Sample records for ultrasound tomography ust

  1. Towards Dynamic Contrast Specific Ultrasound Tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demi, Libertario; van Sloun, Ruud J. G.; Wijkstra, Hessel; Mischi, Massimo

    2016-10-01

    We report on the first study demonstrating the ability of a recently-developed, contrast-enhanced, ultrasound imaging method, referred to as cumulative phase delay imaging (CPDI), to image and quantify ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) kinetics. Unlike standard ultrasound tomography, which exploits changes in speed of sound and attenuation, CPDI is based on a marker specific to UCAs, thus enabling dynamic contrast-specific ultrasound tomography (DCS-UST). For breast imaging, DCS-UST will lead to a more practical, faster, and less operator-dependent imaging procedure compared to standard echo-contrast, while preserving accurate imaging of contrast kinetics. Moreover, a linear relation between CPD values and ultrasound second-harmonic intensity was measured (coefficient of determination = 0.87). DCS-UST can find clinical applications as a diagnostic method for breast cancer localization, adding important features to multi-parametric ultrasound tomography of the breast.

  2. Towards Dynamic Contrast Specific Ultrasound Tomography.

    PubMed

    Demi, Libertario; Van Sloun, Ruud J G; Wijkstra, Hessel; Mischi, Massimo

    2016-10-05

    We report on the first study demonstrating the ability of a recently-developed, contrast-enhanced, ultrasound imaging method, referred to as cumulative phase delay imaging (CPDI), to image and quantify ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) kinetics. Unlike standard ultrasound tomography, which exploits changes in speed of sound and attenuation, CPDI is based on a marker specific to UCAs, thus enabling dynamic contrast-specific ultrasound tomography (DCS-UST). For breast imaging, DCS-UST will lead to a more practical, faster, and less operator-dependent imaging procedure compared to standard echo-contrast, while preserving accurate imaging of contrast kinetics. Moreover, a linear relation between CPD values and ultrasound second-harmonic intensity was measured (coefficient of determination = 0.87). DCS-UST can find clinical applications as a diagnostic method for breast cancer localization, adding important features to multi-parametric ultrasound tomography of the breast.

  3. Towards Dynamic Contrast Specific Ultrasound Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Demi, Libertario; Van Sloun, Ruud J. G.; Wijkstra, Hessel; Mischi, Massimo

    2016-01-01

    We report on the first study demonstrating the ability of a recently-developed, contrast-enhanced, ultrasound imaging method, referred to as cumulative phase delay imaging (CPDI), to image and quantify ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) kinetics. Unlike standard ultrasound tomography, which exploits changes in speed of sound and attenuation, CPDI is based on a marker specific to UCAs, thus enabling dynamic contrast-specific ultrasound tomography (DCS-UST). For breast imaging, DCS-UST will lead to a more practical, faster, and less operator-dependent imaging procedure compared to standard echo-contrast, while preserving accurate imaging of contrast kinetics. Moreover, a linear relation between CPD values and ultrasound second-harmonic intensity was measured (coefficient of determination = 0.87). DCS-UST can find clinical applications as a diagnostic method for breast cancer localization, adding important features to multi-parametric ultrasound tomography of the breast. PMID:27703251

  4. Development and Translation of Hybrid Optoacoustic/Ultrasonic Tomography for Early Breast Cancer Detection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-01

    OAT) and laser-induced ultrasound tomography (LUT) to obtain coregistered maps of tissue optical absorption and speed of sound , displayed within the...computed tomography (UST) can provide high-resolution anatomical images of breast lesions based on three complementary acoustic properties (speed-of- sound ...tomography (UST) can provide high-resolution anatomical images of breast lesions based on three complementary acoustic properties (speed-of- sound

  5. Breast imaging with ultrasound tomography: update on a comparative study with MR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ranger, Bryan; Littrup, Peter; Duric, Neb; Li, Cuiping; Schmidt, Steven; Rama, Olsi; Bey-Knight, Lisa

    2011-03-01

    The objective of this study is to present imaging parameters and display thresholds of an ultrasound tomography (UST) prototype in order to demonstrate analogous visualization of overall breast anatomy and lesions relative to magnetic resonance (MR). Thirty-six women were imaged with MR and our UST prototype. The UST scan generated sound speed, attenuation, and reflection images and were subjected to variable thresholds then fused together into a single UST image. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of MR and UST images were utilized to identify anatomical similarities and mass characteristics. Overall, UST demonstrated the ability to visualize and characterize breast tissues in a manner comparable to MR without the use of IV contrast. For optimal visualization, fused images utilized thresholds of 1.46+/-0.1 km/s for sound speed to represent architectural features of the breast including parenchyma. An arithmetic combination of images using the logical .AND. and .OR. operators, along with thresholds of 1.52+/-0.03 km/s for sound speed and 0.16+/-0.04 dB/cm for attenuation, allowed for mass detection and characterization similar to MR.

  6. Prototype volumetric ultrasound tomography image guidance system for prone stereotactic partial breast irradiation: proof-of-concept

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chiu, Tsuicheng D.; Parsons, David; Zhang, Yue; Hrycushko, Brian; Zhao, Bo; Chopra, Rajiv; Kim, Nathan; Spangler, Ann; Rahimi, Asal; Timmerman, Robert; Jiang, Steve B.; Lu, Weiguo; Gu, Xuejun

    2018-03-01

    Accurate dose delivery in stereotactic partial breast irradiation (S-PBI) is challenging because of the target position uncertainty caused by breast deformation, the target volume changes caused by lumpectomy cavity shrinkage, and the target delineation uncertainty on simulation computed tomography (CT) images caused by poor soft tissue contrast. We have developed a volumetric ultrasound tomography (UST) image guidance system for prone position S-PBI. The system is composed of a novel 3D printed rotation water tank, a patient-specific resin breast immobilization cup, and a 1D array ultrasound transducer. Coronal 2D US images were acquired in 5° increments over a 360° range, and planes were acquired every 2 mm in elevation. A super-compounding technique was used to reconstruct the image volume. The image quality of UST was evaluated with a BB-1 breast phantom and BioZorb surgical marker, and the results revealed that UST offered better soft tissue contrast than CT and similar image quality to MR. In the evaluated plane, the size and location of five embedded objects were measured and compared to MR, which is considered as the ground truth. Objects’ diameters and the distances between objects in UST differ by approximately 1 to 2 mm from those in MR, which showed that UST offers the image quality required for S-PBI. In future work we will develop a robotic system that will be ultimately implemented in the clinic.

  7. Prototype volumetric ultrasound tomography image guidance system for prone stereotactic partial breast irradiation: proof-of-concept.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Tsuicheng D; Parsons, David; Zhang, Yue; Hrycushko, Brian; Zhao, Bo; Chopra, Rajiv; Kim, Nathan; Spangler, Ann; Rahimi, Asal; Timmerman, Robert; Jiang, Steve B; Lu, Weiguo; Gu, Xuejun

    2018-03-01

    Accurate dose delivery in stereotactic partial breast irradiation (S-PBI) is challenging because of the target position uncertainty caused by breast deformation, the target volume changes caused by lumpectomy cavity shrinkage, and the target delineation uncertainty on simulation computed tomography (CT) images caused by poor soft tissue contrast. We have developed a volumetric ultrasound tomography (UST) image guidance system for prone position S-PBI. The system is composed of a novel 3D printed rotation water tank, a patient-specific resin breast immobilization cup, and a 1D array ultrasound transducer. Coronal 2D US images were acquired in 5° increments over a 360° range, and planes were acquired every 2 mm in elevation. A super-compounding technique was used to reconstruct the image volume. The image quality of UST was evaluated with a BB-1 breast phantom and BioZorb surgical marker, and the results revealed that UST offered better soft tissue contrast than CT and similar image quality to MR. In the evaluated plane, the size and location of five embedded objects were measured and compared to MR, which is considered as the ground truth. Objects' diameters and the distances between objects in UST differ by approximately 1 to 2 mm from those in MR, which showed that UST offers the image quality required for S-PBI. In future work we will develop a robotic system that will be ultimately implemented in the clinic.

  8. Comparison of breast density measurements made using ultrasound tomography and mammography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Krycia, Mark; Sherman, Mark E.; Boyd, Norman; Gierach, Gretchen L.

    2015-03-01

    Women with elevated mammographic percent density, defined as the ratio of fibroglandular tissue area to total breast area on a mammogram are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Ultrasound tomography (UST) is an imaging modality that can create tomographic sound speed images of a patient's breast, which can then be used to measure breast density. These sound speed images are useful because physical tissue density is directly proportional to sound speed. The work presented here updates previous results that compared mammographic breast density measurements with UST breast density measurements within an ongoing study. The current analysis has been expanded to include 158 women with negative digital mammographic screens who then underwent a breast UST scan. Breast density was measured for both imaging modalities and preliminary analysis demonstrated strong and positive correlations (Spearman correlation coefficient rs = 0.703). Additional mammographic and UST related imaging characteristics were also analyzed and used to compare the behavior of both imaging modalities. Results suggest that UST can be used among women with negative mammographic screens as a quantitative marker of breast density that may avert shortcomings of mammography.

  9. Ultrasound tomography imaging with waveform sound speed: parenchymal changes in women undergoing tamoxifen therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Sherman, Mark; Gierach, Gretchen

    2017-03-01

    Ultrasound tomography (UST) is an emerging modality that can offer quantitative measurements of breast density. Recent breakthroughs in UST image reconstruction involve the use of a waveform reconstruction as opposed to a raybased reconstruction. The sound speed (SS) images that are created using the waveform reconstruction have a much higher image quality. These waveform images offer improved resolution and contrasts between regions of dense and fatty tissues. As part of a study that was designed to assess breast density changes using UST sound speed imaging among women undergoing tamoxifen therapy, UST waveform sound speed images were then reconstructed for a subset of participants. These initial results show that changes to the parenchymal tissue can more clearly be visualized when using the waveform sound speed images. Additional quantitative testing of the waveform images was also started to test the hypothesis that waveform sound speed images are a more robust measure of breast density than ray-based reconstructions. Further analysis is still needed to better understand how tamoxifen affects breast tissue.

  10. Using ultrasound tomography to identify the distributions of density throughout the breast

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Sherman, Mark E.; Gierach, Gretchen L.

    2016-04-01

    Women with high breast density are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Breast density has usually been defined using mammography as the ratio of fibroglandular tissue to total breast area. Ultrasound tomography (UST) is an emerging modality that can also be used to measure breast density. UST creates tomographic sound speed images of the patient's breast which is useful as sound speed is directly proportional to tissue density. Furthermore, the volumetric and quantitative information contained in the sound speed images can be used to describe the distribution of breast density. The work presented here measures the UST sound speed density distributions of 165 women with negative screening mammography. Frequency distributions of the sound speed voxel information were examined for each patient. In a preliminary analysis, the UST sound speed distributions were averaged across patients and grouped by various patient and density-related factors (e.g., age, body mass index, menopausal status, average mammographic breast density). It was found that differences in the distribution of density could be easily visualized for different patient groupings. Furthermore, findings suggest that the shape of the distributions may be used to identify participants with varying amounts of dense and non-dense tissue.

  11. Breast density measurements using ultrasound tomography for patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Li, Cuiping; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Sherman, Mark; Boyd, Norman; Gierach, Gretchen

    2013-03-01

    Women with high breast density have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women treated with the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer experience a 50% reduction in risk of contralateral breast cancer and overall reduction of similar magnitude has been identified among high-risk women receiving the drug for prevention. Tamoxifen has been shown to reduce mammographic density, and in the IBIS-1 chemoprevention trial, risk reduction and decline in density were significantly associated. Ultrasound tomography (UST) is an imaging modality that can create tomographic sound speed images of the breast. These sound speed images are useful because breast density is proportional to sound speed. The aim of this work is to examine the relationship between USTmeasured breast density and the use of tamoxifen. So far, preliminary results for a small number of patients have been observed and are promising. Correlations between the UST-measured density and mammographic density are strong and positive, while relationships between UST density with some patient specific risk factors behave as expected. Initial results of UST examinations of tamoxifen treated patients show that approximately 45% of the patients have a decrease in density in the contralateral breast after only several months of treatment. The true effect of tamoxifen on UST-measured density cannot yet be fully determined until more data are collected. However, these promising results suggest that UST can be used to reliably assess quantitative changes in breast density over short intervals and therefore suggest that UST may enable rapid assessment of density changes associated with therapeutic and preventative interventions.

  12. Efficient Segmentation of a Breast in B-Mode Ultrasound Tomography Using Three-Dimensional GrabCut (GC3D)

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Shibin; Zhuang, Ling; Wei, Xinhua; Sak, Mark; Neb, Duric; Hu, Jiani; Xie, Yaoqin

    2017-01-01

    As an emerging modality for whole breast imaging, ultrasound tomography (UST), has been adopted for diagnostic purposes. Efficient segmentation of an entire breast in UST images plays an important role in quantitative tissue analysis and cancer diagnosis, while major existing methods suffer from considerable time consumption and intensive user interaction. This paper explores three-dimensional GrabCut (GC3D) for breast isolation in thirty reflection (B-mode) UST volumetric images. The algorithm can be conveniently initialized by localizing points to form a polygon, which covers the potential breast region. Moreover, two other variations of GrabCut and an active contour method were compared. Algorithm performance was evaluated from volume overlap ratios (TO, target overlap; MO, mean overlap; FP, false positive; FN, false negative) and time consumption. Experimental results indicate that GC3D considerably reduced the work load and achieved good performance (TO = 0.84; MO = 0.91; FP = 0.006; FN = 0.16) within an average of 1.2 min per volume. Furthermore, GC3D is not only user friendly, but also robust to various inputs, suggesting its great potential to facilitate clinical applications during whole-breast UST imaging. In the near future, the implemented GC3D can be easily automated to tackle B-mode UST volumetric images acquired from the updated imaging system. PMID:28786946

  13. Determinants of the reliability of ultrasound tomography sound speed estimates as a surrogate for volumetric breast density

    PubMed Central

    Khodr, Zeina G.; Sak, Mark A.; Pfeiffer, Ruth M.; Duric, Nebojsa; Littrup, Peter; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Ali, Haythem; Vallieres, Patricia; Sherman, Mark E.; Gierach, Gretchen L.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: High breast density, as measured by mammography, is associated with increased breast cancer risk, but standard methods of assessment have limitations including 2D representation of breast tissue, distortion due to breast compression, and use of ionizing radiation. Ultrasound tomography (UST) is a novel imaging method that averts these limitations and uses sound speed measures rather than x-ray imaging to estimate breast density. The authors evaluated the reproducibility of measures of speed of sound and changes in this parameter using UST. Methods: One experienced and five newly trained raters measured sound speed in serial UST scans for 22 women (two scans per person) to assess inter-rater reliability. Intrarater reliability was assessed for four raters. A random effects model was used to calculate the percent variation in sound speed and change in sound speed attributable to subject, scan, rater, and repeat reads. The authors estimated the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for these measures based on data from the authors’ experienced rater. Results: Median (range) time between baseline and follow-up UST scans was five (1–13) months. Contributions of factors to sound speed variance were differences between subjects (86.0%), baseline versus follow-up scans (7.5%), inter-rater evaluations (1.1%), and intrarater reproducibility (∼0%). When evaluating change in sound speed between scans, 2.7% and ∼0% of variation were attributed to inter- and intrarater variation, respectively. For the experienced rater’s repeat reads, agreement for sound speed was excellent (ICC = 93.4%) and for change in sound speed substantial (ICC = 70.4%), indicating very good reproducibility of these measures. Conclusions: UST provided highly reproducible sound speed measurements, which reflect breast density, suggesting that UST has utility in sensitively assessing change in density. PMID:26429241

  14. Determinants of the reliability of ultrasound tomography sound speed estimates as a surrogate for volumetric breast density

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Khodr, Zeina G.; Pfeiffer, Ruth M.; Gierach, Gretchen L., E-mail: GierachG@mail.nih.gov

    Purpose: High breast density, as measured by mammography, is associated with increased breast cancer risk, but standard methods of assessment have limitations including 2D representation of breast tissue, distortion due to breast compression, and use of ionizing radiation. Ultrasound tomography (UST) is a novel imaging method that averts these limitations and uses sound speed measures rather than x-ray imaging to estimate breast density. The authors evaluated the reproducibility of measures of speed of sound and changes in this parameter using UST. Methods: One experienced and five newly trained raters measured sound speed in serial UST scans for 22 women (twomore » scans per person) to assess inter-rater reliability. Intrarater reliability was assessed for four raters. A random effects model was used to calculate the percent variation in sound speed and change in sound speed attributable to subject, scan, rater, and repeat reads. The authors estimated the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for these measures based on data from the authors’ experienced rater. Results: Median (range) time between baseline and follow-up UST scans was five (1–13) months. Contributions of factors to sound speed variance were differences between subjects (86.0%), baseline versus follow-up scans (7.5%), inter-rater evaluations (1.1%), and intrarater reproducibility (∼0%). When evaluating change in sound speed between scans, 2.7% and ∼0% of variation were attributed to inter- and intrarater variation, respectively. For the experienced rater’s repeat reads, agreement for sound speed was excellent (ICC = 93.4%) and for change in sound speed substantial (ICC = 70.4%), indicating very good reproducibility of these measures. Conclusions: UST provided highly reproducible sound speed measurements, which reflect breast density, suggesting that UST has utility in sensitively assessing change in density.« less

  15. Compact photoacoustic tomography system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalva, Sandeep Kumar; Pramanik, Manojit

    2017-03-01

    Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a non-ionizing biomedical imaging modality which finds applications in brain imaging, tumor angiogenesis, monitoring of vascularization, breast cancer imaging, monitoring of oxygen saturation levels etc. Typical PAT systems uses Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light illumination, single element large ultrasound transducer (UST) as detector. By holding the UST in horizontal plane and moving it in a circular motion around the sample in full 2π radians photoacoustic data is collected and images are reconstructed. The horizontal positioning of the UST make the scanning radius large, leading to larger water tank and also increases the load on the motor that rotates the UST. To overcome this limitation, we present a compact photoacoustic tomographic (ComPAT) system. In this ComPAT system, instead of holding the UST in horizontal plane, it is held in vertical plane and the photoacoustic waves generated at the sample are detected by the UST after it is reflected at 45° by an acoustic reflector attached to the transducer body. With this we can reduce the water tank size and load on the motor, thus overall PAT system size can be reduced. Here we show that with the ComPAT system nearly similar PA images (phantom and in vivo data) can be obtained as that of the existing PAT systems using both flat and cylindrically focused transducers.

  16. From Bombs to Breast Cancer Imaging: Los Alamos National Laboratory

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Martineau, Rebecca M

    In the United States, one in eight women will be affected by breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed - as well as the second most fatal - cancer in American women. It is estimated that there will be nearly 200,000 diagnoses of breast cancer this year; more than 40,000 of these will be fatal. Although advances in medical technologies have greatly increased the odds of surviving the disease, the increase in screenings has not resulted in a significant reduction in the breast cancer mortality rate. Moreover, recent studies have even suggestedmore » that an increase in these methods might, in itself, cause cancer. A new tool for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, supported by an award from the Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs of Department of Defense, could give women a new advantage in the fight against breast cancer. This LANL-led project will integrate ultrasound tomography (UST) with recent discoveries in the field of cell and tissue biomechanics to improve breast cancer detection and characterization. UST uses ultrasound waves instead of X-rays to identify and characterize breast tumors. This technology reveals small mechanical-property changes within the breast. These changes are often the earliest signs of breast cancer. Additionally, UST is effective for women with dense breast tissue, who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Because the technology does not use radiation, UST can also be used as frequently as needed for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer. In contrast, mammography, the only routine breast-cancer screening tool currently available, is not effective for women with dense breast tissue and may come with unwanted side-effects caused by ionizing radiation. UST has great potential to become an alternative breast-cancer screening tool because of UST's advantages and benefits over mammography. Currently, there is fierce debate surrounding the age at which breast cancer screening should begin, and once begun, how often it should occur. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40. On the other hand, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine so early. Rather, the Task Force recommends biennial mammography screening for women aged 50 to 74 years. The ten-year discrepancy in the onset of screening results from recent data suggesting that the frequent use of X-ray radiation during screenings could potentially increase the likelihood of developing cancer. This danger is increased by the low sensitivity and accuracy of mammograms, which sometimes require multiple screenings to yield results. Furthermore, mammograms are often not only inaccurate, but average appalling misdiagnoses rates: about 80% false positives and 15% false negatives. These misdiagnoses lead to unwarranted biopsies at an estimated health care cost of $2 billion per year, while at the same time, resulting in excessive cases of undetected cancer. As such, the National Cancer Institute recommends more studies on the advantages of types and frequency of screenings, as well as alternative screening options. The UST technology developed at LANL could be an alternative option to greatly improve the specificity and sensitivity of breast cancer screening without using ionizing radiation. LANL is developing high-resolution ultrasound tomography algorithms and a clinical ultrasound tomography scanner to conduct patient studies at the UNM Hospital. During UST scanning, the patient lies face-down while her breast, immersed in a tank of warm water, is scanned by phased-transducer arrays. UST uses recorded ultrasound signals to reconstruct a high-resolution three-dimensional image of the breast, showing the spatial distribution of mechanical properties within the breast. Breast cancers are detected by higher values of mechanical properties compared to surrounding tissues. Thus, high-resolution breast images obtained using LANL's novel UST algorithms have the potential to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage. The goal of this Multi-Team Award project is two-fold: (1) develop a novel, safe and cost-effective breast-imaging technique, and (2) improve the specificity and sensitivity of breast cancer imaging. The project is expected to integrate basic research with clinical studies, perform substantive cross-disciplinary training among scientists on the teams and involve participation of consumer advocates. Those involved in the project are optimistic about future developments.« less

  17. Comparison of sound speed measurements on two different ultrasound tomography devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Sherman, Mark; Gierach, Gretchen; Malyarenko, Antonina

    2014-03-01

    Ultrasound tomography (UST) employs sound waves to produce three-dimensional images of breast tissue and precisely measures the attenuation of sound speed secondary to breast tissue composition. High breast density is a strong breast cancer risk factor and sound speed is directly proportional to breast density. UST provides a quantitative measure of breast density based on three-dimensional imaging without compression, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of many other imaging modalities. The quantitative nature of the UST breast density measures are tied to an external standard, so sound speed measurement in breast tissue should be independent of specific hardware. The work presented here compares breast sound speed measurement obtained with two different UST devices. The Computerized Ultrasound Risk Evaluation (CURE) system located at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan was recently replaced with the SoftVue ultrasound tomographic device. Ongoing clinical trials have used images generated from both sets of hardware, so maintaining consistency in sound speed measurements is important. During an overlap period when both systems were in the same exam room, a total of 12 patients had one or both of their breasts imaged on both systems on the same day. There were 22 sound speed scans analyzed from each system and the average breast sound speeds were compared. Images were either reconstructed using saved raw data (for both CURE and SoftVue) or were created during the image acquisition (saved in DICOM format for SoftVue scans only). The sound speed measurements from each system were strongly and positively correlated with each other. The average difference in sound speed between the two sets of data was on the order of 1-2 m/s and this result was not statistically significant. The only sets of images that showed a statistical difference were the DICOM images created during the SoftVue scan compared to the SoftVue images reconstructed from the raw data. However, the discrepancy between the sound speed values could be easily handled by uniformly increasing the DICOM sound speed by approximately 0.5 m/s. These results suggest that there is no fundamental difference in sound speed measurement for the two systems and support combining data generated with these instruments in future studies.

  18. Using speed of sound imaging to characterize breast density

    PubMed Central

    Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Ali, Haythem; Vallieres, Patricia; Sherman, Mark E.; Gierach, Gretchen L.

    2017-01-01

    A population of 165 women with negative mammographic screens also received an ultrasound tomography (UST) exam at the Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) in Detroit, MI. Standard statistical techniques were employed to measure the associations between the various mammographic and UST related density measures and various participant characteristics such as age, weight and height. The Mammographic percent density (MPD) was found to have similar strength associations with UST mean sound speed (Spearman coefficient, rs = 0.722, p < 0.001) and UST median sound speed (rs = 0.737, p < 0.001). Both were stronger than the associations between MPD with two separate measures of UST percent density, a k-means (rs = 0.568, p < 0.001) or a threshold (rs = 0.715, p < 0.001) measure. Segmentation of the UST sound speed images into dense and non-dense volumes showed weak to moderate associations with the mammographically equivalent measures. Relationships were found to be inversely and weakly associated between age and the UST mean sound speed (rs = −0.239, p = 0.002), UST median sound speed (rs = −0.226, p= 0.004) and MPD (rs = −0.204, p= 0.008). Relationships were found to be inversely and moderately associated between BMI and the UST mean sound speed (rs = −0.429, p < 0.001), UST median sound speed (rs = −0.447, p < 0.001) and MPD (rs = −0.489, p < 0.001). The results confirm and strengthen findings presented in previous work indicating that UST sound speed imaging yields viable markers of breast density in a manner consistent with mammography, the current clinical standard. These results lay the groundwork for further studies to assess the role of sound speed imaging in risk prediction. PMID:27692872

  19. Relationship between breast sound speed and mammographic percent density

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sak, Mark; Duric, Nebojsa; Boyd, Norman; Littrup, Peter; Myc, Lukasz; Faiz, Muhammad; Li, Cuiping; Bey-Knight, Lisa

    2011-03-01

    Despite some shortcomings, mammography is currently the standard of care for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. However, breast ultrasound tomography is a rapidly developing imaging modality that has the potential to overcome the drawbacks of mammography. It is known that women with high breast densities have a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Measuring breast density is accomplished through the use of mammographic percent density, defined as the ratio of fibroglandular to total breast area. Using an ultrasound tomography (UST) prototype, we created sound speed images of the patient's breast, motivated by the fact that sound speed in a tissue is proportional to the density of the tissue. The purpose of this work is to compare the acoustic performance of the UST system with the measurement of mammographic percent density. A cohort of 251 patients was studied using both imaging modalities and the results suggest that the volume averaged breast sound speed is significantly related to mammographic percent density. The Spearman correlation coefficient was found to be 0.73 for the 175 film mammograms and 0.69 for the 76 digital mammograms obtained. Since sound speed measurements do not require ionizing radiation or physical compression, they have the potential to form the basis of a safe, more accurate surrogate marker of breast density.

  20. Breast ultrasound tomography: bridging the gap to clinical practice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Li, Cuiping; Roy, Olivier; Schmidt, Steven; Janer, Roman; Cheng, Xiaoyang; Goll, Jeffrey; Rama, Olsi; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Greenway, William

    2012-03-01

    Conventional sonography, which performs well in dense breast tissue and is comfortable and radiation-free, is not practical for screening because of its operator dependence and the time needed to scan the whole breast. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can significantly improve on these limitations, it is also not practical because it has long been prohibitively expensive for routine use. There is therefore a need for an alternative breast imaging method that obviates the constraints of these standard imaging modalities. The lack of such an alternative is a barrier to dramatically impacting mortality (about 45,000 women in the US per year) and morbidity from breast cancer because, currently, there is a trade-off between the cost effectiveness of mammography and sonography on the one hand and the imaging accuracy of MRI on the other. This paper presents a progress report on our long term goal to eliminate this trade-off and thereby improve breast cancer survival rates and decrease unnecessary biopsies through the introduction of safe, cost-effective, operatorindependent sonography that can rival MRI in accuracy. The objective of the study described in this paper was to design and build an improved ultrasound tomography (UST) scanner in support of our goals. To that end, we report on a design that builds on our current research prototype. The design of the new scanner is based on a comparison of the capabilities of our existing prototype and the performance needed for clinical efficacy. The performance gap was quantified by using clinical studies to establish the baseline performance of the research prototype, and using known MRI capabilities to establish the required performance. Simulation software was used to determine the basic operating characteristics of an improved scanner that would provide the necessary performance. Design elements focused on transducer geometry, which in turn drove the data acquisition system and the image reconstruction engine specifications. The feasibility of UST established by our earlier work and that of other groups, forms the rationale for developing a UST system that has the potential to become a practical, low-cost device for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

  1. Ozil IP torsional mode versus combined torsional/longitudinal microcoaxial phacoemulsification.

    PubMed

    Helvacioglu, Firat; Tunc, Zeki; Yeter, Celal; Oguzhan, Hasan; Sencan, Sadik

    2012-01-01

    To compare the safety and efficacy of microcoaxial phacoemulsification surgeries performed with the Ozil Intelligent Phaco (IP) torsional mode and combined torsional/longitudinal ultrasound (US) mode using the Infiniti Vision System (Alcon Laboratories). In this prospective randomized comparative study, 60 eyes were assigned to 2.2-mm microcoaxial phacoemulsification using the Ozil IP torsional mode (group 1) or combined torsional/longitudinal US mode (group 2). The primary outcome measures were US time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), longitudinal and torsional ultrasound amplitudes, mean operation time, mean volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) used, and surgical complications. Both groups included 30 eyes. Mean UST, CDE, and longitudinal and torsional ultrasound amplitudes in group 1 were 1 minute 15±34.33 seconds, 8.74±5.64, 0.43±0.74, and 25.56±8.56, respectively, and these parameters in group 2 were 1 minute 40±51.44 seconds, 9.28±5.99, 3.64±1.55, and 3.71±1.34, respectively. UST and longitudinal amplitudes were found to be significantly low in group 1 (p<0.001, p<0.001), whereas torsional amplitude was found to be significantly high in this group (p=0.001). Mean volumes of BSS used in groups 1 and 2 were 63.30±18.00 cc and 84.50±28.65 cc, respectively (p=0.001). The Ozil IP torsional mode may provide more effective lens removal than the combined torsional/longitudinal US mode with a lower UST and volume of BSS used.

  2. Osteopathic Manual Treatment and Ultrasound Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    PubMed Central

    Licciardone, John C.; Minotti, Dennis E.; Gatchel, Robert J.; Kearns, Cathleen M.; Singh, Karan P.

