Following the pioneering discovery of alpha clustering and of molecular resonances, the field of nuclear clustering is presently one of the domains of heavy-ion nuclear physics facing both the greatest challenges and opportunities. After many summer schools and workshops, in particular over the last decade, the community of nuclear molecular physics decided to team up in producing a comprehensive collection of lectures and tutorial reviews covering the field. This first volume, gathering seven extensive lectures, covers the follow topics: * Cluster Radioactivity * Cluster States and Mean Field Theories * Alpha Clustering and Alpha Condensates * Clustering in Neutron-rich Nuclei * Di-neutron Clustering * Collective Clusterization in Nuclei * Giant Nuclear Molecules By promoting new ideas and developments while retaining a pedagogical nature of presentation throughout, these lectures will both serve as a reference and as advanced teaching material for future courses and schools in the fields of nuclear physics and nuclear astrophysics.

This comprehensive and topical volume presents a number of significant advances on many fronts in this area of research, particularly emphasizing current and future biomedical applications of electromagnetic fields.

At present, there is growing interest in high pressure bioscience and biotechnology. The activities are nearly equally distributed between fundamental research and applications. With original work on marine and terrestrial microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, deep-sea diving, food science and other industrial applications, this book covers the whole range of current high pressure bioscience. Advances in High Pressure Bioscience and Biotechnology will be welcomed by all industrial and academic researchers who are working in this field.

With every chapter revised and updated, Physics for Diagnostic Radiology, Third Edition continues to emphasise the importance of physics education as a critical component of radiology training. This bestselling text helps readers understand how various imaging techniques work, from planar analogue and digital radiology to computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, and positron emission tomography (PET) to ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

New to the Third Edition

• Material on digital receptors
• Emphasis on the differences between analogue and digital images
• Coverage of multi-slice CT and three-dimensional resolution, dual energy applications, and cone beam CT
• Special radiographic techniques, including subtraction techniques and interventional radiology
• New chapter on PET, with discussion of multi-modality imaging (PET/CT)
• Additional material on radiation doses and risks to patients
• New chapter covering picture archiving and communication system (PACS), teleradiology, networks, archiving, and related factors
• A summary of the main teaching points at the beginning of each chapter

After an introductory chapter on basic physics, the book follows the x-ray imaging process: production of x-rays, interaction with the patient, radiation measurement, the image receptor, the radiological image, and image quality assessment. It then covers more advanced x-ray techniques as well as imaging with radioactive materials. The text also focuses on radiobiology, risk and radiation protection, and imaging with non-ionising radiation. The final chapter discusses data handling in a modern, electronic radiology department.

This volume provides an overview of X-ray technology and the historical development of modern CT systems. The main focus of the book is a detailed derivation of reconstruction algorithms in 2D and modern 3D cone-beam systems. A thorough analysis of CT artifacts and a discussion of practical issues such as dose considerations give further insight into current CT systems. Although written mainly for graduate students of biomedical engineering, medical physics, medicine (radiology), mathematics, electrical engineering, and physics, practitioners in these fields will also benefit from this book.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics provides a cohesive introduction to this biological macromolecule and its many applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the fields of materials, (bio-)engineering, physics, chemistry and biology will gain an understanding of the structure and mechanical behavior of type I collagen and collagen-based tissues in vertebrates, across all length scales from the molecular (nano) to the organ (macro) level. Written in a clear and didactic manner, this volume includes current knowledge on the hierarchical structure, mechanical properties, in addition to a review of deformation and strengthening mechanisms.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics is an excellent reference for new researchers entering this area and serves as a basis for lecturing in the interdisciplinary field of biological materials science.

Edited by a renowned international expert in the field, Nuclear Medicine Physics offers an up-to-date, state-of-the-art account of the physics behind the theoretical foundation and applications of nuclear medicine. It covers important physical aspects of the methods and instruments involved in modern nuclear medicine, along with related biological topics.

The book first discusses the physics of and machines for producing radioisotopes suitable for use in conventional nuclear medicine and PET. After focusing on positron physics and the applications of positrons in medicine and biology, it describes the use of radiopharmaceuticals in molecular imaging, clinical, and research studies. The text then covers modern radiation detectors and measuring methods, including those used in nuclear imaging, as well as numerous imaging methodologies and models, such as two- and three-dimensional image reconstruction algorithms, data processing sequences, new nuclear oncology techniques, and physiological models of the central nervous system. It also introduces biological systems theory, nuclear medicine methods as systems theory procedures, and aspects of kinetic modeling. The final chapter explores dosimetry and the biological effects of ionizing radiation.

