children. Although the presence of radiation exposure to children has long been recognized, it is apparent that our ability to assess this dose, particularly in light of the rapid advancements, has been limited. Traditional methods of dosimetry for both conventional and CT angiography are somewhat cumbersome or involve a potential for substantial uncertainty. Recent developments in dosimetry, including metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET) and the availability of anthropomorphic, tissue-equivalent phantoms have provided new opportunities for dosimetric assessments. Recent work with this technology in state-of-the-art cardiac angiography suites as well as with MDCT have offered direct comparisons of doses in infants and children undergoing diagnostic cardiac evaluation. It is with these dose data that assessment of risks, and ultimately the assessment of risk-benefit, can be better achieved. (orig.)

Hepatic Artery Angiography and Embolization for Hemobilia Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nicholson, Tony; Travis, Simon; Ettles, Duncan; Dyet, John; Sedman, Peter; Wedgewood, Kevin; Royston, Christopher

1999-01-01

Purpose: The effectiveness of angiography and embolization in diagnosis and treatment were assessed in a cohort of patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Over a 6-year period 1513 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were carried out in our region. Nine of these patients (0.6%) developed significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 5-43 days after surgery. All underwent emergency celiac and selective right hepatic artery angiography. All were treated by coil embolization of the right hepatic artery proximal and distal to the bleeding point. Results: Pseudoaneurysms of the hepatic artery adjacent to cholecystectomy clips were demonstrated in all nine patients at selective right hepatic angiography. In three patients celiac axis angiography alone failed to demonstrate the pseudoaneurysm. Embolization controlled hemorrhage in all patients with no further bleeding and no further intervention. One patient developed a candidal liver abscess in the post-procedure period. All patients are alive and well at follow-up. Conclusion: Selective right hepatic angiography is vital in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Embolization offers the advantage of minimally invasive treatment in unstable patients, does not disrupt recent biliary reconstruction, allows distal as well as proximal control of the hepatic artery, and is an effective treatment for this potentially life-threatening complication

Prediction of parent artery of anterior communicating artery aneurysm on CT angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chung, Jin Young; Han, Tae Il; Kim, Dae Hong; Han, Hyun Young; Kim, Hyun Jung; Song, Mun Kab

1999-01-01

To determine whether CT angiography can predict the parent artery of an anterior communicating aneurysm on the basis of characteristics of the aneurysm and precommunication anterior cerebral artery. Eighteen patients with anterior communication aneurysm were studied prospectively using CT angiography and conventional angiography. The parent artery of an aneurysm was predicted by evaluating aneurysm neck location, direction of aneurysm projection, and size of the precommunicating anterior cerebral artery, as seen on CT angiography. A somatom Plus-4 spiral CT scanner was used and shaded-surface display three-dimensional images were constructed. Aneurysm neck was located near the parent artery in 12 cases(66.7%), and aneurysm projection was against the parent artery in 11 cases(61.1%). The parent artery of the anterior cerebral artery was larger in 15 cases(83.3%), including ten cases of hypoplasia or agenesis of the contralateral anterior cerebral artery. In 17 of 18 aneurysms(94.4%) the parent artery seen on DSA was correctly predicted by CT angiography. The parent artery of an anterior communicating aneurysm can be predicted by evaluating aneurysm neck location, direction of aneurysm projection, and precommunicating anterior cerebral artery, as seen on CT angiography

CAPILLARY NETWORK ANOMALIES IN BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

Science.gov (United States)

Rispoli, Marco; Savastano, Maria Cristina; Lumbroso, Bruno

2015-11-01

To analyze the foveal microvasculature features in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using optical coherence tomography angiography based on split spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography technology. A total of 10 BRVO eyes (mean age 64.2 ± 8.02 range between 52 years and 76 years) were evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography (XR-Avanti; Optovue). The macular angiography scan protocol covered a 3 mm × 3 mm area. The focus of angiography analysis were two retinal layers: superficial vascular network and deep vascular network. The following vascular morphological congestion parameters were assessed in the vein occlusion area in both the superficial and deep networks: foveal avascular zone enlargement, capillary non-perfusion occurrence, microvascular abnormalities appearance, and vascular congestion signs. Image analyses were performed by 2 masked observers and interobserver agreement of image analyses was 0.90 (κ = 0.225, P network of BRVO, a decrease in capillary density with foveal avascular zone enlargement, capillary non-perfusion occurrence, and microvascular abnormalities appearance was observed (P network showed the main vascular congestion at the boundary between healthy and nonperfused retina. Optical coherence tomography angiography in BRVO allows to detect foveal avascular zone enlargement, capillary nonperfusion, microvascular abnormalities, and vascular congestion signs both in the superficial and deep capillary network in all eyes. Optical coherence tomography angiography technology is a potential clinical tool for BRVO diagnosis and follow-up, providing stratigraphic vascular details that have not been previously observed by standard fluorescein angiography. The normal retinal vascular nets and areas of nonperfusion and congestion can be identified at various retinal levels. Optical coherence tomography angiography provides noninvasive images of the retinal capillaries and vascular networks.

Health effects of soy-biodiesel emissions: mutagenicity-emission factors.

Science.gov (United States)

Mutlu, Esra; Warren, Sarah H; Matthews, Peggy P; King, Charly; Walsh, Leon; Kligerman, Andrew D; Schmid, Judith E; Janek, Daniel; Kooter, Ingeborg M; Linak, William P; Gilmour, M Ian; DeMarini, David M

2015-01-01

Soy biodiesel is the predominant biodiesel fuel used in the USA, but only a few, frequently conflicting studies have examined the potential health effects of its emissions. We combusted petroleum diesel (B0) and fuels with increasing percentages of soy methyl esters (B20, B50 and B100) and determined the mutagenicity-emission factors expressed as revertants/megajoule of thermal energy consumed (rev/MJ(th)). We combusted each fuel in replicate in a small (4.3-kW) diesel engine without emission controls at a constant load, extracted organics from the particles with dichloromethane, determined the percentage of extractable organic material (EOM), and evaluated these extracts for mutagenicity in 16 strains/S9 combinations of Salmonella. Mutagenic potencies of the EOM did not differ significantly between replicate experiments for B0 and B100 but did for B20 and B50. B0 had the highest rev/MJ(th), and those of B20 and B100 were 50% and ∼85% lower, respectively, in strains that detect mutagenicity due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitroarenes, aromatic amines or oxidative mutagens. For all strains, the rev/MJ(th) decreased with increasing biodiesel in the fuel. The emission factor for the 16 EPA Priority PAHs correlated strongly (r(2 )= 0.69) with the mutagenicity-emission factor in strain TA100 + S9, which detects PAHs. Under a constant load, soy-biodiesel emissions were 50-85% less mutagenic than those of petroleum diesel. Without additional emission controls, petroleum and biodiesel fuels had mutagenicity-emission factors between those of large utility-scale combustors (e.g. natural gas, coal, or oil) and inefficient open-burning (e.g. residential wood fireplaces).

CT angiography of the renal arteries and veins: normal anatomy and variants.

Science.gov (United States)

Hazırolan, Tuncay; Öz, Meryem; Türkbey, Barış; Karaosmanoğlu, Ali Devrim; Oğuz, Berna Sayan; Canyiğit, Murat

2011-03-01

Conventional angiography has long been regarded as gold standard imaging modality for evaluation of the renal vasculature. Introduction of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography had a groundbreaking impact on evaluation of the renal vessels and is gradually replacing conventional angiography as standard imaging. Herein, we review and illustrate the normal and variant anatomy of renal vessels with special emphasis on imaging protocols and reconstruction techniques in MDCT.

Brain metabolism in autism. Resting cerebral glucose utilization rates as measured with positron emission tomography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rumsey, J.M.; Duara, R.; Grady, C.; Rapoport, J.L.; Margolin, R.A.; Rapoport, S.I.; Cutler, N.R.

1985-05-01

The cerebral metabolic rate for glucose was studied in ten men (mean age = 26 years) with well-documented histories of infantile autism and in 15 age-matched normal male controls using positron emission tomography and (F-18) 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Positron emission tomography was completed during rest, with reduced visual and auditory stimulation. While the autistic group as a whole showed significantly elevated glucose utilization in widespread regions of the brain, there was considerable overlap between the two groups. No brain region showed a reduced metabolic rate in the autistic group. Significantly more autistic, as compared with control, subjects showed extreme relative metabolic rates (ratios of regional metabolic rates to whole brain rates and asymmetries) in one or more brain regions.

Brain metabolism in autism. Resting cerebral glucose utilization rates as measured with positron emission tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rumsey, J.M.; Duara, R.; Grady, C.; Rapoport, J.L.; Margolin, R.A.; Rapoport, S.I.; Cutler, N.R.

1985-01-01

The cerebral metabolic rate for glucose was studied in ten men (mean age = 26 years) with well-documented histories of infantile autism and in 15 age-matched normal male controls using positron emission tomography and (F-18) 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Positron emission tomography was completed during rest, with reduced visual and auditory stimulation. While the autistic group as a whole showed significantly elevated glucose utilization in widespread regions of the brain, there was considerable overlap between the two groups. No brain region showed a reduced metabolic rate in the autistic group. Significantly more autistic, as compared with control, subjects showed extreme relative metabolic rates (ratios of regional metabolic rates to whole brain rates and asymmetries) in one or more brain regions

MR and angiography: Evaluation of the hemodynamics of portal hypertension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Torres, W.E.; Gaylord, G.M.; Whitmire, L.; Chuang, V.P.; Bernardino, M.E.