    2013-01-01

    PURPOSE We studied the efficacy of osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) and ultrasound therapy (UST) for chronic low back pain. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial design was used to study OMT and UST for short-term relief of nonspecific chronic low back pain. The 455 patients were randomized to OMT (n = 230) or sham OMT (n = 225) main effects groups, and to UST (n = 233) or sham UST (n = 222) main effects groups. Six treatment sessions were provided over 8 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed to measure moderate and substantial improvements in low back pain at week 12 (30% or greater and 50% or greater pain reductions from baseline, respectively). Five secondary outcomes, safety, and treatment adherence were also assessed. RESULTS There was no statistical interaction between OMT and UST. Patients receiving OMT were more likely than patients receiving sham OMT to achieve moderate (response ratio [RR] = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.16-1.64; P <.001) and substantial (RR = 1.41, 95% CI, 1.13-1.76; P = .002) improvements in low back pain at week 12. These improvements met the Cochrane Back Review Group criterion for a medium effect size. Back-specific functioning, general health, work disability specific to low back pain, safety outcomes, and treatment adherence did not differ between patients receiving OMT and sham OMT. Nevertheless, patients in the OMT group were more likely to be very satisfied with their back care throughout the study (P <.001). Patients receiving OMT used prescription drugs for low back pain less frequently during the 12 weeks than did patients in the sham OMT group (use ratio = 0.66, 95% CI, 0.43-1.00; P = .048). Ultrasound therapy was not efficacious. CONCLUSIONS The OMT regimen met or exceeded the Cochrane Back Review Group criterion for a medium effect size in relieving chronic low back pain. It was safe, parsimonious, and well accepted by patients. PMID:23508598

  3. Osteopathic manual treatment and ultrasound therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Licciardone, John C; Minotti, Dennis E; Gatchel, Robert J; Kearns, Cathleen M; Singh, Karan P

    2013-01-01

    We studied the efficacy of osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) and ultrasound therapy (UST) for chronic low back pain. A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial design was used to study OMT and UST for short-term relief of nonspecific chronic low back pain. The 455 patients were randomized to OMT (n = 230) or sham OMT (n = 225) main effects groups, and to UST (n = 233) or sham UST (n = 222) main effects groups. Six treatment sessions were provided over 8 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed to measure moderate and substantial improvements in low back pain at week 12 (30% or greater and 50% or greater pain reductions from baseline, respectively). Five secondary outcomes, safety, and treatment adherence were also assessed. There was no statistical interaction between OMT and UST. Patients receiving OMT were more likely than patients receiving sham OMT to achieve moderate (response ratio [RR] = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.16-1.64; P <.001) and substantial (RR = 1.41, 95% CI, 1.13-1.76; P = .002) improvements in low back pain at week 12. These improvements met the Cochrane Back Review Group criterion for a medium effect size. Back-specific functioning, general health, work disability specific to low back pain, safety outcomes, and treatment adherence did not differ between patients receiving OMT and sham OMT. Nevertheless, patients in the OMT group were more likely to be very satisfied with their back care throughout the study (P <.001). Patients receiving OMT used prescription drugs for low back pain less frequently during the 12 weeks than did patients in the sham OMT group (use ratio = 0.66, 95% CI, 0.43-1.00; P = .048). Ultrasound therapy was not efficacious. The OMT regimen met or exceeded the Cochrane Back Review Group criterion for a medium effect size in relieving chronic low back pain. It was safe, parsimonious, and well accepted by patients.

  4. An evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of torsional mode versus longitudinal ultrasound mode phacoemulsification: a Meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Leon, Pia; Umari, Ingrid; Mangogna, Alessandro; Zanei, Andrea; Tognetto, Daniele

    2016-01-01

    To evaluate and compare the intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes of torsional mode and longitudinal mode of phacoemulsification. Pertinent studies were identified by a computerized MEDLINE search from January 2002 to September 2013. The Meta-analysis is composed of two parts. In the first part the intraoperative parameters were considered: ultrasound time (UST) and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE). The intraoperative values were also distinctly considered for two categories (moderate and hard cataract group) depending on the nuclear opacity grade. In the second part of the study the postoperative outcomes as the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the endothelial cell loss (ECL) were taken in consideration. The UST and CDE values proved statistically significant in support of torsional mode for both moderate and hard cataract group. The analysis of BCVA did not present statistically significant difference between the two surgical modalities. The ECL count was statistically significant in support of torsional mode (P<0.001). The Meta-analysis shows the superiority of the torsional mode for intraoperative parameters (UST, CDE) and postoperative ECL outcomes.

  5. An evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of torsional mode versus longitudinal ultrasound mode phacoemulsification: a Meta-analysis

    PubMed Central

    Leon, Pia; Umari, Ingrid; Mangogna, Alessandro; Zanei, Andrea; Tognetto, Daniele

    2016-01-01

    AIM To evaluate and compare the intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes of torsional mode and longitudinal mode of phacoemulsification. METHODS Pertinent studies were identified by a computerized MEDLINE search from January 2002 to September 2013. The Meta-analysis is composed of two parts. In the first part the intraoperative parameters were considered: ultrasound time (UST) and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE). The intraoperative values were also distinctly considered for two categories (moderate and hard cataract group) depending on the nuclear opacity grade. In the second part of the study the postoperative outcomes as the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the endothelial cell loss (ECL) were taken in consideration. RESULTS The UST and CDE values proved statistically significant in support of torsional mode for both moderate and hard cataract group. The analysis of BCVA did not present statistically significant difference between the two surgical modalities. The ECL count was statistically significant in support of torsional mode (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The Meta-analysis shows the superiority of the torsional mode for intraoperative parameters (UST, CDE) and postoperative ECL outcomes. PMID:27366694

  6. Hybrid-modality ocular imaging using a clinical ultrasound system and nanosecond pulsed laser.

    PubMed

    Lim, Hoong-Ta; Matham, Murukeshan Vadakke

    2015-07-01

    Hybrid optical modality imaging is a special type of multimodality imaging significantly used in the recent past in order to harness the strengths of different imaging methods as well as to furnish complementary information beyond that provided by any individual method. We present a hybrid-modality imaging system based on a commercial clinical ultrasound imaging (USI) system using a linear array ultrasound transducer (UST) and a tunable nanosecond pulsed laser as the source. The integrated system uses photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and USI for ocular imaging to provide the complementary absorption and structural information of the eye. In this system, B-mode images from PAI and USI are acquired at 10 Hz and about 40 Hz, respectively. A linear array UST makes the system much faster compared to other ocular imaging systems using a single-element UST to form B-mode images. The results show that the proposed instrumentation is able to incorporate PAI and USI in a single setup. The feasibility and efficiency of this developed probe system was illustrated by using enucleated pig eyes as test samples. It was demonstrated that PAI could successfully capture photoacoustic signals from the iris, anterior lens surface, and posterior pole, while USI could accomplish the mapping of the eye to reveal the structures like the cornea, anterior chamber, lens, iris, and posterior pole. This system and the proposed methodology are expected to enable ocular disease diagnostic applications and can be used as a preclinical imaging system.

  7. Torsional ultrasound mode versus combined torsional and conventional ultrasound mode phacoemulsification for eyes with hard cataract.

    PubMed

    Fakhry, Mohamed A; El Shazly, Malak I

    2011-01-01

    To compare torsional versus combined torsional and conventional ultrasound modes in hard cataract surgery regarding ultrasound energy and time and effect on corneal endothelium. Kasr El Aini hospital, Cairo University, and International Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Ninety-eight eyes of 63 patients were enrolled in this prospective comparative randomized masked clinical study. All eyes had nuclear cataracts of grades III and IV using the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III). Two groups were included, each having an equal number of eyes (49). The treatment for group A was combined torsional and conventional US mode phacoemulsification, and for group B torsional US mode phacoemulsification only. Pre- and post-operative assessments included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp evaluation, and fundoscopic evaluation. Endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured preoperatively, 1 day, 7 days, and 1 month postoperatively. All eyes were operated on using the Alcon Infiniti System (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) with the quick chop technique. All eyes were implanted with AcrySof SA60AT (Alcon) intraocular lens (IOL). The main phaco outcome parameters included the mean ultrasound time (UST), the mean cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and the percent of average torsional amplitude in position 3 (%TUSiP3). Improvement in BCVA was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001). Comparing UST and CDE for both groups revealed results favoring the pure torsional group (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001 for UST; P = 0.058 and P = 0.009 for CDE). As for %TUSiP3, readings were higher for the pure torsional group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01). All changes of CCT, and ECD over time were found statistically significant using one-way ANOVA testing (P < 0.001). Both modes are safe in hard cataract surgery, however the pure torsional mode showed less US energy used.

  8. Torsional ultrasound mode versus combined torsional and conventional ultrasound mode phacoemulsification for eyes with hard cataract

    PubMed Central

    Fakhry, Mohamed A; Shazly, Malak I El

    2011-01-01

    Purpose To compare torsional versus combined torsional and conventional ultrasound modes in hard cataract surgery regarding ultrasound energy and time and effect on corneal endothelium. Settings Kasr El Aini hospital, Cairo University, and International Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Methodology Ninety-eight eyes of 63 patients were enrolled in this prospective comparative randomized masked clinical study. All eyes had nuclear cataracts of grades III and IV using the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III). Two groups were included, each having an equal number of eyes (49). The treatment for group A was combined torsional and conventional US mode phacoemulsification, and for group B torsional US mode phacoemulsification only. Pre- and post-operative assessments included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp evaluation, and fundoscopic evaluation. Endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured preoperatively, 1 day, 7 days, and 1 month postoperatively. All eyes were operated on using the Alcon Infiniti System (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) with the quick chop technique. All eyes were implanted with AcrySof SA60AT (Alcon) intraocular lens (IOL). The main phaco outcome parameters included the mean ultrasound time (UST), the mean cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and the percent of average torsional amplitude in position 3 (%TUSiP3). Results Improvement in BCVA was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001). Comparing UST and CDE for both groups revealed results favoring the pure torsional group (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001 for UST; P = 0.058 and P = 0.009 for CDE). As for %TUSiP3, readings were higher for the pure torsional group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01). All changes of CCT, and ECD over time were found statistically significant using one-way ANOVA testing (P < 0.001). Conclusion Both modes are safe in hard cataract surgery, however the pure torsional mode showed less US energy used. PMID:21792288

  9. Outcomes of torsional microcoaxial phacoemulsification performed by 12-degree and 22-degree bent tips.

    PubMed

    Helvacioglu, Firat; Yeter, Celal; Tunc, Zeki; Sencan, Sadik

    2013-08-01

    To compare the safety and efficacy of Ozil Intelligent Phaco torsional microcoaxial phacoemulsification surgeries performed with 12-degree and 22-degree bent tips using the Infiniti Vision System. Maltepe University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey. Comparative case series. Eyes were assigned to 2.2 mm microcoaxial phacoemulsification using the torsional mode with a 22-degree bent tip (Group 1) or a 12-degree bent tip (Group 2). The primary outcome measures were ultrasound time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), longitudinal and torsional ultrasound (US) amplitudes, mean surgical time, mean volume of balanced salt solution used, and surgical complications. Both groups included 45 eyes. The mean UST, CDE, longitudinal US amplitude, and torsional US amplitude were 65 seconds ± 27.23 (SD), 11.53 ± 6.99, 0.22 ± 0.26, and 42.86 ± 15.64, respectively, in Group 1 and 84 ± 45.04 seconds, 16.68 ± 10.66, 0.48 ± 0.68, and 46.27 ± 14.74, respectively, in Group 2. The mean UST, CDE, and longitudinal amplitudes were significantly lower in Group 1 (P=.003, P=.008, and P=.022, respectively). The mean volume of balanced salt solution was 73.33 ± 28.58 cc in Group 1 and 82.08 ± 26.21 cc in Group 2 (P=.134). Torsional phacoemulsification performed with 22-degree bent tips provided more effective lens removal than 12-degree bent tips, with a lower UST and CDE. Copyright © 2013 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Feasibility of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis by Transrectal Photoacoustic Imaging

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-01

    cancer detection; needle biopsy is the current practice for diagnosis of the disease, aiming randomly in the prostate. Transrectal ultrasound has...been used as a guiding tool to direct tissue needle biopsy for prostate cancer diagnosis; it cannot be utilized for detecting prostate cancer due to...Research Systems, CA) and used as a reference signal. The sample and the ultrasound transducer (UST, Olympus NDT, one inch in focal length) are

  11. Nanodispersed Suspensions of Zeolite Catalysts for Converting Dimethyl Ether into Olefins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kolesnichenko, N. V.; Yashina, O. V.; Ezhova, N. N.; Bondarenko, G. N.; Khadzhiev, S. N.

    2018-01-01

    Nanodispersed suspensions that are effective in DME conversion and stable in the reaction zone in a three-phase system (slurry reactor) are obtained from MFI zeolite commercial samples (TsVM, IK-17-1, and CBV) in liquid media via ultrasonic treatment (UST). It is found that the dispersion medium, in which ultrasound affects zeolite commercial sample, has a large influence on particle size in the suspension. UST in the aqueous medium produces zeolite nanoparticles smaller than 50 nm, while larger particles of MFI zeolite samples form in silicone or hydrocarbon oils. Spectral and adsorption data show that when zeolites undergo UST in an aqueous medium, the acid sites are redistributed on the zeolite surface and the specific surface area of the mesopores increases. Preliminary UST in aqueous media of zeolite commercial samples (TsVM, IK-17-1, and CBV) affects the catalytic properties of MFI zeolite nanodispersed suspensions. The selectivity of samples when paraffins and olefins form is largely due to superacid sites consisting of OH groups of hydroxonium ion H3O+.

  12. Breast ultrasound tomography with two parallel transducer arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Lianjie; Shin, Junseob; Chen, Ting; Lin, Youzuo; Gao, Kai; Intrator, Miranda; Hanson, Kenneth

    2016-03-01

    Breast ultrasound tomography is an emerging imaging modality to reconstruct the sound speed, density, and ultrasound attenuation of the breast in addition to ultrasound reflection/beamforming images for breast cancer detection and characterization. We recently designed and manufactured a new synthetic-aperture breast ultrasound tomography prototype with two parallel transducer arrays consisting of a total of 768 transducer elements. The transducer arrays are translated vertically to scan the breast in a warm water tank from the chest wall/axillary region to the nipple region to acquire ultrasound transmission and reflection data for whole-breast ultrasound tomography imaging. The distance of these two ultrasound transducer arrays is adjustable for scanning breasts with different sizes. We use our breast ultrasound tomography prototype to acquire phantom and in vivo patient ultrasound data to study its feasibility for breast imaging. We apply our recently developed ultrasound imaging and tomography algorithms to ultrasound data acquired using our breast ultrasound tomography system. Our in vivo patient imaging results demonstrate that our breast ultrasound tomography can detect breast lesions shown on clinical ultrasound and mammographic images.

  13. A Comparison of Three Different Thick Epinucleus Removal Techniques in Cataract Surgery.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Ho Sik; Lim, Byung-Su; Kim, Man Soo; Kim, Eun Chul

    2017-01-01

    To compare the outcomes of cataract surgery performed with three different types of the epinucleus removal techniques (safe boat, infusion/aspiration (I/A) cannulas, and phacoemulsification tip). Ninety eyes with thick adhesive epinuclei were randomly subdivided into three groups according to epinucleus removal technique: epinucleus floating (safe boat) technique, 30 patients; I/A tip, 30 patients; and phaco tip, 30 patients. Intraoperative measurements included ultrasound time (UST), mean cumulative dissipated ultrasound energy (CDE), and balanced salt solution (BSS) use. Clinical measurements were made preoperatively, and at one day, one month and two months postoperatively, including the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the central corneal thickness (CCT), and the endothelial cell count (ECC). Intraoperative measurements showed significantly less UST, CDE, and BSS use in the safe boat group than in the phaco tip groups (p < 0.05). The percentage of endothelial cell loss in the safe boat group was significantly lower than that in the phaco tip groups at two months post-cataract surgery (p < 0.05). The safe boat technique is a safer and more effective epinucleus removal technique than phaco tip techniques in cases with thick epinucleus.

  14. Evaluating the risk of appendiceal perforation when using ultrasound as the initial diagnostic imaging modality in children with suspected appendicitis.

    PubMed

    Alerhand, Stephen; Meltzer, James; Tay, Ee Tein

    2017-08-01

    Ultrasound scan has gained attention for diagnosing appendicitis due to its avoidance of ionizing radiation. However, studies show that ultrasound scan carries inferior sensitivity to computed tomography scan. A non-diagnostic ultrasound scan could increase the time to diagnosis and appendicectomy, particularly if follow-up computed tomography scan is needed. Some studies suggest that delaying appendicectomy increases the risk of perforation. To investigate the risk of appendiceal perforation when using ultrasound scan as the initial diagnostic imaging modality in children with suspected appendicitis. We retrospectively reviewed 1411 charts of children ≤17 years old diagnosed with appendicitis at two urban academic medical centers. Patients who underwent ultrasound scan first were compared to those who underwent computed tomography scan first. In the sub-group analysis, patients who only received ultrasound scan were compared to those who received initial ultrasound scan followed by computed tomography scan. Main outcome measures were appendiceal perforation rate and time from triage to appendicectomy. In 720 children eligible for analysis, there was no significant difference in perforation rate between those who had initial ultrasound scan and those who had initial computed tomography scan (7.3% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.44), nor in those who had ultrasound scan only and those who had initial ultrasound scan followed by computed tomography scan (8.0% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.42). Those patients who had ultrasound scan first had a shorter triage-to-incision time than those who had computed tomography scan first (9.2 (IQR: 5.9, 14.0) vs. 10.2 (IQR: 7.3, 14.3) hours, p = 0.03), whereas those who had ultrasound scan followed by computed tomography scan took longer than those who had ultrasound scan only (7.8 (IQR: 5.3, 11.6) vs. 15.1 (IQR: 10.6, 20.6), p < 0.001). Children < 12 years old receiving ultrasound scan first had lower perforation rate (p = 0.01) and shorter triage-to-incision time (p = 0.003). Children with suspected appendicitis receiving ultrasound scan as the initial diagnostic imaging modality do not have increased risk of perforation compared to those receiving computed tomography scan first. We recommend that children <12 years of age receive ultrasound scan first.

  15. Breast ultrasound tomography with two parallel transducer arrays: preliminary clinical results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Lianjie; Shin, Junseob; Chen, Ting; Lin, Youzuo; Intrator, Miranda; Hanson, Kenneth; Epstein, Katherine; Sandoval, Daniel; Williamson, Michael

    2015-03-01

    Ultrasound tomography has great potential to provide quantitative estimations of physical properties of breast tumors for accurate characterization of breast cancer. We design and manufacture a new synthetic-aperture breast ultrasound tomography system with two parallel transducer arrays. The distance of these two transducer arrays is adjustable for scanning breasts with different sizes. The ultrasound transducer arrays are translated vertically to scan the entire breast slice by slice and acquires ultrasound transmission and reflection data for whole-breast ultrasound imaging and tomographic reconstructions. We use the system to acquire patient data at the University of New Mexico Hospital for clinical studies. We present some preliminary imaging results of in vivo patient ultrasound data. Our preliminary clinical imaging results show promising of our breast ultrasound tomography system with two parallel transducer arrays for breast cancer imaging and characterization.

  16. Ultrasound-Mediated Biophotonic Imaging: A Review of Acousto-Optical Tomography and Photo-Acoustic Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Lihong V.

    2004-01-01

    This article reviews two types of ultrasound-mediated biophotonic imaging–acousto-optical tomography (AOT, also called ultrasound-modulated optical tomography) and photo-acoustic tomography (PAT, also called opto-acoustic or thermo-acoustic tomography)–both of which are based on non-ionizing optical and ultrasonic waves. The goal of these technologies is to combine the contrast advantage of the optical properties and the resolution advantage of ultrasound. In these two technologies, the imaging contrast is based primarily on the optical properties of biological tissues, and the imaging resolution is based primarily on the ultrasonic waves that either are provided externally or produced internally, within the biological tissues. In fact, ultrasonic mediation overcomes both the resolution disadvantage of pure optical imaging in thick tissues and the contrast and speckle disadvantages of pure ultrasonic imaging. In our discussion of AOT, the relationship between modulation depth and acoustic amplitude is clarified. Potential clinical applications of ultrasound-mediated biophotonic imaging include early cancer detection, functional imaging, and molecular imaging. PMID:15096709

  17. 40 CFR 280.70 - Temporary closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.70 Temporary closure. (a) When an UST system is... the UST system is empty. The UST system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly... the total capacity of the UST system, remain in the system. (b) When an UST system is temporarily...

  18. 40 CFR 280.70 - Temporary closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.70 Temporary closure. (a) When an UST system is... the UST system is empty. The UST system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly... the total capacity of the UST system, remain in the system. (b) When an UST system is temporarily...

  19. 40 CFR 280.70 - Temporary closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.70 Temporary closure. (a) When an UST system is... the UST system is empty. The UST system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly... the total capacity of the UST system, remain in the system. (b) When an UST system is temporarily...

  20. 40 CFR 280.70 - Temporary closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.70 Temporary closure. (a) When an UST system is... the UST system is empty. The UST system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly... the total capacity of the UST system, remain in the system. (b) When an UST system is temporarily...

  1. 40 CFR 280.70 - Temporary closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.70 Temporary closure. (a) When an UST system is... the UST system is empty. The UST system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly... the total capacity of the UST system, remain in the system. (b) When an UST system is temporarily...

  2. Underground storage tank management plan, Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    1997-09-01

    The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant was established to locate UST systems at the facility and to ensure that all operating UST systems are free of leaks. UST systems have been removed or upgraded in accordance with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) regulations and guidance. With the closure of a significant portion of the USTs, the continuing mission of the UST Management Program is to manage the remaining active UST systems and continue corrective actions in a safe regulatory compliant manner. This Program outlines the compliance issues that must be addressed, reviewsmore » the current UST inventory and compliance approach, and presents the status and planned activities associated with each UST system. The UST Program provides guidance for implementing TDEC regulations and guidelines for petroleum UST systems. The plan is divided into three major sections: (1) regulatory requirements, (2) active UST sites, and (3) out-of-service UST sites. These sections describe in detail the applicable regulatory drivers, the UST sites addressed under the Program, and the procedures and guidance for compliance.« less

  3. Material characterization using ultrasound tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Falardeau, Timothe; Belanger, Pierre

    2018-04-01

    Characterization of material properties can be performed using a wide array of methods e.g. X-ray diffraction or tensile testing. Each method leads to a limited set of material properties. This paper is interested in using ultrasound tomography to map speed of sound inside a material sample. The velocity inside the sample is directly related to its elastic properties. Recent develop-ments in ultrasound diffraction tomography have enabled velocity mapping of high velocity contrast objects using a combination of bent-ray time-of-flight tomography and diffraction tomography. In this study, ultrasound diffraction tomography was investigated using simulations in human bone phantoms. A finite element model was developed to assess the influence of the frequency, the number of transduction positions and the distance from the sample as well as to adapt the imaging algorithm. The average velocity in both regions of the bone phantoms were within 5% of the true value.

  4. Underground storage tank management plan

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    1994-09-01

    The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Management Program at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant was established to locate UST systems in operation at the facility, to ensure that all operating UST systems are free of leaks, and to establish a program for the removal of unnecessary UST systems and upgrade of UST systems that continue to be needed. The program implements an integrated approach to the management of UST systems, with each system evaluated against the same requirements and regulations. A common approach is employed, in accordance with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) regulations and guidance, when corrective actionmore » is mandated. This Management Plan outlines the compliance issues that must be addressed by the UST Management Program, reviews the current UST inventory and compliance approach, and presents the status and planned activities associated with each UST system. The UST Management Plan provides guidance for implementing TDEC regulations and guidelines for petroleum UST systems. (There are no underground radioactive waste UST systems located at Y-12.) The plan is divided into four major sections: (1) regulatory requirements, (2) implementation requirements, (3) Y-12 Plant UST Program inventory sites, and (4) UST waste management practices. These sections describe in detail the applicable regulatory drivers, the UST sites addressed under the Management Program, and the procedures and guidance used for compliance with applicable regulations.« less

  5. 40 CFR 280.210 - Participation in management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... facility or property on which the UST or UST system is located received at any time after six months... management of an UST or UST system” means that, subsequent to the effective date of this subpart, December 6... UST or UST system, as defined herein. (a) Actions that are participation in management. (1...

  6. 40 CFR 280.230 - Operating an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... underground storage tank or underground storage tank system. (a) Operating an UST or UST system prior to...) Operating an UST or UST system after foreclosure. The following provisions apply to a holder who, through..., the purchaser must decide whether to operate or close the UST or UST system in accordance with...

  7. 40 CFR 280.230 - Operating an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... underground storage tank or underground storage tank system. (a) Operating an UST or UST system prior to...) Operating an UST or UST system after foreclosure. The following provisions apply to a holder who, through..., the purchaser must decide whether to operate or close the UST or UST system in accordance with...

  8. 40 CFR 280.230 - Operating an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... underground storage tank or underground storage tank system. (a) Operating an UST or UST system prior to...) Operating an UST or UST system after foreclosure. The following provisions apply to a holder who, through..., the purchaser must decide whether to operate or close the UST or UST system in accordance with...

  9. 40 CFR 280.230 - Operating an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... underground storage tank or underground storage tank system. (a) Operating an UST or UST system prior to...) Operating an UST or UST system after foreclosure. The following provisions apply to a holder who, through..., the purchaser must decide whether to operate or close the UST or UST system in accordance with...

  10. 40 CFR 280.230 - Operating an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... underground storage tank or underground storage tank system. (a) Operating an UST or UST system prior to...) Operating an UST or UST system after foreclosure. The following provisions apply to a holder who, through..., the purchaser must decide whether to operate or close the UST or UST system in accordance with...

  11. Clinical combination of multiphoton tomography and high frequency ultrasound imaging for evaluation of skin diseases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    König, K.; Speicher, M.; Koehler, M. J.; Scharenberg, R.; Elsner, P.; Kaatz, M.

    2010-02-01

    For the first time, high frequency ultrasound imaging, multiphoton tomography, and dermoscopy were combined in a clinical study. Different dermatoses such as benign and malign skin cancers, connective tissue diseases, inflammatory skin diseases and autoimmune bullous skin diseases have been investigated with (i) state-of-the-art and highly sophisticated ultrasound systems for dermatology, (ii) the femtosecond-laser multiphoton tomograph DermaInspectTM and (iii) dermoscopes. Dermoscopy provides two-dimensional color imaging of the skin surface with a magnification up to 70x. Ultrasound images are generated from reflections of the emitted ultrasound signal, based on inhomogeneities of the tissue. These echoes are converted to electrical signals. Depending on the ultrasound frequency the penetration depth varies from about 1 mm to 16 mm in dermatological application. The 100-MHz-ultrasound system provided an axial resolution down to 16 μm and a lateral resolution down to 32 μm. In contrast to the wide-field ultrasound images, multiphoton tomography provided horizontal optical sections of 0.36×0.36 mm2 down to 200 μm tissue depth with submicron resolution. The autofluorescence of mitochondrial coenzymes, melanin, and elastin as well as the secondharmonic- generation signal of the collagen network were imaged. The combination of ultrasound and multiphoton tomography provides a novel opportunity for diagnostics of skin disorders.

  12. Frequency-domain ultrasound waveform tomography breast attenuation imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sandhu, Gursharan Yash Singh; Li, Cuiping; Roy, Olivier; West, Erik; Montgomery, Katelyn; Boone, Michael; Duric, Neb

    2016-04-01

    Ultrasound waveform tomography techniques have shown promising results for the visualization and characterization of breast disease. By using frequency-domain waveform tomography techniques and a gradient descent algorithm, we have previously reconstructed the sound speed distributions of breasts of varying densities with different types of breast disease including benign and malignant lesions. By allowing the sound speed to have an imaginary component, we can model the intrinsic attenuation of a medium. We can similarly recover the imaginary component of the velocity and thus the attenuation. In this paper, we will briefly review ultrasound waveform tomography techniques, discuss attenuation and its relations to the imaginary component of the sound speed, and provide both numerical and ex vivo examples of waveform tomography attenuation reconstructions.

  13. 40 CFR 280.73 - Applicability to previously closed UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.73 Applicability to previously closed UST systems. When directed by the implementing agency, the owner and operator of an UST system... systems. 280.73 Section 280.73 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID...

  14. 40 CFR 280.73 - Applicability to previously closed UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.73 Applicability to previously closed UST systems. When directed by the implementing agency, the owner and operator of an UST system... systems. 280.73 Section 280.73 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID...

  15. 40 CFR 280.73 - Applicability to previously closed UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.73 Applicability to previously closed UST systems. When directed by the implementing agency, the owner and operator of an UST system... systems. 280.73 Section 280.73 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID...

  16. 40 CFR 280.73 - Applicability to previously closed UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.73 Applicability to previously closed UST systems. When directed by the implementing agency, the owner and operator of an UST system... systems. 280.73 Section 280.73 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID...

  17. 40 CFR 280.73 - Applicability to previously closed UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.73 Applicability to previously closed UST systems. When directed by the implementing agency, the owner and operator of an UST system... systems. 280.73 Section 280.73 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID...

  18. 40 CFR 280.41 - Requirements for petroleum UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Requirements for petroleum UST systems... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Release Detection § 280.41 Requirements for petroleum UST systems. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems must provide release detection for tanks and piping as follows: (a) Tanks...

  19. 40 CFR 280.41 - Requirements for petroleum UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Requirements for petroleum UST systems... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Release Detection § 280.41 Requirements for petroleum UST systems. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems must provide release detection for tanks and piping as follows: (a) Tanks...

  20. UST System Compatibility with Petroleum-Biofuel Blends: A Brief Guide to the 2015 Federal UST Regulations for Owners and Operators of USTs Located on Tribal Lands

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Review information for UST owners and operators on tribal lands with compatibility requirements in the 2015 federal UST regulation when storing gasoline blends containing greater than 10 percent ethanol or diesel blends containing greater than 20 percent.

  1. [Unipedal stance time and fall risk in the elderly].