With many new developments occurring in nuclear medicine, it is important to understand how advanced approaches are being used in emerging applications. Offering invaluable insight into this growth, Nuclear Medicine Physics provides in-depth descriptions of new radiolabeled biological drugs, new cell labeling techniques, new technical concepts in radiation detection, improvements in instrumentation, and much more.

The underlying physics of magnetic resonance imaging is a topic of considerable importance since a basic understanding is necessary to accurately interpret and generate high quality MR images. Yet it can be a challenging topic in spite of the best efforts of both teachers and students of the subject. Practical MR Physics reviews the basic principles of MR using familiar language and explains the causes of common imaging artifacts and pitfalls. The book will also be a helpful guide during review of clinical cases since the reader can look up specific imaging artifacts or pitfalls in the index. Featuring over 375 high quality images, numerous case examples, and concise, clinically oriented discussion of the physics behind the images, Practical MR Physics is an ideal resource for anyone who works in the field of MR imaging.

A succinct introduction to the physics and function of magnetic resonance imaging with an emphasis on practical information. This thoroughly revised second edition is clearly structured. The underlying physical principles of the MR experiment are described and the basic pulse sequences commonly used in clinical MRI. It progresses to more advanced techniques such as parallel imaging and cardiovascular MR imaging. An extensive glossary offers rapid access to MRI terminology and will help those seeking to understand this interesting fascinating subject.

This book presents an up to date ethical framework for radiological protection in medicine. It is consistent with the requirements of the system of radiation protection and with the expectations of medical ethics. It presents an approach rooted in the medical tradition, and alert to contemporary social expectations. It provides readers with a practical framework against which they can assess the safety and acceptability of medical procedures, including patients' concerns. It will be an invaluable reference for radiologists, radiation oncologists, regulators, medical physicists, technologists, other practitioners, as well as academics, researchers and students of radiation protection in medicine. Features: An authoritative and accessible guide, authored by a team who have contributed to defining the area internationally Includes numerous practical examples/clinical scenarios that illustrate the approach, presenting a pragmatic approach, rather than dwelling on philosophical theories Informed by the latest developments in the thinking of international organizations

The first book of its kind to highlight the unique capabilities of laser-driven acceleration and its diverse potential, Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration presents the basic understanding of acceleration concepts and envisioned prospects for selected applications. As the main focus, this new book explores exciting and diverse application possibilities, with emphasis on those uniquely enabled by the laser driver that can also be meaningful and realistic for potential users. It also emphasises distinction, in the accelerator context, between laser-driven accelerated particle sources and the integrated laser-driven particle accelerator system (all-optical and hybrid versions). A key aim of the book is to inform multiple, interdisciplinary research communities of the new possibilities available and to inspire them to engage with laser-driven acceleration, further motivating and advancing this developing field. Material is presented in a thorough yet accessible manner, making it a valuable reference text for general scientific and engineering researchers who are not necessarily subject matter experts. Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration is edited by Professors Paul R. Bolton, Katia Parodi, and Joerg Schreiber from the Department of Medical Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen in Munchen, Germany. Features: Reviews the current understanding and state-of-the-art capabilities of laser-driven particle acceleration and associated energetic photon and neutron generation Presents the intrinsically unique features of laser-driven acceleration and particle bunch yields Edited by internationally renowned researchers, with chapter contributions from global experts