1986-01-01

Forty-two MR imaging examinations and angiographic procedures in 38 patients with portal hypertension were compared for how well the images depicted portal perfusion and direction of flow, portal vein thrombosis, and the presence and type of shunt. Thirty-three MR imaging studies indicated grade I or II portal flow. In 29 cases portal flow was grade I or II by angiography; in the remaining cases the flow was grade IV. In a total of eight cases portal flow was grade IV by angiography, but none appeared to be grade IV on MR imaging. Both MR imaging and angiography detected portal vein thrombosis (41 of 42 cases). MR imaging and angiography agreed as to whether a shunt was present or absent, and patent or occluded (41 of 42 cases). Currently, MR imaging is an unsatisfactory modality by which to grade portal flow. MR imaging does depict portal vein thrombosis well, and can be used to determine patency of surgical shunts

Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography applied to diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nishizawa, Sadahiko; Sano, Akira; Imanaka, Kazufumi; Sasai, Keisuke; Nagae, Toshiyuki; Mizutani, Masaru; Hatabu, Hiroto; Sadatou, Norihiro; Kuroda, Yasumasa

1985-12-01

This paper deals with diagnostic values of intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA) for evaluating hepatocellular carcinoma. The present series consists of 44 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, who underwent IADSA combined with conventional hepatic angiography 67 times in total. The evaluated vessels by IADSA included 70 hepatic arteries and 36 portal veins. Comparative studies on the image quality of IADSA with conventional angiography were made in referring to the tumor stain for arteriograms and resolution of intrahepatic portal branches for portograms. Diagnostic superiority including equality of DSA image to conventional was noted in arteriograms: 72.7 % in the right lobe and 86 % in the left. Most deteriorated DSA images were caused by misregistration artifacts. IADSA portography revealed basically diagnostic values to demonstrate lobar, segmental or more peripheral branches in about 95 % of cases studied. DSA, characterized by high contrast resolution and real-time subtraction, offered important and effective informations for interventional angiography as well as resectability of the tumors, requiring less contrast medium.

Diagnosis of clinical staging of bladder cancer by CT and angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kobayashi, Isao; Igawa, Mikio; Ohnishi, Yoshio; Nakano, Hiroshi; Nihira, Hiromi; Mori, Masaki; Okada, Mitsuo.

1984-01-01

The preoperative staging of bladder cancer is of fundamental importance for prognostic evaluation and surgical indication. We studied the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and angiography in defining the extent of local invasion in 16 patients with surgically proven carcinoma of the bladder. The overall accuracy of CT and angiographic staging in these cases was 75 % and 50 % respectively. In low stage, the accuracy was 90 % in CT and 70 % in angiography. In high stage, the accuracy was 50 % in CT and 16.7 % in angiography. Our results seems to indicate lower accuracy in high stage bladder cancer compared with other research. Data from a much larger series are required to ascertain whether the additional information provided by CT and angiography will produce any improvement in patient management. (author)

Clinical application of electron beam computed tomography in intravenous three-dimensional coronary angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luo Chufan; Du Zhimin; Hu Chengheng; Li Yi; Zeng Wutao; Ma Hong; Li Xiangmin; Zhou Xuhui

2002-01-01

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of intravenous three-dimensional coronary angiography using electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) as compared with selective coronary angiography. Methods: Intravenous EBCT and selective coronary angiography were performed during the same period in 38 patients. The value of EBCT angiography for diagnosing coronary artery disease was evaluated. Results: The number of coronary arteries adequately evaluated by EBCT angiography was 134 out of 152 vessels (88.2%), including 100% of the left main coronary arteries, 94.7% of the left anterior descending arteries, 81.6% of the left circumflex arteries and 76.3 % of the right coronary arteries. Significantly more left main and heft anterior descending coronary arteries were adequately visualized than the left circumflex and right coronary arteries (P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive value of EBCT angiography for diagnosing coronary artery disease were 88.0%, 84.6%, 86.8%, 91.7% and 78.6%, respectively. Of the 38 arteries with ≥ 50% stenosis, EBCT underestimated 8, for a sensitivity of 78.9%. Of the 96 arteries without significant stenosis, EBCT overestimated 7 stenosis, for a specificity of 92.7%. Conclusion: Intravenous electron beam computed tomographic coronary angiography is a promising noninvasive method for diagnosing coronary artery disease

State environmental law and carbon emissions: Do public utility commissions use environmental statutes to fight global warming?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sautter, John A.

2010-10-15

In many states environmental statutes provide the authority for public utility commissioners to make decisions to reduce greenhouse gases from electricity generation. This article looks at six such laws and how the presence of these laws affected CO{sub 2} emissions during a nine-year period from 1997 to 2005. (author)

Schottky barrier height measurements of Cu/Si(001), Ag/Si(001), and Au/Si(001) interfaces utilizing ballistic electron emission microscopy and ballistic hole emission microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Balsano, Robert; Matsubayashi, Akitomo; LaBella, Vincent P.

2013-01-01

The Schottky barrier heights of both n and p doped Cu/Si(001), Ag/Si(001), and Au/Si(001) diodes were measured using ballistic electron emission microscopy and ballistic hole emission microscopy (BHEM), respectively. Measurements using both forward and reverse ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) and (BHEM) injection conditions were performed. The Schottky barrier heights were found by fitting to a linearization of the power law form of the Bell-Kaiser BEEM model. The sum of the n-type and p-type barrier heights are in good agreement with the band gap of silicon and independent of the metal utilized. The Schottky barrier heights are found to be below the region of best fit for the power law form of the BK model, demonstrating its region of validity

Evaluation of angiography performed by radiographers and nurses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chalmers, N.; Conway, B.; Andrew, H.; Parkinson, A.; Butterfield, J.S.; Fawcitt, R. A

2002-04-01

AIM: To evaluate out-patient angiography performed by nurses and radiographers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A protocol for out-patient angiography performed by nurses and radiographers was drawn up and approved by the Trust's Risk Management Committee. Following training, two experienced radiographers and one nurse undertook elective peripheral or renal angiography according to the protocol on 187 patients. Angiograms were performed using a 3F catheter introduced into the abdominal aorta from a femoral approach. Patients were discharged after 2 hours and contacted by telephone the following morning. RESULTS: No patient refused consent for the procedure. One hundred and seventy-two patients underwent successful catheterization without assistance from a radiologist. Radiologist assistance was required with femoral puncture or catheter/guidewire manipulation in 15 cases (8%). Images were considered diagnostic by the reporting radiologist in all but one case. This patient was recalled for further aortogram and pressure measurements. There was a single puncture site complication due to transient stenosis of the common femoral artery at the puncture site. This is thought to have been the result of subintimal injection of local anaesthetic, and it resolved spontaneously over 30 minutes. There were no delayed complications. CONCLUSION: Experienced nurses and radiographers can rapidly acquire the skills to perform diagnostic angiography safely and efficiently. Chalmers, N. et al. (2002)

Diagnostic performance of calcification-suppressed coronary CT angiography using rapid kilovolt-switching dual-energy CT.

Science.gov (United States)

Yunaga, Hiroto; Ohta, Yasutoshi; Kaetsu, Yasuhiro; Kitao, Shinichiro; Watanabe, Tomomi; Furuse, Yoshiyuki; Yamamoto, Kazuhiro; Ogawa, Toshihide

2017-07-01

Multi-detector-row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) plays an important role in the assessment of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. However, MDCTA tends to overestimate stenosis in calcified coronary artery lesions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of calcification-suppressed material density (MD) images produced by using a single-detector single-source dual-energy computed tomography (ssDECT). We enrolled 67 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease who underwent ssDECT with rapid kilovolt-switching (80 and 140 kVp). Coronary artery stenosis was evaluated on the basis of MD images and virtual monochromatic (VM) images. The diagnostic performance of the two methods for detecting coronary artery disease was compared with that of invasive coronary angiography as a reference standard. We evaluated 239 calcified segments. In all the segments, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy for detecting significant stenosis were respectively 88%, 88%, 75%, 95% and 88% for the MD images, 91%, 71%, 56%, 95% and 77% for the VM images. PPV was significantly higher on the MD images than on the VM images (P < 0.0001). Calcification-suppressed MD images improved PPV and diagnostic performance for calcified coronary artery lesions. • Computed tomography angiography tends to overestimate stenosis in calcified coronary artery. • Dual-energy CT enables us to suppress calcification of coronary artery lesions. • Calcification-suppressed material density imaging reduces false-positive diagnosis of calcified lesion.

Vascular imaging with spiral CT. The way to CY angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prokop, M.; Schaefer, C.; Kalender, W.A.; Polacin, A.; Galanski, M.

1993-01-01

Spiral CT is a technique that allows for high-quality two-dimensional angiographic projections and 3D imaging of vascular structures. The authors present the technical and methodological principles of the technique, including scan parameters and parameters of contrast application for various clinical imaging tasks. They present their experience with over 150 clinical cases using spiral CT angiography. Suitable applications of this technique include cogenital anomalies, aneurysms, dissections, stenoses, thrombi and vascular tumor involvement. Given a problem-adapted examination technique, pathologic changes in vessels of as little as 2 mm can be visualized. In some cases with complex vascular anatomy, spiral CT angiography can be superior to arterial angiography. (orig.) [de

Total hemispherical emissivity of Inconel 718

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Keller, Benjamin P.; Nelson, Shawn E.; Walton, Kyle L.; Ghosh, Tushar K.; Tompson, Robert V.; Loyalka, Sudarshan K., E-mail: LoyalkaS@missouri.edu