    PubMed

    Domínguez-Carrillo, Luis Gerardo; Arellano-Aguilar, Gregorio; Leos-Zierold, Héctor

    2007-01-01

    We undertook this study to relate unipodal stance time (UST) as a falls indicator in the elderly and to corroborate with UST exercise increments. One hundred sixty eight elderly subjects (age >70 years) with two or more falls during the previous 12 months were compared with 150 similar subjects without falls. UST chronometry and quadriceps and triceps brachialis strength dynamometry were used. Equilibrium and antigravity muscle-strengthening exercise program with 20 work sessions were carried out. Results were analyzed with chi(2), Student's t-test, and Fisher tests. UST of the control group showed 28.84 +/- 4.73 sec (mean +/- SD). The UST sample showed 19.18 +/- 4.24 sec. The test was initially impossible to carry out in 42 cases (p = 0.05). The final evaluation showed 142 cases with 30 sec of UST (p = 0.00001), isometric force increased in 70% and 30%, respectively (p = 0.05). At 6-month follow-up, 53 falls were reported, 29 were in patients who could not accomplish UST measurement on initial evaluation. UST <30 sec is an indicator of falls in elderly people, and exercise programs increase UST.

  2. Feasibility of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis by Transrectal Photo-acoustic Imaging

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-03-01

    prostate. Transrectal ultrasound has been used as a guiding tool to direct tissue needle biopsy for prostate cancer diagnosis; it cannot be utilized for...tool currently available for prostate cancer detection; needle biopsy is the current practice for diagnosis of the disease, aiming randomly in the...developing an integrated approach between ultrasound and optical tomography, namely, transrectal ultrasound - guided diffuse optical tomography (TRUS

  3. UST/LUST Program Information

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This asset includes an inventory of programmatic information, including policies and guidance, training course materials and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) Trust Fund information. This documentation is used by states, territories, tribes and private parties to implement the Underground Storage Tank (UST) program. It also includes analysis of the laws and regulations that govern USTs, and policies and guidance for implementing the UST program developed by EPA in consultation with state and territorial UST programs.

  4. Whole breast tissue characterization with ultrasound tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Li, Cuiping; Roy, Olivier; Schmidt, Steve; Seamans, John; Wallen, Andrea; Bey-Knight, Lisa

    2015-03-01

    A number of clinical trials have shown that screening ultrasound, supplemental to mammography, detects additional cancers in women with dense breasts. However, labor intensity, operator dependence and high recall rates have limited adoption. This paper describes the use of ultrasound tomography for whole-breast tissue stiffness measurements as a first step toward addressing the issue of high recall rates. The validation of the technique using an anthropomorphic phantom is described. In-vivo applications are demonstrated on 13 breast masses, indicating that lesion stiffness correlates with lesion type as expected. Comparison of lesion stiffness measurements with standard elastography was available for 11 masses and showed a strong correlation between the 2 measures. It is concluded that ultrasound tomography can map out the 3 dimensional distribution of tissue stiffness over the whole breast. Such a capability is well suited for screening where additional characterization may improve the specificity of screening ultrasound, thereby lowering barriers to acceptance.

  5. 40 CFR 280.21 - Upgrading of existing UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Upgrading of existing UST systems. 280.21 Section 280.21 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.21 Upgrading of...

  6. 40 CFR 280.21 - Upgrading of existing UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Upgrading of existing UST systems. 280.21 Section 280.21 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.21 Upgrading of...

  7. 40 CFR 280.21 - Upgrading of existing UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Upgrading of existing UST systems. 280.21 Section 280.21 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.21 Upgrading of...

  8. An augmented Lagrangian trust region method for inclusion boundary reconstruction using ultrasound/electrical dual-modality tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Guanghui; Ren, Shangjie; Dong, Feng

    2018-07-01

    The ultrasound/electrical dual-modality tomography utilizes the complementarity of ultrasound reflection tomography (URT) and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to improve the speed and accuracy of image reconstruction. Due to its advantages of no-invasive, no-radiation and low-cost, ultrasound/electrical dual-modality tomography has attracted much attention in the field of dual-modality imaging and has many potential applications in industrial and biomedical imaging. However, the data fusion of URT and EIT is difficult due to their different theoretical foundations and measurement principles. The most commonly used data fusion strategy in ultrasound/electrical dual-modality tomography is incorporating the structured information extracted from the URT into the EIT image reconstruction process through a pixel-based constraint. Due to the inherent non-linearity and ill-posedness of EIT, the reconstructed images from the strategy suffer from the low resolution, especially at the boundary of the observed inclusions. To improve this condition, an augmented Lagrangian trust region method is proposed to directly reconstruct the shapes of the inclusions from the ultrasound/electrical dual-modality measurements. In the proposed method, the shape of the target inclusion is parameterized by a radial shape model whose coefficients are used as the shape parameters. Then, the dual-modality shape inversion problem is formulated by an energy minimization problem in which the energy function derived from EIT is constrained by an ultrasound measurements model through an equality constraint equation. Finally, the optimal shape parameters associated with the optimal inclusion shape guesses are determined by minimizing the constrained cost function using the augmented Lagrangian trust region method. To evaluate the proposed method, numerical tests are carried out. Compared with single modality EIT, the proposed dual-modality inclusion boundary reconstruction method has a higher accuracy and is more robust to the measurement noise.

  9. Is ultrasound perfusion imaging capable of detecting mismatch? A proof-of-concept study in acute stroke patients.

    PubMed

    Reitmeir, Raluca; Eyding, Jens; Oertel, Markus F; Wiest, Roland; Gralla, Jan; Fischer, Urs; Giquel, Pierre-Yves; Weber, Stefan; Raabe, Andreas; Mattle, Heinrich P; Z'Graggen, Werner J; Beck, Jürgen

    2017-04-01

    In this study, we compared contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging with magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging or perfusion computed tomography for detecting normo-, hypo-, and nonperfused brain areas in acute middle cerebral artery stroke. We performed high mechanical index contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging in 30 patients. Time-to-peak intensity of 10 ischemic regions of interests was compared to four standardized nonischemic regions of interests of the same patient. A time-to-peak >3 s (ultrasound perfusion imaging) or >4 s (perfusion computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion) defined hypoperfusion. In 16 patients, 98 of 160 ultrasound perfusion imaging regions of interests of the ischemic hemisphere were classified as normal, and 52 as hypoperfused or nonperfused. Ten regions of interests were excluded due to artifacts. There was a significant correlation of the ultrasound perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance perfusion or perfusion computed tomography (Pearson's chi-squared test 79.119, p < 0.001) (OR 0.1065, 95% CI 0.06-0.18). No perfusion in ultrasound perfusion imaging (18 regions of interests) correlated highly with diffusion restriction on magnetic resonance imaging (Pearson's chi-squared test 42.307, p < 0.001). Analysis of receiver operating characteristics proved a high sensitivity of ultrasound perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of hypoperfused area under the curve, (AUC = 0.917; p < 0.001) and nonperfused (AUC = 0.830; p < 0.001) tissue in comparison with perfusion computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion. We present a proof of concept in determining normo-, hypo-, and nonperfused tissue in acute stroke by advanced contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging.

  10. [Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in animal models].

    PubMed

    Paprottka, P M; Zengel, P; Ingrisch, M; Cyran, C C; Eichhorn, M; Reiser, M F; Nikolaou, K; Clevert, D-A

    2011-06-01

    In the past the detection of tumor perfusion was achieved solely via invasive procedures, such as intravital microscopy or with the help of costly modalities, such as multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) or the combined use of positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT). Ultrasound offers the non-invasive display of organs without usage of ionizing radiation and it is widely available. However, colour-coded ultrasound and power Doppler do not allow the detection of tumor microcirculation. The introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as well as new high-frequency ultrasound probes made it possible to detect and quantify tumor microcirculation with high resolution. CEUS has been used clinically on human beings for more than 10 years. During the last years different tumor models in experimental animals were used for the establishment of this new technique, e.g. in rats, hamsters and mice. CEUS allows the detection of functional parameters, such as the angiogenetic metabolic status of tissue pretreatment and posttreatment. Further research is required to solve the problems of absolute quantification of these perfusion parameters to allow the comparison of CEUS with other modalities (e.g. MRT and CT).

  11. 40 CFR 281.36 - Out-of-service UST systems and closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Out-of-service UST systems and closure... § 281.36 Out-of-service UST systems and closure. In order to be considered no less stringent than the... and corrective action requirements must be complied with. (c) All UST systems taken out of service...

  12. 40 CFR 281.36 - Out-of-service UST systems and closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Out-of-service UST systems and closure... § 281.36 Out-of-service UST systems and closure. In order to be considered no less stringent than the... and corrective action requirements must be complied with. (c) All UST systems taken out of service...

  13. 40 CFR 281.36 - Out-of-service UST systems and closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Out-of-service UST systems and closure... § 281.36 Out-of-service UST systems and closure. In order to be considered no less stringent than the... and corrective action requirements must be complied with. (c) All UST systems taken out of service...

  14. 40 CFR 281.36 - Out-of-service UST systems and closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Out-of-service UST systems and closure... § 281.36 Out-of-service UST systems and closure. In order to be considered no less stringent than the... and corrective action requirements must be complied with. (c) All UST systems taken out of service...

  15. 40 CFR 281.36 - Out-of-service UST systems and closure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Out-of-service UST systems and closure... § 281.36 Out-of-service UST systems and closure. In order to be considered no less stringent than the... and corrective action requirements must be complied with. (c) All UST systems taken out of service...

  16. Photoacoustic tomography based on the Green's function retrieval with ultrasound interferometry for sample partially behind an acoustically scattering layer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yin, Jie; Department of Automation, Nanjing Polytechnic Institute, 210048 Nanjing; Tao, Chao, E-mail: taochao@nju.edu.cn

    2015-06-08

    Acoustically inhomogeneous mediums with multiple scattering are often the nightmare of photoacoustic tomography. In order to break this limitation, a photoacoustic tomography scheme combining ultrasound interferometry and time reversal is proposed to achieve images in acoustically scattering medium. An ultrasound interferometry is developed to determine the unknown Green's function of strong scattering tissue. Using the determined Greens' function, a time-reversal process is carried out to restore images behind an acoustically inhomogeneous layer from the scattering photoacoustic signals. This method effectively decreases the false contrast, noise, and position deviation of images induced by the multiple scattering. Phantom experiment is carried outmore » to validate the method. Therefore, the proposed method could have potential value in extending the biomedical applications of photoacoustic tomography in acoustically inhomogeneous tissue.« less

  17. Ultrasound and computed tomography of the iliosacral lymphatic centre in dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Pollard, R E; Fuller, M C; Steffey, M A

    2017-06-01

    In this prospective study, we hypothesized that computed tomography (CT) would identify more normal and abnormal iliosacral lymph nodes (LNs) than abdominal ultrasound in dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma (ASGC). Twelve client-owned dogs with ASGC but without distant metastasis were enrolled. Abdominal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT scans of the abdomen were obtained. Iliosacral LNs were counted and assessed for location, laterality and size. Significantly (P < 0.00001) more iliosacral LNs were identified with CT (61) than ultrasound (30), including significantly (P = 0.00012) more medial iliac LNs with CT (33) than ultrasound (19). There was no difference in number of internal iliac LNs identified with CT versus ultrasound. Significantly (P = 0.000061) more sacral LNs were identified with CT (15) than ultrasound (0). Ultrasound identified slightly more (7) abnormal iliosacral LNs than CT (5). Contrast CT was able to identify more normal but not more abnormal LNs than ultrasound. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Environmental projects. Volume 2: Underground storage tanks compliance program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kushner, L.

    1987-01-01

    Six large parabolic dish antennas are located at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex north of Barstow, California. As a large-scale facility located in a remote, isolated desert region, the GDSCC operations require numerous on-site storage facilities for gasoline, diesel and hydraulic oil. These essential fluids are stored in underground storage tanks (USTs). Because USTs may develop leaks with the resultant seepage of their hazardous contents into the surrounding soil, local, State and Federal authorities have adopted stringent regulations for the testing and maintenance of USTs. Under the supervision of JPL's Office of Telecommunications and Data Acquisition, a year-long program has brought 27 USTs at the Goldstone Complex into compliance with Federal, State of California and County of San Bernadino regulations. Of these 27 USTs, 15 are operating today, 11 have been temporary closed down, and 1 abandoned in place. In 1989, the 15 USTs now operating at the Goldstone DSCC will be replaced either by modern, double-walled USTs equipped with automatic sensors for leak detection, or by above ground storage tanks. The 11 inactivated USTs are to be excavated, removed and disposed of according to regulation.

  19. Diagnostic imaging of the lower genitourinary tract

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rifkin, M.D.

    1985-01-01

    Dr. Rifkin analyzes the relative merits of ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiography. He correlates ultrasound findings with those of computed tomography, radiography, and nuclear medicine and assesses the potential benefits of magnetic resonance imaging as compared with ultrasound and other imaging modalities. Each imaging modality is discussed in terms of its role as the primary, secondary, or complementary study for diagnoses involving the urinary bladder and perivesical spaces, the prostate and seminal vesicles, the urethra and penis, and the scrotal sac.

  20. Unpowered wireless ultrasound tomography system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zahedi, Farshad; Huang, Haiying

    2016-04-01

    In this paper, an unpowered wireless ultrasound tomography system is presented. The system consists of two subsystems; the wireless interrogation unit (WIU) and three wireless nodes installed on the structure. Each node is designed to work in generation and sensing modes, but operates at a specific microwave frequency. Wireless transmission of the ultrasound signals between the WIU and the wireless nodes is achieved by converting ultrasound signals to microwave signals and vice versa, using a microwave carrier signal. In the generation mode, both a carrier signal and an ultrasound modulated microwave signal are transmitted to the sensor nodes. Only the node whose operating frequency matches the carrier signal will receive these signals and demodulate them to recover the original ultrasound signal. In the sensing mode, a microwave carrier signal with two different frequency components matching the operating frequencies of the sensor nodes is broadcasted by the WIU. The sensor nodes, in turn, receive the corresponding carrier signals, modulate it with the ultrasound sensing signal, and wirelessly transmit the modulated signal back to the WIU. The demodulation of the sensing signals is performed in the WIU using a digital signal processing. Implementing a software receiver significantly reduces the complexity and the cost of the WIU. A wireless ultrasound tomography system is realized by interchanging the carrier frequencies so that the wireless transducers can take turn to serve as the actuator and sensors.

  1. Unipedal stance testing as an indicator of fall risk among older outpatients.

    PubMed

    Hurvitz, E A; Richardson, J K; Werner, R A; Ruhl, A M; Dixon, M R

    2000-05-01

    To test the hypothesis that a decreased unipedal stance time (UST) is associated with a history of falling among older persons. Fifty-three subjects underwent a standardized history and physical examination and three trials of timed unipedal stance. The electroneuromyography laboratories of tertiary care Veterans Administration and university hospitals. Ambulatory outpatients 50 years and older referred for electrodiagnostic studies. UST and fall histories during the previous year. Twenty subjects (38%) reported falling. Compared with the subjects who had not fallen, those who fell had a significantly shorter UST (9.6 [SD 11.6] vs 31.3 [SD 16.3] seconds, using the longest of the three trials, p < .00001). An abnormal UST (<30sec) was associated with an increased risk of having fallen on univariate analysis and in a regression model (odds ratio 108; 95% confidence interval 3.8, >100; p < .007). The sensitivity of an abnormal UST in the regression model was 91% and the specificity 75%. When UST was considered age was not a predictor of a history of falls. UST of <30sec in an older ambulatory outpatient population is associated with a history of falling, while a UST of > or = 30sec is associated with a low risk of falling.

  2. Currently available methodologies for the processing of intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography images.

    PubMed

    Athanasiou, Lambros; Sakellarios, Antonis I; Bourantas, Christos V; Tsirka, Georgia; Siogkas, Panagiotis; Exarchos, Themis P; Naka, Katerina K; Michalis, Lampros K; Fotiadis, Dimitrios I

    2014-07-01

    Optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound are the most widely used methodologies in clinical practice as they provide high resolution cross-sectional images that allow comprehensive visualization of the lumen and plaque morphology. Several methods have been developed in recent years to process the output of these imaging modalities, which allow fast, reliable and reproducible detection of the luminal borders and characterization of plaque composition. These methods have proven useful in the study of the atherosclerotic process as they have facilitated analysis of a vast amount of data. This review presents currently available intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography processing methodologies for segmenting and characterizing the plaque area, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and discusses the future trends in intravascular imaging.

  3. Frequency Domain Ultrasound Waveform Tomography: Breast Imaging Using a Ring Transducer

    PubMed Central

    Sandhu, G Y; Li, C; Roy, O; Schmidt, S; Duric, N

    2016-01-01

    Application of the frequency domain acoustic wave equation on data acquired from ultrasound tomography scans is shown to yield high resolution sound speed images on the order of the wavelength of the highest reconstructed frequency. Using a signal bandwidth of 0.4–1 MHz and an average sound speed of 1500 m/s, the resolution is approximately 1.5 mm. The quantitative sound speed values and morphology provided by these images have the potential to inform diagnosis and classification of breast disease. In this study, we present the formalism, practical application, and in vivo results of waveform tomography applied to breast data gathered by two different ultrasound tomography scanners that utilize ring transducers. The formalism includes a review of frequency domain modeling of the wave equation using finite difference operators as well as a review of the gradient descent method for the iterative reconstruction scheme. It is shown that the practical application of waveform tomography requires an accurate starting model, careful data processing, and a method to gradually incorporate higher frequency information into the sound speed reconstruction. Following these steps resulted in high resolution quantitative sound speed images of the breast. These images show marked improvement relative to commonly used ray tomography reconstruction methods. The robustness of the method is demonstrated by obtaining similar results from two different ultrasound tomography devices. We also compare our method to MRI to demonstrate concordant findings. The clinical data used in this work was obtained from a HIPAA compliant clinical study (IRB 040912M1F). PMID:26110909

  4. Diagnostic Imaging and Newer Modalities for Thoracic Diseases: PET/Computed Tomographic Imaging and Endobronchial Ultrasound for Staging and Its Implication for Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Counts, Sarah J; Kim, Anthony W

    2017-08-01

    Modalities to detect and characterize lung cancer are generally divided into those that are invasive [endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), esophageal ultrasound (EUS), and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENMB)] versus noninvasive [chest radiography (CXR), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]. This chapter describes these modalities, the literature supporting their use, and delineates what tests to use to best evaluate the patient with lung cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. RCRA/UST, superfund, and EPCRA hotline training module. Introduction to: RCRA subtitle I. Underground storage tanks (40 cfr part 280). Updated as of July 1996

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    1996-07-01

    This module explains the Underground Storage Tank Regulatory Program established in 1988, that includes technical requirements to prevent, protect, and clean up releases from Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), as well as financial responsibility requirements to guarantee that UST owners and operators have enough money set aside to clean up releases and compensate third parties. Describes the Universe of USTs and the technical and financial requirements that apply to them. Defines underground storage tank and provides criteria for determining which USTs are subject to regulation. Discusses deadlines for upgrading tanks and the closure and corrective action requirements.

  6. Assessing carotid atherosclerosis by fiber-optic multispectral photoacoustic tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hui, Jie; Li, Rui; Wang, Pu; Phillips, Evan; Bruning, Rebecca; Liao, Chien-Sheng; Sturek, Michael; Goergen, Craig J.; Cheng, Ji-Xin

    2015-03-01

    Atherosclerotic plaque at the carotid bifurcation is the underlying cause of the majority of ischemic strokes. Noninvasive imaging and quantification of the compositional changes preceding gross anatomic changes within the arterial wall is essential for diagnosis of disease. Current imaging modalities such as duplex ultrasound, computed tomography, positron emission tomography are limited by the lack of compositional contrast and the detection of flow-limiting lesions. Although high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging has been developed to characterize atherosclerotic plaque composition, its accessibility for wide clinical use is limited. Here, we demonstrate a fiber-based multispectral photoacoustic tomography system for excitation of lipids and external acoustic detection of the generated ultrasound. Using sequential ultrasound imaging of ex vivo preparations we achieved ~2 cm imaging depth and chemical selectivity for assessment of human arterial plaques. A multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares analysis method was applied to resolve the major chemical components, including intravascular lipid, intramuscular fat, and blood. These results show the promise of detecting carotid plaque in vivo through esophageal fiber-optic excitation of lipids and external acoustic detection of the generated ultrasound. This imaging system has great potential for serving as a point-ofcare device for early diagnosis of carotid artery disease in the clinic.

  7. Imaging in anatomy: a comparison of imaging techniques in embalmed human cadavers

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background A large variety of imaging techniques is an integral part of modern medicine. Introducing radiological imaging techniques into the dissection course serves as a basis for improved learning of anatomy and multidisciplinary learning in pre-clinical medical education. Methods Four different imaging techniques (ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) were performed in embalmed human body donors to analyse possibilities and limitations of the respective techniques in this peculiar setting. Results The quality of ultrasound and radiography images was poor, images of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were of good quality. Conclusion Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have a superior image quality in comparison to ultrasound and radiography and offer suitable methods for imaging embalmed human cadavers as a valuable addition to the dissection course. PMID:24156510

  8. Development of transducer arrays for ultrasound-computer tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stotzka, Rainer; Gobel, Georg; Schlote-Holubek, Klaus

    2003-05-01

    Ultrasound computer-tomography (USCT) is a novel ultrasound imaging method capable of producing volume images with both high spatial and temporal resolution. Several thousand ultrasound transducers are arranged in a cylindrical array around a tank containing the object to be examined coupled by water. Every single transducer is small enough to emit an almost spherical sound-wave. While one transducer is transmitting, all others receive simultaneously. Our experimental setup, using only a few transducers simulating a ring-shaped geometry, showed even nylon threads (0.1 mm) with an image quality superior to clinical in-use ultrasound scanners. In order to build a complete circular array several thousand transducers, with cylindrical sound field characteristics, are needed. Since such transducer arrays are hardly available and expensive, we developed inexpensive transducer arrays consisting of 8 elements. Each array is based on a plate of lead titanate zirconate ceramics (PZT) sawn into 8 elements of 0.3 mm width, 3.8 mm height and 0.5 mm pitch. Each element has a mean frequency of 3.8 MHz and can be triggered separately. The main challenge was the development of production steps with reproducible results. Our transducer arrays show only small variances in the sound field characteristics which are strongly required for ultrasound tomography.

  9. Ustekinumab therapy for Crohn's disease during pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Cortes, X; Borrás-Blasco, J; Antequera, B; Fernandez-Martinez, S; Casterá, E; Martin, S; Molés, J R

    2017-04-01

    The safety of continued ustekinumab (UST) therapy during pregnancy remains unclear in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). There are no meta-analysis reports of exposure to UST during pregnancy. The objective was to describe a case of a pregnant patient with CD who was successfully treated with UST maintenance therapy throughout the pregnancy and delivered a baby boy without any congenital malformations, neurological abnormalities or birth defects. A 37-year-old patient with CD treated with UST became pregnant. She had been receiving UST for 8 months at the time. After discussion with the patient and the obstetric team, the UST therapy was continued. The result of treatment was an uneventful pregnancy with delivery, at term, of a healthy boy and the maintenance of clinical, biological and endoscopic remission of CD during and after pregnancy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of continued UST therapy for CD throughout a pregnancy. The result of treatment was an uncomplicated pregnancy with the mother giving birth to a healthy boy at term and the maintenance of clinical biological and endoscopic remission of CD during and after pregnancy. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. Limited angle breast ultrasound tomography with a priori information and artifact removal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jintamethasawat, Rungroj; Zhu, Yunhao; Kripfgans, Oliver D.; Yuan, Jie; Goodsitt, Mitchell M.; Carson, Paul L.

    2017-03-01

    In B-mode images from dual-sided ultrasound, it has been shown that by delineating structures suspected of being relatively homogeneous, one can enhance limited angle tomography to produce speed of sound images in the same view as X-ray Digital Breast Tomography (DBT). This could allow better breast cancer detection and discrimination, as well as improved registration of the ultrasound and X-ray images, because of the similarity of SOS and X-ray contrast in the breast. However, this speed of sound reconstruction method relies strongly on B-mode or other reflection mode segmentation. If that information is limited or incorrect, artifacts will appear in the reconstructed images. Therefore, the iterative speed of sound reconstruction algorithm has been modified in a manner of simultaneously utilizing the image segmentations and removing most artifacts. The first step of incorporating a priori information is solved by any nonlinearnonconvex optimization method while artifact removal is accomplished by employing the fast split Bregman method to perform total-variation (TV) regularization for image denoising. The proposed method was demonstrated in simplified simulations of our dual-sided ultrasound scanner. To speed these computations two opposed 40-element ultrasound linear arrays with 0.5 MHz center frequency were simulated for imaging objects in a uniform background. The proposed speed of sound reconstruction method worked well with both bent-ray and full-wave inversion methods. This is also the first demonstration of successful full-wave medical ultrasound tomography in the limited angle geometry. Presented results lend credibility to a possible translation of this method to clinical breast imaging.

  11. EPA Uses Greener Cleanup Practices to Reduce Environmental Footprint at Telles Ranch UST Site, Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Learn about the work of EPA’s Pacific Southwest Underground Storage Tank (UST) program to reduce its environmental footprint by using greener cleanup practices at the Telles Ranch leaking UST site in Arizona.

  12. 40 CFR 281.37 - Financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... systems containing petroleum. 281.37 Section 281.37 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... for No-Less-Stringent § 281.37 Financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum. (a) In... UST systems containing petroleum, the state requirements for financial responsibility for petroleum...

  13. Drug delivery monitoring by photoacoustic tomography with an ICG encapsulated double emulsion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xueding; Rajian, Justin R.; Fabiilli, Mario L.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Carson, Paul L.

    2012-02-01

    We successfully encapsulated ICG in an ultrasound-triggerable perfluorocarbon double emulsion that prevents ICG from binding with plasma proteins. Photoacoustic spectral measurements on point target as well as 2-D photoacoustic images of blood vessels revealed that the photoacoustic spectrum changes significantly in blood when the ICG-loaded emulsion undergoes acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV), which is the conversion of liquid droplets into gas bubbles using ultrasound. Other than providing a new photoacoustic contrast agent, the ICG encapsulated double emulsion, when imaged with photoacoustic tomography, could facilitate spatial and quantitative monitoring of ultrasound initiated drug delivery.

  14. Pediatric Lung Abscess: Immediate Diagnosis by Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Kraft, Clara; Lasure, Benjamin; Sharon, Melinda; Patel, Paulina; Minardi, Joseph

    2018-06-01

    The diagnosis of lung abscess can be difficult to make and often requires imaging beyond plain chest x-ray. The decision to further image with computed tomography should be weighed against the risks of radiation exposure, especially in pediatric patients. In addition, the cost and potential impact on length of stay from obtaining computed tomography scans should be considered. In this report, we describe a case of lung abscess made immediately using point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department. To our knowledge, there are no previous cases describing lung abscess diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound. This case report aims to describe a case of pediatric lung abscess, review the ultrasound findings, and discuss relevant literature on the topic.

  15. 40 CFR 280.11 - Interim prohibition for deferred UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) Will prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the UST system; (2) Is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrodible material, steel clad... substance. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, an UST system without corrosion protection may...

  16. 40 CFR 280.11 - Interim prohibition for deferred UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) Will prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the UST system; (2) Is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrodible material, steel clad... substance. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, an UST system without corrosion protection may...

  17. 40 CFR 280.11 - Interim prohibition for deferred UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) Will prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the UST system; (2) Is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrodible material, steel clad... substance. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, an UST system without corrosion protection may...

  18. 40 CFR 280.11 - Interim prohibition for deferred UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...) Will prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the UST system; (2) Is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrodible material, steel clad... substance. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, an UST system without corrosion protection may...

  19. 40 CFR 280.11 - Interim prohibition for deferred UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...) Will prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the UST system; (2) Is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrodible material, steel clad... substance. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, an UST system without corrosion protection may...

  20. 76 FR 71707 - Revising Underground Storage Tank Regulations-Revisions to Existing Requirements and New...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-18

    ... Equipment C. Addressing Deferrals 1. Emergency Power Generator UST Systems 2. Airport Hydrant Fuel.... Maintain Deferral for USTs Containing Radioactive Material and Emergency Generator UST Systems at Nuclear... (air, water, 481, 483-486, 48811. truck, transit, pipeline, and airport operations). Communications and...

  1. ASSESSING UST CORRECTIVE ACTION TECHNOLOGIES: IN SITU SVE-BASED SYSTEMS FOR FREE PRODUCT RECOVERY AND RESIDUAL HYDROCARBON REMOVAL

    EPA Science Inventory

    The number of confirmed releases of petroleum products from underground storage tank (UST) systems has increased significantly since promulgation of the final UST regulations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December 1988. This increase has outpaced the resources of...

  2. 40 CFR 280.74 - Closure records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... following ways: (a) By the owners and operators who took the UST system out of service; (b) By the current... STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.74 Closure records. Owners and operators must maintain...

  3. 40 CFR 280.74 - Closure records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... following ways: (a) By the owners and operators who took the UST system out of service; (b) By the current... STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.74 Closure records. Owners and operators must maintain...

  4. 40 CFR 280.74 - Closure records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... following ways: (a) By the owners and operators who took the UST system out of service; (b) By the current... STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.74 Closure records. Owners and operators must maintain...

  5. 40 CFR 280.74 - Closure records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... following ways: (a) By the owners and operators who took the UST system out of service; (b) By the current... STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.74 Closure records. Owners and operators must maintain...

  6. 40 CFR 280.74 - Closure records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... following ways: (a) By the owners and operators who took the UST system out of service; (b) By the current... STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.74 Closure records. Owners and operators must maintain...

  7. 40 CFR 281.37 - Financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Financial responsibility for UST... for No-Less-Stringent § 281.37 Financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum. (a) In order to be considered no less stringent than the federal requirements for financial responsibility for...

  8. Corneal thickness and elevation measurements using swept-source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography in normal and keratoconic eyes.