This book is an educational resource of evolving scientific knowledge in the area of bioelectromagnetics that may serve the interests of students and decision-makers, as well as society as a whole. It is distinguished by extensive descriptions of fundamental biophysical concepts and their relevance to human health. Reflecting the transdisciplinary approach from several different intellectual streams including physics, biology, epidemiology, medicine, environment, risk science, and engineering, the book is quite a venture into the battling studies to assess the latest research on health effects and biomedical applications of EM energy. This new edition of the book particularly looks at the potential threats from the emerging 5G wireless networks, which will deploy large numbers of low-powered smartphones, notebooks, tablets, radio access networks, and other transmitters. Features Introduces necessary biophysical principles of EM fields in the context of their interaction with living systems. Strengthens understanding of cutting-edge research on several major areas in the broad area of bioelectromagnetics. Presents safety standards and guidelines for human exposure to EM fields. Discusses techniques that have been developed to ensure adequate EM-thermal dosimetry required for both health effects and biomedical applications. Provides insight into the determinants of EM health risk assessment and public concerns. Includes extensive reference list at the end of each chapter to enhance further study. Riadh Habash is a special appointment professor and McLaughlin Research Chair in Electromagnetic Fields and Health at the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has been the recipient of many awards, including the National Wighton Fellowship Award, and has authored or co-authored over 90 research articles, six books, and five book chapters. His most recent books are Green Engineering in 2017 and Professional Practice in 2019 (CRC Press), with the remaining previous books targeting the area of bioelectromagnetics.

In the medical imaging field, clinicians and researchers are increasingly moving from the qualitative assessment of printed images to the quantitative evaluation of digital images since the quantitative techniques often improve diagnostic accuracy and complement clinical assessments by providing objective criteria. Despite this growing interest, the field lacks a comprehensive body of knowledge. Filling the need for a complete manual on these novel techniques, Quantifying Morphology and Physiology of the Human Body Using MRI presents a wide range of quantitative MRI techniques to study the morphology and physiology of the whole body, from the brain to musculoskeletal systems. Illustrating the growing importance of quantitative MRI, the book delivers an indispensable reference for readers who would like to explore in vivo MRI techniques to quantify changes in the morphology and physiology of tissues caused by various disease mechanisms. With internationally renowned experts sharing their insight on the latest developments, the book goes beyond conventional MRI contrast mechanisms to include new techniques that measure electromagnetic and mechanical properties of tissues. Each chapter offers comprehensive information on data acquisition, processing, and analysis techniques as well as clinical applications. The text organizes the techniques based on their primary use either in the brain or the body. Some of the techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, span several application areas, including brain imaging, cancer imaging, and musculoskeletal imaging. The book also covers up-and-coming quantitative techniques that explore tissue properties other than the presence of protons (or other MRI-observable nuclei) and their interactions with their environment. These novel techniques provide unique information about the electromagnetic and mechanical properties of tissues and introd

This book was first published in 2004. There is emerging interest amongst researchers from various subject areas in understanding the interplay of earthquake and volcanic occurrences, archaeology and history. This discipline has become known as archeoseismology. Ancient earthquakes often leave their mark in the myths, legends, and literary accounts of ancient peoples, the stratigraphy of their historical sites, and the structural integrity of their constructions. Such information leads to a better understanding of the irregularities in the time-space patterns of earthquake and volcanic occurrences and whether they could have been a factor contributing to some of the enigmatic catastrophes in ancient times. This book focuses on the historical earthquakes of North and South America, and describes the effects those earthquakes have had with illustrated examples of recent structural damage at archaeological sites. It is written at a level that will appeal to students and researchers in the fields of earth science, archaeology, and history.

Designed to provide those engaged in modern medical imaging with a coherent perspective of the entire discipline so that one protocol is no longer an isolated or independent mode of imaging from others, to wit: single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Introduces biomagnetic imaging as a third new modality.

Polymers are essential to biology because they can have enough stable degrees of freedom to store the molecular code of heredity and to express the sequences needed to manufacture new molecules. Through these they perform or control virtually every function in life. Although some biopolymers are created and spend their entire career in the relatively large free space inside cells or organelles, many biopolymers must migrate through a narrow passageway to get to their targeted destination. This suggests the questions: How does confining a polymer affect its behavior and function? What does that tell us about the interactions between the monomers that comprise the polymer and the molecules that confine it? Can we design and build devices that mimic the functions of these nanoscale systems? The NATO Advanced Research Workshop brought together for four days in Bikal, Hungary over forty experts in experimental and theoretical biophysics, molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and biochemistry interested in these questions. Their papers collected in this book provide insight on biological processes involving confinement and form a basis for new biotechnological applications using polymers. In his paper Edmund DiMarzio asks: What is so special about polymers? Why are polymers so prevalent in living things? The chemist says the reason is that a protein made of N amino acids can have any of 20 different kinds at each position along the chain, resulting in 20 N different polymers, and that the complexity of life lies in this variety.

