This book discusses a novel and high-rate-capable micro pattern gaseous detector of the Micromegas (MICRO-MEsh GAS detector) type. It provides a detailed characterization of the performance of Micromegas detectors on the basis of measurements and simulations, along with an in-depth examination of analysis and reconstruction methods. The accurate and efficient detection of minimum ionizing particles in high-rate background environments is demonstrated. The excellent performance determined here for these lightweight detectors will make possible the live medical imaging of a patient during ion-beam treatment.

Based on the experience gained by PET/CT experts with more than 10,000 patients, this manual impressively demonstrates the advantages of combined PET/CT. It also refers to publications from Europe, the USA and Asia as well as numerous studies.

This book provides a state-of-the-art review of the role of radiation therapy in various pelvic malignancies as well as the consequences of the radiation in the pelvic tissues. With sections covering the role of radiation therapy in the various pelvic malignancies, the pathophysiology of radiation related injury and the risk factors that increase the possibility of such an injury, and the latest in medical, endoscopic and surgical therapies for these radiation related complications the text offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of radiation therapy in the human pelvis, its role and the adverse effects on the pelvic organs. Written by experts in the field with readers in mind, Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancy and its Consequences is the first of its kind standalone reference on the subject. Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancy and its Consequences is of great value to urologists, medical radiation and gynecological oncologists, and gastroenterologists.

This book contains the full papers presented at the MICCAI 2014 workshop on Computational Methods and Clinical Applications for Spine Imaging. The workshop brought together scientists and clinicians in the field of computational spine imaging. The chapters included in this book present and discuss the new advances and challenges in these fields, using several methods and techniques in order to address more efficiently different and timely applications involving signal and image acquisition, image processing and analysis, image segmentation, image registration and fusion, computer simulation, image based modeling, simulation and surgical planning, image guided robot assisted surgical and image based diagnosis. The book also includes papers and reports from the first challenge on vertebra segmentation held at the workshop.

This book focuses on the reciprocal interactions between pain, emotion and cognition. International experts report on their findings, clinical experience and the most recent literature on the complex relations between these three domains. Clinical, psychological, behavioral and neuroimaging approaches converge towards aiding patients suffering from pain, cognitive impairment or emotional distress. Beyond the pathophysiological aspects of pain, difficulties encountered with patients are analyzed and strategies are proposed to optimize treatment, doctor-patient relationships, and patient well-being. This work will appeal to a broad readership, from clinical medical practitioners to psychologists, nurses and pain specialists.

With the rising incidence of urolithiasis, the management of ureteral stones continues to become a larger component of urologic practice. Though almost all urologists deal with ureteral stones, there have been many recent improvements in instrumentation and adjunctive equipment as well as improvements in imaging and the data we can obtain from radiologic imaging in order to guide stone management. Newer topics such as how to limit radiation exposure to both the patient and the urologist, the accuracy and limitations of low-dose computed tomography as well as a review of the most recent studies will be covered in this book. The purpose of this book is to provide a complete updated roadmap to treating ureteral stones, from early management decisions from information found on radiologic studies to adjusting to intra-operative challenges.

This book is the product of a unique collaboration by experts from leading international, regional and national agencies and professional organizations discussing on the current 'hot' issue on the judicious use and safety of radiation in radiology. There have been several cases involving radiation overexposure that have received international attention. Strategies and solutions to guide readers how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks when using radiation in medicine are covered.

Automatic detection and segmentation of anatomical structures in medical images are prerequisites to subsequent image measurements and disease quantification, and therefore have multiple clinical applications. This book presents an efficient object detection and segmentation framework, called Marginal Space Learning, which runs at a sub-second speed on a current desktop computer, faster than the state-of-the-art. Trained with a sufficient number of data sets, Marginal Space Learning is also robust under imaging artifacts, noise and anatomical variations. The book showcases 35 clinical applications of Marginal Space Learning and its extensions to detecting and segmenting various anatomical structures, such as the heart, liver, lymph nodes and prostate in major medical imaging modalities (CT, MRI, X-Ray and Ultrasound), demonstrating its efficiency and robustness.

