The healthcare industry is predominantly moving towards affordable, accessible, and quality health care. All organizations are striving to build communication compatibility among the wide range of devices that have operated independently. Recent developments in electronic devices have boosted the research in the medical imaging field. It incorporates several medical imaging techniques and achieves an important goal for health improvement all over the world. Despite the significant advances in high-resolution medical instruments, physicians cannot always obtain the full amount of information directly from the equipment outputs, and a large amount of data cannot be easily exploited without a computer. Machine Learning and AI Techniques in Interactive Medical Image Analysis discusses how clinical efficiency can be improved by investigating the different types of intelligent techniques and systems to get more reliable and accurate diagnostic conclusions. This book further introduces segmentation techniques to locate suspicious areas in medical images and increase the segmentation accuracy. Covering topics such as computer-aided detection, intelligent techniques, and machine learning, this premier reference source is a dynamic resource for IT specialists, computer scientists, diagnosticians, imaging specialists, medical professionals, hospital administrators, medical students, medical technicians, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Recent advances in technology have opened up new possibilities in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrospinal vascular diseases. It is now possible to use magnetic resonance imaging to map brain function and metabolism as an aid to diagnosis. Novel applications of magnetic resonance angiography allow three-dimensional imaging, and the magnetization transfer contrast technique gives us a new window on cerebral vascular function. This volume presents work in all these fields as well as previewing the techniques of endovascular surgery for cerebrospinal vascular diseases. These include modern stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations and for angiographically occult vascular malformations of the brain. This book presents an overview of the latest applications of technology to this rapidly developing and challenging field.

The sixteen chapters included in this book were written by invited experts of international recognition and address important issues in Medical Image Processing and Computational Vision, including: Object Recognition, Object Detection, Object Tracking, Pose Estimation, Facial Expression Recognition, Image Retrieval, Data Mining, Automatic Video Understanding and Management, Edges Detection, Image Segmentation, Modelling and Simulation, Medical thermography, Database Systems, Synthetic Aperture Radar and Satellite Imagery.

Different applications are addressed and described throughout the book, comprising: Object Recognition and Tracking, Facial Expression Recognition, Image Database, Plant Disease Classification, Video Understanding and Management, Image Processing, Image Segmentation, Bio-structure Modelling and Simulation, Medical Imaging, Image Classification, Medical Diagnosis, Urban Areas Classification, Land Map Generation.

The book brings together the current state-of-the-art in the various multi-disciplinary solutions for Medical Image Processing and Computational Vision, including research, techniques, applications and new trends contributing to the development of the related areas.

Cardiac ultrasound has rapidly developed into one of the most important clinical methods for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with heart disease and has changed the practice of cardiology permanently. In addition to improving image quality, most of the progress relies on digital image acquisition, storage, and quantitative analysis equipment. Automatic endocardial detection and three- dimensional reconstruction are now being developed. The progress with contrast echocardiography for myocardial perfusion imaging and results with tissue characterization is slow, but ever increasing, illustrating that the full potential of the method has not yet been explored. All of these digital techniques are extensively dealt with in this volume. Computerized tools will help the clinical cardiologists in their daily practice and stimulate further development to gen- uinely improve patient care in the coming years. We wish to thank the authors to this volume for their excellent contribution and Mrs. T. van der Kolk for secretarial assistance. IX Contributors F. J. ten Cate Thorax Center, Erasmus University, P. O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands R. Erbel II Medical Clinic, Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstr. 1, P. O. Box 3960, D-6500 Mainz, FRG Co-authors: R. Zotz, B. Henkel, G. Schreiner, C. Steuernagel, R. Zahn, H. Kopp, W. Clas, R. Brennecke, P. Schweizer, J. Meyer S. B. Feinstein Division of Cardiology, Box 44, University of Chicago, 950 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA D. G. Gibson Department of Cardiology, Brompton Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6HP, UK Co-author: R. B. Logan Sinclair E.