2015-06-15

Highlights: • We have measured the total hemispherical emissivity for Inconel 718 from about 600–1250 K. • Oxidation in air at 1073 K resulted in an increase in emissivity. • Sandblasting of Inconel 718 was also observed to increase the emissivity. • Coating of graphite powder onto the ‘as-received’ Inconel 718 showed no increase in the emissivity. • Coating of graphite powder onto the 220 grit sandblasted Inconel 718 did show an increase in emissivity. - Abstract: Total hemispherical emissivity for Inconel 718 was measured in anticipation of its application in Very High Temperature Gas Reactors (VHTRs). A majority of current emissivity data for Inconel 718 is in the form of spectral measurements. The data presented here were obtained with an experimental apparatus based on the standard ASTM C835-06 for total hemispherical emittance. Measurements of Inconel 718 were made for four different surface types including: (i) ‘as-received’ from the manufacturer, (ii) oxidized in air and humidified helium, (iii) sandblasted with aluminum oxide powder, and (iv) with a thin coating of nuclear grade graphite powder (grade NGB-18). The emissivity for the ‘as-received’ sample ranged from 0.21 to 0.28 in the temperature interval from 760 K to 1275 K. Oxidation in air at 1073 K resulted in an increase in emissivity into the range from 0.2 at 650 K to 0.52 at 1200 K. There was no dependence on the oxidation times studied here. Oxidation with humidified helium at 1073 K produced less of an increase in emissivity than the oxidation in air but there was an increase up to the range from 0.2 at 600 K to 0.35 at 1200 K. Sandblasting of Inconel 718 was also observed to increase the emissivity up to the range from 0.43 at 780 K to 0.53 at 1270 K when 60 grit sized powder was used and up to the range from 0.45 at 683 K to 0.57 at 1267 K when 120 and 220 grit sized powders were used. Coating of graphite powder onto the ‘as-received’ Inconel 718 showed no increase

Clinical Assessment of a New Stereoscopic Digital Angiography System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moll, Thierry; Douek, Philippe; Finet, Gerard; Turjman, Francis; Picard, Catherine; Revel, Didier; Amiel, Michel

1998-01-01

Purpose: To assess the clinical feasibility of an experimental modified angiographic system capable of real-time digital stereofluoroscopy and stereography in X-ray angiography, using a twin-focus tube and a stereoscopic monitor. Methods: We report the experience obtained in 37 patients with a well-documented examination. The patients were examined for coronary angiography (11 cases), aortography (7 cases), pulmonary angiography (6 cases), inferior vena cava filter placement (2 cases), and cerebral angiography (11 cases). Six radiologists were asked to use stereoscopic features for fluoroscopy and angiography. A questionnaire was designed to record their subjective evaluation of stereoscopic image quality, ergonomics of the system, and its medical interest. Results: Stereofluoroscopy was successfully used in 25 of 37 cases; diplopia and/or ghost images were reported in 6 cases. It was helpful for aortic catheterization in 10 cases and for selective catheterization in 5 cases. In stereoangiography, depth was easily and accurately perceived in 27 of 37 cases; diplopia and/or ghost images were reported in 4 cases. A certain gain in the three-dimensional evaluation of the anatomy and relation between vessels and lesions was noted. As regards ergonomic considerations, polarized spectacles were not considered cumbersome. Visual fatigue and additional work were variously reported. Stereoshift tuning before X-ray acquisition was not judged to be a limiting factor. Conclusion: A twin-focus X-ray tube and a polarized shutter for stereoscopic display allowed effective real-time three-dimensional perception of angiographic images. Our clinical study suggests no clear medical interest for diagnostic examinations, but the field of interventional radiology needs to be investigated

Diagnosing coronary artery disease after a positive coronary computed tomography angiography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nissen, L; Winther, S; Westra, J

2018-01-01

Aims: Perfusion scans after coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) may reduce unnecessary invasive coronary angiographies (ICAs). However, the diagnostic accuracy of perfusion scans after primary CCTA is unknown. The aim...

Optical coherence tomography angiography in age-related macular degeneration: The game changer.

Science.gov (United States)

Lupidi, Marco; Cerquaglia, Alessio; Chhablani, Jay; Fiore, Tito; Singh, Sumit Randhir; Cardillo Piccolino, Felice; Corbucci, Roberta; Coscas, Florence; Coscas, Gabriel; Cagini, Carlo

2018-04-01

Optical coherence tomography angiography is one of the biggest advances in ophthalmic imaging. It enables a depth-resolved assessment of the retinal and choroidal blood flow, far exceeding the levels of detail commonly obtained with dye angiographies. One of the first applications of optical coherence tomography angiography was in detecting the presence of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration and establishing its position in relation to the retinal pigmented epithelium and Bruch's membrane, and thereby classifying the CNV as type 1, type 2, type 3, or mixed lesions. Optical coherence tomography angiograms, due to the longer wavelength used by optical coherence tomography, showed a more distinct choroidal neovascularization vascular pattern than fluorescein angiography, since there is less suffering from light scattering or is less obscured by overlying subretinal hemorrhages or exudation. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of optical coherence tomography angiography findings in exudative and nonexudative age-related macular degeneration have been largely investigated within the past 3 years both in clinical and experimental settings. This review constitutes an up-to-date of all the potential applications of optical coherence tomography angiography in age-related macular degeneration in order to better understand how to translate its theoretical usefulness into the current clinical practice.

Multislice computed tomographic coronary angiography: experience in a UK centre

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Morgan-Hughes, G.J.; Marshall, A.J.; Roobottom, C.A.

2003-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the technique of coronary angiography with retrospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated four-slice helical computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within 1 month of undergoing routine day-case diagnostic coronary angiography, 30 consecutive patients also underwent retrospectively ECG-gated multislice CT coronary angiography. This enabled direct comparison of seven segments of proximal and mid-coronary artery for each patient by two blinded assessors. Each segment of coronary artery from the multislice CT image was evaluated initially for 'assessability' and those segments deemed assessable were subsequently investigated for the presence or absence of a significantly (n=70%) stenotic lesion. RESULTS: Overall 68% of proximal and mid-coronary artery segments were assessable. The sensitivity and specificity of four-slice CT coronary angiography in assessable segments for detecting the presence or absence (n=70%) of stenoses were 72 and 86%, respectively. These results correspond to a positive predictive value of 53% and a 93% negative predictive value. If the 32% of non-assessable segments are added into the calculation then the sensitivity and specificity fall to 49 and 66%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although multislice CT coronary angiography is a promising technique, the overall assessability and diagnostic accuracy of four-slice CT acquisition is not sufficient to justify routine clinical use. Further, evaluation should investigate the benefit of the reduction in temporal and spatial resolution offered by 16 and 32 slice acquisition

Digital subtraction angiography in patients with central vertigo

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Inamori, Toru; Takayasu, Yukio; Umetani, Yoshio; Taruoka, Akinori.

1985-01-01

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a recently developed non-invasive intravenous angiography which has become possible through real time digital subtraction of x-ray transmission data from an image intensifier and television system. The output signals of the image intensifier-television camera system are digitized by an analog-digital converter. The digital information, 512x512 pixels and 9 bits deep, is fed into the image processing assembly after logarithmic amplification, where 2-8 frames are added and subtracted from mask images for the final digital images. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography was performed in 21 patients with intractable dizzy spells of central origin resistant to treatment. These patients showed some signs of CNS disturbance, although there were no significant findings on CT scans. Surprisingly, findings were abnormal in 14 of 21 patients (66.7%). DSA is, therefore, considered to be an important aid in the diagnosis of vertigo of the central type. (J.P.N.)

Cost-effectiveness of identifying aortoiliac and femoropopliteal arterial disease with angiography or duplex scanning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coffi, S.B.; Ubbink, D.Th.; Dijkgraaf, M.G.W.; Reekers, J.A.; Legemate, D.A.

2008-01-01

Objectives: Cost-effectiveness analysis of three diagnostic imaging strategies for the assessment of aortoiliac and femoropopliteal arteries in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The strategies were: angiography as the reference strategy, duplex scanning (DS) plus supplementary angiography (S1) and DS plus confirmative angiography (S2). Design, materials and methods: A decision model was built with sensitivity and specificity data from literature, supplemented with prospective hospital cost data in Euro ( Euro ). The probability of correctly identifying the status of a lesion was taken as the primary outcome. We compared strategies by assessing the extra costs per additional correctly identified case. Results: Assuming no false positive or false negative results, angiography is the most effective strategy if the prevalence of significant obstructive lesions in the aortoiliac and femoropopliteal tract exceeds 70%, or if the sensitivity of duplex scanning is lower than 83%. In case of lower prevalence, strategy S1 becomes equally or even more effective than angiography. At a prevalence of 75%, performing angiography costs Euro 8443 per extra correctly identified case compared with strategy S1. Conclusions: In most situations angiography is more effective than diagnostic strategy S1. However, if society is unwilling to pay more than Euro 8443 for knowing a patient's disease status, diagnostic strategy S1 is a cost-effective alternative to angiography, especially at lower prevalence values

Valence state of Mn in Ca-doped LaMnO3 studied by high-resolution Mn K ß emission spectroscopy

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Tyson, T.A.; Qian, Q.; Kao, C.-C.; Rueff, J.-P.; Groot, F.M.F. de; Croft, M.; Cheong, S.-W.; Greenblatt, M.; Subramanian, M.A.

1999-01-01

Mn K ß x-ray emission spectra provide a direct method to probe the effective spin state and charge density on the Mn atom and is used in an experimental study of a class of Mn oxides. Specifically, the Mn K ß line positions and detailed spectral shapes depend on the oxidation and the spin state of

Intravenous coronary angiography by electron beam computed tomography : a clinical evaluation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Rensing, B J; Bongaerts, A; van Geuns, R J; van Ooijen, P; Oudkerk, M; de Feyter, P J

1998-01-01

BACKGROUND: -Noninvasive detection of coronary stenoses with electron beam CT (EBCT) after intravenous injection of contrast medium has recently emerged. We sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of EBCT angiography in the clinical setting using conventional coronary angiography as the "gold

Urinary KIM-1, NGAL and L-FABP for the diagnosis of AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure undergoing coronary angiography.