Physics and Instrumentation of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Peter Fish. University of Wales -- Bangor, School of Electronic Engineering Science, and Gwynedd and Clwyd Health Authorities, Department of Medical Physics. The field of diagnostic medical ultrasound is constantly changing as new equipment and techniques are developed and refined. The use of ultrasound is increasing rapidly throughout the world and consequently a knowledge of the underlying scientific principles and instrument operation has become an essential part of medical ultrasound courses. This book provides a concise, highly illustrated description of physics and instrumentation of diagnostic medical ultrasound and includes substantial coverage of Doppler techniques and real-time instruments. It will be of great value to sonographers, radiographers, radiologists, medical physicists and technicians as an aid to the study of the clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound, and as an excellent introduction for those intending to investigate the subject in greater depth. Other Wiley Books of Related Interest Include: Doppler Ultrasound: Physics, Instrumentation, and Clinical Applications D. H. Evans, W. N. McDicken, R. Skidmore, J. P. Woodcock 1989 Clinical Magnetic Resonance: Imaging and Spectroscopy R. Andrew, G. Bydder, J. R. Griffiths, R. A. Iles, P. Styles 1990 Ultrasound Teaching Cases Volume 1 H. B. Meire, K. C. Dewbury, D. O. Cosgrove 1988 Ultrasound Teaching Cases Volume 2 K. C. Dewbury, H. B. Meire, D. O. Cosgrove 1988

This is an introductory text for students which aims to bring them up to speed ready for first-year university level physical chemistry. The text begins by looking at atoms and their structure, and goes on to study different phases of matter and relates them to forces acting between molecules. As the book progresses, it analyzes both phase and chemical equilibria, energy and kinetics, and the final section is about reactive free radicals.

In considering ways that physics has helped advance biology and medicine, what typically comes to mind are the various tools used by researchers and clinicians. We think of the optics put to work in microscopes, endoscopes, and lasers; the advanced diagnostics permitted through magnetic, x-ray, and ultrasound imaging; and even the nanotools, that allow us to tinker with molecules. We build these instruments in accordance with the closest thing to absolute truths we know, the laws of physics, but seldom do we apply those same constants of physics to the study of our own carbon-based beings, such as fluidics applied to the flow of blood, or the laws of motion and energy applied to working muscle. Instead of considering one aspect or the other, Handbook of Physics in Medicine and Biology explores the full gamut of physics' relationship to biology and medicine in more than 40 chapters, written by experts from the lab to the clinic. The book begins with a basic description of specific biological features and delves into the physics of explicit anatomical structures starting with the cell. Later chapters look at the body's senses, organs, and systems, continuing to explain biological functions in the language of physics. The text then details various analytical modalities such as imaging and diagnostic methods. A final section turns to future perspectives related to tissue engineering, including the biophysics of prostheses and regenerative medicine. The editor's approach throughout is to address the major healthcare challenges, including tissue engineering and reproductive medicine, as well as development of artificial organs and prosthetic devices. The contents are organized by organ type and biological function, which is given a clear description in terms of electric, mechanical, thermodynamic, and hydrodynamic properties. In addition to the physical descriptions, each chapter discusses principles of related clini

An innovative, three-dimensional x-ray imaging technique that enhances projection radiography by adding depth resolution, Tomosynthesis Imaging explores tomosynthesis, an emerging limited-angle tomographic imaging technology that is being considered for use in a range of clinical applications, and is currently being used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. While conventional mammography has been very successful in reducing breast cancer mortality, it is not perfect. A major limitation of mammography is that the recorded image represents the superposition of complex three-dimensional structures in the breast onto a two-dimensional plane, making detection and diagnosis of breast cancer challenging. Tomosynthesis produces quasi-three-dimensional images that can significantly enhance the visualization of important diagnostic features. This book highlights the flexibility of tomosynthesis systems for new clinical applications, and provides a detailed discussion of the tomosynthesis acquisition process and the impact of physical factors. It explores such topics as acquisition parameters, system components, modeling, image reconstruction algorithms, and system evaluation. Provides in-depth coverage of system design considerations, as well as image reconstruction strategies Describes the current state of clinical applications of tomosynthesis, including imaging of the breast and chest, as well as its use in radiotherapy Illustrates the merits of tomosynthesis imaging and its potential clinical applications in imaging of the breast and chest, as well as for radiation therapy Divided into five sections, this text delves into the history and development of tomosynthesis. It introduces tomosynthesis imaging, discusses imaging system design considerations, and reviews image reconstruction algorithms that have been developed for tomosynthesis. It also describes system evaluation methodologies, emphasizes current clinical applications, and examines the future direction for tomosynthesis.