This book contains thirteen contributions from invited experts of international recognition addressing important issues in shape analysis in medical image analysis, including techniques for image segmentation, registration, modelling and classification and applications in biology, as well as in cardiac, brain, spine, chest, lung and clinical practice. This volume treats topics such as for example, anatomic and functional shape representation and matching; shape-based medical image segmentation; shape registration; statistical shape analysis; shape deformation; shape-based abnormity detection; shape tracking and longitudinal shape analysis; machine learning for shape modeling and analysis; shape-based computer-aided-diagnosis; shape-based medical navigation; benchmark and validation of shape representation, analysis and modeling algorithms. This work will be of interest to researchers, students and manufacturers in the fields of artificial intelligence, bioengineering, biomechanics, computational mechanics, computational vision, computer sciences, human motion, mathematics, medical imaging, medicine, pattern recognition and physics.

This book contains extended versions of selected papers from the 3rd edition of the International Symposium CompIMAGE. These contributions include cover methods of signal and image processing and analysis to tackle problems found in medicine, material science, surveillance, biometric, robotics, defence, satellite data, traffic analysis and architecture, image segmentation, 2D and 3D reconstruction, data acquisition, interpolation and registration, data visualization, motion and deformation analysis and 3D vision.

During recent decades, more than 100 surgical procedures have been proposed to treat pelvic organ prolapse, and surgeons are still searching for the ideal approach. Although generally accepted guidelines and algorithms are still lacking, careful preoperative work-up and patient selection can serve as a sound basis for tailored surgery. In this comprehensive book, leading experts from around the world provide a detailed, up-to-date overview of the diagnostic and surgical approaches employed in patients with prolapse of the middle or posterior pelvic floor compartment. Each surgical technique is explained step by step with the aid of instructive figures. Guidance is also included on the management of surgical complications and of recurrent disease – aspects that are too frequently overlooked in the scientific literature. This book will prove essential reading for all who are interested in functional colorectal disorders of the pelvic floor and will represent a unique and invaluable source of knowledge for general surgeons, colorectal surgeons, and urogynecologists, whether in training or practice.   ​  

The critical care unit is an intense clinical environment with huge responsibilities on the professionals caring for these patients. Imaging is a key source of diagnostic information, but the conditions in which diagnostic imaging has to be performed are often extremely challenging and significantly different to imaging in the non acute setting. Imaging the ICU Patient reviews imaging procedures on the ICU in a highly practical and memorable manner. Swift and efficient clinical decision-making is rewarded on the ICU and this book serves as a practical handbook.

This book investigates the design of devices, systems, and circuits for medical applications using the two recently established frequency bands: ultra-wideband (3.1-10.6 GHz) and 60 GHz ISM band. These two bands provide the largest bandwidths available for communication technologies and present many attractive opportunities for medical applications. The applications of these bands in healthcare are wireless body area network (WBAN), medical imaging, biomedical sensing, wearable and implantable devices, fast medical device connectivity, video data transmission, and vital signs monitoring. The recent technological advances and developments proposed or used in medicine based on these two bands are covered. The book introduces possible solutions and design techniques to efficiently implement these systems in medical environment. All individual chapters are written by leading experts in their fields. Contributions by authors are on various applications of ultra-wideband and the 60 GHz ISM band including circuit implementation, UWB and 60 GHz signal transmission around and in-body, antenna design solution, hardware implementation of body sensors, UWB transceiver design, 60 GHz transceiver design, UWB radar for contactless respiratory monitoring, and ultra-wideband based medical Imaging. The book will be a key resource for medical professionals, bio-medical engineers, and graduate and senior undergraduate students in computer, electrical, electronic and biomedical engineering disciplines.