Science.gov (United States)

Torregrosa, Isidro; Montoliu, Carmina; Urios, Amparo; Andrés-Costa, María Jesús; Giménez-Garzó, Carla; Juan, Isabel; Puchades, María Jesús; Blasco, María Luisa; Carratalá, Arturo; Sanjuán, Rafael; Miguel, Alfonso

2015-11-01

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after coronary angiography. Early biomarkers of this disease are needed since increase in serum creatinine levels is a late marker. To assess the usefulness of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (uL-FABP) for early detection of AKI in these patients, comparing their performance with another group of cardiac surgery patients. Biomarkers were measured in 193 patients, 12 h after intervention. In the ROC analysis, AUC for KIM-1, NGAL and L-FABP was 0.713, 0.958 and 0.642, respectively, in the coronary angiography group, and 0.716, 0.916 and 0.743 in the cardiac surgery group. Urinary KIM-1 12 h after intervention is predictive of AKI in adult patients undergoing coronary angiography, but NGAL shows higher sensitivity and specificity. L-FABP provides inferior discrimination for AKI than KIM-1 or NGAL in contrast to its performance after cardiac surgery. This is the first study showing the predictive capacity of KIM-1 for AKI after coronary angiography. Further studies are still needed to answer relevant questions about the clinical utility of biomarkers for AKI in different clinical settings.

High-pitch coronary CT angiography at 70 kVp adopting a protocol of low injection speed and low volume of contrast medium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feng, Ruiqi; Liu, Xiao Fei; Zhao, Yu; Zhang, Liang [Dept. of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang (China); Tong, Jia Jie [Dept. of Radiology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang(China)

2017-09-15

To evaluate the feasibility and image quality (IQ) of prospectively high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with low contrast medium injection rate at 70 kVp. One hundred and four patients with suspected coronary artery disease (body mass index < 26 kg/m{sup 2}, sinus rhythm and heart rate < 70 beats/min) were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. In group A and group B, 28 mL and 40 mL of 370 mgI/mL iodinated contrast media was administrated at a flow rate of 3.5 and 5 mL/s, respectively. CT values, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the proximal segments of coronary arteries and subjective IQ were evaluated. The CT values and noise in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (434–485 Hounsfield units [HU] vs. 772–851 HU, all p < 0.001; 17.8–22.3 vs. 23.3–26.4, all p < 0.005). The CNRs of the right coronary artery and left main artery showed no statistical difference between the two groups (42.1 ± 13.8 vs. 36.8 ± 16.0, p = 0.074; 38.7 ± 10.6 vs. 38.1 ± 17.0, p = 0.819). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in IQ scores (3.04 ± 0.75 vs. 3.0 ± 0.79, p = 0.526) and diagnostic ratio (96.1% [50/52] vs. 94.2% [49/52], p = 0.647). Prospective high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp with 28 mL of contrast media and injection rate of 3.5 mL/s could provide diagnostic IQ for normal-weight patients with heart rate of < 70 beats/min.

Projections of air toxic emissions from coal-fired utility combustion: Input for hazardous air pollutant regulators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Szpunar, C.B.

1993-01-01

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required by the 1990 CAAA to promulgate rules for all ''major'' sources of any of these HAPs. According to the HAPs section of the new Title III, any stationary source emitting 10 tons per year (TPY) of one HAP or 25 TPY of a combination of HAPs will be considered and designated a major source. In contrast to the original National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), which were designed to protect public health to ''an ample margin of safety,'' the new Title III, in its first phase, will regulate by industrial category those sources emitting HAPs in excess of the 10/25-TPY threshold levels, regardless of health risks. The trace elements normally associated with coal mineral matter and the various compounds formed during coal combustion have the potential to produce hazardous air toxic emissions from coal-fired electric utilities. Under Title III, the EPA is required to perform certain studies, prior to any regulation of electric utilities; these studies are currently underway. Also, the US Department of Energy (DOE) maintains a vested interest in addressing those energy policy questions affecting electric utility generation, coal mining, and steel producing critical to this country's economic well-being, where balancing the costs to the producers and users of energy with the benefits of environmental protection to the workers and the general populace remains of significant concern

Conventional renal angiography versus renal digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the study of renovascular hypertension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Essinger, A.; Morsier, B. de; Narbel, M.; Raimondi, S.

1988-01-01

A cost-benefit analysis comparing conventional renal angiography, IV and IA DSA and spot film cameras has been made in order to quantify the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques in screening for renal artery stenosis. DSA is the best modality of imaging, using very little films, easy to archive, with a spatial resolution inferior to conventional angiography but partially compensated by contrast resolution. The surface dose per image using a 512/512 matrix is two thirds less than a conventional film, giving thus an acceptable dose as long as technical personnel is well trained and thus the number of exposures is kept low. Spot film camera, due to its excellent spatial resolution, its low radiation dose and its low price, can also be used as a screening procedure but requires an arterial injection. DSA has furthermore the advantage of quantifying renal artery stenosis making future percutaneous transluminal angioplasty easier

MR angiography in the diagnosis of tumors in the head and neck

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vogl, T.J.; Balzer, J.O.; Juergens, M.; Lissner, J.; Grevers, G.

1992-01-01

40 normal individuals and 153 patients with lesions in the head and neck were examined by conventional imaging methods and by means of MR angiography (1.5 Tesla Magnetome). The problems to be solved concerned the ralationship between tumors and vessels and vascular anomalies and abnormalities at the skull base (56 cases), the facial skeleton (62 cases) and the neck (35 cases). Digital subtraction angiography was performed in 54 patients and the findings corelated with MR angiography. Optimal results were obtained by using a FISP 3D sequence; in this way arterial structures could be rendered reproducibly down to a diameter of 2 mm. The venous system in the head and neck was best shown by a FLASH 2D sequence. Correlation with arterial DSA showed high accuracy of MR angiography (91%) concerning displacement of vessels, the topography and the recognition of vascular occlusions. Our results indicate that MR angiography is a rapid and reliable procedure for evaluating the arterial and venous changes due to tumors in the head and neck region. (orig.) [de

Ischemic lesions related to cerebral angiography: Evaluation by diffusion weighted MR imaging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kato, Koki; Tomura, Noriaki; Takahashi, Satoshi; Sakuma, Ikuo; Watarai, Jiro

2003-01-01

We examined the incidence of ischemic lesions occurring after cerebral angiography by means of diffusion weighted MR imaging (DWI). Fifty patients were included in this study. Balloon occlusion tests of the internal carotid artery were performed in 9 of the 50 patients. DWI was performed on the same day as the cerebral angiography or on the following day. No new neurological deficits were found after cerebral angiography. However, 13 of the 50 cases revealed new ischemic lesions after cerebral angiography. The incidence of ischemic lesions was significantly different between patients who underwent balloon occlusion tests and patients who did not. The incidence of ischemic lesions was not influenced by the duration of the procedure, use of additional catheters, total amount of contrast material or the type of contrast material. The incidence of clinically silent ischemic lesions related to cerebral angiography is greater than the incidence of neurological complications. In patients who underwent occlusion tests of the internal carotid artery, the incidence of silent lesions was significantly higher than in patients who did not. (orig.)

CT angiography after carotid artery stenting: assessment of the utility of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction and model-based iterative reconstruction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kuya, Keita; Shinohara, Yuki; Fujii, Shinya; Ogawa, Toshihide [Tottori University, Division of Radiology, Department of Pathophysiological Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Yonago (Japan); Sakamoto, Makoto; Watanabe, Takashi [Tottori University, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yonago (Japan); Iwata, Naoki; Kishimoto, Junichi [Tottori University, Division of Clinical Radiology Faculty of Medicine, Yonago (Japan); Kaminou, Toshio [Osaka Minami Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Osaka (Japan)

2014-11-15

Follow-up CT angiography (CTA) is routinely performed for post-procedure management after carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, the stent lumen tends to be underestimated because of stent artifacts on CTA reconstructed with the filtered back projection (FBP) technique. We assessed the utility of new iterative reconstruction techniques, such as adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), for CTA after CAS in comparison with FBP. In a phantom study, we evaluated the differences among the three reconstruction techniques with regard to the relationship between the stent luminal diameter and the degree of underestimation of stent luminal diameter. In a clinical study, 34 patients who underwent follow-up CTA after CAS were included. We compared the stent luminal diameters among FBP, ASIR, and MBIR, and performed visual assessment of low attenuation area (LAA) in the stent lumen using a three-point scale. In the phantom study, stent luminal diameter was increasingly underestimated as luminal diameter became smaller in all CTA images. Stent luminal diameter was larger with MBIR than with the other reconstruction techniques. Similarly, in the clinical study, stent luminal diameter was larger with MBIR than with the other reconstruction techniques. LAA detectability scores of MBIR were greater than or equal to those of FBP and ASIR in all cases. MBIR improved the accuracy of assessment of stent luminal diameter and LAA detectability in the stent lumen when compared with FBP and ASIR. We conclude that MBIR is a useful reconstruction technique for CTA after CAS. (orig.)

CT angiography after carotid artery stenting: assessment of the utility of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction and model-based iterative reconstruction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuya, Keita; Shinohara, Yuki; Fujii, Shinya; Ogawa, Toshihide; Sakamoto, Makoto; Watanabe, Takashi; Iwata, Naoki; Kishimoto, Junichi; Kaminou, Toshio

2014-01-01

Follow-up CT angiography (CTA) is routinely performed for post-procedure management after carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, the stent lumen tends to be underestimated because of stent artifacts on CTA reconstructed with the filtered back projection (FBP) technique. We assessed the utility of new iterative reconstruction techniques, such as adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), for CTA after CAS in comparison with FBP. In a phantom study, we evaluated the differences among the three reconstruction techniques with regard to the relationship between the stent luminal diameter and the degree of underestimation of stent luminal diameter. In a clinical study, 34 patients who underwent follow-up CTA after CAS were included. We compared the stent luminal diameters among FBP, ASIR, and MBIR, and performed visual assessment of low attenuation area (LAA) in the stent lumen using a three-point scale. In the phantom study, stent luminal diameter was increasingly underestimated as luminal diameter became smaller in all CTA images. Stent luminal diameter was larger with MBIR than with the other reconstruction techniques. Similarly, in the clinical study, stent luminal diameter was larger with MBIR than with the other reconstruction techniques. LAA detectability scores of MBIR were greater than or equal to those of FBP and ASIR in all cases. MBIR improved the accuracy of assessment of stent luminal diameter and LAA detectability in the stent lumen when compared with FBP and ASIR. We conclude that MBIR is a useful reconstruction technique for CTA after CAS. (orig.)

