Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have resulted in a deluge of biological information. Yet the storage, analysis, and interpretation of such multifaceted data require effective and efficient computational tools.

This unique text/reference addresses the need for a unified framework describing how soft computing and machine learning techniques can be judiciously formulated and used in building efficient pattern recognition models. The book reviews both established and cutting-edge research, following a clear structure reflecting the major phases of a pattern recognition system: classification, feature selection, and clustering. The text provides a careful balance of theory, algorithms, and applications, with a particular emphasis given to applications in computational biology and bioinformatics.

Topics and features: reviews the development of scalable pattern recognition algorithms for computational biology and bioinformatics; integrates different soft computing and machine learning methodologies with pattern recognition tasks; discusses in detail the integration of different techniques for handling uncertainties in decision-making and efficiently mining large biological datasets; presents a particular emphasis on real-life applications, such as microarray expression datasets and magnetic resonance images; includes numerous examples and experimental results to support the theoretical concepts described; concludes each chapter with directions for future research and a comprehensive bibliography.

This important work will be of great use to graduate students and researchers in the fields of computer science, electrical and biomedical engineering. Researchers and practitioners involved in pattern recognition, machine learning, computational biology and bioinformatics, data mining, and soft computing will also find the book invaluable.

A practical guide to radiation safety

Many health and scientific professionals require a basic understanding of radiological safety principles, even and especially if they are not specialists in radiological health. Principles of Radiological Health and Safety is designed for this purpose as well as a resource for safety personnel who also handle radiation safety duties. It is a text of basic concepts needed in broad-based protection programs, with real-world examples and practice problems to demonstrate principles and hone skills.

Resource data for practical problems in radiation protection are provided along with illustrative examples of their use. For example, modes and energies of radioactive transformation, radiation attenuation and absorption, dose coefficients, and environmental transport parameters are included for many of the common circumstances encountered in laboratory and industrial settings. these are cross referenced to standard compendiums for straightforward use when more in-depth listings need to be consulted. Other topics include:

• Atom structure and radioactivity
• Radiation protection standards and programs
• Radiation interactions and dose
• Environmental radiological assessment
• Radiation shielding
• Radon
• Internal radiation dosimetry
• Radioactive waste

Safety professionals as well as students and teachers will find Principles of Radiological Health and Safety to be an invaluable addition to their professional and academic libraries.

A review of our current understanding of the physical phenomena associated with the flow of blood through the brain, applying these concepts to the physiological and medical aspects of cerebrovascular disease so as to be useful to both the scientist and the clinician. Specifically the book discusses the physical bases for the development of cerebrovascular disease and for its clinical consequences; specific current and possible future therapies; experimental, clinical, and computational techniques used to investigate cerebrovascular disease; blood dynamics and its role; imaging methods used in the diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular disease. Intended as a one- or two-semester course in biophysics, biomedical engineering or medical physics, this is also of interest to medical students and interns in neurology and cardiology, and provides a useful overview of current practice for researchers and clinicians.

Photodynamic Therapy: From Theory to Application brings attention to an exceptional treatment strategy, which until now has not achieved the recognition and breadth of applications it deserves. The authors, all experts and pioneers in their field, discuss the history and basic principles of PDT, as well as the fundamentals of the theory, methods, and instrumentation of clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Non-oncological applications such as the use of PDT in control of parasites and noxious insects are also discussed. This book serves as a standard reference for researchers and students at all levels, clinical specialists interested in the topic and those in industry exploring new areas for development. A comprehensive exposition of both the theory and application of PDT, this book fills the gaps in the current literature by bringing together both basic understanding of the process of PDT and an expanded vision of its applications.

Small-Animal SPECT Imaging is an edited work derived from the first workshop on Small-Animal SPECT Imaging held January 14-16, 2004 at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. The overall goal of the meeting and therefore this volume is to promote information exchange and collaboration between the research groups developing systems for small-animal applications. Topics include the biomedical significance of small-animal imaging, an overview of detector technologies including scintillation cameras and semi-conductor arrays, imager design and data acquisition systems, animal handling and anesthesia issues, objective assessment of image quality, and system modeling and reconstruction algorithms.