Proceedings of a workshop sponsored by the European Community and organized in Brussels, Belgium, October 1988 by the U. of Louvain Medical School, discuss problems related to the study of receptors and energy metabolism, particularly in relationship with the compartmental analysis and the modelling

Pixel detectors are a particularly important class of particle and radiation detection devices. They have an extremely broad spectrum of applications, ranging from high-energy physics to the photo cameras of everyday life. This book is a general purpose introduction into the fundamental principles of pixel detector technology and semiconductor-based hybrid pixel devices. Although these devices were developed for high-energy ionizing particles and radiation beyond visible light, they are finding new applications in many other areas. This book will therefore benefit all scientists and engineers working in any laboratory involved in developing or using particle detection.

Exploration of Cortical Function summarizes recent research efforts aiming at the revelation of cortical population coding and signal processing strategies. Topics include optical detection techniques of population activity in the sub-millimeter range, advanced methods for the statistical analysis of these data, and biologically inspired neuronal modeling techniques for population activities in the frameworks of optimal coding, statistical learning theory, and mean-field recurrent networks.

Exploration of Cortical Function is unique in that it covers one complete branch of population-based brain research ranging from techniques for data acquisition over data analysis up to modeling techniques for the quantification of functional principles. The volume covers an area which is of great current interest to researchers working on cerebral cortex. The combination of models and image analysis techniques to examine the activity of large cohorts of neurons is especially intriguing and prone to considerable error and debate.

The intended readership is students and researchers from many disciplines, including neuroscience, biology, physics, and computer science, interested in how an interdisciplinary framework from biology advanced statistics and computational neuroscience can be used to gather a quantitative understanding of cortical function. Experimentalists may gain insight into statistical and neuronal modeling techniques, whereas theoreticians will find an introductory treatment of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and measurement techniques.

A half century after its invention, and after several waves of optimism and pessimism, holography is now poised to achieve widespread application. Holograms are now being used as tools in many industries, from heads-up displays in aircraft to directing interconnections in massively parallel computing. Acoustic holograms can provide three-dimensional images of internal organs without surgery or dangerous radiation, and holography forms the basis of several other forms of nondestructive testing. This book provides both a review of the development of the field and of the applications likely to be important in the 21st century. It begins with a review by Emmett Leith, one of the inventors of holography - or re-inventors, after Denis Gabor's original work in 1947. Two chapters discuss the frontiers of holographic imaging, including color holograms and stereographic movies. Several subsequent chapters describe novel methods of forming and viewing holographic images, including the use of low-coherence sources or even computers to generate the holograms. The book concludes with a sampling of new applications of holography, including its uses in improving the efficiency of solar cells, in nondestructive testing, in improving the coherence properties of light, in data storage, and in investigations of fundamental physics.

This volume gives a survey on mathematical and computational methods in image registration. During the last year sophisticated numerical models for registration and efficient numerical methods have been proposed. Many of them are contained in this volume. The book also summarizes the state-of-the-art in mathematical and computational methods in image registration. In addition, it covers some practical applications and new directions with industrial relevance in data processing.

The present work is the second in a series constituting an extension of my doctoral thesis done at Stanford in the early 1970s. Like the earlier work, The Reciprocal Modular Brain in Economics and Politics, Shaping the Rational and Moral Basis ofOrganization, Exchange, and Choice (Plenum Publishing, 1999), it may also be considered to respond to the call for consilience by Edward O. Wilson. I agree with Wilson that there is a pressing need in the sciences today for the unification of the social with the natural sciences. I consider the present work to proceed from the perspective of behavioral ecology, specifically a subfield which I choose to call interpersonal behavioral ecology th Ecology, as a general field, has emerged in the last quarter of the 20 century as a major theme of concern as we have become increasingly aware that we must preserve the planet whose limited resources we share with all other earthly creatures. Interpersonal behavioral ecology, however, focuses not on the physical environment, but upon our social environment. It concerns our interpersonal behavioral interactions at all levels, from simple dyadic one-to-one personal interactions to our larger, even global, social, economic, and political interactions.