Subjective and objective image differences in pediatric computed tomography cardiac angiography using lower iodine concentration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hwang, Jae-Yeon; Choo, Ki Seok; Choi, Yoon Young; Kim, Jin Hyeok; Ryu, Hwaseong; Kim, Yong-Woo; Jeon, Ung Bae; Nam, Kyung Jin; Han, Junhee

2017-01-01

Several recent studies showed the optimal contrast enhancement with a low-concentration and iso-osmolar contrast media in both adult and pediatric patients. However, low contrast media concentrations are not routinely used due to concerns of suboptimal enhancement of cardiac structures and small vessels. To evaluate the feasibility of using iso-osmolar contrast media containing a low iodine dose for CT cardiac angiography at 80 kilovolts (kVp) in neonates and infants. The iodixanol 270 group consisted of 79 CT scans and the iopromide 370 group of 62 CT scans in patients ≤1 year old. Objective measurement of the contrast enhancement was analyzed and contrast-to-noise ratios of the ascending aorta and left ventricle were calculated. Regarding subjective measurement, a four-point scale system was devised to evaluate degrees of contrast enhancement, image noise, motion artifact and overall image quality of each image set. Reader performance for correctly differentiating iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 by visual assessment was evaluated. Group objective and subjective measurements were nonsignificantly different. Overall sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for correctly differentiating iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 by visual assessment were 42.8%, 59%, and 50%, respectively. The application of iodixanol 270 achieved optimal enhancement for performing pediatric cardiac CT angiography at 80 kVp in neonates and infants. Objective measurements of contrast enhancement and subjective image quality assessments were not statistically different in the iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 groups. (orig.)

Subjective and objective image differences in pediatric computed tomography cardiac angiography using lower iodine concentration

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hwang, Jae-Yeon [Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Department of Radiology, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Korea, Republic of); Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Korea, Republic of); Choo, Ki Seok; Choi, Yoon Young; Kim, Jin Hyeok; Ryu, Hwaseong; Kim, Yong-Woo; Jeon, Ung Bae; Nam, Kyung Jin [Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Department of Radiology, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Korea, Republic of); Han, Junhee [Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Division of Biostatistics, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Korea, Republic of)

2017-05-15

Several recent studies showed the optimal contrast enhancement with a low-concentration and iso-osmolar contrast media in both adult and pediatric patients. However, low contrast media concentrations are not routinely used due to concerns of suboptimal enhancement of cardiac structures and small vessels. To evaluate the feasibility of using iso-osmolar contrast media containing a low iodine dose for CT cardiac angiography at 80 kilovolts (kVp) in neonates and infants. The iodixanol 270 group consisted of 79 CT scans and the iopromide 370 group of 62 CT scans in patients ≤1 year old. Objective measurement of the contrast enhancement was analyzed and contrast-to-noise ratios of the ascending aorta and left ventricle were calculated. Regarding subjective measurement, a four-point scale system was devised to evaluate degrees of contrast enhancement, image noise, motion artifact and overall image quality of each image set. Reader performance for correctly differentiating iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 by visual assessment was evaluated. Group objective and subjective measurements were nonsignificantly different. Overall sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for correctly differentiating iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 by visual assessment were 42.8%, 59%, and 50%, respectively. The application of iodixanol 270 achieved optimal enhancement for performing pediatric cardiac CT angiography at 80 kVp in neonates and infants. Objective measurements of contrast enhancement and subjective image quality assessments were not statistically different in the iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 groups. (orig.)

Diagnosis of arterial sequestration using multidetector CT angiography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu Hong, E-mail: yuhong.2002@hotmail.com [Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003 (China); Li Huimin, E-mail: lihuiminphd@163.com [Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003 (China); Liu Shiyuan, E-mail: cjr.liushiyuan@vip.163.com [Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003 (China); Xiao Xiangsheng, E-mail: cjr.xxsh@vip.163.com [Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003 (China)

2010-11-15

Background: Arterial sequestration is a rare congenital disorder. The diagnostic evaluation of this condition using multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) has not been described previously. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristic features of this disorder and to assess the use of MDCT in visualizing the characteristic anatomic features. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven patients with anomalous systemic blood supply to left lower lobe of the lung. All the patients had undergone MDCT angiography. To evaluate the lung parenchyma, bronchial branching pattern, and vascular anatomy, four series of images were systematically reconstructed as follows: contiguous transverse CT scans viewed at mediastinal and pulmonary window settings, oblique coronal and sagittal maximum intensity projections (MIP), multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), and three-dimensional volume-rendered images (VR) of airway and thoracic vascular structures. Results: All 7 cases had isolated and tortuous arterial anatomy from the descending thoracic aorta to the basal segment of the left lower lobe; however, variable distribution of branches was observed. Characteristic findings of anomalous systemic arterial (ASA) supply were distinct from those seen in other pulmonary sequestration syndromes and were well visualized by the use of noninvasive MDCT. Conclusion: Complex CT findings allow clear imaging of arterial sequestration and the ASA blood supply; MDCT angiography has demonstrated its value and accuracy in diagnosing this condition, obviating the use of digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography for the diagnosis of arterial sequestration.

Diagnosis of arterial sequestration using multidetector CT angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Hong; Li Huimin; Liu Shiyuan; Xiao Xiangsheng

2010-01-01

Background: Arterial sequestration is a rare congenital disorder. The diagnostic evaluation of this condition using multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) has not been described previously. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristic features of this disorder and to assess the use of MDCT in visualizing the characteristic anatomic features. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven patients with anomalous systemic blood supply to left lower lobe of the lung. All the patients had undergone MDCT angiography. To evaluate the lung parenchyma, bronchial branching pattern, and vascular anatomy, four series of images were systematically reconstructed as follows: contiguous transverse CT scans viewed at mediastinal and pulmonary window settings, oblique coronal and sagittal maximum intensity projections (MIP), multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), and three-dimensional volume-rendered images (VR) of airway and thoracic vascular structures. Results: All 7 cases had isolated and tortuous arterial anatomy from the descending thoracic aorta to the basal segment of the left lower lobe; however, variable distribution of branches was observed. Characteristic findings of anomalous systemic arterial (ASA) supply were distinct from those seen in other pulmonary sequestration syndromes and were well visualized by the use of noninvasive MDCT. Conclusion: Complex CT findings allow clear imaging of arterial sequestration and the ASA blood supply; MDCT angiography has demonstrated its value and accuracy in diagnosing this condition, obviating the use of digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography for the diagnosis of arterial sequestration.

[Evaluation of diabetic microangiopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography].

Science.gov (United States)

Czakó, Cecília; Sándor, Gábor László; Ecsedy, Mónika; Szepessy, Zsuzsanna; Borbándy, Ágnes; Resch, Miklós; Papp, András; Récsán, Zsuzsa; Horváth, Hajnalka; Nagy, Zoltán Zsolt; Kovács, Illés

2018-02-01

Optical coherence tomography angiography is a non-invasive imaging technique that is able to visualize the different retinal vascular layers using motion contrast to detect blood flow without intravenous dye injection. This method might help to assess microangiopathy in diabetic retinopathy during screening and follow-up. To quantify retinal microvasculature alterations in both eyes of diabetic patients in relation to systemic risk factors using optical coherence tomography angiography. Both eyes of 36 diabetic patients and 45 individuals without diabetes were examined. Duration of diabetes, insulin therapy, blood pressure, HbA 1c , dyslipidemia, axial length and the presence of diabetic retinopathy were recorded. Retinal vessel density was measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. The effect of risk factors on vessel density and between-eye asymmetry was assessed using multivariable regression analysis. Vessel density was significantly lower and between-eye difference was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to controls (pdiabetes duration (pdiabetic retinopathy compared to control subjects (pdiabetes compared to healthy subjects. By using optical coherence tomography angiography, the detection of these microvascular alterations is possible before clinically detectable diabetic retinopathy and might serve as a useful tool in both screening and timing of treatment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(8): 320-326.

Neurologic complications of cerebral angiography in childhood moyamoya syndrome

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Robertson, R.L.; Chavali, R.V.; Robson, C.D.; Barnes, P.D.; Burrows, P.E.; Eldredge, E.A.; Scott, R.M.

1998-01-01

Purpose. To determine the incidence of neurologic complications of cerebral angiography in children with moyamoya syndrome (MMS) as compared to children without MMS. Materials and methods. One-hundred-ninety consecutive cerebral angiograms obtained in 152 children were evaluated. Sixty of these angiograms were obtained in 40 children with MMS. Patients underwent neurologic evaluation prior to and after the procedure. For this study, a neurologic complication was defined as any new focal neurologic deficit or alteration in mental status occurring during the procedure or within the ensuing 24 hours. Results. There were 2 neurologic complications within 24 hours of angiography, one in the MMS group and one in the non-MMS group. One patient with MMS became mute following angiography. The symptom resolved within 12 hours. One patient without MMS being examined postoperatively for residual arteriovenous malformation developed intracranial hemorrhage requiring reexploration 12 hours after the angiogram. Using a two-tail Fisher's exact test, there was no significant statistical difference in the ischemic (P = 0.3) or hemorrhagic (P = 1.0) complication rates between the group of patients with MMS and the non-MMS groups. Conclusion. The risk of a neurologic complication from cerebral angiography in children with MMS is low and not statistically different from the risk in children with other cerebrovascular disorders. (orig.)