Volume 16 marks the beginning of a special topic series devoted to modern techniques in protein NMR, under the Biological Magnetic Resonance series. This volume is being followed by Volume 17 with the subtitle Structure Computation and Dynamics in Protein NMR. Volumes 16 and 17 present some of the recent, significant advances in biomolecular NMR field with emphasis on developments during the last five years. We are honored to have brought together in these volumes some of the world's foremost experts who have provided broad leadership in advancing this field. Volume 16 contains advances in two broad categories: the first, Large Proteins, Complexes, and Membrane Proteins, and second, Pulse Methods. Volume 17, which will follow covers major advances in Computational Methods, and Structure and Dynamics. In the opening chapter of Volume 16, Marius Clore and Angela Gronenborn give a brief review of NMR strategies including the use of long range restraints in the structure determination of large proteins and protein complexes. In the next two chapters, Lewis Kay and Ron Venters and their collaborators describe state-of-t- art advances in the study of perdeuterated large proteins. They are followed by Stanley Opella and co-workers who present recent developments in the study of membrane proteins. (A related topic dealing with magnetic field induced residual dipolar couplings in proteins will appear in the section on Structure and Dynamics in Volume 17).

Highly practical and user-friendly, ExpertDDx: Abdomen and Pelvis, third edition, helps you reach accurate, clinically useful differential diagnoses in your everyday practice. It presents the most useful differential diagnoses for each region of the abdomen and pelvis, grouped according to anatomic location, generic imaging findings, modality-specific findings, or clinical-based indications. Each differential diagnosis includes several high-quality, succinctly annotated images; a list of diagnostic possibilities sorted as common, less common, and rare but important; and brief, bulleted text offering helpful diagnostic clues. It's an excellent resource for subspecialty abdominal imagers as well as general radiologists and trainees, providing invaluable assistance in reaching logical, on-target differential diagnoses based on key imaging findings and clinical details. Covers 175 of the most common diagnostic challenges in abdominal and pelvic imaging, enhanced by more than 2,100 radiologic images, full-color illustrations, clinical and histologic photographs, and gross pathology images Provides a quick review of the salient features of each entity, differentiating features from other similar-appearing abnormalities Includes new chapters on hematuria, flank pain, acute scrotal pain, and seminal vesicle Adds greater focus to advancing prostate imaging methods with expanded content on lesions in the peripheral zone and lesions in the transition zone, as well as new coverage of transplant imaging Contains updates to numerous classifications, including LI-RADS for liver, O-RADS for ovarian masses, and the Tanaka classification for pancreatic cysts Features new MR examples and MR-specific diagnoses throughout, plus new differentials for contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings related to liver and kidney lesions Includes the enhanced eBook version, which allows you to search all text, figures, and references on a variety of devices

With the advent of CT we entered a new area of radiological imaging. Structures which rarely if ever were seen became apparent. In no part of the body was the impact of CT as profound as it was in the retroperitoneum. In the pre-CT area this region of the body could not be directly studied and only when gross abnormalities were present could they be appreciated. The best we could do was to try to identify a suspected process by studying its effect on surrounding organs whose position might have been affected by the growth. Urography, barium studies or angiography were employed in the hope that variation in the position of the vessels, ureter or bowel would lead us to the correct diagnosis. With computed tomography all this changed. Modern scanners, available to all today, permit us to appreciate details undreamed of only few years ago. The abundance of fat in this region helps to clearly show even the smallest of structures. We now have the ability to recognize small vessels, lymph nodes and fascial planes. We had a tool which permitted us to study structures which hitherto were only seen by the anatomist or during surgical dissection.