    PubMed

    Jhanji, Vishal; Yang, Bingzhi; Yu, Marco; Ye, Cong; Leung, Christopher K S

    2013-11-01

    To compare corneal thickness and corneal elevation using swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography. Prospective study. 41 normal and 46 keratoconus subjects. All eyes were imaged using swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning tomography during the same visit. Mean corneal thickness and best-fit sphere measurements were compared between the instruments. Agreement of measurements between swept source optical coherence tomography and scanning slit topography was analyzed. Intra-rater reproducibility coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were evaluated. In normal eyes, central corneal thickness measured by swept source optical coherence tomography was thinner compared with slit scanning topography (p < 0.0001) and ultrasound pachymetry (p = < .0001). Ultrasound pachymetry readings had better 95% limits of agreement with swept source optical coherence tomography than slit scanning topography. In keratoconus eyes, central corneal thickness was thinner on swept source optical coherence tomography than slit scanning topography (p = 0.081) and ultrasound pachymetry (p = 0.001). There were significant differences between thinnest corneal thickness, and, anterior and posterior best-fit sphere measurements between both instruments (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, reproducibility coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients were significantly better with swept source optical coherence tomography for measurement of central corneal thickness, anterior best-fit sphere and, posterior best-fit sphere (all p < 0.001). Corneal thickness and elevation measurements were significantly different between swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography. With better reproducibility coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients, swept source optical coherence tomography may provide a reliable alternative for measurement of corneal parameters. © 2013 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2013 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

  9. 3D noninvasive ultrasound Joule heat tomography based on acousto-electric effect using unipolar pulses: a simulation study

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Renhuan; Li, Xu; Song, Aiguo; He, Bin; Yan, Ruqiang

    2012-01-01

    Electrical properties of biological tissues are highly sensitive to their physiological and pathological status. Thus it is of importance to image electrical properties of biological tissues. However, spatial resolution of conventional electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is generally poor. Recently, hybrid imaging modalities combining electric conductivity contrast and ultrasonic resolution based on acouto-electric effect has attracted considerable attention. In this study, we propose a novel three-dimensional (3D) noninvasive ultrasound Joule heat tomography (UJHT) approach based on acouto-electric effect using unipolar ultrasound pulses. As the Joule heat density distribution is highly dependent on the conductivity distribution, an accurate and high resolution mapping of the Joule heat density distribution is expected to give important information that is closely related to the conductivity contrast. The advantages of the proposed ultrasound Joule heat tomography using unipolar pulses include its simple inverse solution, better performance than UJHT using common bipolar pulses and its independence of any priori knowledge of the conductivity distribution of the imaging object. Computer simulation results show that using the proposed method, it is feasible to perform a high spatial resolution Joule heat imaging in an inhomogeneous conductive media. Application of this technique on tumor scanning is also investigated by a series of computer simulations. PMID:23123757

  10. Shape-based ultrasound tomography using a Born model with application to high intensity focused ultrasound therapy.

    PubMed

    Ulker Karbeyaz, Başak; Miller, Eric L; Cleveland, Robin O

    2008-05-01

    A shaped-based ultrasound tomography method is proposed to reconstruct ellipsoidal objects using a linearized scattering model. The method is motivated by the desire to detect the presence of lesions created by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in applications of cancer therapy. The computational size and limited view nature of the relevant three-dimensional inverse problem renders impractical the use of traditional pixel-based reconstruction methods. However, by employing a shape-based parametrization it is only necessary to estimate a small number of unknowns describing the geometry of the lesion, in this paper assumed to be ellipsoidal. The details of the shape-based nonlinear inversion method are provided. Results obtained from a commercial ultrasound scanner and a tissue phantom containing a HIFU-like lesion demonstrate the feasibility of the approach where a 20 mm x 5 mm x 6 mm ellipsoidal inclusion was detected with an accuracy of around 5%.

  11. Cumulative phase delay imaging for contrast-enhanced ultrasound tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demi, Libertario; van Sloun, Ruud J. G.; Wijkstra, Hessel; Mischi, Massimo

    2015-11-01

    Standard dynamic-contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) imaging detects and estimates ultrasound-contrast-agent (UCA) concentration based on the amplitude of the nonlinear (harmonic) components generated during ultrasound (US) propagation through UCAs. However, harmonic components generation is not specific to UCAs, as it also occurs for US propagating through tissue. Moreover, nonlinear artifacts affect standard DCE-US imaging, causing contrast to tissue ratio reduction, and resulting in possible misclassification of tissue and misinterpretation of UCA concentration. Furthermore, no contrast-specific modality exists for DCE-US tomography; in particular speed-of-sound changes due to UCAs are well within those caused by different tissue types. Recently, a new marker for UCAs has been introduced. A cumulative phase delay (CPD) between the second harmonic and fundamental component is in fact observable for US propagating through UCAs, and is absent in tissue. In this paper, tomographic US images based on CPD are for the first time presented and compared to speed-of-sound US tomography. Results show the applicability of this marker for contrast specific US imaging, with cumulative phase delay imaging (CPDI) showing superior capabilities in detecting and localizing UCA, as compared to speed-of-sound US tomography. Cavities (filled with UCA) which were down to 1 mm in diameter were clearly detectable. Moreover, CPDI is free of the above mentioned nonlinear artifacts. These results open important possibilities to DCE-US tomography, with potential applications to breast imaging for cancer localization.

  12. Cumulative phase delay imaging for contrast-enhanced ultrasound tomography.

    PubMed

    Demi, Libertario; van Sloun, Ruud J G; Wijkstra, Hessel; Mischi, Massimo

    2015-11-07

    Standard dynamic-contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) imaging detects and estimates ultrasound-contrast-agent (UCA) concentration based on the amplitude of the nonlinear (harmonic) components generated during ultrasound (US) propagation through UCAs. However, harmonic components generation is not specific to UCAs, as it also occurs for US propagating through tissue. Moreover, nonlinear artifacts affect standard DCE-US imaging, causing contrast to tissue ratio reduction, and resulting in possible misclassification of tissue and misinterpretation of UCA concentration. Furthermore, no contrast-specific modality exists for DCE-US tomography; in particular speed-of-sound changes due to UCAs are well within those caused by different tissue types. Recently, a new marker for UCAs has been introduced. A cumulative phase delay (CPD) between the second harmonic and fundamental component is in fact observable for US propagating through UCAs, and is absent in tissue. In this paper, tomographic US images based on CPD are for the first time presented and compared to speed-of-sound US tomography. Results show the applicability of this marker for contrast specific US imaging, with cumulative phase delay imaging (CPDI) showing superior capabilities in detecting and localizing UCA, as compared to speed-of-sound US tomography. Cavities (filled with UCA) which were down to 1 mm in diameter were clearly detectable. Moreover, CPDI is free of the above mentioned nonlinear artifacts. These results open important possibilities to DCE-US tomography, with potential applications to breast imaging for cancer localization.

  13. 40 CFR 280.91 - Compliance dates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... (UST) Financial Responsibility § 280.91 Compliance dates. Owners of petroleum underground storage tanks... marketing firms owning 1,000 or more USTs and all other UST owners that report a tangible net worth of $20... compliance with § 280.94(b) is required by: July 24, 1989. (b) All petroleum marketing firms owning 100-999...

  14. 40 CFR 280.210 - Participation in management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Participation in management. 280.210... STORAGE TANKS (UST) Lender Liability § 280.210 Participation in management. The term “participating in the management of an UST or UST system” means that, subsequent to the effective date of this subpart, December 6...

  15. 40 CFR 280.210 - Participation in management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Participation in management. 280.210... STORAGE TANKS (UST) Lender Liability § 280.210 Participation in management. The term “participating in the management of an UST or UST system” means that, subsequent to the effective date of this subpart, December 6...

  16. 40 CFR 280.210 - Participation in management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Participation in management. 280.210... STORAGE TANKS (UST) Lender Liability § 280.210 Participation in management. The term “participating in the management of an UST or UST system” means that, subsequent to the effective date of this subpart, December 6...

  17. Reproducibility of abdominal fat assessment by ultrasound and computed tomography

    PubMed Central

    Mauad, Fernando Marum; Chagas-Neto, Francisco Abaeté; Benedeti, Augusto César Garcia Saab; Nogueira-Barbosa, Marcello Henrique; Muglia, Valdair Francisco; Carneiro, Antonio Adilton Oliveira; Muller, Enrico Mattana; Elias Junior, Jorge

    2017-01-01

    Objective: To test the accuracy and reproducibility of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) for the quantification of abdominal fat in correlation with the anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical assessments. Materials and Methods: Using ultrasound and CT, we determined the thickness of subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat in 101 subjects-of whom 39 (38.6%) were men and 62 (61.4%) were women-with a mean age of 66.3 years (60-80 years). The ultrasound data were correlated with the anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters, as well as with the areas measured by abdominal CT. Results: Intra-abdominal thickness was the variable for which the correlation with the areas of abdominal fat was strongest (i.e., the correlation coefficient was highest). We also tested the reproducibility of ultrasound and CT for the assessment of abdominal fat and found that CT measurements of abdominal fat showed greater reproducibility, having higher intraobserver and interobserver reliability than had the ultrasound measurements. There was a significant correlation between ultrasound and CT, with a correlation coefficient of 0.71. Conclusion: In the assessment of abdominal fat, the intraobserver and interobserver reliability were greater for CT than for ultrasound, although both methods showed high accuracy and good reproducibility. PMID:28670024

  18. Reproducibility of abdominal fat assessment by ultrasound and computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Mauad, Fernando Marum; Chagas-Neto, Francisco Abaeté; Benedeti, Augusto César Garcia Saab; Nogueira-Barbosa, Marcello Henrique; Muglia, Valdair Francisco; Carneiro, Antonio Adilton Oliveira; Muller, Enrico Mattana; Elias Junior, Jorge

    2017-01-01

    To test the accuracy and reproducibility of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) for the quantification of abdominal fat in correlation with the anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical assessments. Using ultrasound and CT, we determined the thickness of subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat in 101 subjects-of whom 39 (38.6%) were men and 62 (61.4%) were women-with a mean age of 66.3 years (60-80 years). The ultrasound data were correlated with the anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters, as well as with the areas measured by abdominal CT. Intra-abdominal thickness was the variable for which the correlation with the areas of abdominal fat was strongest (i.e., the correlation coefficient was highest). We also tested the reproducibility of ultrasound and CT for the assessment of abdominal fat and found that CT measurements of abdominal fat showed greater reproducibility, having higher intraobserver and interobserver reliability than had the ultrasound measurements. There was a significant correlation between ultrasound and CT, with a correlation coefficient of 0.71. In the assessment of abdominal fat, the intraobserver and interobserver reliability were greater for CT than for ultrasound, although both methods showed high accuracy and good reproducibility.

  19. A Numerical Model for Wind-Wave Prediction in Deep Water.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-01-01

    amounts of gage data are available. Additionally, if all steps are modeled correctly, factors such as direction and angular spreading, which are not...spherical orthogonal system if large oceanic areas are to be modeled. The wave model requires a rect- angular grid and wind input at each of the...RM22CNFREQ+1)u1. DO 70 Im1,NFREG 70 SINF(I)uTWOPI*690/(TWOPIIFF(l))3S5 C DO 17 ItJ𔃻,100 VST =O,4851.4$IU USTwVST 19 ZOaCl/UST+C2*UST$UST-C3 UST1= VST /ALOG

  20. Combining Ultrasound Pulse-Echo and Transmission Computed Tomography for Quantitative Imaging the Cortical Shell of Long Bone Replicas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shortell, Matthew P.; Althomali, Marwan A. M.; Wille, Marie-Luise; Langton, Christian M.

    2017-11-01

    We demonstrate a simple technique for quantitative ultrasound imaging of the cortical shell of long bone replicas. Traditional ultrasound computed tomography instruments use the transmitted or reflected waves for separate reconstructions but suffer from strong refraction artefacts in highly heterogenous samples such as bones in soft tissue. The technique described here simplifies the long bone to a two-component composite and uses both the transmitted and reflected waves for reconstructions, allowing the speed of sound and thickness of the cortical shell to be calculated accurately. The technique is simple to implement, computationally inexpensive and sample positioning errors are minimal.

  1. Real-Time Laser Ultrasound Tomography for Profilometry of Solids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zarubin, V. P.; Bychkov, A. S.; Karabutov, A. A.; Simonova, V. A.; Kudinov, I. A.; Cherepetskaya, E. B.

    2018-01-01

    We studied the possibility of applying laser ultrasound tomography for profilometry of solids. The proposed approach provides high spatial resolution and efficiency, as well as profilometry of contaminated objects or objects submerged in liquids. The algorithms for the construction of tomograms and recognition of the profiles of studied objects using the parallel programming technology NDIVIA CUDA are proposed. A prototype of the real-time laser ultrasound profilometer was used to obtain the profiles of solid surfaces of revolution. The proposed method allows the real-time determination of the surface position for cylindrical objects with an approximation accuracy of up to 16 μm.

  2. Photorefractive detection of tagged photons in ultrasound modulated optical tomography of thick biological tissues.

    PubMed

    Ramaz, F; Forget, B; Atlan, M; Boccara, A C; Gross, M; Delaye, P; Roosen, G

    2004-11-01

    We present a new and simple method to obtain ultrasound modulated optical tomography images in thick biological tissues with the use of a photorefractive crystal. The technique offers the advantage of spatially adapting the output speckle wavefront by analysing the signal diffracted by the interference pattern between this output field and a reference beam, recorded inside the photorefractive crystal. Averaging out due to random phases of the speckle grains vanishes, and we can use a fast single photodetector to measure the ultrasound modulated optical contrast. This technique offers a promising way to make direct measurements within the decorrelation time scale of living tissues.

  3. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound imaging: basic principles, glossary of terms, and patient safety.

    PubMed

    Cogbill, Thomas H; Ziegelbein, Kurt J

    2011-02-01

    The basic principles underlying computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound are reviewed to promote better understanding of the properties and appropriate applications of these 3 common imaging modalities. A glossary of frequently used terms for each technique is appended for convenience. Risks to patient safety including contrast-induced nephropathy, radiation-induced malignancy, and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. 40 CFR 280.71 - Permanent closure and changes-in-service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.71 Permanent closure and changes... sludges. All tanks taken out of service permanently must also be either removed from the ground or filled with an inert solid material. (c) Continued use of an UST system to store a non-regulated substance is...

  5. 40 CFR 280.71 - Permanent closure and changes-in-service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.71 Permanent closure and changes... sludges. All tanks taken out of service permanently must also be either removed from the ground or filled with an inert solid material. (c) Continued use of an UST system to store a non-regulated substance is...

  6. 40 CFR 280.71 - Permanent closure and changes-in-service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.71 Permanent closure and changes... sludges. All tanks taken out of service permanently must also be either removed from the ground or filled with an inert solid material. (c) Continued use of an UST system to store a non-regulated substance is...

  7. 40 CFR 280.71 - Permanent closure and changes-in-service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure § 280.71 Permanent closure and changes... sludges. All tanks taken out of service permanently must also be either removed from the ground or filled with an inert solid material. (c) Continued use of an UST system to store a non-regulated substance is...

  8. JPRS Report, West Europe

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-03-24

    EN QUE MEDIDA CONSIDERA USTED QUE LA POLITICA DE...TOTAL (%) 1.7 15.9 28.9 24.8 27.8 1.0 iCREE USTED QUE CAMBIARA LA POLITICA DEL GOBIERNO COMO CONSECUENCIA DE ESTE CONGRESO EN POLITICA ...NS/NCY?.<.(7^ L&X. LA POLITICA QUE DESARROLLA EL PSOE, 4EN QUE MEDIDA CREE USTED QUE BENEFICIA A LA MUJER ? Mucho .Mi)

  9. 40 CFR 281.30 - New UST system design, construction, installation, and notification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false New UST system design, construction, installation, and notification. 281.30 Section 281.30 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF STATE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAMS Criteria for No-Less-Stringent § 281.30 New UST...

  10. 40 CFR 281.30 - New UST system design, construction, installation, and notification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false New UST system design, construction, installation, and notification. 281.30 Section 281.30 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF STATE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAMS Criteria for No-Less-Stringent § 281.30 New UST...

  11. 40 CFR 281.39 - Lender liability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... management of the UST or UST system as defined under § 280.210 of this chapter, and who does not engage in petroleum production, refining, and marketing as defined under § 280.200(b) of this chapter is not: (A) An..., provided the holder is not in control of or does not have responsibility for the daily operation of the UST...

  12. Standards of ultrasound imaging of the adrenal glands

    PubMed Central

    Jakubowski, Wiesław S.; Dobruch-Sobczak, Katarzyna; Kasperlik-Załuska, Anna A.

    2015-01-01

    Adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands located over the upper renal poles. Adrenal pathologies have various clinical presentations. They can coexist with the hyperfunction of individual cortical zones or the medulla, insufficiency of the adrenal cortex or retained normal hormonal function. The most common adrenal masses are tumors incidentally detected in imaging examinations (ultrasound, tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), referred to as incidentalomas. They include a range of histopathological entities but cortical adenomas without hormonal hyperfunction are the most common. Each abdominal ultrasound scan of a child or adult should include the assessment of the suprarenal areas. If a previously non-reported, incidental solid focal lesion exceeding 1 cm (incidentaloma) is detected in the suprarenal area, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be conducted to confirm its presence and for differentiation and the tumor functional status should be determined. Ultrasound imaging is also used to monitor adrenal incidentaloma that is not eligible for a surgery. The paper presents recommendations concerning the performance and assessment of ultrasound examinations of the adrenal glands and their pathological lesions. The article includes new ultrasound techniques, such as tissue harmonic imaging, spatial compound imaging, three-dimensional ultrasound, elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and parametric imaging. The guidelines presented above are consistent with the recommendations of the Polish Ultrasound Society. PMID:26807295

  13. Environmental projects. Volume 13: Underground storage tanks, removal and replacement. Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bengelsdorf, Irv

    1991-01-01

    The Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex (GDSCC), located in the Mojave Desert about 40 miles north of Barstow, California, and about 160 miles northeast of Pasadena, is part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Deep Space Network, one of the world's largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications and radio navigation networks. Activities at the GDSCC are carried out in support of six large parabolic dish antennas. As a large-scale facility located in a remote, isolated desert region, the GDSCC operations require numerous on-site storage facilities for gasoline, diesel oil, hydraulic oil, and waste oil. These fluids are stored in underground storage tanks (USTs). This present volume describes what happened to the 26 USTs that remained at the GDSCC. Twenty-four of these USTs were constructed of carbon steel without any coating for corrosion protection, and without secondary containment or leak detection. Two remaining USTs were constructed of fiberglass-coated carbon steel but without secondary containment or leak protection. Of the 26 USTs that remained at the GDSCC, 23 were cleaned, removed from the ground, cut up, and hauled away from the GDSCC for environmentally acceptable disposal. Three USTs were permanently closed (abandoned in place).

  14. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and computed tomography findings of granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting with multiple intrarenal microaneurysms: A case report.

    PubMed

    Kim, Youe Ree; Lee, Young Hwan; Lee, Jong-Ho; Yoon, Kwon-Ha

    Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic disorder that affects small- and medium- sized vessels in many organs. Although the kidneys are the second most commonly involved organ in patients with GPA, its manifestation as multiple intrarenal aneurysms is rare. We report an unusual manifestation of GPA with multiple intrarenal microaneurysms, as demonstrated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and computed tomography. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. An Imaging Model Incorporating Ultrasonic Transducer Properties for Three-Dimensional Optoacoustic Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Kun; Ermilov, Sergey A.; Su, Richard; Brecht, Hans-Peter; Oraevsky, Alexander A.; Anastasio, Mark A.

    2010-01-01

    Optoacoustic Tomography (OAT) is a hybrid imaging modality that combines the advantages of optical and ultrasound imaging. Most existing reconstruction algorithms for OAT assume that the ultrasound transducers employed to record the measurement data are point-like. When transducers with large detecting areas and/or compact measurement geometries are utilized, this assumption can result in conspicuous image blurring and distortions in the reconstructed images. In this work, a new OAT imaging model that incorporates the spatial and temporal responses of an ultrasound transducer is introduced. A discrete form of the imaging model is implemented and its numerical properties are investigated. We demonstrate that use of the imaging model in an iterative reconstruction method can improve the spatial resolution of the optoacoustic images as compared to those reconstructed assuming point-like ultrasound transducers. PMID:20813634

  16. Clinical application of multiphoton tomography in combination with high-frequency ultrasound for evaluation of skin diseases.

    PubMed

    König, Karsten; Speicher, Marco; Köhler, Martin J; Scharenberg, Rüdiger; Kaatz, Martin

    2010-12-01

    The first-ever application of high-frequency ultrasound combined with multiphoton tomography (MPT) and dermoscopy in a clinical trial is reported. 47 patients with different dermatoses such as benign and malign skin cancers, connective tissue diseases, inflammatory skin diseases, and autoimmune bullous skin diseases have been investigated with (i) state-of-the-art and highly sophisticated ultrasound systems for dermatology, (ii) the femtosecond laser multiphoton tomograph and (iii) dermoscopes. Dermoscopy provides two-dimensional color images of the skin surface with a magnification up to 70 x. Depending on the ultrasonic frequencies from 7.5 MHz to 100 MHz, the signal depth varies from about 1 mm to 80 mm. Vertical ultrasound wide-field images provide fast information on depth and volume of the lesion. The 100 MHz ultrasound allows imaging with resolutions down to 16 μm (axial) and 32 μm (lateral). Multiphoton tomography provides 0.36 x 0.36 x 0.001 mm³ horizontal optical sections of a particular region of interest with submicron resolution down to 200 μm tissue depth. The autofluorescence of mitochondrial coenzymes, keratin, melanin, and elastin as well as the network of collagen structures can be imaged. The combination of ultrasound and MPT opens novel synergistic possibilities in diagnostics of skin diseases with a special focus on the early detection of skin cancer as well as the evaluation of treatments. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Estimation of feline renal volume using computed tomography and ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Tyson, Reid; Logsdon, Stacy A; Werre, Stephen R; Daniel, Gregory B

    2013-01-01

    Renal volume estimation is an important parameter for clinical evaluation of kidneys and research applications. A time efficient, repeatable, and accurate method for volume estimation is required. The purpose of this study was to describe the accuracy of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) for estimating feline renal volume. Standardized ultrasound and CT scans were acquired for kidneys of 12 cadaver cats, in situ. Ultrasound and CT multiplanar reconstructions were used to record renal length measurements that were then used to calculate volume using the prolate ellipsoid formula for volume estimation. In addition, CT studies were reconstructed at 1 mm, 5 mm, and 1 cm, and transferred to a workstation where the renal volume was calculated using the voxel count method (hand drawn regions of interest). The reference standard kidney volume was then determined ex vivo using water displacement with the Archimedes' principle. Ultrasound measurement of renal length accounted for approximately 87% of the variability in renal volume for the study population. The prolate ellipsoid formula exhibited proportional bias and underestimated renal volume by a median of 18.9%. Computed tomography volume estimates using the voxel count method with hand-traced regions of interest provided the most accurate results, with increasing accuracy for smaller voxel sizes in grossly normal kidneys (-10.1 to 0.6%). Findings from this study supported the use of CT and the voxel count method for estimating feline renal volume in future clinical and research studies. © 2012 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.

  18. [Anterior segment tumor imaging: advantages of ultrasound (10, 20 and 50 MHz) and optical coherence tomography].

    PubMed

    Siahmed, K; Berges, O; Desjardins, L; Lumbroso, L; Brasseur, G

    2004-02-01

    Detail the role of different imaging techniques for diagnosis of tumors of the iris. Sixty-one tumors of the iris were explored using ultrasound at 10 and 20MHz (Cinescan, BVI Quantel Medical) and 50MHz (UBM, Paradigm) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Humphrey Zeiss). Ultrasound should be used at frequencies of 20MHz or greater to precisely characterize, localize and measure a lesion. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is inadequate to measure large tumors (extending toward the back of the ciliary body), because of the transducer and the considerably lower image quality caused by the lesion. Ultrasound alone cannot characterize a solid lesion, and moreover cannot differentiate benign and malignant lesions. Clinical notions are also important in diagnosis and patient management. OCT recognizes whether a lesion is liquid or solid in certain cases. With a tumor that seems solid, a 50MHz examination must be done rapidly, and if the entire lesion is difficult to see, a 20MHz ultrasound should be used. With a protruding iris, high-frequency ultrasound and OCT differentiate a cystic lesion from a solid mass, but only BMU provides a precise measurement and regular surveillance capabilities.

  19. High-contrast fast Fourier transform acousto-optical tomography of phantom tissues with a frequency-chirp modulation of the ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Forget, Benoît-Claude; Ramaz, François; Atlan, Michaël; Selb, Juliette; Boccara, Albert-Claude

    2003-03-01

    We report new results on acousto-optical tomography in phantom tissues using a frequency chirp modulation and a CCD camera. This technique allows quick recording of three-dimensional images of the optical contrast with a two-dimensional scan of the ultrasound source in a plane perpendicular to the ultrasonic path. The entire optical contrast along the ultrasonic path is concurrently obtained from the capture of a film sequence at a rate of 200 Hz. This technique reduces the acquisition time, and it enhances the axial resolution and thus the contrast, which are usually poor owing to the large volume of interaction of the ultrasound perturbation.

  20. Pulse-encoded ultrasound imaging of the vitreous with an annular array.

    PubMed

    Silverman, Ronald H; Ketterling, Jeffrey A; Mamou, Jonathan; Lloyd, Harriet O; Filoux, Erwan; Coleman, D Jackson

    2012-01-01

    The vitreous body is nearly transparent both optically and ultrasonically. Conventional 10- to 12-MHz diagnostic ultrasound can detect vitreous inhomogeneities at high gain settings, but has limited resolution and sensitivity, especially outside the fixed focal zone near the retina. To improve visualization of faint intravitreal fluid/gel interfaces, the authors fabricated a spherically curved 20-MHz five-element annular array ultrasound transducer, implemented a synthetic-focusing algorithm to extend the depth-of-field, and used a pulse-encoding strategy to increase sensitivity. The authors evaluated a human subject with a recent posterior vitreous detachment and compared the annular array with conventional 10-MHz ultrasound and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. With synthetic focusing and chirp pulse-encoding, the array allowed visualization of the formed and fluid components of the vitreous with improved sensitivity and resolution compared with the conventional B-scan. Although optical coherence tomography allowed assessment of the posterior vitreoretinal interface, the ultrasound array allowed evaluation of the entire vitreous body. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

  1. Frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function, not age, predicts unipedal stance time

    PubMed Central

    Allet, Lara; Kim, Hogene; Ashton-Miller, James; De Mott, Trina; Richardson, James K.

    2011-01-01

    Introduction Changes occur in muscles and nerves with aging. This study aimed to explore the relationship between unipedal stance time (UST) and frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function in subjects with diabetic neuropathy. Methods UST, quantitative measures of frontal plane ankle proprioceptive thresholds, and ankle and hip motor function were tested in forty-one persons with a spectrum of lower limb sensorimotor function, ranging from healthy to moderately severe diabetic neuropathy. Results Frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function demonstrated significant relationships with UST. Multivariate analysis identified only composite hip strength, composite ankle proprioceptive threshold, and age to be significant predictors of UST (R2=0.73); they explained 46%, 24% and 3% of the variance, respectively. Discussion/Conclusions Frontal plane hip strength was the single best predictor of UST and appeared to compensate for less precise ankle proprioceptive thresholds. This finding is clinically relevant given the possibility of strengthening the hip, even in patients with significant PN. . PMID:22431092

  2. Frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function, not age, predicts unipedal stance time.

    PubMed

    Allet, Lara; Kim, Hogene; Ashton-Miller, James; De Mott, Trina; Richardson, James K

    2012-04-01

    Changes occur in muscles and nerves with aging. In this study we explore the relationship between unipedal stance time (UST) and frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function in subjects with diabetic neuropathy. UST, quantitative measures of frontal plane ankle proprioceptive thresholds, and ankle and hip motor function were tested in 41 subjects with a spectrum of lower limb sensorimotor function ranging from healthy to moderately severe diabetic neuropathy. Frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function demonstrated significant relationships with UST. Multivariate analysis identified only composite hip strength, ankle proprioceptive threshold, and age to be significant predictors of UST (R(2) = 0.73), explaining 46%, 24%, and 3% of the variance, respectively. Frontal plane hip strength was the single best predictor of UST and appeared to compensate for less precise ankle proprioceptive thresholds. This finding is clinically relevant given the possibility of strengthening the hip, even in patients with significant peripheral neuropathy. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Wavelength optimization for in vivo multispectral photoacoustic/ultrasound tomography of hemoglobin oxygenation in ovarian cancer: clinical studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salehi, Hassan S.; Li, Hai; Kumavor, Patrick D.; Merkulov, Aleksey; Sanders, Melinda; Brewer, Molly; Zhu, Quing

    2015-03-01

    In this paper, wavelength selection for multispectral photoacoustic/ultrasound tomography was optimized to obtain accurate images of hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) in vivo. Although wavelengths can be selected by theoretical methods, in practice the accuracy of reconstructed images will be affected by wavelength-specific and system-specific factors such as laser source power and ultrasound transducer sensitivity. By performing photoacoustic spectroscopy of mouse tumor models using 14 different wavelengths between 710 and 840 nm, we were able to identify a wavelength set which most accurately reproduced the results obtained using all 14 wavelengths via selection criteria. In clinical studies, the optimal wavelength set was successfully used to image human ovaries in vivo and noninvasively. Although these results are specific to our co-registered photoacoustic/ultrasound imaging system, the approach we developed can be applied to other functional photoacoustic and optical imaging systems.

  4. An ultrasound-guided fluorescence tomography system: design and specification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    D'Souza, Alisha V.; Flynn, Brendan P.; Kanick, Stephen C.; Torosean, Sason; Davis, Scott C.; Maytin, Edward V.; Hasan, Tayyaba; Pogue, Brian W.

