Subjects in the monograph "Biophysics of the Failing Heart" include state of the art chapters considering major biophysical mechanisms for why hearts responding to acquired or inherited stressors enter into maladaptive processes eventually leading to an inability of the heart to respond efficiently to hemodynamic loads especially during exercise. The chapters describe biophysical techniques that have been applied to determine the triggers for the heart failure process as well as the mechanisms for sustaining the disorders. These techniques include measurements of active and passive mechanical properties and hemodynamics at levels of organization ranging from molecules to hearts beating in situ. Biophysical concepts and approaches are also applied to determination of signaling and signal transduction, energetics, ionic currents, transport processes, electro-chemical and chemo-mechanical coupling. By its emphasis on biophysical aspects of a prevalent clinical condition, the monograph is unique in its perspective and focus. The breadth of information in the chapters all in one place will be of value to clinicians and researchers at all levels. Modern research approaches and clinical understanding of heart failure demands integration of multiple aspects of the disorders. In most cases, combinations of clinician scientists and researchers author the chapters. A main benefit of the book is couched in its didactic approach together with its emphasis on how biophysical concepts and techniques aid in diagnosis and development of new therapies.

This proceedings volume results from the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on 'Biomarkers of Radiation in the Environment: Robust Tools for Risk Assessment (BRITE)'. The BRITE workshop discussed insights from cancer research, epigenetics, non-human and human risk assessment, since many of the state-of-the-art biomarkers being developed for humans deserve consideration for environmental applications and vice versa. Sessions were very wide-ranging covering methods, mechanisms, cross disciplinary application and regulation. The chapters in this book have been grouped into five major themes that were covered by the BRITE workshop: * Techniques for biomarker development * Low-dose effect mechanisms * Biomarkers for risk evaluation * Biomarkers in wildlife * Biomarker use and responses Each chapter has been written independently and reflects the views of the chapter author(s). Therefore, the readers can form their own balanced view of the different perspectives on biomarkers of radiation in the environment. Given the breadth of topics covered and the state-of-the-art perspectives shared by leading experts in their respective fields, this book should form a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in how biomarkers can be used to improve our understanding of radiation in the environment and its potential impacts.

This is an Open Access book. This book is a must-have for healthcare providers and researchers, public health specialists and policy makers who are interested and involved in cancer care in the Arab world. The Arab world consists of 22 countries, which are members of the Arab League and spanning over 13,132,327 km2 with over 423,000,000 population. Over the past few decades, the Arab world has witnessed a swift evolution in healthcare provision. Nonetheless, Arab countries have considerable variability in economic capabilities, resource allocation, and intellectual talent that inevitably reflect on access to modern cancer care and prevention. This book is authored by experts from the Arab world who provide vital information on cancer statistics and risk factors, available clinical care pathways and infrastructure, and prevention programs in their individual countries. The chapters also address specific challenges in each country and insights into future directions to achieve optimal care with conventional and novel diagnostics and therapies to keep up with the era of precision medicine. Special topics of interest and unique to the Arab world are also discussed, such as out of the country's medical tourism for cancer care and cancer care during war and conflict. Other special chapters include: Cancer research in the Arab world, Radiation therapy in Arab World and Pediatric Oncology in the Arab World Cancer in the Arab World is the first comprehensive book that addresses cancer care in depth in all Arab countries and it is endorsed by the prestigious Emirates Oncology Society.

This is an excellent introduction for graduate students and nonspecialists to the field of mathematical and computational neurosciences. The book approaches the subject via pulsed-coupled neural networks, which have at their core the lighthouse and integrate-and-fire models. These allow for highly flexible modeling of realistic synaptic activity, synchronization and spatio-temporal pattern formation. The more advanced pulse-averaged equations are discussed.

This volume presents the Proceedings of the 15th Nordic-Baltic Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics. NBC 2011 brought together science, education and business under the motto "Cooperation for health."
The topics covered by the Conference Proceedings include: Imaging, Biomechanics, Neural engineering, Sport Science, Cardio-pulmonary engineering, Medical Informatics, Ultrasound, Assistive Technology, Telemedicine, and General Biomedical Engineering.