Radiophannaceutical research has recently undergone a major change in direction. In past years it has been concerned mainly with the development of perfusion tracers, the biodistribution of which reflect the regional blood flow to areas of major organs such as the heart and brain. However, a major new direction of interest now lies in the development of receptor-binding radio-tracers which can be used to perform in-vivo characterisation of diseased tissues and it is likely that much of the future research in this field will follow this direction. The difficulties in developing such tracers are considerable. The researcher must first identify a promising target for radiopharmaceutical development. High specific activity radioactive molecules must be designed and synthesised which will both bind to the target receptor with high affinity, and also have the physicochemical characteristics which will allow them to reach the target site in sufficient quantity while at the same time showing minimal uptake in non-target tissues. Thus the knowledge base required for radiophannaceutical development has now expanded beyond the limits of radiopharmaceutical chemistry to include aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology and conventional drug design. The portfolio of basic knowledge required to support current radiopharmaceutical development is changing and scientists working in this arena need to be trained in this regard. At the same time, the very latest developments in the field need to be communicated to the scientific community in order to stimulate the advancement of this exciting new direction of research.

Cold atmospheric plasma is an auspicious new candidate in cancer treatment. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a partially ionized gas in which the ion temperature is close to room temperature. It contains electrons, charged particles, radicals, various excited molecules and UV photons. These various compositional elements have the potential to inhibit cancer cell activity whilst doing no harm to healthy cells. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults; treatment including surgery, radio- and chemotherapy remains palliative for most patients as a cure remains elusive. The successful combination of the standard chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ) and CAP treatment features synergistic effects even in resistant glioma cells. In particular in glioma therapy, CAP could offer an innovative approach allowing specific cancer cell / tumor tissue inhibition without damaging healthy cells. Thus CAP is a promising candidate for combination therapy especially for patients suffering from GBMs showing TMZ resistance.

This detailed volume includes a rich variety of applications using various instrumentations, probes, disease models, and targets in order to account for the multidisciplinary nature of the use of in vivo fluorescence imagine. The book also includes chapters on the emerging fields of cell tracking, image-guided treatment, and fluorescence imaging in the second NIR window, as well as protocols for evaluation methods before and after in vivo imaging. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging: Methods and Protocols serves as a valuable reference for researchers from numerous fields who wish to become more familiar with in vivo fluorescence imaging techniques.

The FRCR examination was recently changed and now comprises two modules: physics and radiological anatomy. The anatomy module is new, and consists of 20 radiological images, with 5 questions on each image, 100 questions in all. The anatomy examination lasts for 75 minutes and incorporates 20 separate images (cases) with 5 questions per case, producing a total of 100 questions. The cases will be presented at computer work-stations, with separate written answer sheets for completion. In this book we present 5 complete `mock' anatomy examinations, with a total of 500 questions. We have stayed true to the lay out of the RCR sample questions and answer sheets to ensure familiarity. The anatomical structures should not be ambiguous and, if necessary, there will be more than one arrow to indicate the appropriate structure (a concept that has been included in some of the example questions in this book). As a rule, the candidate should make an attempt to answer ALL questions in the exam as there is no negative marking. It is advised that answers be as complete as possible, for instance the use of `left' or `right' if this can be derived from the image, or rather than simply stating `acromion', use the `acromion process of the scapula' - if you have the knowledge, use it! This book should not be used as a primary revision tool, rather a practice aid to test the candidate against the clock in exam conditions and highlight any areas of weakness or imaging examinations that the candidate may be unfamiliar with. Primary revision is suggested by using traditional anatomy alongside radiology-based anatomy textbooks. It is also necessary to experience everyday radiological investigations, and even more specialist investigations, as essentially any type of radiological image can be used for assessment of anatomical knowledge in this examination. The authors provide explanatory answers, and have also included extra images to accompany their explanations. In addition there are references to key revision resources, and they have also given advice on exam technique. They have first hand experience of running courses on the new format FRCR anatomy exam, and are therefore the perfect authors for the subject. Key Points 100% relevant to the new format Authors run FRCR Part 1 courses 500 questions

In this issue, guest editors bring their considerable expertise to this important topic. Provides in-depth reviews on the latest updates in the field, providing actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize

Unraveling the functional properties of structural elements in the brain is one of the fundamental goals of neuroscientific research. In the cerebral cortex this is no mean feat, since cortical areas are defined microstructurally in post-mortem brains but functionally in living brains with electrophysiological or neuroimaging techniques - and cortical areas vary in their topographical properties across individual brains. Being able to map both microstructure and function in the same brains noninvasively in vivo would represent a huge leap forward. In recent years, high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies with spatial resolution below 0.5 mm have set the stage for this by detecting structural differences within the human cerebral cortex, beyond the Stria of Gennari. This provides the basis for an in vivo microanatomical brain map, with the enormous potential to make direct correlations between microstructure and function in living human brains. This book starts with Brodmann's post-mortem map published in the early 20th century, moves on to the almost forgotten microstructural maps of von Economo and Koskinas and the Vogt-Vogt school, sheds some light on more recent approaches that aim at mapping cortical areas noninvasively in living human brains, and culminates with the concept of "in vivo Brodmann mapping" using high-field MRI, which was introduced in the early 21st century.

For the last half of the 20th century cobalt-60 units were the mainstay of radiation treatments for cancer. This book describes the development of the first cobalt -60 unit in the United States and the man behind it, Leonard Grimmett. Conceptually conceived before World War II it only became possible because of the development of nuclear reactors during the war. The initial idea was to replace the radium in the contemporary units of the time with cobalt-60, but with the realization that the reactors could produce much more cobalt-60 than originally thought the design of the cobalt-60 unit was drastically changed to take advantage that the application of the inverse square law to cancer radiation treatments would make.
Although Grimmett conceived of and published his ideas first, the Canadians built the first units because of the capability of their reactor to produce more suitable cobalt-60 sources.
The story tells how Grimmett and the other people involved came together at the time that the U S Atomic Energy Agency was pushing the use of radioactivity in medicine. But Grimmett died suddenly before his unit could be built and very little information about him was known until recently when various documents have come to light, allowing the full story to be told.

This book focuses on the processing, materials design, characterisation, and properties of polymer composites and nanocomposites for use as electromagnetic radiation shielding materials and to enhance radiation shielding capacity in order to meet the safety requirements for use in medical X-ray imaging facilities. It presents an in-depth analysis of materials synthesis methods such as melt-mixing, ion-implantation, solution casting and electrospinning. In addition, it measures the X-ray attenuation behaviour of fabricated composites and nanocomposites in four major types of X-ray equipment, namely general radiography, mammography, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy units. Given its scope, the book will benefit researchers, engineers, scientists and practitioners in the fields of medical imaging, diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy.

This book explores the physics, technology and applications of particle accelerators. It illustrates the interconnections between applications and basic physical principles, enabling readers to better understand current and upcoming technologies and see beyond the paradigmatic borders of the individual fields. The reader will discover why accelerators are no longer just toys for scientists, but have also become modern and efficient nuclear workhorses. The book starts with an introduction to the relevant technologies and radiation safety aspects of accelerating electrons and ions from several keV to roughly 250 MeV. It subsequently describes the physics behind the interactions of these particle beams with matter. Mathematical descriptions and state-of-the-art computer models of energy-loss and nuclear interactions between the particle beams and targets round out the physics coverage. On this basis, the book then presents the most important accelerator applications in science, medicine, and industry, explaining and comparing more than 20 major application fields, encompassing semiconductors, cancer treatment, and space exploration. Despite the disparate fields involved, this book demonstrates how the same essential technology and physics connects all of these applications.