Clinical application of pelvic MR angiography for gynecologic diseases

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ohnishi, Takeshi [Saint Marianna Univ., Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Japan). School of Medicine

1996-08-01

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the second most important method next to the ultrasound for the diagnosis of gynecological disorders. MR angiography provides a new noninvasive method for evaluating vascular occlusive disease of the lower extremities and the branches of abdominal aorta. To our knowledge, no determinant of efficacy of MR angiography and images of gynecological diseases have yet been made. Maximum intensity projection image was obtained from the data set by the three dimensional contrast enhanced MR angiography (3D-CE MRA) with newly designed fat suppression method. MR angiogram reveals well visualization of lower abdominal aorta and its branches. Furthermore, uterine arteries were identified in 49.3% of the cases, branching from the internal iliac artery. Leiomyoma of the uterus showed an enhanced uterus in 53.7% of the eases. All cases of endometriosis demonstrated a homogeneous, high signal intensity being a specific finding. In conclusion, maximum intensity projection image of pelvis showed a good visualization of the lower abdominal aorta and its branches. Uterine artery and, in a few cases, ovarian artery can be demonstrated on MR angiography. All cases of endometriosis showed a significant, high signal intensity. This technique is noninvasive and be a supplementary method for diagnosis and follow up of vasculature of gynecological disorders. (author)

Clinical application of pelvic MR angiography for gynecologic diseases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohnishi, Takeshi

1996-01-01

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the second most important method next to the ultrasound for the diagnosis of gynecological disorders. MR angiography provides a new noninvasive method for evaluating vascular occlusive disease of the lower extremities and the branches of abdominal aorta. To our knowledge, no determinant of efficacy of MR angiography and images of gynecological diseases have yet been made. Maximum intensity projection image was obtained from the data set by the three dimensional contrast enhanced MR angiography (3D-CE MRA) with newly designed fat suppression method. MR angiogram reveals well visualization of lower abdominal aorta and its branches. Furthermore, uterine arteries were identified in 49.3% of the cases, branching from the internal iliac artery. Leiomyoma of the uterus showed an enhanced uterus in 53.7% of the eases. All cases of endometriosis demonstrated a homogeneous, high signal intensity being a specific finding. In conclusion, maximum intensity projection image of pelvis showed a good visualization of the lower abdominal aorta and its branches. Uterine artery and, in a few cases, ovarian artery can be demonstrated on MR angiography. All cases of endometriosis showed a significant, high signal intensity. This technique is noninvasive and be a supplementary method for diagnosis and follow up of vasculature of gynecological disorders. (author)

Clinical application of iopamidol (pamiray 300) for cerebral angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, Sung Ho; Suh, Sang Hyun; Kim, Jin Na; Kim, Eung Yeop; Kim, Dong Joon; Lee, Seung Koo; Kim, Dong Ik

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical safety and efficacy of Pamiray 300 (Iopamidol; Dongkook Pharm, Seoul, Korea) as a nonionic contrast medium for cerebral angiography. One hundred patients undergoing cerebral angiography were randomly assigned to receive Pamiray 300 after written consent had been obtained. Patients with adverse reactions were divided into two groups. One group consisted of patients with minor adverse events such as heat sensation and pain, and the other group consisted of patients with major adverse events such as dyspnea, laryngeal edema and shock. The qualities of the radiographic images were stratified into five grades by three independent radiologists. No abnormality induced by Pamiray 300 was seen by a physical and neurological examination, blood pressure measurement, electrocardiogram, respiration rate measurement and partial fraction of arterial oxygen recording. No major and severe adverse events occurred throughout the study. Patient sex, age, disease category, underlying disease and administered contrast dosage showed no statistical significance with regards to the occurrence of adverse events. The opacification of blood vessels in all patients was 'good' or 'excellent'. Based on the results of this study, Pamiray 300 is a safe, efficacious and well-tolerated contrast medium for use in cerebral angiography. Thus, Pamiray 300 can be used as a competitive medium in cerebral angiography

Post-mortem CT-coronary angiography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pøhlsgaard, Camilla; Leth, Peter Mygind

2007-01-01

post-mortem coronary angiography and computerized tomography.  We describe how to prepare and inject the contrast medium, and how to establish a CT-protocol that optimizes spatial resolution, low contrast resolution and noise level. Testing of the method on 6 hearts, showed that the lumen...

Emissivity model of steel 430 during the growth of oxide layer at 800-1100 K and 1.5 μm

Science.gov (United States)

Xing, Wei; Shi, Deheng; Sun, Jinfeng; Zhu, Zunlue

2018-01-01

This work studied the variation in spectral emissivity with growth of oxide layer at the different temperatures. For this reason, we measured the normal spectral emissivity during the growth of oxide layer on the sample surface at a wavelength of 1.5 μm over a temperature range 800-1100 K. In the experiment, the temperature was measured by the two thermocouples, which were symmetrically welded onto the front surface of specimens. The average of their readings was regarded as the true temperature. The detector should be perpendicular to the specimen surface as accurately as possible. The variation in spectral emissivity with growth of oxide layer was evaluated at a certain temperature. Altogether 11 emissivity models were evaluated. The conclusion was gained that the more the number of parameters used in the models was, the better the fitting accuracy became. On the whole, all the PEE models, the four-parameter LEE model and the five-parameter PFE, PLE and LEE models could be employed to well fit this kind of variation. The variation in spectral emissivity with temperature was determined at a certain thickness of oxide film. Almost all the models studied in this paper could be used to accurately evaluate this variation. The approximate models of spectral emissivity as a function of temperature and oxide-layer thickness were proposed. The strong oscillations of spectral emissivity were observed, which were affirmed to arise from the interference effect between the two radiations stemming from the oxide layer and from the substrate. The uncertainties in the temperature of steel 430 generated only by the surface oxidization were approximately 4.1-10.7 K in this experiment.

Comparison of digital subtraction angiography with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thornton, J.; O'Callaghan, J.; Varghese, J.C.; Lee, M.J.; Walshe, J.; O'Brien, E.

1999-01-01

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a treatable cause of hypertension and renal failure for which no ideal screening technique is currently available. We evaluated the use of dynamic gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the diagnosis of RAS. Sixty-two patients with secondary hypertension were enrolled in the study. All patients had conventional renal angiography and gadolinium enhanced MRA. The sequence used was a 3D FMP SPGR sequence with the following parameters (TR: 26 ms, TE: 6.9 ms, flip angle 40 , field of view 36 x 36 cm, matrix 246 x 256, 1 excitation). Gadolinium 0.3 mmol/kg was administered and 60 1.5-mm-thick partitions were obtained over a duration of 3.5 min. The MRA images were then compared with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. Conventional DSA demonstrated 138 renal arteries, whereas gadolinium-enhanced MRA demonstrated 129 (93 %). Twenty-one renal artery stenoses and four occluded arteries were seen at conventional DSA. Gadolinium-enhanced MRA had a sensitivity of 88 %, specificity of 98 %, accuracy of 96 %, positive predictive value of 92 % and negative predictive value of 97 % when compared with conventional DSA. Gadolinium-enhanced MRA is an accurate technique for identifying patients with RAS. It is less sensitive in picking up accessory renal arteries. (orig.)

Feasibility of 320-row area detector CT coronary angiography using 40 mL of contrast material: assessment of image quality and diagnostic accuracy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Rihyeon; Park, Eun-Ah; Lee, Whal; Chung, Jin Wook [Seoul National University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2016-11-15

To assess the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of 320-row area detector CT (320-ADCT) coronary angiography using 40 mL of contrast material in comparison with 60-mL protocol. This retrospective study included 183 patients who underwent 320-ADCT coronary angiography using 40 mL of contrast and additional 183 sex- and body mass index-matched patients using 60 mL of contrast constituting the control group. Both groups used the same 5-mL/sec injection rate. Quantitative image quality measurements and diagnostic accuracies were calculated and compared. Mean attenuation and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at the aorta and all coronary arteries were lower in the 40-mL group than in the 60-mL group (all, p < 0.05), except for the CNR at proximal coronary arteries at 100 kVp (p = 0.073). However, the proportion of coronary segments with vessel attenuation >250 HU was not different between groups (all, p > 0.05), except for distal coronary arteries at 80 kVp (p = 0.001). Furthermore, there were no differences in per-patient and per-segment diagnostic accuracies between the groups (all, p > 0.05). 320-ADCT coronary angiography using 40 mL of contrast showed image quality and diagnostic accuracy comparable to the 60-mL protocol, demonstrating the clinical feasibility of lowering the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy through contrast volume reduction. (orig.)

Evaluation of intracranial arteriovenous malformations before and after embolization with dynamic MR digital subtraction angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Shuang; Feng Xiaoyuan; Baleriaux, D.; Metens, T.