    2013-03-01

    An ultrasound-guided fluorescence molecular tomography system is under development for in vivo quantification of Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) during Aminolevulinic Acid - Photodynamic Therapy (ALA-PDT) of Basal Cell Carcinoma. The system is designed to combine fiber-based spectral sampling of PPIX fluorescence emission with co-registered ultrasound images to quantify local fluorophore concentration. A single white light source is used to provide an estimate of the bulk optical properties of tissue. Optical data is obtained by sequential illumination of a 633nm laser source at 4 linear locations with parallel detection at 5 locations interspersed between the sources. Tissue regions from segmented ultrasound images, optical boundary data, white light-informed optical properties and diffusion theory are used to estimate the fluorophore concentration in these regions. Our system and methods allow interrogation of both superficial and deep tissue locations up to PpIX concentrations of 0.025ug/ml.

  5. Ultrasound-aided high-resolution biophotonic imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Lihong V.

    2003-10-01

    We develop novel biophotonic imaging for early-cancer detection, a grand challenge in cancer research, using nonionizing electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves. Unlike ionizing x-ray radiation, nonionizing electromagnetic waves such as optical waves are safe for biomedical applications and reveal new contrast mechanisms and functional information. For example, our spectroscopic oblique-incidence reflectometry can detect skin cancers based on functional hemoglobin parameters and cell nuclear size with 95% accuracy. Unfortunately, electromagnetic waves in the nonionizing spectral region do not penetrate biological tissue in straight paths as do x-rays. Consequently, high-resolution tomography based on nonionizing electromagnetic waves alone, as demonstrated by our Mueller optical coherence tomography, is limited to superficial tissue imaging. Ultrasonic imaging, on the contrary, furnishes good imaging resolution but has poor contrast in early-stage tumors and has strong speckle artifacts as well. We developed ultrasound-mediated imaging modalities by combining electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves synergistically. The hybrid modalities yield speckle-free electromagnetic-contrast at ultrasonic resolution in relatively large biological tissue. In ultrasound-modulated (acousto)-optical tomography, a focused ultrasonic wave encodes diffuse laser light in scattering biological tissue. In photo-acoustic (thermo-acoustic) tomography, a low-energy laser (RF) pulse induces ultrasonic waves in biological tissue due to thermoelastic expansion.

  6. A Comparison of Ultrasound Tomography Methods in Circular Geometry

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Leach, R R; Azevedo, S G; Berryman, J G

    2002-01-24

    Extremely high quality data was acquired using an experimental ultrasound scanner developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory using a 2D ring geometry with up to 720 transmitter/receiver transducer positions. This unique geometry allows reflection and transmission modes and transmission imaging and quantification of a 3D volume using 2D slice data. Standard image reconstruction methods were applied to the data including straight-ray filtered back projection, reflection tomography, and diffraction tomography. Newer approaches were also tested such as full wave, full wave adjoint method, bent-ray filtered back projection, and full-aperture tomography. A variety of data sets were collected including a formalin-fixed humanmore » breast tissue sample, a commercial ultrasound complex breast phantom, and cylindrical objects with and without inclusions. The resulting reconstruction quality of the images ranges from poor to excellent. The method and results of this study are described including like-data reconstructions produced by different algorithms with side-by-side image comparisons. Comparisons to medical B-scan and x-ray CT scan images are also shown. Reconstruction methods with respect to image quality using resolution, noise, and quantitative accuracy, and computational efficiency metrics will also be discussed.« less

  7. Effect of Ultrasonic Surface Treatment on the Transparency and Orientation of Fresnoite Surface Crystallization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Endo, A.; Sakida, S.; Benino, Y.; Nanba, T.

    2011-10-01

    Surface crystallized glass ceramics with fresnoite (Ba2TiSi2O8) phase were prepared by conventional heat treatment of 30BaO-20TiO2-50SiO2 glass together with ultrasonic surface treatment (UST) technique. The precursor glass was fully crystallized in a bulk form without any cracks, and the optical transparency and crystallographic orientation of the crystalline layers were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and XRD diffraction analyses, respectively. These properties were both enhanced significantly by applying UST using fresnoite/water suspension before the crystallization process, which is advantage for nonlinear optical applications of bulk glass ceramics. The effects of UST on the crystallization behavior were investigated by applying UST with various conditions.

  8. Feasibility of utilising an infrared-thermographic technique for early detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy camels (Camelus dromedarius).

    PubMed

    Samara, Emad M; Ayadi, Moez; Aljumaah, Riyadh S

    2014-02-01

    Despite the proven ability of infrared thermography (IRT) technology for early detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows/sheep/goats, studies on its diagnostic feasibility in dairy camels are lacking. Sixty-five lactating camels in mid lactation, machine milked twice-daily and managed under intensive conditions were screened to evaluate the feasibility of utilising IRT compared with other routine indicators in detecting subclinical mastitis. Immediately before the morning milking, a portable infrared camera was used to obtain thermograms in duplicate for the front and rear left quarters to determine the udder surface temperature (UST). Thereafter, milk samples from quarters were collected, and processed for California mastitis test (CMT) score and somatic cell count (SCC). In the present study, CMT score was used to define subclinical mastitis and the feasibility of IRT to detect subclinical mastitis was compared with CMT and SCC. According to CMT score, subclinical mastitic udders had an average UST of 1·42 °C greater (P<0·0001) than healthy udders. The relationship between UST and CMT was found to be highly correlated (r=0·77; P<0·001), and UST was linearly increased as the CMT increased [UST (°C)=34·86+0·66×CMT score; R 2=0·65; P<0·001]. Additionally, high correlations were obtained between UST and SCC score (r=0·75; P<0·001) and the relationship between UST and SCC was fitted best to a logarithmic equation [UST, °C=33·39+0·88×Log (SCC, ×103 cells/ml), R 2=0·61, P<0·001]. The cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for UST were 35·15 °C, 0·90, 0·98, and 0·95, respectively, when subclinical mastitis was defined according to CMT score, and were 35·70 °C, 0·89, 0·96 and 0·94, respectively, when categorised according to the obtained SCC threshold (SCC=432 000 cells/ml). In conclusion, IRT, as an indirect non-invasive screening method, was highly feasible for distinguishing subclinical mastitic udders in dairy camels, which is crucial to treat mastitis early and efficiently.

  9. Ultrasound vs. Computed Tomography for Severity of Hydronephrosis and Its Importance in Renal Colic.

    PubMed

    Leo, Megan M; Langlois, Breanne K; Pare, Joseph R; Mitchell, Patricia; Linden, Judith; Nelson, Kerrie P; Amanti, Cristopher; Carmody, Kristin A

    2017-06-01

    Supporting an "ultrasound-first" approach to evaluating renal colic in the emergency department (ED) remains important for improving patient care and decreasing healthcare costs. Our primary objective was to compare emergency physician (EP) ultrasound to computed tomography (CT) detection of hydronephrosis severity in patients with suspected renal colic. We calculated test characteristics of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound for detecting ureteral stones or ureteral stone size >5mm. We then analyzed the association of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound, stone size >5mm, and proximal stone location with 30-day events. This was a prospective observational study of ED patients with suspected renal colic undergoing CT. Subjects had an EP-performed ultrasound evaluating for the severity of hydronephrosis. A chart review and follow-up phone call was performed. We enrolled 302 subjects who had an EP-performed ultrasound. CT and EP ultrasound results were comparable in detecting severity of hydronephrosis ( x 2 =51.7, p<0.001). Hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound was predictive of a ureteral stone on CT (PPV 88%; LR+ 2.91), but lack of hydronephrosis did not rule it out (NPV 65%). Lack of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound makes larger stone size >5mm less likely (NPV 89%; LR- 0.39). Larger stone size > 5mm was associated with 30-day events (OR 2.30, p=0.03). Using an ultrasound-first approach to detect hydronephrosis may help physicians identify patients with renal colic. The lack of hydronephrosis on ultrasound makes the presence of a larger ureteral stone less likely. Stone size >5mm may be a useful predictor of 30-day events.

  10. Ultrasound vs. Computed Tomography for Severity of Hydronephrosis and Its Importance in Renal Colic

    PubMed Central

    Leo, Megan M.; Langlois, Breanne K.; Pare, Joseph R.; Mitchell, Patricia; Linden, Judith; Nelson, Kerrie P.; Amanti, Cristopher; Carmody, Kristin A.

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Supporting an “ultrasound-first” approach to evaluating renal colic in the emergency department (ED) remains important for improving patient care and decreasing healthcare costs. Our primary objective was to compare emergency physician (EP) ultrasound to computed tomography (CT) detection of hydronephrosis severity in patients with suspected renal colic. We calculated test characteristics of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound for detecting ureteral stones or ureteral stone size >5mm. We then analyzed the association of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound, stone size >5mm, and proximal stone location with 30-day events. Methods This was a prospective observational study of ED patients with suspected renal colic undergoing CT. Subjects had an EP-performed ultrasound evaluating for the severity of hydronephrosis. A chart review and follow-up phone call was performed. Results We enrolled 302 subjects who had an EP-performed ultrasound. CT and EP ultrasound results were comparable in detecting severity of hydronephrosis (x2=51.7, p<0.001). Hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound was predictive of a ureteral stone on CT (PPV 88%; LR+ 2.91), but lack of hydronephrosis did not rule it out (NPV 65%). Lack of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound makes larger stone size >5mm less likely (NPV 89%; LR− 0.39). Larger stone size > 5mm was associated with 30-day events (OR 2.30, p=0.03). Conclusion Using an ultrasound-first approach to detect hydronephrosis may help physicians identify patients with renal colic. The lack of hydronephrosis on ultrasound makes the presence of a larger ureteral stone less likely. Stone size >5mm may be a useful predictor of 30-day events. PMID:28611874

  11. Emergency ultrasound in the acute assessment of haemothorax

    PubMed Central

    Brooks, A; Davies, B; Smethhurst, M; Connolly, J

    2004-01-01

    Aims: To evaluate thoracic ultrasound for the detection of haemothorax in patients with thoracic trauma against established investigations. Methods: Thoracic ultrasound was performed as an extension of the standard focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) protocol used at the Queen's Medical Centre for the assessment of adult patients with torso trauma. Fluid was sought in both pleural cavities using a hand portable ultrasound system by one of two non-radiologists trained in FAST. Findings were compared against subsequent investigations/procedures performed at the discretion of the attending emergency physician—supine chest radiography, intercostal drain, computed tomography, or thoracotomy. The sensitivity of the technique and the time taken to diagnosis for each investigation were recorded. Results: Sixty one patients, 54 (89%) after blunt trauma, underwent thoracic ultrasound evaluation during the study. Twelve patients had a haemothorax detected by ultrasound and confirmed by computed tomography or by tube thoracostomy. Four haemothoraces detected on ultrasound were not apparent on trauma chest radiography. There were 12 true positives, 48 true negatives, no false positives, and one false negative scan. The sensitivity of ultrasound was 92% and specificity 100% with a positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value 98% for the detection of haemothorax after trauma. Conclusions: Emergency ultrasound of the chest performed as part of the primary survey of the traumatised patient can rapidly and accurately diagnose haemothorax and is a valuable tool to augment the immediate clinical assessment of these patients. PMID:14734374

  12. Process design and economic analysis of a biorefinery co-producing itaconic acid and electricity from sugarcane bagasse and trash lignocelluloses.

    PubMed

    Nieder-Heitmann, Mieke; Haigh, Kathleen F; Görgens, Johann F

    2018-08-01

    Itaconic acid has economic potential as a commodity biochemical for the sugar industry, but its production is limited due to high production costs. Using cheaper and alternative lignocellulosic feedstocks together with achieving higher product titres have been identified as potential strategies for viable IA production. Consequently the use of sugarcane bagasse and trash for the production of itaconic acid (IA) and electricity have been investigated for an integrated biorefinery, where the production facility is annexed to an existing sugar mill and new combined heat and power (CHP) plant. Three IA biorefinery scenarios were designed and simulated in Aspen Plus®. Subsequent economic analyses indicated that cheaper feedstocks reduced the IA production cost from 1565.5 US$/t for glucose to 616.5 US$/t, but coal supplementation was required to sufficiently lower the production cost to 604.3 US$/t for a competitive IA selling price of 1740 US$/t, compared to the market price of 1800 US$/t. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. The Influence of Ultrasonic Cavitation on the Formation of Fe-Rich Intermetallics in A383 Alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xuan, Yang; Liu, Tao; Nastac, Laurentiu; Brewer, Luke; Levin, Ilya; Arvikar, Vish

    2018-06-01

    The effect of ultrasonic treatment (UST) on the formation of Fe-rich intermetallics (including sludge) in the A383 alloy is investigated for different processing temperatures in the present study. Differential scanning calorimetry is used to analyze the precipitation temperature of the sludge phase. The results revealed that the sludge will precipitate at a temperature above that of the Al matrix and the precipitation temperature decreases with an increasing cooling rate. UST cavitation applied at different temperatures (600 °C to 750 °C) during the solidification process breaks the sludge into small island-like pieces. However, the aggregation trend of the sludge is not changed. Sludge with small size and uniform distribution is obtained when UST is applied at 600 °C, which is lower than the precipitation temperature of the sludge. At the highest temperature (850 °C), the application of UST has no effect on the formation of either sludge or α-Fe intermetallics. At 750 °C, UST promotes the formation of the sludge when applied at 750 °C.

  14. Cervical porcupine quill foreign body involving the spinal cord of a dog: A description of various imaging modality findings.

    PubMed

    Le Roux, Christelle; Venter, Frans J; Kirberger, Robert M

    2017-12-08

    Although porcupine quill injuries are common in dogs, the detailed appearance of the quill on diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging has not been sufficiently described. A 4-year-old, intact, female Jack Russel terrier presented with severe neck pain and ataxia after an altercation with a porcupine 2 weeks earlier. Radiology, diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were all utilised to identify a quill imbedded in the cervical vertebral canal and cervical musculature and were compared to each other. Surgical removal of the quill, guided by imaging findings, led to the resolution of the clinical signs in the patient. Previous ultrasound imaging reports have just stated that the quill consists of paralell hyperechoic lines, and do not mention the finer hyperechoic lines inbetween and do not try to provide a reason for the appearance. Previous computed tomography (CT) reports just mention identifying the quill on CT images (whether or not CT could identify the fragments), but do not go into detail about the attenuating appearance of the quill nor try to relate this to the composition of the quill. This is to the authors' knowledge the first report with detailed imaging descriptions of a case of cranial cervical vertebral canal porcupine quill foreign body in a dog. This is also the first report to allude to a possible difference in imaging findings related to quill structure because of keratin orientation and melanin content. The ideal imaging modality to use remains elusive, but ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging could all identify the quill.

  15. 40 CFR 280.10 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks and electrical equipment tanks. (4) Any UST system whose... are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 and following); (3) Any UST system...

  16. 40 CFR 280.10 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks and electrical equipment tanks. (4) Any UST system whose... are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 and following); (3) Any UST system...

  17. 40 CFR 280.10 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks and electrical equipment tanks. (4) Any UST system whose... are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 and following); (3) Any UST system...

  18. 40 CFR 280.10 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks and electrical equipment tanks. (4) Any UST system whose... are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 and following); (3) Any UST system...

  19. 40 CFR 280.10 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks and electrical equipment tanks. (4) Any UST system whose... are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 and following); (3) Any UST system...

  20. The Physics of Physical Examinations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Patterson, James D.

    1989-01-01

    Discussed are several topics on medical imaging including x-rays and Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging, fiber optics endoscopy, nuclear medicine and bone scans, positron-emission tomography, and ultrasound. The concepts of radiation dosage, electrocardiograms, and laser therapy are included. (YP)

  1. Class A and Class B UST Operator Exams

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Learn about exams developed by EPA to help underground storage tank system owners and operators in Indian country meet the 2015 federal UST regulation requirement that designated operators demonstrate knowledge and pass an exam.

  2. A Case Report of Human Infection with Dioctophyma Renale from Iran.

    PubMed

    Norouzi, Roghayeh; Manochehri, Arman; Hanifi, Mustafa

    2017-03-16

    A 75-year-old man from Kurdistan province, western part of Iran was diagnosed with a mass in the right kidney by ultrasound and computed tomography. In operation, a parasitic helminth, 30 cm long and 1.2 cm in diameter consistent with D. renale was found in the right kidney. Microscopic examination revealed that the male Dioctophyma renale. Following removal of worm, the symptoms completely resolved within a few hours. Generally, parasitism by D. renale in human is a necropsy finding, nevertheless imaging techniques as ultrasound and computed tomography have been proven to be important tool to achieve diagnosis.

  3. On-demand rather than daily-routine chest radiography prescription may change neither the number nor the impact of chest computed tomography and ultrasound studies in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Kröner, Anke; Binnekade, Jan M; Graat, Marleen E; Vroom, Margreeth B; Stoker, Jaap; Spronk, Peter E; Schultz, Marcus J

    2008-01-01

    Elimination of daily-routine chest radiographs (CXRs) may influence chest computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound practice in critically ill patients. This was a retrospective cohort study including all patients admitted to a university-affiliated intensive care unit during two consecutive periods of 5 months, one before and one after elimination of daily-routine CXR. Chest CT and ultrasound studies were identified retrospectively by using the radiology department information system. Indications for and the diagnostic/therapeutic yield of chest CT and ultrasound studies were collected. Elimination of daily-routine CXR resulted in a decrease of CXRs per patient day from 1.1 +/- 0.3 to 0.6 +/- 0.4 (P < 0.05). Elimination did not affect duration of stay or mortality rates. Neither the number of chest CT studies nor the ratio of chest CT studies per patient day changed with the intervention: Before elimination of daily-routine CXR, 52 chest CT studies were obtained from 747 patients; after elimination, 54 CT studies were obtained from 743 patients. Similarly, chest ultrasound practice was not affected by the change of CXR strategy: Before and after elimination, 21 and 27 chest ultrasound studies were performed, respectively. Also, timing of chest CT and ultrasound studies was not different between the two study periods. During the two periods, 40 of 106 chest CT studies (38%) and 18 of 48 chest ultrasound studies (38%) resulted in a change in therapy. The combined therapeutic yield of chest CT and ultrasound studies did not change with elimination of daily-routine CXR. Elimination of daily-routine CXRs may not affect chest CT and ultrasound practice in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit.

  4. Study of Tomography Of Nephrolithiasis Evaluation (STONE): methodology, approach and rationale.

    PubMed

    Valencia, Victoria; Moghadassi, Michelle; Kriesel, Dana R; Cummings, Steve; Smith-Bindman, Rebecca

    2014-05-01

    Urolithiasis (kidney stones) is a common reason for Emergency Department (ED) visits, accounting for nearly 1% of all visits in the United States. Computed tomography (CT) has become the most common imaging test for these patients but there are few comparative effectiveness data to support its use in comparison to ultrasound. This paper describes the rationale and methods of STONE (Study of Tomography Of Nephrolithiasis Evaluation), a pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness trial comparing different imaging strategies for patients with suspected urolithiasis. STONE is a multi-center, non-blinded pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness trial of patients between ages 18 and 75 with suspected nephrolithiasis seen in an ED setting. Patients were randomized to one of three initial imaging examinations: point-of-care ultrasound, ultrasound performed by a radiologist or CT. Participants then received diagnosis and treatment per usual care. The primary aim is to compare the rate of severe SAEs (Serious Adverse Events) between the three arms. In addition, a broad range of secondary outcomes was assessed at baseline and regularly for six months post-baseline using phone, email and mail questionnaires. Excluding 17 patients who withdrew after randomization, a total of 2759 patients were randomized and completed a baseline questionnaire (n=908, 893 and 958 in the point-of-care ultrasound, radiology ultrasound and radiology CT arms, respectively). Follow-up is complete, and full or partial outcomes were assessed on over 90% of participants. The detailed methodology of STONE will provide a roadmap for comparative effectiveness studies of diagnostic imaging conducted in an ED setting. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Quantitative 3D high resolution transmission ultrasound tomography: creating clinically relevant images (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wiskin, James; Klock, John; Iuanow, Elaine; Borup, Dave T.; Terry, Robin; Malik, Bilal H.; Lenox, Mark

    2017-03-01

    There has been a great deal of research into ultrasound tomography for breast imaging over the past 35 years. Few successful attempts have been made to reconstruct high-resolution images using transmission ultrasound. To this end, advances have been made in 2D and 3D algorithms that utilize either time of arrival or full wave data to reconstruct images with high spatial and contrast resolution suitable for clinical interpretation. The highest resolution and quantitative accuracy result from inverse scattering applied to full wave data in 3D. However, this has been prohibitively computationally expensive, meaning that full inverse scattering ultrasound tomography has not been considered clinically viable. Here we show the results of applying a nonlinear inverse scattering algorithm to 3D data in a clinically useful time frame. This method yields Quantitative Transmission (QT) ultrasound images with high spatial and contrast resolution. We reconstruct sound speeds for various 2D and 3D phantoms and verify these values with independent measurements. The data are fully 3D as is the reconstruction algorithm, with no 2D approximations. We show that 2D reconstruction algorithms can introduce artifacts into the QT breast image which are avoided by using a full 3D algorithm and data. We show high resolution gross and microscopic anatomic correlations comparing cadaveric breast QT images with MRI to establish imaging capability and accuracy. Finally, we show reconstructions of data from volunteers, as well as an objective visual grading analysis to confirm clinical imaging capability and accuracy.

  6. Impact of Ocean Wave Climate on Double-Frequency Microseisms and Evaluation of Seismic Site Effect in Northern Mississippi, USA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Z.; Aydin, A.; Xue, M.

    2017-12-01

    This research presents the power spectral density (PSD) of double-frequency (DF) microseisms in both vertical (V) and resultant horizontal (H) directions and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) of 13 continuous single point long-term ambient noise recordings (LTR) at 5 inland and 2 coastal locations selected in Mississippi Embayment, and frequency value and PSD at DF peak (PSD@DF), predominant frequency (f0) and HVSR value at f0 (HVSR@f0) at 234 single point short-term ambient noise recordings (STR) over a large range of unconsolidated sediment thickness (UST) in Northern Mississippi. By correlating PSD of LTRs with the simultaneous ocean wave climate data of Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, DF microseisms observed in Northern Mississippi were shown to be shaped by a combined impact of wave climates of both Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Polarization analysis conducted separately for LTRs and STRs strengthen this conclusion. The LTRs show stable estimates of f0, on the other hand, time-dependent variations on HVSR@f0 value. The plots of DFH-UST, rather than DFV-UST, coincide well with plots of f0-UST within area where UST is larger than 300 m, which indicates that the shear wave resonance in thick sediments modifies the DF microseisms more obviously in horizontal direction than in vertical direction. Transfer functions between HVSR@f0 and ocean data indicates that the variation of HVSR@f0 is caused by variations of source location and energy level of DF microseisms, i.e. ocean wave activities in Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, 3D microseism spectra of each LTR and those of all STRs within each 100 m-UST group are converted into spatial spectral vectors and projected on stereographic nets. Patterns of the clusters formed by these projections show that the HVSR@f0 values are related to both UST and vibration source location and energy level.

  7. Photosynthetic, morphological, and reproductive variations in Cypripedium tibeticum in relation to different light regimes in a subalpine forest.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Bao-Qiang; Zou, Long-Hai; Li, Kui; Wan, Xiao; Wang, Yan

    2017-01-01

    Cypripedium tibeticum, a subalpine orchid species, inhabits various habitats of subalpine forests, mainly including the forest edge (FE), forest gap (FG), and understory (UST), which have significantly different light intensities (FE > FG > UST). However, the ecological and physiological influences caused by different light regimes in this species are still poorly understood. In the present study, photosynthetic, morphological, and reproductive characteristics were comprehensively studied in plants of C. tibeticum grown in three types of habitats. The photosynthetic capacities, such as the net photosynthetic rate, light-saturated photosynthesis (Pmax), and dry mass per unit leaf area (LMA), were higher in FE and FG than in UST according to light availability. Compared with FG, the populations in FE and UST suffer from excessively strong and inadequate radiation, respectively, which was further corroborated by the low Fv/Fm in FE and high apparent quantum yield (AQY) in FG. The leaves of the orchids had various proportions of constituents, such as the leaf area, thickness and (or) epidermal hair, to reduce damage from high radiation (including ultraviolet-b radiation) in FE and capture more light in FG and UST. Although the flower rate (FR) was positively correlated to both Pmax and the daily mean PAR, fruit-set only occurred in the populations in FG. The failures in FE and UST might be ascribed to changes in the floral functional structure and low biomass accumulation, respectively. Moreover, analysis of the demographic statistics showed that FG was an advantageous habitat for the orchid. Thus, C. tibeticum reacted to photosynthetic and morphological changes to adapt to different subalpine forest habitats, and neither full (under FE) nor low (UST) illumination was favorable for population expansion. These findings could serve as a guide for the protection and reintroduction of C. tibeticum and emphasize the importance of specific habitats for Cypripedium spp.

  8. Ultrasound in the Diagnosis & Management of Pleural Effusions

    PubMed Central

    Soni, Nilam J.; Franco, Ricardo; Velez, Maria I.; Schnobrich, Daniel; Dancel, Ria; Restrepo, Marcos I.; Mayo, Paul H.

    2015-01-01

    We review the literature on the use of point-of-care ultrasound to evaluate and manage pleural effusions. Point-of-care ultrasound is more sensitive than physical exam and chest radiography to detect and characterize pleural fluid, and avoids many negative aspects of computerized tomography (CT). Additionally, point-of-care ultrasound can be used to assess pleural fluid volume and character, revealing possible underlying pathologies and guiding management. Thoracentesis performed with ultrasound guidance has lower risk of pneumothorax and bleeding complications. Future research should focus on the clinical-effectiveness of point-of-care ultrasound in the routine management of pleural effusions and how new technologies may expand its clinical utility. PMID:26218493

  9. Deterministic compressive sampling for high-quality image reconstruction of ultrasound tomography.

    PubMed

    Huy, Tran Quang; Tue, Huynh Huu; Long, Ton That; Duc-Tan, Tran

    2017-05-25

    A well-known diagnostic imaging modality, termed ultrasound tomography, was quickly developed for the detection of very small tumors whose sizes are smaller than the wavelength of the incident pressure wave without ionizing radiation, compared to the current gold-standard X-ray mammography. Based on inverse scattering technique, ultrasound tomography uses some material properties such as sound contrast or attenuation to detect small targets. The Distorted Born Iterative Method (DBIM) based on first-order Born approximation is an efficient diffraction tomography approach. One of the challenges for a high quality reconstruction is to obtain many measurements from the number of transmitters and receivers. Given the fact that biomedical images are often sparse, the compressed sensing (CS) technique could be therefore effectively applied to ultrasound tomography by reducing the number of transmitters and receivers, while maintaining a high quality of image reconstruction. There are currently several work on CS that dispose randomly distributed locations for the measurement system. However, this random configuration is relatively difficult to implement in practice. Instead of it, we should adopt a methodology that helps determine the locations of measurement devices in a deterministic way. For this, we develop the novel DCS-DBIM algorithm that is highly applicable in practice. Inspired of the exploitation of the deterministic compressed sensing technique (DCS) introduced by the authors few years ago with the image reconstruction process implemented using l 1 regularization. Simulation results of the proposed approach have demonstrated its high performance, with the normalized error approximately 90% reduced, compared to the conventional approach, this new approach can save half of number of measurements and only uses two iterations. Universal image quality index is also evaluated in order to prove the efficiency of the proposed approach. Numerical simulation results indicate that CS and DCS techniques offer equivalent image reconstruction quality with simpler practical implementation. It would be a very promising approach in practical applications of modern biomedical imaging technology.

  10. The Comparison between Torsional and Conventional Mode Phacoemulsification in Moderate and Hard Cataracts

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Dong-Hyun; Wee, Won-Ryang; Lee, Jin-Hak

    2010-01-01

    Purpose To compare the intraoperative performances and postoperative outcomes of cataract surgery performed with longitudinal phacoemulsification and torsional phacoemulsification in moderate and hard cataracts. Methods Of 85 patients who had senile cataracts, 102 eyes were operated on using the Infiniti Vision System. Preoperative examinations (slit lamp examination, mean central corneal thickness, and central endothelial cell counts) were performed for each patient. Cataracts were subdivided into moderate and hard, according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III grading of nucleus opalescence (NO). Eyes in each cataract group were randomly assigned to conventional and torsional phaco-mode. Intraoperative parameters, including ultrasound time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and the balanced salt solution plus (BSSP) volume utilized were evaluated. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was checked on postoperative day 30; mean central corneal thickness and central endothelial cell counts were investigated on postoperative days 7 and 30. Results Preoperative BCVA and mean grading of NO showed no difference in both groups. Preoperative endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness also showed no significant difference in both groups. In the moderate cataract group, the CDE, UST, and BSSP volume were significantly lower in the torsional mode than the longitudinal mode, but they did not show any difference in the hard cataract group. Torsional group showed less endothelial cell loss and central corneal thickening at postoperative day seven in moderate cataracts but showed no significant differences, as compared with the longitudinal group, by postoperative day 30. Conclusions Torsional phacoemulsification showed superior efficiency for moderate cataracts, as compared with longitudinal phacoemulsification, in the early postoperative stage. PMID:21165231

  11. The comparison between torsional and conventional mode phacoemulsification in moderate and hard cataracts.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong-Hyun; Wee, Won-Ryang; Lee, Jin-Hak; Kim, Mee-Kum

    2010-12-01

    To compare the intraoperative performances and postoperative outcomes of cataract surgery performed with longitudinal phacoemulsification and torsional phacoemulsification in moderate and hard cataracts. Of 85 patients who had senile cataracts, 102 eyes were operated on using the Infiniti Vision System. Preoperative examinations (slit lamp examination, mean central corneal thickness, and central endothelial cell counts) were performed for each patient. Cataracts were subdivided into moderate and hard, according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III grading of nucleus opalescence (NO). Eyes in each cataract group were randomly assigned to conventional and torsional phaco-mode. Intraoperative parameters, including ultrasound time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and the balanced salt solution plus (BSSP) volume utilized were evaluated. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was checked on postoperative day 30; mean central corneal thickness and central endothelial cell counts were investigated on postoperative days 7 and 30. Preoperative BCVA and mean grading of NO showed no difference in both groups. Preoperative endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness also showed no significant difference in both groups. In the moderate cataract group, the CDE, UST, and BSSP volume were significantly lower in the torsional mode than the longitudinal mode, but they did not show any difference in the hard cataract group. Torsional group showed less endothelial cell loss and central corneal thickening at postoperative day seven in moderate cataracts but showed no significant differences, as compared with the longitudinal group, by postoperative day 30. Torsional phacoemulsification showed superior efficiency for moderate cataracts, as compared with longitudinal phacoemulsification, in the early postoperative stage.