PET and SPECT in Psychiatry showcases the combined expertise of renowned authors whose dedication to the investigation of psychiatric disease through nuclear medicine technology has achieved international recognition. The classical psychiatric disorders as well as other subjects - such as suicide, sleep, eating disorders, and autism - are discussed and the latest results in functional neuroimaging are detailed. Most chapters are written jointly by a clinical psychiatrist and a nuclear medicine expert to ensure a multidisciplinary approach. This state of the art compendium will be valuable to all who have an interest in the field of neuroscience, from the psychiatrist and the radiologist/nuclear medicine specialist to the interested general practitioner and cognitive psychologist. It is the first volume of a trilogy on PET and SPECT imaging in the neurosciences; other volumes will focus on PET and SPECT in neurology and PET and SPECT of neurobiological systems.

Introductory Concepts.- Interaction of Radiation with Atoms and Ions.- Energy Levels, Radiative, and Nonradiative Transitions in Molecules and Semiconductors.- Ray and Wave Propagation Through Optical Media.- Passive Optical Resonators.- Pumping Processes.- Continuous Wave Laser Behavior.- Transient Laser Behavior.- Solid-State, Dye, and Semiconductor Lasers.- Gas, Chemical, Free Electron, and X-Ray Lasers.- Properties of Laser Beams.- Laser Beam Transformation: Propagation, Amplification, Frequency Conversion, Pulse Compression, and Pulse Expansion.- Appendixes: Semiclassic Treatment of the Interaction of Radiation and Matter.- Line Shape Calculation for Collision Broadening.- Simplified Treatment of Amplified Spontaneous Emission.- Calculating Radiative Transition Rates of Molecular Transitions.- Space-Dependent Rate Equations.- Mode-Locking Theory: Homogeneous Line.- Propagation of a Laser Through a Dispersive Medium or a Gain Medium.- Higher Order Coherence.- Physical Constants and Useful Conversion Factors.- Answers to Selected Problems.- Index.

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.

This book provides an overview on the critical role of diagnostic imaging in the assessment of patients with suspected alimentary tract perforation, an emergent condition that requires prompt surgery. With the aid of numerous high-quality images, it is described how different imaging modalities, including plain film X-ray, ultrasonography and multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT), permit correct diagnosis of the presence and cause of the perforation and of associated pathologies. Particular attention is paid to MDCT, with full description of its role in a range of scenarios at various levels of the alimentary tract. Imaging of GI tract perforation in different patient groups, such as pediatric patients, the elderly and oncologic patients, is also addressed. This volume will greatly assist residents in radiology, radiologists and physicians who are daily involved in the management of patients with clinically suspected alimentary tract perforation.

Biostatistics for Oncologists is the first practical guide providing the essential biostatistical concepts, oncology-specific examples, and applicable problem sets for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists. The book also serves as a review for medical oncology and radiation oncology residents or fellows preparing for in-service and board exams. All examples are relevant to oncology and demonstrate how to apply core conceptual knowledge and applicable methods related to hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, categorical data analysis and survival analysis to the field of oncology. The book also provides guidance on the fundamentals of study design and analysis. Written for oncologists by oncologists, this practical text demystifies challenging statistical concepts and provides concise direction on how to interpret, analyze, and critique data in oncology publications, as well as how to apply statistical knowledge to understanding, designing, and analyzing clinical trials. With practical problem sets and twenty-five multiple choice practice questions with answers, the book is an indispensable review for anyone preparing for in-service exams, boards, MOC, or looking to hone a lifelong skill. Key Features: Practically explains biostatistics concepts important for passing the hematology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology boards and MOC exams. Provides guidance on how to read, understand, and critique data in oncology publications. Gives relevant examples that are important for analyzing data in oncology, including the design and analysis of clinical trials. Tests your comprehension of key biostatistical concepts with problem sets at the end of each section and a final section devoted to board-style multiple choice questions and answers Includes digital access to the eBook

Hip Magnetic Resonance Imaging presents a basic yet comprehensive discussion of the role and use of MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the hip, highlighting common concerns and procedures. Beginning with the principles of MRI and dGEMRIC and moving on to normal and abnormal hip anatomy, the focus shifts to the MRI techniques used in the detection of disease conditions of the hip, including labral disease, osteonecrosis, extra-articular conditions and cartilage damage. Chapters on the utilization of biochemical imaging biomarkers in the treatment of hip disorders round out the text. Written by experts in radiology and orthopedics and generously illustrated with MRI radiographs, this book will be an important reference work for clinicians in those fields, as well as practitioners of sports medicine and primary care physicians.