In recent decades, the use of neuroimaging techniques has resulted in outstanding progress in the diagnosis and management of neurological diseases, and this is particularly true of those diseases that affect the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. This book, written by internationally acclaimed experts, comprises a series of comprehensive and up-to-date reviews on the use of MR imaging in these major neurological conditions. The diverse available MR techniques, such as magnetization transfer MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, MR spectroscopy, functional MRI, cell-specific MRI, perfusion MRI, and microscopic imaging with ultra-high field MRI, offer an extraordinarily powerful means of gaining fundamental in vivo insights into disease processes. The strengths and weaknesses of all these techniques in the study of multiple sclerosis and other relevant diseases are extensively considered. After an introductory section on neuroimaging technology, subsequent sections address disorders of myelination, demyelinating diseases, immune-mediated disorders, and white matter disorders related to aging and other conditions. This book provides a valuable summary of the state of the art in the field, and defines important areas for future research.

Computers have become an integral part of medical imaging systems and are used for everything from data acquisition and image generation to image display and analysis. As the scope and complexity of imaging technology steadily increase, more advanced techniques are required to solve the emerging challenges. Biomedical Image Analysis demonstrates the benefits reaped from the application of digital image processing, computer vision, and pattern analysis techniques to biomedical images, such as adding objective strength and improving diagnostic confidence through quantitative analysis. The book focuses on post-acquisition challenges such as image enhancement, detection of edges and objects, analysis of shape, quantification of texture and sharpness, and pattern analysis, rather than on the imaging equipment and imaging techniques. Each chapter addresses several problems associated with imaging or image analysis, outlining the typical processes, then detailing more sophisticated methods directed to the specific problems of interest. Biomedical Image Analysis is useful for senior undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineering students, practicing engineers, and computer scientists working in diverse areas such as telecommunications, biomedical applications, and hospital information systems.

The current generation of imaging nanoparticles is diverse and dependent on its myriad of applications. This book provides an overview of how these imaging particles can be designed to fulfill specific requirements for applications across different imaging modalities. It presents, for the first time, a comprehensive interdisciplinary overview of the impact nanoparticles have on biomedical imaging and is a common central resource for researchers and teachers.

Non-Invasive Imaging of Atherosclerosis is a primer, reference and review of some of the key features of current activities in the field of atherosclerosis. The Editors' goal is to provide material and stimulating ideas to basic scientists and clinical researchers in order to extend the application of vascular imaging and to further develop methods suitable for investigation of the arterial wall. The first section presents current knowledge about pathology, vascular mechanics and compensatory mechanisms active during atherogenesis. It explores the early lesion, complications of plaques and early detection of plaques. Section II reviews several key methodological issues of B-mode ultrasound imaging and some of the most current data. Quantitative B-mode ultrasound is an established non-invasive tool widely used in large epidemiologic studies and interventional clinical trials of atherosclerosis. The last section addresses the most promising areas of development in vascular imaging. This involves new techniques to evaluate the atherosclerotic bed, to follow atheroma progression/regression and to evaluate vascular mechanics in atherosclerotic arteries. The last chapter places the application of non-invasive imaging in perspective.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Despite advances and new developments in primary and secondary prevention, the prevalence of the disease and its complications remain high. Early detection has been shown to reduce significantly the risk of cardiac events such as myocardial infarction and death, while modern cardiology now provides specialists and general physicians with a variety of procedures for the assessment of IHD using noninvasive methods. This book reviews the currently available imaging techniques for the diagnosis and management of IHD. In addition, the role of cardiac imaging for the detection of viability and hibernation is discussed in detail. A series of highly illustrated cases is included on the CD-ROM to illustrate the applications and rationale behind the use of cardiac imaging for the evaluation of patients with IHD in different clinical scenarios.

Every second, users produce large amounts of image data from medical and satellite imaging systems. Image mining techniques that are capable of extracting useful information from image data are becoming increasingly useful, especially in medicine and the health sciences. Biomedical Image Analysis and Mining Techniques for Improved Health Outcomes addresses major techniques regarding image processing as a tool for disease identification and diagnosis, as well as treatment recommendation. Highlighting current research intended to advance the medical field, this publication is essential for use by researchers, advanced-level students, academicians, medical professionals, and technology developers. An essential addition to the reference material available in the field of medicine, this timely publication covers a range of applied research on data mining, image processing, computational simulation, data visualization, and image retrieval.