2005-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility and accuracy of dynamic MR digital subtraction angiography (MR-DSA) in the detection of intracranial arteriovenous malformations before and after embolization. Methods: A prospective blinded comparison of MR-DSA, 3D contrast-enhanced T 1 -weighted MR angiography (3D-CEMRA), proton-weighted imaging and conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were underwent in 22 consecutive AVMs patients before and after embolization. Two readers independently interpreted images and compared with DSA images. Results: There was complete agreement between MR-DSA and DSA for classification and size of nidus before and after embolization in all cases. MR-DSA showed the modified hemodynamic features (the time of nidus, early venous enhancement delayed after carotid arteries appearance) in 17 cases, and nidus size were reduced in 13 cases (including 4 complete embolized cases) after embolization, which were 100% consistence compared with DSA. MR-DSA failed to depict 1 intranidal aneurysm and missed 1 less dilated artery and draining vein after embolization respectively, which were demonstrated clearly by 3D-CEMRA confirmed with DSA. The relatively more or less hyperintensity could be seen on proton-weighted imaging in all cases after embolization than before. Conclusion: MR-DSA is a fast, efficient, and noninvasive technique to provide hemodynamic information relevant for AVMs before and after embolization. Proton imaging is sensitive in delineation of the embolized region, MR-DSA, 3D-CEMRA and proton-weighted imaging should be combined in the evaluation and follow-up AVMs after partial embolization. (authors)

High-resolution dynamic angiography using flat-panel volume CT: feasibility demonstration for neuro and lower limb vascular applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mehndiratta, Amit; Rabinov, James D.; Grasruck, Michael; Liao, Eric C.; Crandell, David; Gupta, Rajiv

2015-01-01

This paper evaluates a prototype flat-panel volume CT (fpVCT) for dynamic in vivo imaging in a variety of neurovascular and lower limb applications. Dynamic CTA was performed on 12 patients (neuro = 8, lower limb = 4) using an fpVCT with 120 kVp, 50 mA, rotation time varying from 8 to 19 s, and field of view of 25 x 25 x 18 cm 3 . Four-dimensional data sets (i.e. 3D images over time) were reconstructed and reviewed. Dynamic CTA demonstrated sufficient spatio-temporal resolution to elucidate first-pass and recirculation dynamics of contrast bolus through neurovasclar pathologies and phasic blood flow though lower-limb vasculature and grafts. The high spatial resolution of fpVCT resulted in reduced partial volume and metal beam-hardening artefacts. This facilitated assessment of vascular lumen in the presence of calcified plaque and evaluation of fractures, especially in the presence of fixation hardware. Evaluation of arteriovenous malformation using dynamic fpVCT angiography was of limited utility. Dynamic CTA using fpVCT can visualize time-varying phenomena in neuro and lower limb vascular applications and has sufficient diagnostic imaging quality to evaluate a number of pathologies affecting these regions. (orig.)

CT angiography of intracranial arterial vessels: impact of tube voltage and contrast media concentration on image quality

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramgren, Birgitta; Holtaas, Stig; Siemund, Roger; Dept. of Radiology, Lund Univ., Lund

2012-01-01

Background Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of intracranial arteries has high demands on image quality. Important parameters influencing vessel enhancement are injection rate, concentration of contrast media and tube voltage. Purpose To evaluate the impact of an increase of contrast media concentration from 300 to 400 mg iodine/mL (mgI/mL) and the effect of a decrease of tube voltage from 120 to 90 kVp on vessel attenuation and image quality in CT angiography of intracranial arteries. Material and Methods Sixty-three patients were included into three protocol groups: Group I, 300 mgI/mL 120 kVp; Group II, 400 mgI/mL 120 kVp; Group III, 400 mgI/mL 90 kVp. Hounsfield units (HU) were measured in the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery. Image quality grading was performed regarding M1 and M2 segments, volume rendering and general image impression. Results The difference in mean HU in ICA concerning the effect of contrast media concentration was statistically significant (P = 0.03) in favor of higher concentration. The difference in ICA enhancement due to the effect of tube voltage was statistically significant (P < 0.01) in favor of lower tube voltage. The increase of contrast medium concentration raised the mean enhancement in ICA with 18% and the decrease of tube voltage raised the mean enhancement with 37%. Image quality grading showed a trend towards improved grading for higher contrast concentration and lower tube voltage. Statistically significant better grading was found for the combined effect of both measures except for general impression (P 0.01-0.05). Conclusion The uses of highly concentrated contrast media and low tube voltage are easily performed measures to improve image quality in CTA of intracranial vessel

Characterization of rat model of acute anterior uveitis using optical coherence tomography angiography

Science.gov (United States)

Choi, Woo June; Pepple, Kathryn L.; Zhi, Zhongwei; Wang, Ruikang K.

2015-03-01

Uveitis, or ocular inflammation, is a cause of severe visual impairment. Rodent models of uveitis are powerful tools used to investigate the pathological mechanisms of ocular inflammation and to study the efficacy of new therapies prior to human testing. In this paper, we report the utility of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) angiography in characterizing the inflammatory changes induced in the anterior segment of a rat model of uveitis. Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) was induced in two rats by intravitreal injection of a killed mycobacterial extract. One of them received a concurrent periocular injection of steroids to model a treatment effect. OCT imaging was performed prior to inflammation induction on day 0 (baseline), and 2 days post-injection (peak inflammation). Baseline and inflamed images were compared. OCT angiography identified swelling of the cornea, inflammatory cells in the anterior and posterior chambers, a fibrinous papillary membrane, and dilation of iris vessels in the inflamed eyes when compared to baseline images. Steroid treatment was shown to prevent the changes associated with inflammation. This is a novel application of anterior OCT imaging in animal models of uveitis, and provides a high resolution, in vivo assay for detecting and quantifying ocular inflammation and the response to new therapies.

Blunt splenic injuries in the adolescent trauma population: the role of angiography and embolization.

Science.gov (United States)

Mayglothling, Julie A; Haan, James M; Scalea, Thomas M

2011-07-01

Splenic artery embolization (SAE) improves non-operative splenic salvage rates in adults, but its utility and safety in the pediatric population is less well defined. Because adolescent trauma patients are often triaged to adult trauma centers, we were interested in evaluating SAE in this particular population. We hypothesize that angiography and embolization is a safe and effective adjunct to non-operative management in the adolescent population. A retrospective review of all patients aged 13-17 years admitted to our Level I Trauma Center with blunt splenic injury from 1997-2005 was performed. We reviewed patient demographics, operative reports, admission, and follow-up abdominal computed tomography (ACT) results, angiographic reports, and patient outcomes. A total of 97 patients were reviewed. Eighteen patients underwent immediate surgery, and 79 of the remaining patients had planned non-operative management. Of those participating in non-operative management, 35/79 (44%) were initially observed and 44/79 (56%) underwent initial angiography, 23/44 having embolization. Patients in the embolization group had an overall high grade of injury (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma mean grade 3.3, SD 0.6). The overall splenic salvage rate was 96% (76/79) in the non-operative management group; 100% splenic salvage was seen in the observational group; 100% salvage was also seen in patients with negative angiography, and 87% salvage (20/23) in the splenic artery embolization group. Splenic artery embolization may be a valuable adjunct in adolescent blunt splenic injury, especially in higher grade injuries or with evidence of splenic vascular injury on ACT. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

First results of spiral CT angiography in the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Link, J.; Mueller-Huelsbeck, S.; Brossmann, J.; Grabener, M.; Voss, C.; Heller, M.

1995-01-01

To determine the value of spiral CT angiography in Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP)-technique for evaluation of carotid artery stenosis. A comparison of the MIP technique with intraarterial DSA was done in 24 patients with 40 stenoses. Quantification of stenosis was determined according to the NASCET study: mild (0-29%), moderate (30-69%), severe (70-99%) and occlusion (100%). Totally the correlation of spiral CT angiography with DSA was 80% (r=0.93; p=0.0001). In the moderate stenosis group (r=1; p=0.1573), severe stenosis group (r=0.89; p=0.002) and the occlusion group (r=1; p=0.0009) there was a good correlation with DSA. In the mild stenosis group (r=0.55; p=0.0704) correlation of spiral CT angiography with DSA was poor. Spiral CT angiography allows an excellent delineation of calcifications. Tandem lesions and collateral flow cannot be shown with spiral CT angiography. (orig./MG) [de

Chromospheric Ca II H and K and H-alpha emission in single and binary stars of spectral types F6-M2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strassmeier, K.G.; Fekel, F.C.; Bopp, B.W.; Dempsey, R.C.; Henry, G.W.

1990-01-01

New observations of the Ca II H and K and H-epsilon region and/or the Balmer H-alpha line are presented for 100 mostly very active stars but also for weak or inactive stars with suspected activity. Correlations between chromospheric activity at Ca II H and K and H-alpha and effective surface temperature and rotation are identified, and several new stars with chromospheric Ca II H and K emission are discovered. No single activity-rotation relation can be derived for all luminosity classes, and there is clear evidence that evolved stars are generally more active than main-sequence stars of the same rotation period. Binary within the evolved stars appears to play no role, while main-sequence binary stars show generally higher levels of activity than their single counterparts. Chromospheric emission in the Ca II H and K lines depends on surface temperature in that flux declines with cooler temperature. 63 refs

Detection of hemodynamic impairment using magnetic resonance angiography in patients with internal carotid artery stenoocclusive disease. Comparison with quantitative brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hirooka, Ryonoshin; Ogasawara, Kuniaki

2008-01-01

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to acetazolamideis a key parameter in determining the severity of hemodynamic impairment in patients with major cerebral artery occlusive disease. The aim of the present study is to validate the accuracy of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for detecting hemodynamic impairment by correlating detectability of the middle cerebral artery obtained by MRA with CVR measured by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusive disease. Ninety-four patients with chronic ICA occlusion underwent single slab three-dimensional time-of-flight MRA and SPECT. SPECT-CVR was calculated by measured cerebral blood flow before and after acetazolamide challenge. CVR was significantly lower in patients without detection of any portion (M1, M2 or M3) of the MCA than in those with detection of all portions. When SPECT-CVR lower than the mean- 2 standard deviation (SD) obtained in normal subjects was defined as reduced and the SPECT-CVR was assumed as the true determinant of hemodynamic impairment, MRA provided 92% sensitivity and 73% specificity, with 96% negative predictive value for detecting patients with reduced CVR. The present MRA method is effective for the identification of patients with hemodynamic impairment. (author)

MR inflow angiography for the evaluation of dural sinus patency

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Poncelet, B.; Baleriaux, D.; Grand, C.; Van Dijk, P.; De Graaf, R.; Segebarth, C.