  12. The optimality of different strategies for supplemental staging of non-small-cell lung cancer: a health economic decision analysis.

    PubMed

    Søgaard, Rikke; Fischer, Barbara Malene B; Mortensen, Jann; Rasmussen, Torben R; Lassen, Ulrik

    2013-01-01

    To assess the expected costs and outcomes of alternative strategies for staging of lung cancer to inform a Danish National Health Service perspective about the most cost-effective strategy. A decision tree was specified for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer. Six strategies were defined from relevant combinations of mediastinoscopy, endoscopic or endobronchial ultrasound with needle aspiration, and combined positron emission tomography-computed tomography with F18-fluorodeoxyglucose. Patients without distant metastases and central or contralateral nodal involvement (N2/N3) were considered to be candidates for surgical resection. Diagnostic accuracies were informed from literature reviews, prevalence and survival from the Danish Lung Cancer Registry, and procedure costs from national average tariffs. All parameters were specified probabilistically to determine the joint decision uncertainty. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on the net present value of expected costs and life years accrued over a time horizon of 5 years. At threshold values of around €30,000 for cost-effectiveness, it was found to be cost-effective to send all patients to positron emission tomography-computed tomography with confirmation of positive findings on nodal involvement by endobronchial ultrasound. This result appeared robust in deterministic sensitivity analysis. The expected value of perfect information was estimated at €52 per patient, indicating that further research might be worthwhile. The policy recommendation is to make combined positron emission tomography-computed tomography and endobronchial ultrasound available for supplemental staging of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The effects of alternative strategies on patients' quality of life, however, should be examined in future studies. Copyright © 2013 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. CHEMICALS STORED IN USTS: CHARACTERISTICS AND LEAK DETECTION

    EPA Science Inventory

    The regulations Issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) In 1988 require, with several exceptions, that the Integrity of underground storage tank (UST) systems containing petroleum fuels and hazardous chemicals be routinely tested. The regulatory standards for ...

  14. Hybrid Photoacoustic/Ultrasound Tomograph for Real-Time Finger Imaging.

    PubMed

    Oeri, Milan; Bost, Wolfgang; Sénégond, Nicolas; Tretbar, Steffen; Fournelle, Marc

    2017-10-01

    We report a target-enclosing, hybrid tomograph with a total of 768 elements based on capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer technology and providing fast, high-resolution 2-D/3-D photoacoustic and ultrasound tomography tailored to finger imaging. A freely programmable ultrasound beamforming platform sampling data at 80 MHz was developed to realize plane wave transmission under multiple angles. A multiplexing unit enables the connection and control of a large number of elements. Fast image reconstruction is provided by GPU processing. The tomograph is composed of four independent and fully automated movable arc-shaped transducers, allowing imaging of all three finger joints. The system benefits from photoacoustics, yielding high optical contrast and enabling visualization of finger vascularization, and ultrasound provides morphologic information on joints and surrounding tissue. A diode-pumped, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and an optical parametric oscillator are used to broaden the spectrum of emitted wavelengths to provide multispectral imaging. Custom-made optical fiber bundles enable illumination of the region of interest in the plane of acoustic detection. Precision in positioning of the probe in motion is ensured by use of a motor-driven guide slide. The current position of the probe is encoded by the stage and used to relate ultrasound and photoacoustic signals to the corresponding region of interest of the suspicious finger joint. The system is characterized in phantoms and a healthy human finger in vivo. The results obtained promise to provide new opportunities in finger diagnostics and establish photoacoustic/ultrasound-tomography in medical routine. Copyright © 2017 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. 76 FR 45617 - Notice of Lodging of the Consent Decree Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-29

    ... underground storage tank (UST) facilities; failure to perform annual tests of automatic line leak detectors... detectors for piping on the UST systems. CHEVRON also agrees under the Consent Decree to install dispenser...

  16. 40 CFR 280.22 - Notification requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Section 280.22 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.22 Notification... to notify the designated state or local agency in accordance with the Hazardous and Solid Waste...

  17. 40 CFR 280.22 - Notification requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Section 280.22 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.22 Notification... to notify the designated state or local agency in accordance with the Hazardous and Solid Waste...

  18. 40 CFR 280.22 - Notification requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Section 280.22 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.22 Notification... to notify the designated state or local agency in accordance with the Hazardous and Solid Waste...

  19. 40 CFR 280.22 - Notification requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Section 280.22 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.22 Notification... to notify the designated state or local agency in accordance with the Hazardous and Solid Waste...

  20. 40 CFR 280.22 - Notification requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Section 280.22 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES... STORAGE TANKS (UST) UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification § 280.22 Notification... to notify the designated state or local agency in accordance with the Hazardous and Solid Waste...

  1. Think Tank.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Governick, Heather; Wellington, Thom

    1998-01-01

    Examines the options for upgrading, replacing, and removal or closure of underground storage tanks (UST). Reveals the diverse regulatory control involving USTs, the Environmental Protection Agency's interest in pursuing violators, and stresses the need for administrators to be knowledgeable about state and local agency definitions of regulated…

  2. Explosive response model evaluation using the explosive H6

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sutherland, Gerrit T.; Burns, Joseph

    2000-04-01

    Reactive rate model parameters for a two term Lee Tarver [simplified ignition and growth (SIG)] model were obtained for the explosive H6 from modified gap test data. These model was used to perform simulations of the underwater sensitivity test (UST) using the CTH hydrocode. Reaction was predicted in the simulations for the same water gaps that reaction was observed in the UST. The expansions observed for the UST samples were not simulated correctly, and this is attributed to the density equilibrium conditions imposed between unreacted and reacted components in CTH for the Lee-Tarver model.

  3. Intravenous leiomyomatosis of the uterus with extension to the right heart

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    A 42-year-old woman admitted with debilitation and engorgement both lower extremities. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography revealed a lobulated pelvic mass, a mass within right internal iliac vein, both common iliac vein, as well as the inferior vena cava, extending into the right atrium. In addition, echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound showed the tumor of right atrium and inferior vena cave has no stalk and has well-demarcated borders with the wall of right atrium and inferior vena cave. Hence, the presumptive diagnosis of IVL was made by echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound and the presumptive diagnosis of sarcoma with invasion in right internal iliac vein, both common iliac vein, the inferior vena cava, as well as the right atrium was made by multi-detector-row computerized tomography. The patient underwent a one-stage combined multidisciplinary thoraco-abdominal operation under general anaesthetic. Subsequently the pathologic report confirmed IVL. PMID:21943238

  4. A Man with Pancreatic Head Mass Lesion on Endoscopic Ultrasound and Granuloma on Cytopathology.

    PubMed

    Rad, Neda; Heidarnezhad, Arash; Soheili, Setareh; Mohammad-Alizadeh, Amir Houshang; Nikmanesh, Arash

    2016-01-01

    Primary pancreatic lymphoma is an unlikely malignancy accounting for less than 0.5% of pancreatic tumors. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific and may be clinically misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Here we present an Iranian case of primary pancreatic lymphoma in a 47-year-old male suffering from jaundice and 20% weight loss. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a mixed echoic mass lesion at the head of pancreas. The patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of solid pancreatic mass and histopathologic diagnosis revealed granuloma. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was performed and eventually histological examination showed granuloma that was coherent with the diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare entity presenting with nonspecific symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings. Computed tomography results in combination with clinical and radiological studies generally provide guidance for appropriate investigation.

  5. A Man with Pancreatic Head Mass Lesion on Endoscopic Ultrasound and Granuloma on Cytopathology

    PubMed Central

    Rad, Neda; Heidarnezhad, Arash; Soheili, Setareh; Mohammad-Alizadeh, Amir Houshang; Nikmanesh, Arash

    2016-01-01

    Primary pancreatic lymphoma is an unlikely malignancy accounting for less than 0.5% of pancreatic tumors. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific and may be clinically misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Here we present an Iranian case of primary pancreatic lymphoma in a 47-year-old male suffering from jaundice and 20% weight loss. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a mixed echoic mass lesion at the head of pancreas. The patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of solid pancreatic mass and histopathologic diagnosis revealed granuloma. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was performed and eventually histological examination showed granuloma that was coherent with the diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare entity presenting with nonspecific symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings. Computed tomography results in combination with clinical and radiological studies generally provide guidance for appropriate investigation. PMID:28100998

  6. A new approach to depict bone surfaces in finger imaging using photoacoustic tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biswas, S. K.; van Es, P.; Steenbergen, W.; Manohar, S.

    2015-03-01

    Imaging the vasculature close around the finger joints is of interest in the field of rheumatology. Locally increased vasculature in the synovial membrane of these joints can be a marker for rheumatoid arthritis. In previous work we showed that part of the photoacoustically induced ultrasound from the epidermis reflects on the bone surface within the finger. These reflected signals could be wrongly interpreted as new photoacoustic sources. In this work we show that a conventional ultrasound reconstruction algorithm, that considers the skin as a collection of ultrasound transmitters and the PA tomography probe as the detector array, can be used to delineate bone surfaces of a finger. This can in the future assist in the localization of the joint gaps. This can provide us with a landmark to localize the region of the inflamed synovial membrane. We test the approach on finger mimicking phantoms.

  7. Exploratory Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Levels, Ultrasound and Optical Coherence Tomography Measures of the Eye During ISS Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schaefer, C.; Coble, C.; Mason, S.; Young, M.; Wear, M. L.; Sargsyan, A.; Garcia, K.; Patel, N.; Gibson, C.; Alexander, D.; hide

    2017-01-01

    Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on board the International Space Station (ISS) have typically averaged 2.3 to 5.3 mmHg, with large fluctuations occurring over periods of hours and days. CO2 has effects on cerebral vascular tone, resulting in vasodilation and alteration of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Increased CBF leads to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), a factor leading to visual disturbances, headaches, and other central nervous system symptoms. Ultrasound of the optic nerve and optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide surrogate measurements of ICP; in-flight measurements of both were implemented as enhanced screening tools for the Visual Impairment/Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome. This analysis examines the relationships between ambient CO2 levels on ISS, ultrasound and OCT measures of the eye in an effort to understand how CO2 may possibly be associated with VIIP and to inform future analysis of in-flight VIIP data.

  8. Deep convolutional neural networks for estimating porous material parameters with ultrasound tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lähivaara, Timo; Kärkkäinen, Leo; Huttunen, Janne M. J.; Hesthaven, Jan S.

    2018-02-01

    We study the feasibility of data based machine learning applied to ultrasound tomography to estimate water-saturated porous material parameters. In this work, the data to train the neural networks is simulated by solving wave propagation in coupled poroviscoelastic-viscoelastic-acoustic media. As the forward model, we consider a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method while deep convolutional neural networks are used to solve the parameter estimation problem. In the numerical experiment, we estimate the material porosity and tortuosity while the remaining parameters which are of less interest are successfully marginalized in the neural networks-based inversion. Computational examples confirms the feasibility and accuracy of this approach.

  9. Dynamic ultrasound modulated optical tomography by self-referenced photorefractive holography.

    PubMed

    Benoit a la Guillaume, Emilie; Bortolozzo, Umberto; Huignard, Jean-Pierre; Residori, Stefania; Ramaz, Francois

    2013-02-01

    Photorefractive Bi(12)SiO(20) single crystal is used for acousto-optic imaging in thick scattering media in the green part of the spectrum, in an adaptive speckle correlation configuration. Light fields at the output of the scattering sample exhibit typical speckle grains of 1 μm size within the volume of the nonlinear crystal. This heterogeneous illumination induces a complex refractive index structure without applying a reference beam on the crystal, leading to a self-referenced diffraction correlation scheme. We demonstrate that this simple and robust configuration is able to perform axially resolved ultrasound modulated optical tomography of thick scattering media with an improved optical etendue.

  10. Three-dimensional holographic display of ultrasound computed tomograms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Andre, Michael P.; Janee, Helmar S.; Ysrael, Mariana Z.; Hodler, Jeurg; Olson, Linda K.; Leopold, George R.; Schulz, Raymond

    1997-05-01

    Breast ultrasound is a valuable adjunct to mammography but is limited by a very small field of view, particularly with high-resolution transducers necessary for breast diagnosis. We have been developing an ultrasound system based on a diffraction tomography method that provides slices through the breast on a large 20-cm diameter circular field of view. Eight to fifteen images are typically produced in sequential coronal planes from the nipple to the chest wall with either 0.25 or 0.5 mm pixels. As a means to simplify the interpretation of this large set of images, we report experience with 3D life-sized displays of the entire breast of human volunteers using a digital holographic technique. The compound 3D holographic images are produced from the digital image matrix, recorded on 14 X 17 inch transparency and projected on a special white-light viewbox. Holographic visualization of the entire breast has proved to be the preferred method for 3D display of ultrasound computed tomography images. It provides a unique perspective on breast anatomy and may prove useful for biopsy guidance and surgical planning.

  11. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle injection for local control of recurrent non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Khan, Farrah; Anker, Christopher J; Garrison, Garth; Kinsey, C Matthew

    2015-01-01

    Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an established technique for the diagnosis of thoracic malignancies. Non-ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle injection has been used previously to deliver chemotherapeutic agents. To use endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle injection (EBUS-TBNI) to achieve local control of recurrent early-stage lung cancer. A 63-year-old man presented with recurrent early stage non-small cell lung carcinoma after chemotherapy and external beam radiation. We used EBUS-TBNI to deliver cisplatin into the tumor located outside the airway. This procedure was performed on three separate occasions without complication. EBUS-TBNI resulted in resolution of fluorodeoxyglucose avidity, measured by positron emission tomography-computed tomography, in the region at 4 weeks. However, at 5 months, there was evidence of distal recurrence. This is the first description of EBUS-TBNI to treat local recurrence of lung cancer and one of the first reports of the use of EBUS for intratumoral therapy. Additional research is warranted to determine the clinical usefulness and safety of this therapeutic approach.

  12. Drug delivery monitoring by photoacoustic tomography with an ICG encapsulated double emulsion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajian, Justin Rajesh; Fabiilli, Mario L.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Carson, Paul L.; Wang, Xueding

    2011-07-01

    The absorption spectrum of indocyanine green (ICG), a nontoxic dye used for medical diagnostics, depends upon its concentration as well as the nature of its environment, i.e., the solvent medium into which it is dissolved. In blood, ICG binds with plasma proteins, thus causing changes in its photoacoustic spectrum. We successfully encapsulated ICG in an ultrasound-triggerable perfluorocarbon double emulsion that prevents ICG from binding with plasma proteins. Photoacoustic spectral measurements on point target as well as 2-D photoacoustic images of blood vessels revealed that the photoacoustic spectrum changes significantly in blood when the ICG-loaded emulsion undergoes acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV), which is the conversion of liquid droplets into gas bubbles using ultrasound. We propose that these changes in the photoacoustic spectrum of the ICG emulsion in blood, coupled with photoacoustic tomography, could be used to spatially and quantitatively monitor ultrasound initiated drug delivery. In addition, we suggest that the photoacoustic spectral change induced by ultrasound exposure could also be used as contrast in photoacoustic imaging to obtain a background free image.

  13. Towards clinical computed ultrasound tomography in echo-mode: Dynamic range artefact reduction.

    PubMed

    Jaeger, Michael; Frenz, Martin

    2015-09-01

    Computed ultrasound tomography in echo-mode (CUTE) allows imaging the speed of sound inside tissue using hand-held pulse-echo ultrasound. This technique is based on measuring the changing local phase of beamformed echoes when changing the transmit beam steering angle. Phantom results have shown a spatial resolution and contrast that could qualify CUTE as a promising novel diagnostic modality in combination with B-mode ultrasound. Unfortunately, the large intensity range of several tens of dB that is encountered in clinical images poses difficulties to echo phase tracking and results in severe artefacts. In this paper we propose a modification to the original technique by which more robust echo tracking can be achieved, and we demonstrate in phantom experiments that dynamic range artefacts are largely eliminated. Dynamic range artefact reduction also allowed for the first time a clinical implementation of CUTE with sufficient contrast to reproducibly distinguish the different speed of sound in different tissue layers of the abdominal wall and the neck. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  14. Non-contact biomedical photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rousseau, Guy; Gauthier, Bruno; Blouin, Alain; Monchalin, Jean-Pierre

    2012-06-01

    The detection of ultrasound in photoacoustic tomography (PAT) usually relies on ultrasonic transducers in contact with the biological tissue through a coupling medium. This is a major drawback for important potential applications such as surgery. Here we report the use of a remote optical method, derived from industrial laser-ultrasonics, to detect ultrasound in tissues. This approach enables non-contact PAT (NCPAT) without exceeding laser exposure safety limits. The sensitivity of the method is based on the use of suitably shaped detection laser pulses and a confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer in differential configuration. Reliable image reconstruction is obtained by measuring remotely the surface profile of the tissue with an optical coherence tomography system. The proposed method also allows non-contact ultrasound imaging (US) by applying a second reconstruction algorithm to the data acquired for NCPAT. Endogenous and exogenous inclusions exhibiting optical and acoustic contrasts were detected ex vivo in chicken breast and calf brain specimens. Inclusions down to 0.3 mm in size were detected at depths exceeding 1 cm. The method could expand the scope of photoacoustic and US to in-vivo biomedical applications where contact is impractical.

  15. Report to Congress on a Compliance Plan for the Underground Storage Tank Program

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Learn about identification of USTs that are not in compliance with Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act or are in temporary closure, and determine the ownership of USTs not in compliance or in temporary closure

  16. Guidance on Compatibility of UST Systems with Ethanol Blends Greater Than 10 Percent and Biodiesel Blends Greater Than 20 Percent

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA guidance on complying with the federal compatibility requirement for underground storage tank (UST) systems storing gasoline containing greater than 10 percent ethanol or diesel containing greater than 20 percent biodiesel.

  17. Hyperoxia and hypergravity are independent risk factors of atelectasis in healthy sitting humans: a pulmonary ultrasound and SPECT/CT study.

    PubMed

    Dussault, C; Gontier, E; Verret, C; Soret, M; Boussuges, A; Hedenstierna, G; Montmerle-Borgdorff, S

    2016-07-01

    Aeroatelectasis has developed in aircrew flying routine peacetime flights on the latest generation high-performance aircraft, when undergoing excessive oxygen supply. To single out the effects of hyperoxia and hypergravity on lung tissue compression, and on ventilation and perfusion, eight subjects were studied before and after 1 h 15 min exposure to +1 to +3.5 Gz in a human centrifuge. They performed the protocol three times, breathing air, 44.5% O2, or 100% O2 and underwent functional and topographical imaging of the whole lung by ultrasound and single-photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT). Ultrasound lung comets (ULC) and atelectasis both increased after exposure. The number of ULC was <1 pre protocol (i.e., normal lung) and larger post 100% O2 (22 ± 3, mean ± SD) than in all other conditions (P < 0.001). Post 44.5% O2 differed from air (P < 0.05). Seven subjects showed low- to medium-grade atelectasis post 100% O2 There was an effect on grade of gas mixture and hypergravity, with interaction (P < 0.001, respectively); 100% O2, 44.5% O2, and air differed from each other (P < 0.05). SPECT ventilation and perfusion were always normal. Ultrasound concurred with CT in showing normal lung in the upper third and ULC/atelectasis in posterior and inferior areas, not for other localizations. In conclusion, hyperoxia and hypergravity are independent risk factors of reversible atelectasis formation. Ultrasound is a useful screening tool. Together with electrical impedance tomography measurements (reported separately), these findings show that zones with decreased ventilation prone to transient airway closure are present above atelectatic areas. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  18. Imaging Techniques in Endodontics: An Overview

    PubMed Central

    Deepak, B. S.; Subash, T. S.; Narmatha, V. J.; Anamika, T.; Snehil, T. K.; Nandini, D. B.

    2012-01-01

    This review provides an overview of the relevance of imaging techniques such as, computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography, and ultrasound, to endodontic practice. Many limitations of the conventional radiographic techniques have been overcome by the newer methods. Advantages and disadvantages of various imaging techniques in endodontic practice are also discussed. PMID:22530184

  19. Diagnostic Imaging of the Hepatobiliary System: An Update.

    PubMed

    Marolf, Angela J

    2017-05-01

    Recent advances in diagnostic imaging of the hepatobiliary system include MRI, computed tomography (CT), contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and ultrasound elastography. With the advent of multislice CT scanners, sedated examinations in veterinary patients are feasible, increasing the utility of this imaging modality. CT and MRI provide additional information for dogs and cats with hepatobiliary diseases due to lack of superimposition of structures, operator dependence, and through intravenous contrast administration. Advanced ultrasound methods can offer complementary information to standard ultrasound imaging. These newer imaging modalities assist clinicians by aiding diagnosis, prognostication, and surgical planning. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Vertical Profiling of Soil Vapor Concentrations Using a New Passive Diffusion Sampler at a UST Site

    EPA Science Inventory

    Understanding the transport of volatile contaminants in soil gas, particularly those associated with underground storage tanks (USTs), requires a detailed knowledge about the depth-dependent distribution of chemical species in the subsurface. Traditional monitoring wells generall...

  1. The Dual Function of "usted:" Forms of Address in Bogota, Colombia.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Uber, Diane Ringer

    1985-01-01

    Shows that "usted" has two functions: showing lack of solidarity and showing extreme solidarity, with "tu" falling somewhere in between on the continuum. Discusses the increasing use of "tu," especially among younger people, and presents some possible reasons for this. (SED)

  2. 76 FR 46798 - Compatibility of Underground Storage Tank Systems With Biofuel Blends; Correction

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-03

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-UST-2010-0651; FRL-9447-3] Compatibility of Underground Storage Tank Systems With Biofuel Blends; Correction AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION... of underground storage tanks (USTs) can demonstrate compliance with the Federal compatibility...

  3. Magnetite-apatite-dolomitic rocks of Ust-Chulman (Aldan shield, Russia): Seligdar-type carbonatites?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prokopyev, Ilya R.; Doroshkevich, Anna G.; Redina, Anna A.; Obukhov, Andrey V.

    2018-04-01

    The Ust-Chulman apatite ore body is situated within the Nimnyrskaya apatite zone at the Aldan shield in Russia. The latest data confirm the carbonatitic origin of the Seligdar apatite deposit (Prokopyev et al. in Ore Geol Rev 81:296-308, 2017). The results of our investigations demonstrate that the magnetite-apatite-dolomitic rocks of the Ust-Chulman are highly similar to Seligdar-type dolomitic carbonatites in terms of the mineralogy and the fluid regime of formation. The ilmenite and spinel mineral phases occur as solid solutions with magnetite, and support the magmatic origin of the Ust-Chulman ores. The chemical composition of REE- and SO3-bearing apatite crystals and, specifically, monazite-(Ce) mineralisation and the formation of Nb-rutile, late hydrothermal sulphate minerals (barite, anhydrite) and haematite are typical for carbonatite complexes. The fluid inclusions study revealed similarities to the evolutionary trend of the Seligdar carbonatites that included changes of the hydrothermal solutions from highly concentrated chloride to medium-low concentrated chloride-sulphate and oxidized carbonate-ferrous.

  4. WE-A-18C-01: Emerging and Innovative Ultrasound Technology in Diagnosis and Therapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Emelianov, S; Oraevsky, A; Stafford, R

    The application of new ultrasound-based technologies in medicine has expanded in recent years. One area of rapid growth has been the combination of ultrasound with other methods of image generation and imaging modalities to produce hybrid approaches for diagnostic imaging and noninvasive therapeutic intervention. The presentations associated with this session will provide an overview of two emerging technologies that are currently being developed and implemented to enhance ultrasound-related diagnostic imaging and therapy: the utilization of optically-induced ultrasound imaging (optoacoustic / photoacoustic imaging) and the use of magnetic resonance imaging to guide the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound for therapeutic applications.more » Learning Objectives: Develop a general understanding of the underlying technologies associated with optoacoustic / photoacoustic tomography and MRguided high-intensity focused ultrasound. Develop an understanding of the current methods of these new ultrasound-based technologies in preclinical research and clinical applications.« less

  5. Bedside imaging of intracranial hemorrhage in the neonate using light: comparison with ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Hintz, S R; Cheong, W F; van Houten, J P; Stevenson, D K; Benaron, D A

    1999-01-01

    Medical optical imaging (MOI) uses light emitted into opaque tissues to determine the interior structure. Previous reports detailed a portable time-of-flight and absorbance system emitting pulses of near infrared light into tissues and measuring the emerging light. Using this system, optical images of phantoms, whole rats, and pathologic neonatal brain specimens have been tomographically reconstructed. We have now modified the existing instrumentation into a clinically relevant headband-based system to be used for optical imaging of structure in the neonatal brain at the bedside. Eight medical optical imaging studies in the neonatal intensive care unit were performed in a blinded clinical comparison of optical images with ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Optical images were interpreted as correct in six of eight cases, with one error attributed to the age of the clot, and one small clot not seen. In addition, one disagreement with ultrasound, not reported as an error, was found to be the result of a mislabeled ultrasound report rather than because of an inaccurate optical scan. Optical scan correlated well with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in one patient. We conclude that light-based imaging using a portable time-of-flight system is feasible and represents an important new noninvasive diagnostic technique, with potential for continuous monitoring of critically ill neonates at risk for intraventricular hemorrhage or stroke. Further studies are now underway to further investigate the functional imaging capabilities of this new diagnostic tool.

  6. Joint reconstruction of the initial pressure and speed of sound distributions from combined photoacoustic and ultrasound tomography measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matthews, Thomas P.; Anastasio, Mark A.

    2017-12-01

    The initial pressure and speed of sound (SOS) distributions cannot both be stably recovered from photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) measurements alone. Adjunct ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) measurements can be employed to estimate the SOS distribution. Under the conventional image reconstruction approach for combined PACT/USCT systems, the SOS is estimated from the USCT measurements alone and the initial pressure is estimated from the PACT measurements by use of the previously estimated SOS. This approach ignores the acoustic information in the PACT measurements and may require many USCT measurements to accurately reconstruct the SOS. In this work, a joint reconstruction method where the SOS and initial pressure distributions are simultaneously estimated from combined PACT/USCT measurements is proposed. This approach allows accurate estimation of both the initial pressure distribution and the SOS distribution while requiring few USCT measurements.

  7. Correlation transfer and diffusion of ultrasound-modulated multiply scattered light.

    PubMed

    Sakadzić, Sava; Wang, Lihong V

    2006-04-28

    We develop a temporal correlation transfer equation (CTE) and a temporal correlation diffusion equation (CDE) for ultrasound-modulated multiply scattered light. These equations can be applied to an optically scattering medium with embedded optically scattering and absorbing objects to calculate the power spectrum of light modulated by a nonuniform ultrasound field. We present an analytical solution based on the CDE and Monte Carlo simulation results for light modulated by a cylinder of ultrasound in an optically scattering slab. We further validate with experimental measurements the numerical calculations for an actual ultrasound field. The CTE and CDE are valid for moderate ultrasound pressures and on a length scale comparable with the optical transport mean-free path. These equations should be applicable to a wide spectrum of conditions for ultrasound-modulated optical tomography of soft biological tissues.

  8. Development and Translation of Hybrid Optoacoustic/Ultrasonic Tomography for Early Breast Cancer Detection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-01

    iterative algorithms of OAT to improve image fidelity. Laser ultrasound is generated through conversion of low -energy (about 100 µJ) 9 ns laser pulses ...Scherzinger, and T. Oughton, “Breast im- aging in coronal planes with simultaneous pulse echo and transmis- sion ultrasound ,” Science, vol. 214, no. 4525, pp...unidirectional pulse -echo ultrasound imaging,” Phys. Med. Biol., vol. 58, no. 17, art. no. 6163, 2013. [41] L. A. Romero, D. C. Ghiglia, C. C. Ober, and S. A

  9. Application of light and ultrasound for medical diagnostics and treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Esenaliev, Rinat O.

    2002-07-01

    We develop novel optical and ultrasound techniques for medical noninvasive diagnostics and treatment. In this review, we present our results on the development of: (1) optoacoustic technique for detection of small tumors; (2) optoacoustic monitoring of blood oxygenation; (3) optoacoustic monitoring during thermotherapy; (4) optical coherence tomography for monitoring of blood glucose concentration; and (5) laser- and ultrasound-based anti- cancer drug delivery technique. Motivation, experimental methods, results obtained in vitro and in vivo with the use of these techniques are presented.

  10. The comparison of measurement between ultrasound and computed tomography for abnormal degenerative facet joints: A STROBE-compliant article.

    PubMed

    Shi, Wen; Tian, Dan; Liu, Da; Yin, Jing; Huang, Ying

    2017-08-01

    Besides the study on examining facet joints of lumbar spine by ultrasound in normal population, there has not been any related report about examining normal facet joints of lumbar spine by ultrasound so far. This study was aimed to explore the feasibility of ultrasound assessment of lumber spine facet joints by comparing ultrasound measure values of normal and degenerative lumber spine facet joints, and by comparing measure values of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) of degenerative lumber spine facet joints.This study included 15 patients who had chronic low back pain because of degenerative change in lumbar vertebrae, and 19 volunteers who did not have low back pain or pain in the lower limb. The ultrasound measure values (height [H] and width [W]) of normal and degenerative lumber spine facet joints were compared. And the differentiation between measure values (H and W) of ultrasound and CT of degenerative lumber spine facet joints was also analyzed.The ultrasound clearly showed abnormal facet joints lesion, which was characterized by hyperostosis on the edge of joints, bone destruction under joints, and thinner or thicker articular cartilage. There were significant differences between the ultrasound measure values of the normal (H: 1.26 ± 0.03 cm, W: 0.18 ± 0.01 cm) and abnormal facet joints (H: 1.43 ± 0.05 cm, W: 0.15 ± 0.02 cm) (all P < .05). However, there were no significant differences between the measure values of the ultrasound (H: 1.43 ± 0.17 cm, W: 0.15 ± 0.03 cm) and CT (H: 1.42 ± 0.16, W: 0.14 ± 0.03) of the degenerative lumber spine facet joints (all P > .05).Ultrasound can clearly show the structure of facet joints of lumbar spine. It is precise and feasible to assess facet joints of lumbar spine by ultrasound. This study has important significance for the diagnosis of lumbar facet joint degeneration.