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.

Janus, the ancient Roman god depicted with two faces is an appropriate metaphor for light therapy. In the right photodynamic therapy conditions, light is able to kill nearly anything that is living such as cancers, microorganisms, parasites, and more. On the opposite face, light of the correct wavelength and proper dose (photobiomodulation) can heal, regenerate, protect, revitalize and restore any kind of dead, damaged, stressed, dying, degenerating cells, tissue, or organ system. This book discusses both sides of Janus' face in regards to light therapy.

Nowadays we are facing numerous and important imaging problems: nondestructive testing of materials, monitoring of industrial processes, enhancement of oil production by efficient reservoir characterization, emerging developments in noninvasive imaging techniques for medical purposes - computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), X-ray and ultrasound tomography, etc. In the CIME Summer School on Imaging (Martina Franca, Italy 2002), leading experts in mathematical techniques and applications presented broad and useful introductions for non-experts and practitioners alike to many aspects of this exciting field. The volume contains part of the above lectures completed and updated by additional contributions on other related topics.

MRI Physics for Radiologsits: A Visual Approach, Third Edition delineates the principles of magnetic resonance imaging in a format that can be understood by readers who do not have a sophisticated physics or mathematics background. It is organized in three sections: sections one and two present the contrast and spatial characteristics of the image; section three deals with topics such as Half Fourier imaging, motion, aliasing, artifacts, and coils. The third edition has sections on new techniques now in common use, such as rectangular field of view and fast spin-echo (or echo-planar) sequences, a chapter on the effect of MR equipment parameters on image resolution, a chapter with a simplified mathematical discussion of the Fourier transform and an enhanced section on magnetic resonance angiography.

This book examines the health effects of exposure to static electric and magnetic fields found in selected industries, such as medical facilities with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), high-energy physics research facilities and some transportation systems. To date, research on their health effects lags far behind the rapid advances in technology. Electric and magnetic fields are generated by natural phenomena such as the Earth s magnetic field, thunderstorms, and by man-made sources that use electricity. When such fields do not vary with time they are referred to as static. For static electric fields, studies carried out to date suggest that the main effect is discomfort from electric discharges to the body. For static magnetic fields, acute effects are only likely to occur when there is movement of a person in the field. For example, a person moving within a relatively high field can experience sensations of vertigo and nausea, and sometimes a metallic taste in the mouth and perceptions of light flashes. Although only temporary, such effects may have a safety impact for workers executing delicate procedures, e.g. surgeons performing operations within MRI units. Even when at rest, a person will experience internal body movement, such as blood flow or heart beat. When placed within a high magnetic field, electrical fields and currents are generated around the heart and major blood vessels that can impede the flow of blood. Possible effects range from minor changes in heartbeat to an increase in the risk of abnormal heart rhythms that might be life threatening."

Imaging is a critical component in the delivery of radiotherapy to patients with malignancy, and this book teaches the principles and practice of imaging specific to radiotherapy. Introductory chapters outline the basic principles of the available imaging modalities including x-rays, CT, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, and PET. Site specific chapters then cover the main tumour sites, reviewing optimal imaging techniques for diagnosis, staging, radiotherapy planning, and follow-up for each site. The important areas of radiation protection, exposure justification, and risks are also covered, exploring issues such as balancing radiation exposure with long-term risks of radiation effects, such as second cancer induction. This second edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect current techniques, and includes two brand new chapters on imaging for radiotherapy treatment verification, and the role of specialist MRI techniques and functional imaging for radiotherapy planning. With insights from experts in each field and over 200 illustrations, this comprehensive and easy-to-read guide will be an invaluable resource for radiation oncologists, clinical oncologists, and radiotherapists, both qualified and in training. ABOUT THE SERIES Radiotherapy remains the major non-surgical treatment modality for the management of malignant disease. It is based on the application of the principles of applied physics, radiobiology, and tumour biology to clinical practice. Each volume in the series takes the reader through the basic principles of the use of ionizing radiation and then develops this by individual sites. This series of practical handbooks is aimed at physicians both training and practising in radiotherapy, as well as medical physics, dosimetrists, radiographers, and senior nurses.