Augmented reality (AR) is transforming how we work, learn, play and connect with the world, and is now being introduced to the field of medicine, where it is revolutionising healthcare as pioneering virtual elements are being added to real images to provide a more compelling and intuitive view during procedures. This book, which had its beginnings at the AE-CAI: Augmented Environments for Computer-Assisted Interventions MICCAI Workshop in Munich in 2015, is the first to review the area of mixed and augmented reality in medicine. Covering a range of examples of the use of AR in medicine, it explores its relevance to minimally-invasive interventions, how it can improve the accuracy of a procedure and reduce procedure time, and how it may be employed to reduce radiation risks. It also discusses how AR can be an effective tool in the education of physicians, medical students, nurses and other health professionals. Features: An ideal practical guide for medical professionals and students looking to understand the implementation, applications, and future of AR Contains the latest developments and technologies in this innovative field Edited by highly respected pioneers in the field, who have been immersed in AR as well as virtual reality and image-guided surgery since their inception, with chapter contributions from subject area specialists working with AR

The first MATLAB (R) programming book written specifically for clinical radiotherapy medical physicists and medical physics trainees, this much-needed book teaches users how to create their own clinical applications using MATLAB (R), as a complement to commercial software particularly when the latter does not cover specific local clinical needs. Chapters explore key radiotherapy areas such as handling volumes, 3D dose calculation, comparing dose distributions, reconstructing treatment plans and their summations, and automated tests for machine quality assurance. Readers will learn to independently analyse and process images, doses, structures, and other radiotherapy clinical data to deal with standard and non-standard situations in radiotherapy. This book will also significantly improve understanding of areas such as data nature, information content, DICOM RT standard, and data flow. It will be an invaluable reference for students of medical physics, in addition to clinical radiotherapy physicists and researchers working in radiotherapy. Features: Includes real clinical medical physics applications derived from actual clinical problems Provides commented MATLAB (R) scripts working with sample data and/or own data matching input requirements Promotes critical thinking and practical problem solving skills

Common factors that lead to treatment failure in head and neck cancer are the lack of tumour oxygenation, the accelerated division of cancer cells during treatment, and radioresistance. These tumour-related challenges and possible ways to overcome them are covered in this book, authored by three medical physicists and a clinical oncologist who explain how different radiobiological findings have led to the development of various treatment techniques for head and neck cancer. Novel treatment techniques as supported by current scientific evidence are comprehensively explored, as well as the major challenges that arise in the retreatment of patients who have already undergone a form of radiotherapy for primary head and neck cancer. Features: Uses an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing clinical aspects of radiotherapy, radiation biology, and medical physics Applies content by relating all radiobiological characteristics to their respective clinical implications Explains the radiobiological rationale for all previous and current clinical trials for head and neck cancer

This book explores environmental physical agents and their potential effect on public and occupational health. It considers the theory, current research, and applications of physical agents including noise, ionizing radiation protection and non ionizing radiation protection, and explores the monitoring, measurement, modeling and mitigation of each of these. Features: Covers all three physical agents in one comprehensive book Presents the latest results from research, as well as theory Contributed to by a panel of international experts

The field of medical imaging seen rapid development over the last two decades and has consequently revolutionized the way in which modern medicine is practiced. Diseases and their symptoms are constantly changing therefore continuous updating is necessary for the data to be relevant. Diseases fall into different categories, even a small difference in symptoms may result in categorising it in a different group altogether. Thus analysing data accurately is of critical importance. This book concentrates on diagnosing diseases like cancer or tumor from different modalities of images. This book is divided into the following domains: Importance of big data in medical imaging, pre-processing, image registration, feature extraction, classification and retrieval. It is further supplemented by the medical analyst for a continuous treatment process. The book provides an automated system that could retrieve images based on user's interest to a point of providing decision support. It will help medical analysts to take informed decisions before planning treatment and surgery. It will also be useful to researchers who are working in problems involved in medical imaging.