  11. MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF VAPOR SENSORS USED AT UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SITES

    EPA Science Inventory

    This report is a continuation of an investigation to quantify the operating characteristics of vapor sensor technologies used at underground storage tank (UST) sites. n the previous study (EPA/600/R-92/219) the sensitivity, selectivity, and response time to simulated UST environm...

  12. Underground Storage Tanks on Indian Lands. Education Moderates an Environmental Threat.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hillger, Robert W.; Small, Matthew C.

    1992-01-01

    Describes problems related to old underground storage tanks (USTs) that may leak toxic contents, focusing on relevance for American Indian reservations. Discusses design, installation, and upgrading of UST systems; federal definitions and regulations; leak detection; legal responsibility; and education for public awareness. Includes Environmental…

  13. Urban Morphological Dynamics in Santiago (chile): Proposing Sustainable Indicators from Remote Sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hernández, H. J.; Gutiérrez, M. A.; Acuña, M. P.

    2016-06-01

    Latin America is one of the world's most urbanised regions, with more than 80% of inhabitants living in urban areas and over 50 cities with at least 1 million inhabitants. The concept of urban structure types (UST) allows the dynamics of a growing urban environment to be captured in its quantity and quality. They are defined as areas of homogenous appearance in the urban matrix with a recognisable mixture of built-up areas and open spaces. We used the vegetation-impervious-soil (V-I-S) model approach to classify and monitor different types of USTs in Santiago (~800 km2), Chile between 1985 and 2015. The V-I-S model is based on a simplification of the large diversity of urban land cover types in three general categories: vegetation, impervious surfaces and soil. These categories were obtained by processing Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-8 OLI images. First, we applied standard radiometric calibration and co-registration methods to all datasets. Second, using a linear spectral unmixing algorithm we performed a soft classification of urban land cover types (end members): trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, soils, buildings, roads and water bodies. All end members were validated using a combination of photointerpretation on high-resolution images (~1 m) and field data collection (only for 2015). In each pixel we used the resulting probability scores, logically grouped, to obtain final values for each V-I-S component. Third, we used statistical clustering of V-I-S values to create a set of eight pixel groups, which we interpreted as USTs and mapped them for each date. The overall accuracy for V-I-S components in 1985 and 2015 were 78% and 82%, respectively, and errors did not exhibit any spatial correlation. The main sources of differentiation between USTs were the trade-off proportions between vegetation and impervious components, whereas soil proportions remained near 5% across the city in both dates. To analyse the change in UST spatial configuration between dates, we used a set of selected landscape metrics and discussed their use as indicators for sustainable urban development. These indicators relate to the dispersion pattern of urban growth, the connectivity of open green space and the complexity in the composition of the UST types within the different sectors of the city. We were able to identify, using the dynamics exhibited by the USTs, three main zones: (1) city centre, where USTs of high-intensity development predominate, (2) eastern high-income areas whose spatial structure is marked by a relatively high urbanisation intensity with a very large proportion of vegetated spaces, and (3) peripheral areas, with significant changes in composition and configuration of USTs, in recent decades, showing high rates of urbanisation, shifting from low-medium to high densities. We concluded that these patterns and their dynamics are mainly determined by the spatial socio-economic stratification of the population.

  14. Assessment of using ultrasound images as prior for diffuse optical tomography regularization matrix

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Althobaiti, Murad; Vavadi, Hamed; Zhu, Quing

    2017-02-01

    Imaging of tissue with Ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a rising imaging technique to map hemoglobin concentrations within tissue for breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Near-infrared optical imaging received a lot of attention in research as a possible technique to be used for such purpose especially for breast tumors. Since DOT images contrast is closely related to oxygenation and deoxygenating of the hemoglobin, which is an important factor in differentiating malignant and benign tumors. One of the optical imaging modalities used is the diffused optical tomography (DOT); which probes deep scattering tissue (1-5cm) by NIR optical source-detector probe and detects NIR photons in the diffusive regime. The photons in the diffusive regime usually reach the detector without significant information about their source direction and the propagation path. Because of that, the optical reconstruction problem of the medium characteristics is ill-posed even with the tomography and Back-projection techniques. The accurate recovery of images requires an effective image reconstruction method. Here, we illustrate a method in which ultrasound images are encoded as prior for regularization of the inversion matrix. Results were evaluated using phantom experiments of low and high absorption contrasts. This method improves differentiation between the low and the high contrasts targets. Ultimately, this method could improve malignant and benign cases by increasing reconstructed absorption ratio of malignant to benign. Besides that, the phantom results show improvements in target shape as well as the spatial resolution of the DOT reconstructed images.

  15. Transurethral Ultrasound Diffraction Tomography

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    the covariance matrix was derived. The covariance reduced to that of the X- ray CT under the assumptions of linear operator and real data.[5] The...the covariance matrix in the linear x- ray computed tomography is a special case of the inverse scattering matrix derived in this paper. The matrix was...is derived in Sec. IV, and its relation to that of the linear x- ray computed tomography appears in Sec. V. In Sec. VI, the inverse scattering

  16. 40 CFR 280.210 - Participation in management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... or facility or property on which the UST or UST system is located, liquidate, wind up operations, and... the security interest includes all debt and costs incurred by the security interest holder, and is... value of the security interest also includes all reasonable and necessary costs, fees, or other charges...

  17. 40 CFR 280.31 - Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Operation and maintenance of corrosion... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) General Operating Requirements § 280.31 Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection. All owners and operators of steel UST systems with corrosion protection must comply with the...

  18. 40 CFR 280.31 - Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Operation and maintenance of corrosion... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) General Operating Requirements § 280.31 Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection. All owners and operators of steel UST systems with corrosion protection must comply with the...

  19. 40 CFR 280.31 - Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Operation and maintenance of corrosion... UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) General Operating Requirements § 280.31 Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection. All owners and operators of steel UST systems with corrosion protection must comply with the...

  20. 40 CFR 280.42 - Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... UST systems. 280.42 Section 280.42 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... automatic line leak detector in accordance with § 280.44(a). (5) Other methods of release detection may be used if owners and operators: (i) Demonstrate to the implementing agency that an alternate method can...

  1. Use of Electrical Conductivity Logging to Characterize the Geological Context of Releases at UST Sites

    EPA Science Inventory

    Risk is the combination of hazard and exposure. Risk characterization at UST release sites has traditionally emphasized hazard (presence of residual fuel) with little attention to exposure. Exposure characterization often limited to a one-dimensional model such as the RBCA equa...

  2. Evaluation of a New Passive Diffusion Sampler for Improving the Calibration of Models to Evaluate Vapor Movement at UST Sites

    EPA Science Inventory

    Understanding transport of volatile contaminants in soil gas and ground water, particularly those associated with underground storage tanks (USTs), requires a detailed knowledge about the depth-dependent distribution of chemical species in the subsurface. A risk assessment of th...

  3. A New Passive Diffusion Sampler for Improving the Calibration of Models to Evaluate Vapor Movement at UST Sites

    EPA Science Inventory

    Understanding transport of volatile contaminants in soil gas and ground water, particularly those associated with underground storage tanks (USTs), requires a detailed knowledge about the depthdependent distribution of chemical species in the subsurface. A risk assessment of the...

  4. DECISION-SUPPORT SOFTWARE FOR SOIL VAPOR EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION: HYPERVENTILATE

    EPA Science Inventory

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate* that 15% to 20% of the approximately 1.7 million underground storage tank (UST) systems containing petroleum products are either leaking or will leak In the near future. These UST systems could pose a serious threat to p...

  5. El medioambiente y su salud

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Las acciones que usted toda en su diario vivir tienen un impacto en su medioambiente y su salud. La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE.UU. (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) ofrece información sobre los pasos que puede tomar para protegerse a usted y prote

  6. Hepatic Kaposi Sarcoma Revisited: An Important but Less Commonly Seen Neoplasm in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Chen, Frank; Gulati, Mittul; Tchelepi, Hisham

    2017-03-01

    Hepatic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most commonly seen hepatic neoplasm in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), found in 34% of patients in an autopsy series. However, the incidence of hepatic KS has significantly declined since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy and is not as commonly seen on imaging. We present a case of hepatic KS in a patient with AIDS, which was initially mistaken for hepatic abscesses on computed tomography. We discuss the computed tomography, grayscale ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound appearance of hepatic KS and how to distinguish this hepatic neoplasm from other common hepatic lesions seen in patients with AIDS.

  7. In vitro study of the effects of ultrasound-mediated glycerol on optical attenuation of human normal and cancerous esophageal tissues with optical coherence tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Y. Q.; Wei, H. J.; Yang, H. Q.; Guo, Z. Y.; Xie, S. S.; Gu, H. M.; Guo, X.; Zhu, Z. G.

    2013-06-01

    Previous studies from our group have demonstrated that glucose solution can induce optical clearing enhancement of esophageal tissues with optical coherence tomography (OCT). The aims of this study were to evaluate the optical clearing effects of ultrasound-mediated optical clearing agents (OCAs) and to find more effective methods to distinguish human normal esophageal tissues (NE) and cancerous esophageal tissues (CE). Here we used the OCT technique to investigate the optical attenuation of NE and CE in vitro after treatment with 30% glycerol alone and glycerol combined with ultrasound, respectively. Experimental results showed that the averaged attenuation coefficient of CE was significantly larger than that of NE. The maximal decreases of averaged attenuation coefficients of NE and CE were approximately 48.7% and 36.2% after treatment with 30% glycerol alone, and they were significantly lower than those treated with 30% glycerol and ultrasound (57.5% in NE and 44.8% in CE). Moreover, after treatment with 30% glycerol alone, the averaged attenuation coefficients of NE and CE reached their minima in about 80 min and 65 min, respectively. The times were much shorter in NE and CE after treatment with glycerol with ultrasound, being about 62 min and 50 min, respectively. The results suggest that there is a significant difference in the optical properties of NE and CE, and that OCT with an ultrasound-OCAs combination has the ability to distinguish CE from NE.

  8. Detecting stripe artifacts in ultrasound images.

    PubMed

    Maciak, Adam; Kier, Christian; Seidel, Günter; Meyer-Wiethe, Karsten; Hofmann, Ulrich G

    2009-10-01

    Brain perfusion diseases such as acute ischemic stroke are detectable through computed tomography (CT)-/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based methods. An alternative approach makes use of ultrasound imaging. In this low-cost bedside method, noise and artifacts degrade the imaging process. Especially stripe artifacts show a similar signal behavior compared to acute stroke or brain perfusion diseases. This document describes how stripe artifacts can be detected and eliminated in ultrasound images obtained through harmonic imaging (HI). On the basis of this new method, both proper identification of areas with critically reduced brain tissue perfusion and classification between brain perfusion defects and ultrasound stripe artifacts are made possible.

  9. In vivo trans-rectal ultrasound coupled trans-rectal near-infrared optical tomography of canine prostate bearing transmissible venereal tumor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Zhen; Holyoak, G. Reed; Bartels, Kenneth E.; Ritchey, Jerry W.; Xu, Guan; Bunting, Charles F.; Slobodov, Gennady; Krasinski, Jerzy S.; Piao, Daqing

    2009-02-01

    In vivo trans-rectal near-infrared (NIR) optical tomography is conducted on a tumor-bearing canine prostate with the assistance of trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS). The canine prostate tumor model is made possible by a unique round cell neoplasm of dogs, transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) that can be transferred from dog to dog regardless of histocompatibility. A characterized TVT cell line was homogenized and passed twice in subcutaneous tissue of NOD/SCID mice. Following the second passage, the tumor was recovered, homogenized and then inoculated by ultrasound guidance into the prostate gland of a healthy dog. The dog was then imaged with a combined trans-rectal NIR and TRUS imager using an integrated trans-rectal NIR/US applicator. The image was taken by NIR and US modalities concurrently, both in sagittal view. The trans-rectal NIR imager is a continuous-wave system that illuminates 7 source channels sequentially by a fiber switch to deliver sufficient light power to the relatively more absorbing prostate tissue and samples 7 detection channels simultaneously by a gated intensified high-resolution CCD camera. This work tests the feasibility of detecting prostate tumor by trans-rectal NIR optical tomography and the benefit of augmenting TRUS with trans-rectal NIR imaging.

  10. Magneto acoustic tomography with short pulsed magnetic field for in-vivo imaging of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Mariappan, Leo; Shao, Qi; Jiang, Chunlan; Yu, Kai; Ashkenazi, Shai; Bischof, John C; He, Bin

    2016-04-01

    Nanoparticles are widely used as contrast and therapeutic agents. As such, imaging modalities that can accurately estimate their distribution in-vivo are actively sought. We present here our method Magneto Acoustic Tomography (MAT), which uses magnetomotive force due to a short pulsed magnetic field to induce ultrasound in the magnetic nanoparticle labeled tissue and estimates an image of the distribution of the nanoparticles in-vivo with ultrasound imaging resolution. In this study, we image the distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) using MAT method. In-vivo imaging was performed on live, nude mice with IONP injected into LNCaP tumors grown subcutaneously within the hind limb of the mice. Our experimental results indicate that the MAT method is capable of imaging the distribution of IONPs in-vivo. Therefore, MAT could become an imaging modality for high resolution reconstruction of MNP distribution in the body. Many magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, the authors investigated the use of ultrasound to detect the presence of MNPs by magneto acoustic tomography. In-vivo experiments confirmed the imaging quality of this new approach, which hopefully would provide an alternative method for accurate tumor detection. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. 3D frequency-domain ultrasound waveform tomography breast imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sandhu, Gursharan Yash; West, Erik; Li, Cuiping; Roy, Olivier; Duric, Neb

    2017-03-01

    Frequency-domain ultrasound waveform tomography is a promising method for the visualization and characterization of breast disease. It has previously been shown to accurately reconstruct the sound speed distributions of breasts of varying densities. The reconstructed images show detailed morphological and quantitative information that can help differentiate different types of breast disease including benign and malignant lesions. The attenuation properties of an ex vivo phantom have also been assessed. However, the reconstruction algorithms assumed a 2D geometry while the actual data acquisition process was not. Although clinically useful sound speed images can be reconstructed assuming this mismatched geometry, artifacts from the reconstruction process exist within the reconstructed images. This is especially true for registration across different modalities and when the 2D assumption is violated. For example, this happens when a patient's breast is rapidly sloping. It is also true for attenuation imaging where energy lost or gained out of the plane gets transformed into artifacts within the image space. In this paper, we will briefly review ultrasound waveform tomography techniques, give motivation for pursuing the 3D method, discuss the 3D reconstruction algorithm, present the results of 3D forward modeling, show the mismatch that is induced by the violation of 3D modeling via numerical simulations, and present a 3D inversion of a numerical phantom.

  12. SUPER-RESOLUTION ULTRASOUND TOMOGRAPHY: A PRELIMINARY STUDY WITH A RING ARRAY

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    HUANG, LIANJIE; SIMONETTI, FRANCESCO; DURIC, NEBOJSA

    2007-01-18

    Ultrasound tomography attempts to retrieve the structure of an objective by exploiting the interaction of acoustic waves with the object. A fundamental limit of ultrasound tomography is that features cannot be resolved if they are spaced less than {lambda}/2 apart, where {lambda} is wavelength of the probing wave, regardless of the degree of accuracy of the measurements. Therefore, since the attenuation of the probing wave with propagation distance increases as {lambda} decreases, resolution has to be traded against imaging depth. Recently, it has been shown that the {lambda}/2 limit is a consequence of the Born approximation (implicit in the imagingmore » algorithms currently employed) which neglects the distortion of the probing wavefield as it travels through the medium to be imaged. On the other hand, such a distortion, which is due to the multiple scattering phenomenon, can encode unlimited resolution in the radiating component of the scattered field. Previously, a resolution better than {lambda}/3 has been reported in these proceedings [F. Simonetti, pp. 126 (2006)] in the case of elastic wave probing. In this paper, they demonstrate experimentally a resolution better than {lambda}/4 for objects immersed in a water bth probed by means of a ring array which excites and detects pressure waves in a full view configuration.« less

  13. Ultrasound guided electrical impedance tomography for 2D free-interface reconstruction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Guanghui; Ren, Shangjie; Dong, Feng

    2017-07-01

    The free-interface detection problem is normally seen in industrial or biological processes. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive technique with advantages of high-speed and low cost, and is a promising solution for free-interface detection problems. However, due to the ill-posed and nonlinear characteristics, the spatial resolution of EIT is low. To deal with the issue, an ultrasound guided EIT is proposed to directly reconstruct the geometric configuration of the target free-interface. In the method, the position of the central point of the target interface is measured by a pair of ultrasound transducers mounted at the opposite side of the objective domain, and then the position measurement is used as the prior information for guiding the EIT-based free-interface reconstruction. During the process, a constrained least squares framework is used to fuse the information from different measurement modalities, and the Lagrange multiplier-based Levenberg-Marquardt method is adopted to provide the iterative solution of the constraint optimization problem. The numerical results show that the proposed ultrasound guided EIT method for the free-interface reconstruction is more accurate than the single modality method, especially when the number of valid electrodes is limited.

  14. 76 FR 21299 - Oregon: Tentative Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program: Public Hearing Cancellation

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-15

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 281 [EPA-R10-UST-2011-0097; FRL-9296-1] Oregon: Tentative Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program: Public Hearing Cancellation AGENCY... application for final approval of its Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program under Subtitle I of the Resource...

  15. PERFORMANCE OF CONVENTIONAL REMEDIAL TECHNOLOGY FOR TREATMENT OF MTBE AND BENZENE AT UST SITES IN KANSAS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Ground water at most UST spills sites in Kansas contains both MTBE and benzene, and both contaminants must be effectively treated to close the sites. Soil vacuum extraction, air sparging, and excavation are the most common treatment technologies in Kansas. To compare the relati...

  16. Non-destructive in situ mapping of macroholes, cracks and inhomogeneities of stalagmites in cave environments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hegymegi, Erika; Gyöngy, Miklós; Bodolai, Tamás; Divós, Ferenc; Barta, Edit; Gribovszki, Katalin; Bokelmann, Götz; Hegymegi, Csaba; Lednická, Markéta; Kovács, Károly

    2016-04-01

    Intact and vulnerable, candle-stick type stalagmites can be used as prehistoric-earthquake indicators during seismic-hazard analysis of a given region, because they are old enough to survive several earthquakes. The continued intactness of the stalagmites indicates a lack of earthquakes that had the strength to destroy them. To make sure that the stalagmites are intact, we have to image their internal structure in order to estimate the steadiness more accurate and potential failure in the last few thousand years, during their evolution. These stalagmites play an important indicator role and carry fundamental information; however, legally they are strictly protected natural objects in Europe. Therefore it is impossible to examine them in the laboratory by conventional equipment such as computer tomography (CT) or X-ray, because this would require taking samples. With the presented non-destructive methods (ultrasound and acoustic tomography) we tried to detect macroholes, cracks and velocity anomalies inside the stalagmites on the mm scale in situ, in the cave. The acoustic tomography applied in the current work is an existing method in forest research. Forest researchers use it to non-destructively detect the size and location of decayed or hollow parts in the trunk and this technique is able to detect the velocity changing of wave propagation and anomalies in the stalagmites as well. The other method that we use is ultrasound imaging, which uses (and is able to calculate) the velocity of sound propagation. Here, the frequency used is much higher (typically 250 kHz to 5 MHz), which increases resolution but at the same time decreases penetration depth compared to acoustic tomography. In this latter work, through transmission and TOFD (time-of-flight-diffraction) ultrasound methods are using thickness-mode ultrasound transducers (Panametrics, Olympus). Such equipment is well-adapted to the cave environment and this is the first time that it has been used for these aims and in situ in cave environment.

  17. Intense acoustic bursts as a signal-enhancement mechanism in ultrasound-modulated optical tomography.

    PubMed

    Kim, Chulhong; Zemp, Roger J; Wang, Lihong V

    2006-08-15

    Biophotonic imaging with ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) promises ultrasonically resolved imaging in biological tissues. A key challenge in this imaging technique is a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We show significant UOT signal enhancement by using intense time-gated acoustic bursts. A CCD camera captured the speckle pattern from a laser-illuminated tissue phantom. Differences in speckle contrast were observed when ultrasonic bursts were applied, compared with when no ultrasound was applied. When CCD triggering was synchronized with burst initiation, acoustic-radiation-force-induced displacements were detected. To avoid mechanical contrast in UOT images, the CCD camera acquisition was delayed several milliseconds until transient effects of acoustic radiation force attenuated to a satisfactory level. The SNR of our system was sufficiently high to provide an image pixel per acoustic burst without signal averaging. Because of the substantially improved SNR, the use of intense acoustic bursts is a promising signal enhancement strategy for UOT.

  18. Updating a preoperative surface model with information from real-time tracked 2D ultrasound using a Poisson surface reconstruction algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Deyu; Rettmann, Maryam E.; Holmes, David R.; Linte, Cristian A.; Packer, Douglas; Robb, Richard A.

    2014-03-01

    In this work, we propose a method for intraoperative reconstruction of a left atrial surface model for the application of cardiac ablation therapy. In this approach, the intraoperative point cloud is acquired by a tracked, 2D freehand intra-cardiac echocardiography device, which is registered and merged with a preoperative, high resolution left atrial surface model built from computed tomography data. For the surface reconstruction, we introduce a novel method to estimate the normal vector of the point cloud from the preoperative left atrial model, which is required for the Poisson Equation Reconstruction algorithm. In the current work, the algorithm is evaluated using a preoperative surface model from patient computed tomography data and simulated intraoperative ultrasound data. Factors such as intraoperative deformation of the left atrium, proportion of the left atrial surface sampled by the ultrasound, sampling resolution, sampling noise, and registration error were considered through a series of simulation experiments.

  19. Improving the signal-to-noise ratio in ultrasound-modulated optical tomography by a lock-in amplifier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Lili; Wu, Jingping; Lin, Guimin; Hu, Liangjun; Li, Hui

    2016-10-01

    With high spatial resolution of ultrasonic location and high sensitivity of optical detection, ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) is a promising noninvasive biological tissue imaging technology. In biological tissue, the ultrasound-modulated light signals are very weak and are overwhelmed by the strong unmodulated light signals. It is a difficulty and key to efficiently pick out the weak modulated light from strong unmodulated light in UOT. Under the effect of an ultrasonic field, the scattering light intensity presents a periodic variation as the ultrasonic frequency changes. So the modulated light signals would be escape from the high unmodulated light signals, when the modulated light signals and the ultrasonic signal are processed cross correlation operation by a lock-in amplifier and without a chopper. Experimental results indicated that the signal-to-noise ratio of UOT is significantly improved by a lock-in amplifier, and the higher the repetition frequency of pulsed ultrasonic wave, the better the signal-to-noise ratio of UOT.

  20. Highly precise acoustic calibration method of ring-shaped ultrasound transducer array for plane-wave-based ultrasound tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Terada, Takahide; Yamanaka, Kazuhiro; Suzuki, Atsuro; Tsubota, Yushi; Wu, Wenjing; Kawabata, Ken-ichi

    2017-07-01

    Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) is promising for a non-invasive, painless, operator-independent and quantitative system for breast-cancer screening. Assembly error, production tolerance, and aging-degradation variations of the hardwire components, particularly of plane-wave-based USCT systems, may hamper cost effectiveness, precise imaging, and robust operation. The plane wave is transmitted from a ring-shaped transducer array for receiving the signal at a high signal-to-noise-ratio and fast aperture synthesis. There are four signal-delay components: response delays in the transmitters and receivers and propagation delays depending on the positions of the transducer elements and their directivity. We developed a highly precise calibration method for calibrating these delay components and evaluated it with our prototype plane-wave-based USCT system. Our calibration method was found to be effective in reducing delay errors. Gaps and curves were eliminated from the plane wave, and echo images of wires were sharpened in the entire imaging area.

  1. Hepatobiliary ultrasonography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sembiring, J.

    2018-03-01

    Ultrasound is one of the most widely used imaging technologies in medicine. It is portable, free of radiation risk, non-invasive and relatively inexpensive when compared with other imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance and computed tomography. Ultrasound is a useful procedure for evaluating many structures organ in our body. An examination may include the entirety of the abdomen and retroperitoneum from a single organ to several organs. An abdominal ultrasound examination survey would include the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and retroperitoneal structures. It needsperforming when there is a valid medical reason.

  2. Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography with intense acoustic bursts.

    PubMed

    Zemp, Roger J; Kim, Chulhong; Wang, Lihong V

    2007-04-01

    Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) detects ultrasonically modulated light to spatially localize multiply scattered photons in turbid media with the ultimate goal of imaging the optical properties in living subjects. A principal challenge of the technique is weak modulated signal strength. We discuss ways to push the limits of signal enhancement with intense acoustic bursts while conforming to optical and ultrasonic safety standards. A CCD-based speckle-contrast detection scheme is used to detect acoustically modulated light by measuring changes in speckle statistics between ultrasound-on and ultrasound-off states. The CCD image capture is synchronized with the ultrasound burst pulse sequence. Transient acoustic radiation force, a consequence of bursts, is seen to produce slight signal enhancement over pure ultrasonic-modulation mechanisms for bursts and CCD exposure times of the order of milliseconds. However, acoustic radiation-force-induced shear waves are launched away from the acoustic sample volume, which degrade UOT spatial resolution. By time gating the CCD camera to capture modulated light before radiation force has an opportunity to accumulate significant tissue displacement, we reduce the effects of shear-wave image degradation, while enabling very high signal-to-noise ratios. Additionally, we maintain high-resolution images representative of optical and not mechanical contrast. Signal-to-noise levels are sufficiently high so as to enable acquisition of 2D images of phantoms with one acoustic burst per pixel.

  3. Effects of acoustic radiation force and shear waves for absorption and stiffness sensing in ultrasound modulated optical tomography.

    PubMed

    Li, Rui; Elson, Daniel S; Dunsby, Chris; Eckersley, Robert; Tang, Meng-Xing

    2011-04-11

    Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) combines optical contrast with ultrasound spatial resolution and has great potential for soft tissue functional imaging. One current problem with this technique is the weak optical modulation signal, primarily due to strong optical scattering in diffuse media and minimal acoustically induced modulation. The acoustic radiation force (ARF) can create large particle displacements in tissue and has been shown to be able to improve optical modulation signals. However, shear wave propagation induced by the ARF can be a significant source of nonlocal optical modulation which may reduce UOT spatial resolution and contrast. In this paper, the time evolution of shear waves was examined on tissue mimicking-phantoms exposed to 5 MHz ultrasound and 532 nm optical radiation and measured with a CCD camera. It has been demonstrated that by generating an ARF with an acoustic burst and adjusting both the timing and the exposure time of the CCD measurement, optical contrast and spatial resolution can be improved by ~110% and ~40% respectively when using the ARF rather than 5 MHz ultrasound alone. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that this technique simultaneously detects both optical and mechanical contrast in the medium and the optical and mechanical contrast can be distinguished by adjusting the CCD exposure time. © 2011 Optical Society of America

  4. Real-time computed tomography dosimetry during ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Kaplan, Irving D; Meskell, Paul; Oldenburg, Nicklas E; Saltzman, Brian; Kearney, Gary P; Holupka, Edward J

    2006-01-01

    Ultrasound-guided implantation of permanent radioactive seeds is a treatment option for localized prostate cancer. Several techniques have been described for the optimal placement of the seeds in the prostate during this procedure. Postimplantation dosimetric calculations are performed after the implant. Areas of underdosing can only be corrected with either an external beam boost or by performing a second implant. We demonstrate the feasibility of performing computed tomography (CT)-based postplanning during the ultrasound-guided implant and subsequently correcting for underdosed areas. Ultrasound-guided brachytherapy is performed on a modified CT table with general anesthesia. The postplanning CT scan is performed after the implant, while the patient is still under anesthesia. Additional seeds are implanted into "cold spots," and the resultant dosimetry confirmed with CT. Intraoperative postplanning was successfully performed. Dose-volume histograms demonstrated adequate dose coverage during the initial implant, but on detailed analysis, for some patients, areas of underdosing were observed either at the apex or the peripheral zone. Additional seeds were implanted to bring these areas to prescription dose. Intraoperative postplanning is feasible during ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Although the postimplant dose-volume histograms for all patients, before the implantation of additional seeds, were adequate according to the American Brachytherapy Society criteria, specific critical areas can be underdosed. Additional seeds can then be implanted to optimize the dosimetry and reduce the risk of underdosing areas of cancer.

  5. In vivo trans-rectal ultrasound-coupled optical tomography of a transmissible venereal tumor model in the canine pelvic canal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Zhen; Holyoak, G. Reed; Bartels, Kenneth E.; Ritchey, Jerry W.; Xu, Guan; Bunting, Charles F.; Slobodov, Gennady; Piao, Daqing

    2009-05-01

    In vivo trans-rectal near-infrared (NIR) optical tomography was performed concurrently with, albeit reconstructed without spatial a prior of, trans-rectal ultrasound (US) on transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) developed as a model in the canine pelvic canal. Studies were taken longitudinally at prior to, 14 days after, and 35 days after the TVT injection. As the tumor grew, the nodules became increasingly hyperabsorptive and moderately hyperscattering on NIR. The regions of strong NIR contrast, especially on absorption images, correlated well with those of US hypoechoic masses indicative of tumors. Combining the information of trans-rectal NIR and US detected the tumor more accurately than did the US alone at 14 days postinjection.

  6. A new method for real-time co-registration of 3D coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography.

    PubMed

    Carlier, Stéphane; Didday, Rich; Slots, Tristan; Kayaert, Peter; Sonck, Jeroen; El-Mourad, Mike; Preumont, Nicolas; Schoors, Dany; Van Camp, Guy

    2014-06-01

    We present a new clinically practical method for online co-registration of 3D quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT). The workflow is based on two modified commercially available software packages. Reconstruction steps are explained and compared to previously available methods. The feasibility for different clinical scenarios is illustrated. The co-registration appears accurate, robust and induced a minimal delay on the normal cath lab activities. This new method is based on the 3D angiographic reconstruction of the catheter path and does not require operator's identification of landmarks to establish the image synchronization. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Computed tomography-assisted laparoscopic removal of intraabdominally migrated levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems.