This new volume in the Radiotherapy in Practice series provides a comprehensive and evidence-based guide to radiotherapy in the management of children and young people with cancer. It explains the roles of the various modalities of treatment available, including image-guided and intensity modulated radiotherapy, brachytherapy, proton beam therapy, and molecular radiotherapy, and aids selection of the most appropriate technique in different situations. Each cancer type in children is explored, including diagnostic investigations, risk stratification, multi-modality approaches to treatment, and decision making with regard to radiotherapy. Specific guidance is given for the planning and prescription of radiotherapy for infants, children, and teenagers. The authors also identify the need for specialist paediatric radiotherapy service provision, and the wider requirements for radiotherapy in children, including consent, immobilisation, anaesthesia, multi-professional team working, and play specialist support. With over 75 colour illustrations, case histories to demonstrate the various approaches, and a carefully selected guide to further reading on each topic, this practical volume will be a valuable resource for physicians and trainees in radiotherapy and clinical oncology, and to nurses, radiographers and other allied health professionals who come into contact with young patients receiving radiotherapy. ABOUT THE SERIES Radiotherapy remains the major non-surgical treatment modality for the management of malignant disease. It is based on the application of the principles of applied physics, radiobiology, and tumour biology to clinical practice. Each volume in the series takes the reader through the basic principles of the use of ionizing radiation and then develops this by individual sites. This series of practical handbooks is aimed at physicians both training and practising in radiotherapy, as well as medical physics, dosimetrists, radiographers, and senior nurses.

From x-rays to lasers to magnetic resonance imaging, developments in basic physics research have been transformed into medical technologies for imaging, surgery and therapy at an ever-accelerating pace. Physics has joined with genetics and molecular biology to define much of what is modern in modern medicine and allied health. Covering a wide range of applications, Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine, Third Edition builds further on the bestselling second edition. Based on the courses taught by the authors, the book provides medical personnel and students with an exploration of the physics-related applications found in state-of-the-art medical centers. Requiring no previous acquaintance with physics, biology, or chemistry and keeping mathematics to a minimum, the application-dedicated chapters adhere to simple and self-contained qualitative explanations that make use of examples, illustrations, clinical applications, sample calculations, and exercises. With an enhanced emphasis on digital imaging and computers in medicine, the text gives readers a fundamental understanding of the practical application of each concept and the basic science behind it. This book provides medical students with an excellent introduction to how physics is applied in medicine, while also providing students in physics with an introduction to medical physics. Each chapter includes worked examples and a complete list of problems and questions. That so much of the technology discussed in this book was the stuff of dreams just a few years ago, makes this book as fascinating as it is practical, both for those in medicine as well as those in physics who might one day discover that the project they are working on is the basis for the next great medical application. Features: * Introduces state-of-the-art and emerging medical technologies such as optical coherence tomography, x-ray phase contrast imaging, and ultrasound-mediated drug delivery * Covers hybrid scanners for cancer imaging and the interplay of molecular medicine with MRI, CT and PET in addition to intensity-modulated radiation therapy and new forms of cancer treatments such as proton and heavy-ion therapies * Offers an enhanced emphasis on digital imaging and dosimetry including recent innovations in the pixel-array x-ray detectors, ultrasound matrix transducers and direct-ion storage dosimeters

External beam therapy is the most common form of radiotherapy, delivering ionizing radiation such as high-energy x-rays, gamma rays, or electron beams directly into the location of the patient's tumour. Now in its third edition, this book is an essential, practical guide to external beam radiotherapy planning and delivery, covering the rapid technological advances made in recent years. The initial chapters give a detailed insight into the fundamentals of clinical radiotherapy. This is followed by systematic details for each tumour site commonly treated with radiotherapy, covering indications, treatment, and planning. The final chapter covers the all important aspect of quality assurance in radiotherapy delivery. This third edition has been fully updated and revised to reflect new techniques, including details of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image guided radiotherapy (IGRT), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and proton therapy. Written by experts in each field, External Beam Therapy is an invaluable companion to professionals and trainees in medical physics, therapeutic radiology, and clinical or radiation oncology. ABOUT THE SERIES Radiotherapy remains the major non-surgical treatment modality for the management of malignant disease. It is based on the application of the principles of applied physics, radiobiology, and tumour biology to clinical practice. Each volume in the series takes the reader through the basic principles of the use of ionizing radiation and then develops this by individual sites. This series of practical handbooks is aimed at physicians both training and practising in radiotherapy, as well as medical physics, dosimetrists, radiographers, and senior nurses.