This book provides an introduction to next generation smart screening technology for medical image analysis that combines artificial intelligence (AI) techniques with digital screening to develop innovative methods for detecting breast cancer. The authors begin with a discussion of breast cancer, its characteristics and symptoms, and the importance of early screening.They then provide insight on the role of artificial intelligence in global healthcare, screening methods for breast cancer using mammogram, ultrasound, and thermogram images, and the potential benefits of using AI-based systems for clinical screening to more accurately detect, diagnose, and treat breast cancer. Discusses various existing screening methods for breast cancer Presents deep information on artificial intelligence-based screening methods Discusses cancer treatment based on geographical differences and cultural characteristics

This book reviews and discusses the development of self-assembled nanomaterials applied in biomedical fields. Based on self-assembled nanomaterial constructions, it highlights the mechanisms of the stimuli-response-induced assembly/disassembly and transformation. Moreover, it examines healthcare-related diseases, the applications of nanomaterials and therapy/detection strategies, providing readers with both a deeper understanding of the subject and inspirations for future research. The book is primarily intended for researchers and graduate students in the fields of material sciences and chemistry who wish to learn about the principles, methods, mechanisms and biomedical applications of self-assembled nanomaterials.

Breast Imaging presents a comprehensive review of the subject matter commonly encountered by practicing radiologists and radiology residents in training. This volume includes succinct overviews of breast cancer epidemiology, screening, staging, and treatment; overviews of all imaging modalities including mammography, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and MRI; step-by-step approaches for image-guided breast interventions; and high-yield chapters organized by specific imaging finding seen on mammography, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and MRI. Part of the Rotations in Radiology series, this book offers a guided approach to breast imaging interpretation and techniques, highlighting the nuances necessary to arrive at the best diagnosis and management. Each chapter contains a targeted discussion of an imaging finding which reviews the anatomy and physiology, distinguishing features, imaging techniques, differential diagnosis, clinical issues, key points, and further reading. Breast Imaging is a must-read for residents and practicing radiologists seeking a foundation for the essential knowledge base in breast imaging.

One of the main causes of failure in the treatment of breast cancer is the intrinsic presence of, or development of, drug resistance by the cancer cells. Recent studies on the mechanisms of cancer drug resistance have yielded important information highlighting both how tumour cells may escape these therapeutic constraints and that drug resistance may further impinge on tumour cell functions that may ultimately promote an adverse cell phenotype. New targets have been identified with potential therapeutic applications in resistant breast cancer leading to the subsequent evaluation of inhibitors of these targets in preclinical studies. Importantly, there is increasing evidence from such studies demonstrating the benefit of novel combination strategies as potential avenues for future drug regimens.

Written by experts in the subject area, this book covers the molecular details and functional consequences of endocrine resistance in breast cancer with particular emphasis on the future applications of novel drug combinations that may be utilized to circumvent resistance and improve anti-tumour effects. This book represents a timely publication in the field of breast cancer research, providing current knowledge in the area of drug resistance and will be important reading material for clinicians and researchers alike.

"Bioluminescent Imaging: Methods and Protocols" distills a wide range of techniques that use bioluminescence imaging as a tool for visualizing and tracking various biological processes. Covering diverse fields such as cellular and molecular biology, oncology, neurology, infectious diseases, immunology, and others, the detailed chapters of this volume are arranged by topic and describe practical procedures and applications of different bioluminescent reporters, from photoproteins (Aequorin) to bacterial luciferases as well as other secreted (such as Gaussia) and non-secreted luciferases (such as Firefly). Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology" series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and expert tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and cutting-edge, "Bioluminescent Imaging: Methods and Protocols" aims to provide diverse and comprehensive techniques to researchers interested in implementing bioluminescence-based imaging in their laboratory, regardless of their previous level of experience with such methodologies.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection and the Euratom Council directive have specified that workers exposed to ionizing radiation shall be subjected to individual dose monitoring. In the past, individual doses have almost always been monitored by film badge dosimeters, but thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are now coming into widespread use, principally due to the availability of automated readout systems. Techniques and Management of Personnel Thermoluminescence Dosimetry Services gives details of the operation of and experience gained with a number of large-scale TL personnel dosimetry services, with particular attention being paid to the management aspects of such services. For technical and administrative personnel in TLD services, TLD system designers, staff of licensing authorities concerned with dosimetric licensing, students of radiation protection, especially in the area of protection from ionizing radiation. A basic knowledge of atomic and nuclear physics is assumed, and a training in radiation protection or health physics would be an advantage.