Intravascular ultrasound imaging (IVUS) plays very important roles in clinical cardiology. This book describes the newest advances in vascular ultrasound imaging and the surrounding technologies for high frequency vascular ultrasound imaging. Most important topics of the book are technical applications of IVUS (elasticity imaging, chromaflow...) and the basic data (vibration, acoustic microscopy) that should provide very important information to understand clinical IVUS imaging.

Image registration is the process of systematically placing separate images in a common frame of reference so that the information they contain can be optimally integrated or compared. This is becoming the central tool for image analysis, understanding, and visualization in both medical and scientific applications. Medical Image Registration provides the first comprehensive coverage of this emerging field.

This monograph details the theory, technology, and practical implementations in a variety of medical settings. International experts thoroughly explain why image registration is important, describe its applications in a nonmathematical way, and include rigorous analysis for those who plan to implement algorithms themselves. It is accessible and informative to those new to the field, yet it provides in-depth treatment for the expert. With its practical examples, extensive illustrations, and comprehensible approach, Medical Image Registration is a must have guide for medical physicists, clinicians, and researchers.

This volume is unique in reporting on strategies for the application of molecular targeted imaging agents such as antibodies, peptides, receptors and contrast agents in the biologic grading of tumors, differential diagnosis of tumors, prediction of therapeutic response and monitoring tumor response to treatment. It also includes updated information on the imaging of tumor angiogenesis, hypoxia, apoptosis and gene delivery as well as expression in the understanding and utility of tumor molecular biology for better cancer management.

Evidence-Based Imaging presents the radiologist with a user-friendly guide to the evidence-based science and the merit behind the diagnostic imaging studies performed in medicine. This book gives the reader a clinically relevant overview of epidemiology, selection of subjects for imaging, selection of imaging strategies, imaging test performance and cost, cost-effectiveness analysis, and applicability to children. Nine major areas of medical imaging are covered, with an emphasis on common diseases. These include Oncology, Neuroimaging, Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, Respiratory System, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Trauma, and Urologic.

Radiologists, clinicians, residents, and others with an interest in medical imaging and a desire to keep current with the vast amount of evidence-based literature will find this text extremely useful.

Gastrointestinal Imaging: Case Review, by Vincent Low, MD, FRANZCR, tests your ability to interpret a wide range of images seen in practice. The completely revised edition of this medical reference book in the popular Case Review Series features 200 cases organized by difficulty, making it ideal for quick reference and easy board review! Study effectively with content that mimics the new format of board exams as well as the everyday clinical experience - offering highly effective preparation for certification, recertification, and practice. Spend less time searching and more time learning with easy-to-navigate chapters focused on visual identification and diagnosis, and reorganized by degree of case difficulty and then by body part within each category. Stay current with the most recent findings and advancements in gastrointestinal radiology. Review 200 cases organized by level of difficulty, with multiple-choice questions, answers, and rationales that mimic the new format of certification and recertification exams. Effectively employ differential diagnosis procedures to distinguish among diseases and disorders with similar sonographic presentations. Alleviate exam anxiety and sharpen your clinical skills with visual guidance from entirely new high-quality, state-of-the-art images presenting a wide range of clinical situations. Challenge your knowledge of a full range of topics in gastrointestinal imaging with - 200 cases that mimic the new board format

Biomedical imaging enables physicians to evaluate areas of the body not normally visible, helping to diagnose and examine disease in patients. ""The Handbook of Research on Advanced Techniques in Diagnostic Imaging and Biomedical Applications"" includes recent state-of-the-art methodologies that introduce biomedical imaging in decision support systems and their applications in clinical practice. This ""Handbook of Research"" provides readers with an overview of the emerging field of image-guided medical and biological decision support, bringing together various research studies and highlighting future trends. It includes: 30 authoritative contributions by over 90 of the world's leading experts on diagnostic imaging and biomedical applications from 9 countries; comprehensive coverage of each specific topic, highlighting recent trends and describing the latest advances in the field; and, more than 1,200 references to existing literature and research on diagnostic imaging and biomedical applications. A compendium of over 200 key terms with detailed definitions, this book is organized by topic and indexed, making it a convenient method of reference for all IT/IS scholars and professionals. It features cross-referencing of key terms, figures, and information pertinent to diagnostic imaging and biomedical applications.