Bone is a complex biological material that consists of both an inorganic and organic phase, which undergoes continuous dynamic biological processes within the body. This complex structure and the need to acquire accurate data have resulted in a wide variety of methods applied in the physical analysis of bone in vivo and in vitro. Each method has its own strengths and applications depending on the information sought by the clinician or researcher.
The Physical Measurement of Bone provides a detailed description of all the major methods of bone analysis, including brief comments on clinical evaluation. The physics of each method are introduced as well as a summary of practical procedures. The book is essential reading for practicing medical physicists and technicians who need to know about the many methods of bone analysis open to them, and, more importantly, the wide coverage provides a good introductory framework for students of medical physics and biomedical engineering.

Analytical measurements at the single molecule level under ambient conditions have become almost routine in the past few years. The application of this technology to fundamental studies of heterogeneity in biomolecular structure and dynamics, chemical and biological reaction kinetics, and photophysics provides a rich playground for molecular scientists. The potential use of single molecule detection for nanotechnology and quantum information processing is a new and almost unexplored area. This handbook is intended for those interested in a practical introduction to single molecule investigations using fluorescence techniques and places special emphasis on the practicalities of achieving single molecule resolution, analysing the resulting data and exploration of the applications in biophysics. It is ideal for graduate research students and others embarking on work in this exciting field.

Each year, the Annual BCI Research Award recognizes the top new projects in brain-computer interface (BCI) research. This book contains summaries of these projects from the 2017 BCI Research Award. Each chapter is written by the group that submitted the BCI project that was nominated, and introduction and discussion chapters provide supporting information and explore trends that are reflected in the annual awards each year. One of the prominent trends in recent years has been BCIs for new patient groups, and many chapters in this book present emerging research directions that might become more prevalent in the near future.

Brachytherapy remains an important component of radical radiation therapy in the modern management of cancer. Widespread adoption of remote afterloading now enables brachytherapy to be delivered with minimum exposure to staff and other patients. Technical advances in imaging and computing power have improved the precision of implantation and complex dosimetry can now be achieved in routine practice. The advantages of direct placement of the radiation source into the area to be treated, overcoming the problems of patient and organ movement, together with the dosimetric advantages inherent in brachytherapy, will ensure that modern brachytheraoy continues to provide the optimal means of delivering accurate high does radiation therapy for many patients.
Fully updated for the second edition, this book provides practical guidance on the use of brachytherapy. Each chapter gives the reader a solid background in the physics and dosimetry of the technique, followed by practical information on its use in common disease sites. Whilst low, medium, and high dose rate techniques are covered, emphasis is placed on high dose rate afterloading techniques which are likely to replace most other forms of brachytherapy in the future.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Radiotherapy remains the major non-surgical treatment modality for the management of malignant disease. It is based on the application of the principles of applied physics, radiobiology, and tumour biology to clinical practice. Each volume in this series takes the reader through the basic principles of the use of ionising radiation and then develops this by individual sites. This series of practical handbooks are aimed at physicians both training and practising in radiotherapy, as well as medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiographers and senior nurses.