Advanced Imaging of the Abdomen is invaluable to the practising radiologist, and the more senior radiology resident and fellow, who is looking for a background reference source when discussing a suggested imaging approach with the referring physician. The book includes extensive lists, tables, line drawings and illustrations - ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance images, scintigraphy. It bridges the interface between the referring clinician and radiologist when faced with a patient suspected of having a complex or more unusual abdominal condition.

This volume provides an overview of advanced fluorescence microscopy, covering a broad range of methods. Each chapter focuses on a different method and provides a practical guide for application in biological systems. 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 tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy: Methods and Protocols seeks to provide scientists with methods for biological systems that are of interest.

Neurointervention in the Medical Specialties is a first-of-its-kind reference that serves as a bridge between the neurointerventionalist and the physicians who most frequently look to these specialists for answers to some of the most intractable problems they face. Providing background on the wide range of diseases treated through neurointervention along with the indications and alternatives to such treatments, this landmark title is grouped into four parts: an introduction to the tools and anatomical structures that are integral to the field; disease processes most often encountered by neurologists, cardiologists, and vascular surgeons; those diseases more frequently treated by neurosurgeons; and finally those diseases first seen by several other specialties including ophthalmologists and head and neck surgeons. Importantly, each chapter includes details of neurointerventional technique and case discussions that are sufficiently detailed to provide a treatment template and guidance to neurointerventionalists in training and practice. At the same time, the descriptions provide referring physicians with insight into how neurointerventional procedures are performed. Finally, there are several concluding, thought-provoking chapters that examine what new opportunities await the field of neurointervention on the horizon. Neurointervention in the Medical Specialties is a major contribution to the literature and invaluable resource for all clinicians and researchers interested in this exciting field.

This volume presents new developments in the field of mass spectrometry imaging, covering imaging, software, data analysis, new instrumentations, and new methodological approaches. Chapters provide detailed operational instructions from sample preparation to method selection, from comparative quantification to structural identification and from data collection to visualization of small molecule mapping in complex samples. 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 tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Small Molecules aims to to bring the rapidly maturing methods of metabolic imaging to life science researchers and to minimize technical intimidation in adapting new technological platforms in biological research.

Intracranial arachnoid cysts are congenital malformations with a predilection for the middle cranial fossa and an estimated prevalence in the general population as high as 1.7%. The common assumption is that these cysts are incidental findings and the symptoms associated with them are not caused by the cyst and consequently, that surgical intervention will not benefit the patient. However, there is now a growing understanding reflected in the international literature among neurologists and neurosurgeons that arachnoid cysts do harm and that the patients' complaints can be relieved by surgical treatment. Arachnoid Cysts: Epidemiology, Biology, and Neuroimaging gives a broad and updated presentation of the condition, including epidemiology, etiology, biology (including genetics and molecular biology), and neuroimaging of same. This book is written for researchers, residents, and clinical practitioners in clinical neuroscience, neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and pediatrics.

As imaging technologies and approaches have evolved, the scope of certain imaging techniques has moved far beyond the production of purely illustrative images or appealing time-lapse movies to providing the scientist with a rich range of ways to measure and quantify the biological process and outcome of gene expression. In Imaging Gene Expression: Methods and Protocols, expert authors offer up-to-date approaches and protocols that scientists in the field have developed, which would benefit the broader scientific community. Divided in three convenient parts, this detailed book covers the output of a gene, namely the RNA molecules that are transcribed from the gene and the way by which these molecules can be tracked or quantified in fixed or living cells, protocols that focus on the gene, DNA, or chromatin, as well as a variety of ways by which nuclear processes intertwined with gene expression can be followed and quantified in living cells as well as approaches for studying several sub-nuclear structures found in eukaryotic cells. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Imaging Gene Expression: Methods and Protocols will serve researchers working toward imaging in the context of complete organisms.