1990-01-01

This paper assesses dural sinus patency with two-dimensional inflow MR angiography. Twelve patients with potential dural sinus (superior sagittal and transverse sinus) involvement related to tumors of the falx or the convexity (meningiomas, metastasis) were examined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), Mr imaging (1.5-T Gyroscan system), including T1-weighted (pre- and post-agadolinium) and T2-weighted spin-echo imaging, and MR angiography. For the MR angiographic study, a gradient-echo fast field echo sequence with flow compensation was used. Thin (2-mm), contiguous coronal or transverse sections were acquired sequentially. Three-dimensional reconstruction with MIP processing was then performed. CT, DSA, and MR imaging were performed for presurgical evaluation. Surgical confirmation of sinus patency was obtained for all patients

Multidetector CT angiography of renal vasculature: normal anatomy and variants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tuerkvatan, Aysel; Oezdemir, Mustafa; Cumhur, Turhan; Oelcer, Tuelay [Tuerkiye Yueksek ihtisas Hospital, Department of Radiology, Sihhiye, Ankara (Turkey)

2009-01-15

Knowledge of the variations in renal vascular anatomy is important before laparoscopic donor or partial nephrectomy and vascular reconstruction for renal artery stenosis or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Recently, multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography has become a principal imaging investigation for assessment of the renal vasculature and has challenged the role of conventional angiography. It is an excellent imaging technique because it is a fast and non-invasive tool that provides highly accurate and detailed evaluation of normal renal vascular anatomy and variants. The number, size and course of the renal arteries and veins are easily identified by MDCT angiography. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate MDCT angiographic appearance of normal anatomy and common variants of the renal vasculature. (orig.)

Multidetector CT angiography of renal vasculature: normal anatomy and variants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tuerkvatan, Aysel; Oezdemir, Mustafa; Cumhur, Turhan; Oelcer, Tuelay

2009-01-01

Knowledge of the variations in renal vascular anatomy is important before laparoscopic donor or partial nephrectomy and vascular reconstruction for renal artery stenosis or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Recently, multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography has become a principal imaging investigation for assessment of the renal vasculature and has challenged the role of conventional angiography. It is an excellent imaging technique because it is a fast and non-invasive tool that provides highly accurate and detailed evaluation of normal renal vascular anatomy and variants. The number, size and course of the renal arteries and veins are easily identified by MDCT angiography. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate MDCT angiographic appearance of normal anatomy and common variants of the renal vasculature. (orig.)

Low tube voltage and low contrast material volume cerebral CT angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luo, Song; Zhang, Long Jiang; Lu, Guang Ming; Meinel, Felix G.; McQuiston, Andrew D.; Zhou, Chang Sheng; Qi, Li; Schoepf, U.J.

2014-01-01

To evaluate the image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy of low kVp and low contrast material volume cerebral CT angiography (CTA) in intracranial aneurysm detection. One hundred twenty patients were randomly divided into three groups (n = 40 for each): Group A, 70 ml iodinated contrast agent/120 kVp; group B, 30 ml/100 kVp; group C, 30 ml/80 kVp. The CT numbers, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured in the internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Subjective image quality was evaluated. For patients undergoing DSA, diagnostic accuracy of CTA was calculated with DSA as reference standard and compared. CT numbers of ICA and MCA were higher in groups B and C than in group A (P < 0.01). SNR and CNR in groups A and B were higher than in group C (both P < 0.05). There was no difference in subjective image quality among the three groups (P = 0.939). Diagnostic accuracy for aneurysm detection among these groups had no statistical difference (P = 1.00). Compared with group A, the radiation dose of groups B and C was decreased by 45 % and 74 %. Cerebral CTA at 100 or 80 kVp using 30 ml contrast agent can obtain diagnostic image quality with a low radiation dose while maintaining the same diagnostic accuracy for aneurysm detection. (orig.)

Changes in peripapillary blood vessel density in Graves' orbitopathy after orbital decompression surgery as measured by optical coherence tomography angiography.

Science.gov (United States)

Lewis, Kyle T; Bullock, John R; Drumright, Ryan T; Olsen, Matthew J; Penman, Alan D

2018-03-08

The purpose is to evaluate the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in the evaluation of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and response to orbital decompression in patients with and without dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). This was a single-center, prospective case series in a cohort of 12 patients (24 orbits) with GO and ±DON, (6 orbits) who underwent bilateral orbital decompression. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative OCT angiography of the peripapillary area. Vessel density indices were calculated in a 4.5 mm × 4.5 mm ellipsoid centered on the optic disk using split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography algorithm, producing the vessel density measurements. Mean change in vessel density indices was compared between pre- and postoperative sessions and between patients with and without DON. Patient 1, a 34-year-old male with GO and unilateral DON OD, showed a significant reduction in blood vessel density indices oculus dexter (OD) (DON eye) after decompression while a more modest reduction was found oculus sinister (OS) with the greatest change noted intrapapillary. Patient 2, a 50-year-old male with DON OU, showed worsening neuropathy following decompression OD that was confirmed by angiographic density indices. Patient 3, a 55-year-female with DON, showed a reduction in blood vessel density OD and increased density OS. Patients without DON showed overall less impressive changes in indices as compared to those with DON. Using OCT angiography, response to surgical treatment in GO orbits, more so in orbits with DON, can be demonstrated and quantified using vessel density indices with reproducibility.

Comparison of global 3-D aviation emissions datasets

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. C. Olsen

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Aviation emissions are unique from other transportation emissions, e.g., from road transportation and shipping, in that they occur at higher altitudes as well as at the surface. Aviation emissions of carbon dioxide, soot, and water vapor have direct radiative impacts on the Earth's climate system while emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO_x, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide (CO, and hydrocarbons (HC impact air quality and climate through their effects on ozone, methane, and clouds. The most accurate estimates of the impact of aviation on air quality and climate utilize three-dimensional chemistry-climate models and gridded four dimensional (space and time aviation emissions datasets. We compare five available aviation emissions datasets currently and historically used to evaluate the impact of aviation on climate and air quality: NASA-Boeing 1992, NASA-Boeing 1999, QUANTIFY 2000, Aero2k 2002, and AEDT 2006 and aviation fuel usage estimates from the International Energy Agency. Roughly 90% of all aviation emissions are in the Northern Hemisphere and nearly 60% of all fuelburn and NO_x emissions occur at cruise altitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. While these datasets were created by independent methods and are thus not strictly suitable for analyzing trends they suggest that commercial aviation fuelburn and NO_x emissions increased over the last two decades while HC emissions likely decreased and CO emissions did not change significantly. The bottom-up estimates compared here are consistently lower than International Energy Agency fuelburn statistics although the gap is significantly smaller in the more recent datasets. Overall the emissions distributions are quite similar for fuelburn and NO_x with regional peaks over the populated land masses of North America, Europe, and East Asia. For CO and HC there are relatively larger differences. There are however some distinct differences in the altitude distribution

Angiography and interventional radiology of the kidneys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hansmann, J.; Richter, G.M.; Hallscheidt, P.; Duex, M.; Noeldge, G.; Kaufmann, G.W.

1999-01-01

For imaging of renal pathology a broad spectrum of radiologic diagnostic procedures are available which are, sometimes and particularly more recently, competing among each other in their diagnostic yield and relevance. For tumorous lesions ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are performed predominantly. Angiography is no longer required with the exception of highly selected cases and in some specific preoperative workup requirements. Until recently, catheter based digital subtraction angiography has been considered as gold standard. However, non-invasive techniques such as CT-angiography and MR-angiography are evolving parallel to their quantum leap of resolutions and readiness to use. Nevertheless, well accepted criteria for quality assessement of these new modalities are still lacking. More comparison studies are urgently warranted. Despite the availability of ultrashort pulse sequences applying the T1 relaxation reduction effect of gadolinium enhanced MR techniques overestimation of renal artery stenosis still poses a substantial problem. Renal intervention implies a variety of procedures such as plain angioplasty, stent placement, embolization of traumatic and both benign and malignant tumors. These methods have emerged over the last two decades from a more experimental nature to a fully accepted treatment option. When renal artery angioplasty is embedded in an aggressive approach including stenting as an adjunct for more complex cases, renal ostial lesions and a well organized follow-up regimen its therapeutic potential for treatment of renal insufficiency, malignant hypertension, for organ preservation bears a very high potential. Provided adequate periinterventional drug regimen restenosis rates may be as low as 10%. In highly selected cases capillary embolization might be used as an alternative to nephrectomy with a similar clinical outcome. Particularly the development of superselective small caliber embolization catheters

F centers emission in KCN

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohkura, H.; Carmo, L.C.S. do; Kalinowski, H.J.; Ribeiro, S.C.

1976-01-01

The emission spectrum of F centers in KCN is reported. The temperature dependence of this emission between 62 K and 178K was measured and the energy gap between the relaxed excited state and conduction band could be determined as 070 eV. Below the antiferroelectric transition temperature at 83K a blue shift in the peak of the emission spectrum is observed due partially to the internal Stark effect

The future(s) of emission allowances

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosenzweig, K.M.; Villarreal, J.A.

1993-01-01

The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) established a sulfur dioxide emission allowance system to be implemented by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under the two-phase implementation of the program, electric utilities responsible for approximately 70 percent of SO 2 emissions in the United States will be issued emission allowances, each representing authorization to emit one ton of sulfur dioxide during a specified calendar year or a later year. Allowances will be issued to utilities with electric-generating units affected by the CAAA limits, as well as to certain entities which may choose to opt-in to the program. Each utility or other emission source must hold a number of allowances at least equal to its total SO 2 emissions during any given year. Unused allowances may be sold, traded, or held in inventory for use against SO 2 emissions in future years. Anyone can buy and hold allowances, including affected utilities, non-utility companies, SO 2 allowances brokers and dealers, environmental groups, and individuals. During Phase I of the program, allowances equivalent to approximately 6.4 million tons of SO 2 emissions will be allocated annually to a group of 110 large, high-SO 2 -emitting power plants. In Phase II, virtually all power-generating utilities (representing approximately 99.4 percent of total US utility emissions) will be subject to the program. The number of allowances issued will increase to approximately 8.9 million a year, with certain special allocations raising the actual number issued to 9.48 million between the years 2000 to 2009, and 8.95 million yearly thereafter. Thus, the CAAA goal of annual emissions of 9 million tons should be achieved by 2010, when virtually all US emission sources will be participating in the program