Radioisotope therapy is an internal form of radiation used to treat cancer; it may be administered orally or intravenously and represents the nearest treatment option to the 'magic bullet', specifically targeting sites of disease whilst sparing surrounding normal tissues. Radioisotope therapy has an important role to play in modern medicine, particularly in the treatment of thyroid disease, neuroendocrine tumours, bone metastasis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is found in both the diagnostic setting and in therapy, but recently there has been a renaissance in the application of radioisotope unsealed sources in therapeutic indications. It is an active area of research, with the quest for new compounds that will be specific for therapeutic targets. This book is an essential, practical guide to the use of radioisotope therapy, and also includes the background and developmental biology which underpins its use. Individual tumours and diseases are explored, with specific focus given to radioisotope treatment options. The barriers to radioisotope therapy, such as ease of access, acquisition of radioisotopes, radiation protection regulations, and cost are also discussed. ABOUT THE SERIES Radiotherapy remains the major non-surgical treatment modality for the management of malignant disease, with over 50% of patients receiving treatment at some time during the management of their malignant disease. It is based on the application of the principles of applied physics, radiobiology, and tumour biology to clinical practice. Each volume in this series takes the reader through the basic principles of different types of radiotherapy, and then develops these by individual sites. This series of practical handbooks are aimed at physicians both training and practising in radiotherapy, as well as medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiographers and senior nurses.

Radiotherapy has been one of the principal modalities for the treatment of malignant disease for more than 50 years. From the outset, its advancement has depended on the work of physicists and engineers, in particular for the development of high-energy accelerators for X-ray and electron beams, and in the production of radioactive sources. In addition, the clinical application of ionizing radiations for therapy is based on the foundation of dosimetric concepts and instrumentation. Medical physics plays a pivotal role in many areas, including treatment equipment, dosimetry, treatment planning, and radiation protection.

Radiotherapy physics, second edition is a comprehensive, practical introduction to radiotherapy physics. It provides detailed descriptions of current techniques, written by experienced practitioners who review current methods and give specific guidance in their own areas of expertise. This new edition reflects the significant changes that have occurred in radiotherapy equipment and techniques - the routine use of MLCs, the delivery of IMRT, advances in imaging technology for planning (eg MRI, CT-simulator) and for treatment verification (EPIDs). There have also been significant changes in dosimetry, which have resulted in new dosimetry protocols. Trainee and qualified medical physicists, radiographers, radiation oncologists, and other personnel involved in radiotherapy will find this book to be an excellent guide to this important specialty.

Das Aachener Steinkohlengebiet zeichnet sich im Vergleich zu den Steinkohlen lagerstiitten des niederrheinisch-westfiilischen Gebietes durch eine groBe tek tonische und stratigraphische Mannigfaltigkeit aus. Trotz jahrelanger Forschungen auf dies em Gebiet ist es auch heute noch in der Praxis nicht moglich, eine sichere Identifizierung der FlOze an Hand einfacher Untersuchungsmethoden vorzuneh men. Eine gleichmiiBige Ausbildung der Gesteinsschichten ist nur flir regional eng begrenzte Riiume zu erwarten, und die Aufstellung eines fiir das gesamte Gebiet giiltigen Normalprofils ist nicht moglich. Selbst die fiir einzelne Gruben angefertig ten Schichtenprofile lassen nur anniiherungsweise Schliisse auf die Ablagerungsfol ge in diesem beschriinkten Gebiet zu. In der Hoffnung, weitere, bisher nicht beriicksichtigte, charakteristische Merk male der Gesteine aufzuspiiren, die moglicherweise zur Identifizierung der FlOze herangezogen werden konnten, wurden die Untersuchungen der Radioaktivitiit der Sedimente im Aachener Raum begonnen. In den letzten Jahren wurden eine Reihe von Arbeiten, die sich mit Radioaktivitiits messungen befassen, veroffentlicht. So beschrieb KOHL in seiner Monographie iiber das Vorkommen von Uran ( 17], 1954) und anderen Aufsiitzen ( 19], 1951) die Bemiihungen franzosicher Wissenschaftler urn die Auffindung mariner Hori zonte mittels Radioaktivitiitsmessungen. Marine Schichten weisen im Gebiet von Valenciennes eine bis zu zehnfach hoheren Radiumgehalt als nichtmarine Sedi mente auf. Als Grund fiir diese Erscheinungen werden sekundiire Absorptions effekte von Uran an Tonmineralien bzw. die Ausfiillung von Radium aus dem Meerwasser wiihrend der Sedimentation ( 18], 1951) angenommen."