    PubMed

    Mahmoud, Mohamad S; Merhi, Zaher O

    2010-04-01

    To report three cases of migrated levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUS) into the pelvic/abdominal cavity removed laparoscopically with the aid of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan imaging. Three patients presenting with a missing LNG-IUS on examination and pelvic ultrasound are presented. A preoperative CT scan was performed, what helped in a successful removal of the LNG-IUS. The patients were discharged home the same day of the procedure. Our cases reinforce, besides the diagnosis of a migrated LNG-IUS by ultrasound, the fact that preoperative CT scan imaging assists in the diagnosis of the precise location of a migrated LNG-IUS into the pelvic/abdominal cavity and helps the physician in the prediction of the difficulty of the laparoscopic removal.

  8. Abdominal calcifications and diagnostic imaging decision making: a topic review

    PubMed Central

    Bassano, John M.

    2006-01-01

    Abstract Objective To review commonly encountered calcifications found within the abdomen as seen on the lumbar spine radiograph and to determine which advanced imaging modality is best to thoroughly assess the patient. Methods Searches of electronic databases and textbooks were conducted to construct this narrative overview. Discussion By categorizing the type of calcification and localizing it anatomically, most often a definitive diagnosis can be reached. Two commonly encountered conditions, abdominal aortic aneurysms and urinary calculi, are used to compare the main advanced imaging modalities (diagnostic ultrasound and computed tomography) used to further assess abdominal calcifications. Conclusion In most circumstances, either diagnostic ultrasound or computed tomography will establish a definitive diagnosis and offer thorough imaging assessment for abdominal calcifications. PMID:19674671

  9. Thermoelectric Products

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1988-01-01

    Instead of bulky coils and compressors used in conventional refrigeration systems, UST design engineers drew on thermo-electric technology. UST's precision temperature chambers (PTC's) feature small thermoelectric modules that measure not much more than 1 square inch and operate on unique phenomenon of heat exchange. When electric current flows through specialized metallic crystals, heat is produced; when current direction is reversed cooling is produced.

  10. A Study of the Spanish-Ethnic Soldier: Attitudes, Problems, Needs

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1973-12-31

    asegurarse de que los nuineros de las preguntas que Usted esta contestando son los mismos que los numeros que Usted esta m~rcando eri las hojas-para...mis amigos se enteren de c6mo soy .real mente y que se desilusionen conmigo. 12. Tengo un complejo de inferioridad. 13. Por culpa de otras

  11. Ultrasound: from Earth to space.

    PubMed

    Law, Jennifer; Macbeth, Paul B

    2011-06-01

    Ultrasonography is a versatile imaging modality that offers many advantages over radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. On Earth, the use of ultrasound has become standard in many areas of medicine including diagnosis of medical and surgical diseases, management of obstetric and gynecologic conditions, assessment of critically ill patients, and procedural guidance. Advances in telecommunications have enabled remotely-guided ultrasonography for both geographically isolated populations and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. While ultrasound has traditionally been used in spaceflight to study anatomical and physiological adaptations to microgravity and evaluate countermeasures, recent years have seen a growth of applications adapted from terrestrial techniques. Terrestrial, remote, and space applications for ultrasound are reviewed in this paper.

  12. Ultrasound: From Earth to Space

    PubMed Central

    Law, Jennifer; Macbeth, Paul. B.

    2011-01-01

    Ultrasonography is a versatile imaging modality that offers many advantages over radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. On Earth, the use of ultrasound has become standard in many areas of medicine including diagnosis of medical and surgical diseases, management of obstetric and gynecologic conditions, assessment of critically ill patients, and procedural guidance. Advances in telecommunications have enabled remotely-guided ultrasonography for both geographically isolated populations and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. While ultrasound has traditionally been used in spaceflight to study anatomical and physiological adaptations to microgravity and evaluate countermeasures, recent years have seen a growth of applications adapted from terrestrial techniques. Terrestrial, remote, and space applications for ultrasound are reviewed in this paper. PMID:22399873

  13. Optical coherence tomography for embryonic imaging: a review

    PubMed Central

    Raghunathan, Raksha; Singh, Manmohan; Dickinson, Mary E.; Larin, Kirill V.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract. Embryogenesis is a highly complex and dynamic process, and its visualization is crucial for understanding basic physiological processes during development and for identifying and assessing possible defects, malformations, and diseases. While traditional imaging modalities, such as ultrasound biomicroscopy, micro-magnetic resonance imaging, and micro-computed tomography, have long been adapted for embryonic imaging, these techniques generally have limitations in their speed, spatial resolution, and contrast to capture processes such as cardiodynamics during embryogenesis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging modality with micrometer-scale spatial resolution and imaging depth up to a few millimeters in tissue. OCT has bridged the gap between ultrahigh resolution imaging techniques with limited imaging depth like confocal microscopy and modalities, such as ultrasound sonography, which have deeper penetration but poorer spatial resolution. Moreover, the noninvasive nature of OCT has enabled live imaging of embryos without any external contrast agents. We review how OCT has been utilized to study developing embryos and also discuss advances in techniques used in conjunction with OCT to understand embryonic development. PMID:27228503

  14. Enabling technologies for robot assisted ultrasound tomography.

    PubMed

    Aalamifar, Fereshteh; Khurana, Rishabh; Cheng, Alexis; Guo, Xiaoyu; Iordachita, Iulian; Boctor, Emad M

    2017-03-01

    Currently available ultrasound (US) tomography systems suggest utilizing cylindrical transducers that can be used for a specific organ. In this paper, our focus is on an alternative way of creating US tomographic images that could be used for other anatomies and more general applications. This system consists of two conventional US probes facing each other while one or several of the transducers in one probe can act as the transmitter and the rest as the receiver. Aligning the two US probes is a challenging task. To address this issue, we propose a robot assisted US tomography system in which one probe is operated freehanded and another by a robotic arm. In this paper, enabling technologies for this system are described. With the current prototype, a reconstruction precision of 4.12, 1.73, and 2.23 mm for the three calibrations, and an overall alignment repeatability in the range of 5-9 mm were achieved. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. PRESAGE® as a new calibration method for high intensity focused ultrasound therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Costa, M.; McErlean, C.; Rivens, I.; Adamovics, J.; Leach, M. O.; ter Haar, G.; Doran, S. J.

    2015-01-01

    High Intensity Focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive cancer therapy that makes use of the mainly thermal effects of ultrasound to destroy tissue. In order to achieve reliable treatment planning, it is necessary to characterise the ultrasound source (transducer) and to understand how the wave propagates in tissue and the energy deposition in the focal region. This novel exploratory study investigated how HIFU affects PRESAGE®, an optical phantom used for radiotherapy dosimetry, which is potentially a rapid method of calibrating the transducer. Samples, of two different formulations, were exposed to focused ultrasound and imaged using Optical Computed Tomography. First results showed that, PRESAGE® changes colour on ultrasound exposure (darker green regions were observed) with the alterations being related to the acoustic power and sample composition. Future work will involve quantification of these alterations and understanding how to relate them to the mechanisms of action of HIFU.

  16. Musculoskeletal ultrasound and other imaging modalities in rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Ohrndorf, Sarah; Werner, Stephanie G; Finzel, Stephanie; Backhaus, Marina

    2013-05-01

    This review refers to the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) both in clinical practice and research. Furthermore, other novel sensitive imaging modalities (high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and fluorescence optical imaging) are introduced in this article. Recently published ultrasound studies presented power Doppler activity by ultrasound highly predictive for later radiographic erosions in patients with RA. Another study presented synovitis detected by ultrasound being predictive of subsequent structural radiographic destruction irrespective of the ultrasound modality (grayscale ultrasound/power Doppler ultrasound). Further studies are currently under way which prove ultrasound findings as imaging biomarkers in the destructive process of RA. Other introduced novel imaging modalities are in the validation process to prove their impact and significance in inflammatory joint diseases. The introduced imaging modalities show different sensitivities and specificities as well as strength and weakness belonging to the assessment of inflammation, differentiation of the involved structures and radiological progression. The review tries to give an answer regarding how to best integrate them into daily clinical practice with the aim to improve the diagnostic algorithms, the daily patient care and, furthermore, the disease's outcome.

  17. Computed tomography: Will the slices reveal the truth

    PubMed Central

    Haridas, Harish; Mohan, Abarajithan; Papisetti, Sravanthi; Ealla, Kranti K. R.

    2016-01-01

    With the advances in the field of imaging sciences, new methods have been developed in dental radiology. These include digital radiography, density analyzing methods, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and nuclear imaging techniques, which provide high-resolution detailed images of oral structures. The current review aims to critically elaborate the use of CBCT in endodontics. PMID:27652253

  18. A novel land use approach for assessment of human health: The relationship between urban structure types and cardiorespiratory disease risk.

    PubMed

    Réquia Júnior, Weeberb João; Roig, Henrique Llacer; Koutrakis, Petros

    2015-12-01

    Extensive evidence shows that in addition to lifestyle factors, environmental aspects are an important risk factor for human health. Numerous approaches have been used to estimate the relationship between environment and health. For example, the urban characteristics, especially the types of land use, are considered a potential proxy indicator to evaluate risk of disease. Although several studies have used land use variables to assess human health, none of them has used the concept of Urban Morphology by Urban Structure Types (USTs) as indicators of land use. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between USTs and cardiorespiratory disease risks in the Federal District, Brazil. Toward this end, we used a quantile regression model to estimate risk. We used 21 types of UST. Income and population density were used as covariates in our sensitivity analysis. Our analysis showed an association between cardiorespiratory diseases risk and 10 UST variables (1 related to rural area, 6 related to residential area, 1 recreational area, 1 public area and 1 commercial area). Our findings suggest that the conventional land use method may be missing important information about the effect of land use on human health. The use of USTs can be an approach to complement the conventional method. This should be of interest to policy makers in order to enhance public health policies and to create future strategies in terms of urban planning, land use and environmental health. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Taxonomic composition and biostratigraphic value of the Early Riphean organic-walled microfossil association from the Ust'-Il'ya Formation of the Anabar Uplift, Northern Siberia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sergeev, V. N.; Vorob'eva, N. G.; Petrov, P. Yu.; Semikhatov, M. A.

    2017-05-01

    It is demonstrated on the basis of the first monographic study of multiple and taxonomically variable organic-walled microfossils from the Ust'-Il'ya Formation of the Anabar Uplift that both prokaryotic and eukaryotic forms are present in the composition of this microbiota. They are divided into four formal groups on the basis of the specifics of the morphological indicators of the identified taxa. The review of the data on the isotopic age of hosting deposits showed that the Ust'-Il'ya Formation is of the Early Riphean in age which are currently evaluated as 1750 ± 10-1400 Ma. Relatively large and morphologically complex eukaryotic forms present in the Ust'-Il'ya Formation served in due time as the basis for an erroneous conclusion on the Late Riphean age of the specified formation and the overlying Lower Kotuikan Subformation of the Anabar Uplift. The paper provides a global comparative analysis of the Early Riphean microbiotas, demonstrates the position of the Ust'-Il'ya and Kotuikan microbiotas amidst the microbiotas of the same age, and shows that the relatively large acanthomorphic acritarchs Tappania, Valeria, Dictiosphaera, Satka, and Shuiyousphaeridium appeared in the geological history already during the Early Riphean Erathem. Moreover, the paper discusses the recently published data on the distribution of aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the Early Riphean paleobasins and provides the conclusion on the impact of the lateral change of these conditions on the taxonomic composition of the microbiota.

  20. Real-time three-dimensional ultrasound-assisted axillary plexus block defines soft tissue planes.

    PubMed

    Clendenen, Steven R; Riutort, Kevin; Ladlie, Beth L; Robards, Christopher; Franco, Carlo D; Greengrass, Roy A

    2009-04-01

    Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound is commonly used for regional block of the axillary brachial plexus. In this technical case report, we described a real-time three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound-guided axillary block. The difference between 2D and 3D ultrasound is similar to the difference between plain radiograph and computer tomography. Unlike 2D ultrasound that captures a planar image, 3D ultrasound technology acquires a 3D volume of information that enables multiple planes of view by manipulating the image without movement of the ultrasound probe. Observation of the brachial plexus in cross-section demonstrated distinct linear hyperechoic tissue structures (loose connective tissue) that initially inhibited the flow of the local anesthesia. After completion of the injection, we were able to visualize the influence of arterial pulsation on the spread of the local anesthesia. Possible advantages of this novel technology over current 2D methods are wider image volume and the capability to manipulate the planes of the image without moving the probe.

  1. Modification of Kirchhoff migration with variable sound speed and attenuation for acoustic imaging of media and application to tomographic imaging of the breast

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Steven; Duric, Nebojsa; Li, Cuiping; Roy, Olivier; Huang, Zhi-Feng

    2011-01-01

    Purpose: To explore the feasibility of improving cross-sectional reflection imaging of the breast using refractive and attenuation corrections derived from ultrasound tomography data. Methods: The authors have adapted the planar Kirchhoff migration method, commonly used in geophysics to reconstruct reflection images, for use in ultrasound tomography imaging of the breast. Furthermore, the authors extended this method to allow for refractive and attenuative corrections. Using clinical data obtained with a breast imaging prototype, the authors applied this method to generate cross-sectional reflection images of the breast that were corrected using known distributions of sound speed and attenuation obtained from the same data. Results: A comparison of images reconstructed with and without the corrections showed varying degrees of improvement. The sound speed correction resulted in sharpening of detail, while the attenuation correction reduced the central darkening caused by path length dependent losses. The improvements appeared to be greatest when dense tissue was involved and the least for fatty tissue. These results are consistent with the expectation that denser tissues lead to both greater refractive effects and greater attenuation. Conclusions: Although conventional ultrasound techniques use time-gain control to correct for attenuation gradients, these corrections lead to artifacts because the true attenuation distribution is not known. The use of constant sound speed leads to additional artifacts that arise from not knowing the sound speed distribution. The authors show that in the context of ultrasound tomography, it is possible to construct reflection images of the breast that correct for inhomogeneous distributions of both sound speed and attenuation. PMID:21452737

  2. Computer tomography urography assisted real-time ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal calculus.

    PubMed

    Fang, You-Qiang; Wu, Jie-Ying; Li, Teng-Cheng; Zheng, Hao-Feng; Liang, Guan-Can; Chen, Yan-Xiong; Hong, Xiao-Bin; Cai, Wei-Zhong; Zang, Zhi-Jun; Di, Jin-Ming

    2017-06-01

    This study aimed to assess the role of pre-designed route on computer tomography urography (CTU) in the ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for renal calculus.From August 2013 to May 2016, a total of 100 patients diagnosed with complex renal calculus in our hospital were randomly divided into CTU group and control group (without CTU assistance). CTU was used to design a rational route for puncturing in CTU group. Ultrasound was used in both groups to establish a working trace in the operation areas. Patients' perioperative parameters and postoperative complications were recorded.All operations were successfully performed, without transferring to open surgery. Time of channel establishment in CTU group (6.5 ± 4.3 minutes) was shorter than the control group (10.0 ± 6.7 minutes) (P = .002). In addition, there was shorter operation time, lower rates of blood transfusion, secondary operation, and less establishing channels. The incidence of postoperative complications including residual stones, sepsis, severe hemorrhage, and perirenal hematoma was lower in CTU group than in control group.Pre-designing puncture route on CTU images would improve the puncturing accuracy, lessen establishing channels as well as improve the security in the ultrasound-guided PCNL for complex renal calculus, but at the cost of increased radiation exposure.

  3. Intraoperative ultrasound of the pancreas.

    PubMed

    Shin, Lewis K; Brant-Zawadzki, Graham; Kamaya, Aya; Jeffrey, R Brooke

    2009-03-01

    Intraoperative ultrasound provides spatial resolution of the pancreas superior to computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and transabdominal sonography. This pictorial essay will review common benign and malignant pancreatic processes including the following: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pancreatitis, endocrine tumors, mucinous cystic neoplasm, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, serous cystadenoma, and solid pseudopapillary tumor. The use of intraoperative ultrasound in specific surgical situations will be discussed, which include the following: (1) identification of insulinoma(s) which are not detectable preoperatively, (2) identification of the pancreatic duct to determine dissection planes for chronic pancreatitis surgery (eg, Puestow procedure) and for tumor resection, and (3) staging purposes for malignant disease.

  4. Towards enabling ultrasound guidance in cervical cancer high-dose-rate brachytherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wong, Adrian; Sojoudia, Samira; Gaudet, Marc; Yap, Wan Wan; Chang, Silvia D.; Abolmaesumi, Purang; Aquino-Parsons, Christina; Moradi, Mehdi

    2014-03-01

    MRI and Computed Tomography (CT) are used in image-based solutions for guiding High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatment of cervical cancer. MRI is costly and CT exposes the patients to ionizing radiation. Ultrasound, on the other hand, is affordable and safe. The long-term goal of our work is to enable the use of multiparametric ultrasound imaging in image-guided HDR for cervical cancer. In this paper, we report the development of enabling technology for ultrasound guidance and tissue typing. We report a system to obtain the 3D freehand transabdominal ultrasound RF signals and B-mode images of the uterus, and a method for registration of ultrasound to MRI. MRI and 3D ultrasound images of the female pelvis were registered by contouring the uterus in the two modalities, creating a surface model, followed by rigid and B-spline deformable registration. The resulting transformation was used to map the location of the tumor from the T2-weighted MRI to ultrasound images and to determine cancerous and normal areas in ultrasound. B-mode images show a contrast for cancer vs. normal tissue. Our study shows the potential and the challenges of ultrasound imaging in guiding cervical cancer treatments.

  5. Exploratory Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Levels, Ultrasound and Optical Coherence Tomography Measures of the Eye During ISS Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schaefer, C.; Young, M.; Mason, S.; Coble, C.; Wear, M. L.; Sargsyan, A.; Garcia, K.; Patel, N.; Gibson, C.; Alexander, D.; hide

    2017-01-01

    Enhanced screening for the Visual Impairment/Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome has been implemented to better characterize the ocular and vision changes observed in some long-duration crewmembers. This includes implementation of in-flight ultrasound in 2010 and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in 2013. Potential risk factors for VIIP include cardiovascular health, diet, anatomical and genetic factors, and environmental conditions. Carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent vasodilator, is chronically elevated on the International Space Station (ISS) relative to ambient levels on Earth, and is a plausible risk factor for VIIP. In an effort to understand the possible associations between CO2 and VIIP, this study explores the relationship of ambient CO2 levels on ISS compared to inflight ultrasound and OCT measures of the eye obtained from ISS crewmembers. CO2 measurements were aggregated from Operational Data Reduction Complex and Node 3 major constituent analyzers (MCAs) on ISS or from sensors located in the European Columbus module, as available. CO2 levels in the periods between each ultrasound and OCT session are summarized using timeseries metrics, including time-weighted means and variances. Partial least squares regression analyses are used to quantify the complex relationship between specific ultrasound and OCT measures and the CO2 metrics simulataneously. These analyses will enhance our understanding of the possible associations between CO2 levels and structural changes to the eye which will in turn inform future analysis of inflight VIIP data.

  6. Compressed sensing for ultrasound computed tomography.

    PubMed

    van Sloun, Ruud; Pandharipande, Ashish; Mischi, Massimo; Demi, Libertario

    2015-06-01

    Ultrasound computed tomography (UCT) allows the reconstruction of quantitative tissue characteristics, such as speed of sound, mass density, and attenuation. Lowering its acquisition time would be beneficial; however, this is fundamentally limited by the physical time of flight and the number of transmission events. In this letter, we propose a compressed sensing solution for UCT. The adopted measurement scheme is based on compressed acquisitions, with concurrent randomised transmissions in a circular array configuration. Reconstruction of the image is then obtained by combining the born iterative method and total variation minimization, thereby exploiting variation sparsity in the image domain. Evaluation using simulated UCT scattering measurements shows that the proposed transmission scheme performs better than uniform undersampling, and is able to reduce acquisition time by almost one order of magnitude, while maintaining high spatial resolution.

  7. Breast boundary detection with active contours

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balic, I.; Goyal, P.; Roy, O.; Duric, N.

    2014-03-01

    Ultrasound tomography is a modality that can be used to image various characteristics of the breast, such as sound speed, attenuation, and reflectivity. In the considered setup, the breast is immersed in water and scanned along the coronal axis from the chest wall to the nipple region. To improve image visualization, it is desirable to remove the water background. To this end, the 3D boundary of the breast must be accurately estimated. We present an iterative algorithm based on active contours that automatically detects the boundary of a breast using a 3D stack of attenuation images obtained from an ultrasound tomography scanner. We build upon an existing method to design an algorithm that is fast, fully automated, and reliable. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique using clinical data sets.

  8. Back-to-back optical coherence tomography-ultrasound probe for co-registered three-dimensional intravascular imaging with real-time display

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Jiawen; Ma, Teng; Jing, Joseph; Zhang, Jun; Patel, Pranav M.; Shung, K. Kirk; Zhou, Qifa; Chen, Zhongping

    2014-03-01

    We have developed a novel integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) probe, with a 1.5 mm-long rigid-part and 0.9 mm outer diameter, for real-time intracoronary imaging of atherosclerotic plaques and guiding interventional procedures. By placing the OCT ball lens and IVUS 45MHz single element transducer back-to-back at the same axial position, this probe can provide automatically co-registered, co-axial OCT-IVUS imaging. To demonstrate its capability, 3D OCT-IVUS imaging of a pig's coronary artery in real-time displayed in polar coordinates, as well as images of two major types of advanced plaques in human cadaver coronary segments, was obtained using this probe and our upgraded system. Histology validation is also presented.

  9. High-Accuracy Ultrasound Contrast Agent Detection Method for Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging Systems.

    PubMed

    Ito, Koichi; Noro, Kazumasa; Yanagisawa, Yukari; Sakamoto, Maya; Mori, Shiro; Shiga, Kiyoto; Kodama, Tetsuya; Aoki, Takafumi

    2015-12-01

    An accurate method for detecting contrast agents using diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems is proposed. Contrast agents, such as microbubbles, passing through a blood vessel during ultrasound imaging are detected as blinking signals in the temporal axis, because their intensity value is constantly in motion. Ultrasound contrast agents are detected by evaluating the intensity variation of a pixel in the temporal axis. Conventional methods are based on simple subtraction of ultrasound images to detect ultrasound contrast agents. Even if the subject moves only slightly, a conventional detection method will introduce significant error. In contrast, the proposed technique employs spatiotemporal analysis of the pixel intensity variation over several frames. Experiments visualizing blood vessels in the mouse tail illustrated that the proposed method performs efficiently compared with conventional approaches. We also report that the new technique is useful for observing temporal changes in microvessel density in subiliac lymph nodes containing tumors. The results are compared with those of contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Copyright © 2015 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. High-resolution PET [Positron Emission Tomography] for Medical Science Studies

    DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

    Budinger, T. F.; Derenzo, S. E.; Huesman, R. H.; Jagust, W. J.; Valk, P. E.

    1989-09-01

    One of the unexpected fruits of basic physics research and the computer revolution is the noninvasive imaging power available to today's physician. Technologies that were strictly the province of research scientists only a decade or two ago now serve as the foundations for such standard diagnostic tools as x-ray computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), ultrasound, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Furthermore, prompted by the needs of both the practicing physician and the clinical researcher, efforts to improve these technologies continue. This booklet endeavors to describe the advantages of achieving high resolution in PET imaging.

  11. Ultrasound modulated optical tomography: Young's modulus of the insonified region from measurement of natural frequency of vibration.

    PubMed

    Chandran, R Sriram; Roy, Debasish; Kanhirodan, Rajan; Vasu, Ram Mohan; Devi, C Usha

    2011-11-07

    We demonstrate a method to recover the Young's modulus (E) of a tissue-mimicking phantom from measurements of ultrasound modulated optical tomography (UMOT). The object is insonified by a dual-beam, confocal ultrasound transducer (US) oscillating at frequencies f₀ and f₀ + Δf and the variation of modulation depth (M) in the autocorrelation of light traversed through the focal region of the US transducer against Δf is measured. From the dominant peaks observed in the above variation, the natural frequencies of the insonified region associated with the vibration along the US transducer axis are deduced. A consequence of the above resonance is that the speckle fluctuation at the resonance frequency has a higher signal-to-noise to ratio (SNR). From these natural frequencies and the associated eigenspectrum of the oscillating object, Young's modulus (E) of the material in the focal region is recovered. The working of this method is confirmed by recovering E in the case of three tissue-mimicking phantoms of different elastic modulus values.

  12. Spatiotemporal expression of chondroitin sulfate sulfotransferases in the postnatal developing mouse cerebellum.

    PubMed

    Ishii, Maki; Maeda, Nobuaki

    2008-08-01

    Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans are major components of the cell surface and the extracellular matrix in the developing brain and bind to various proteins via CS chains in a CS structure-dependent manner. This study demonstrated the expression pattern of three CS sulfotransferase genes, dermatan 4-O-sulfotransferase (D4ST), uronyl 2-O-sulfotransferase (UST), and N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase (GalNAc4S-6ST), in the mouse postnatal cerebellum. These sulfotransferases are responsible for the biosynthesis of oversulfated structures in CS chains such as B, D, and E units, which constitute the binding sites for various heparin-binding proteins. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the expression of UST increased remarkably during cerebellar development. The amounts of B and D units, which are generated by UST activity, in the cerebellar CS chains also increased during development. In contrast, the expression of GalNAc4S-6ST and its biosynthetic product, E unit, decreased during postnatal development. In situ hybridization experiments revealed the levels of UST and GalNAc4S-6ST mRNAs to correlate inversely in many cells including Purkinje cells, granule cells in the external granular layer, and inhibitory interneurons. In these neurons, the expression of UST increased and that of GalNAc4S-6ST decreased during development and/or maturation. D4ST was also expressed by many neurons, but its expression was not simply correlated with development, which might contribute to the diversification of CS structures expressed by distinct neurons. These results suggest that the CS structures of various cerebellar neurons change during development and such changes of CS are involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways.

  13. Phenotypic and metabolic responses to drought and salinity of four contrasting lentil accessions

    PubMed Central

    Muscolo, A.; Junker, A.; Klukas, C.; Weigelt-Fischer, K.; Riewe, D.; Altmann, T.

    2015-01-01

    Drought and salinity are among the major abiotic stresses which, often inter-relatedly, adversely affect plant growth and productivity. Plant stress responses depend on the type of stress, on its intensity, on the species, and also on the genotype. Different accessions of a species may have evolved different mechanisms to cope with stress and to complete their life cycles. This study is focused on lentil, an important Mediterranean legume with high quality protein for the human diet. The effects of salinity and drought on germination and early growth of Castelluccio di Norcia (CAST), Pantelleria (PAN), Ustica (UST), and Eston (EST) accessions were evaluated to identify metabolic and phenotypic traits related to drought and/or salinity stress tolerance. The results showed a relationship between imposed stresses and performance of the cultivars. According to germination frequencies, the accession ranking was as follows: NaCl resistant > susceptible, PAN > UST > CAST > EST; polyethylene glycol (PEG) resistant > susceptible, CAST > UST > EST > PAN. Seedling tolerance rankings were: NaCl resistant > susceptible, CAST ≈ UST > PAN ≈ EST; PEG resistant > susceptible, CAST > EST ≈ UST > PAN. Changes in the metabolite profiles, mainly quantitative rather than qualitative, were observed in the same cultivar in respect to the treatments, and among the cultivars under the same treatment. Metabolic differences in the stress tolerance of the different genotypes were related to a reduction in the levels of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. The relevant differences, between the most NaCl-tolerant genotype (PAN) and the most sensitive one (EST) were related to the decrease in the threonic acid level. Stress-specific metabolite indicators were also identified: ornithine and asparagine as markers of drought stress and alanine and homoserine as markers of salinity stress. PMID:25969553

  14. Cancer Localization in the Prostate with F-18 Fluorocholine Positron Emission Tomography

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-01-01

    INTRODUCTION Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men over 50 years of age. Ultrasound - guided prostate biopsy is...currently the most common method for diagnosing and localizing cancer in the prostate. However, even when standard 6 or 12 needle biopsy templates... needles employed (1, 2). While progress has been made in the detection of primary prostate cancer using imaging techniques such as ultrasound and

  15. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Due to Bacterial Persistence or Reinfection in Women-Does This Factor Impact Upper Tract Imaging Findings?

    PubMed

    Wu, Yuefeng Rose; Rego, Lauren L; Christie, Alana L; Lavelle, Rebecca S; Alhalabi, Feras; Zimmern, Philippe E

    2016-08-01

    We compared the rates of upper tract imaging abnormalities of recurrent urinary tract infections due to bacterial persistence or reinfection. Following institutional review board approval we reviewed a prospectively maintained database of women with documented recurrent urinary tract infections (3 or more per year) and trigonitis. We searched for demographic data, urine culture findings and findings on radiology interpreted upper tract imaging, including renal ultrasound, computerized tomography or excretory urogram. Patients with irretrievable images, absent or incomplete urine culture results for review, no imaging performed, an obvious source of recurrent urinary tract infections or a history of pyelonephritis were excluded from analysis. Of 289 women from 2006 to 2014 with symptomatic recurrent urinary tract infections 116 met study inclusion criteria. Mean ± SD age was 65.0 ± 14.4 years. Of the women 95% were white and 81% were postmenopausal. Almost a third were sexually active and none had prolapse stage 2 or greater. Of the 116 women 48 (41%) had persistent and 68 (59%) had reinfection recurrent urinary tract infection. Imaging included ultrasound in 52 patients, computerized tomography in 26, ultrasound and computerized tomography in 31, and excretory urogram with ultrasound/computerized tomography in 7. Of the total of 58 imaging findings in 55 women 57 (98%) were noncontributory. One case (0.9%) of mild hydronephrosis was noted in the persistent recurrent urinary tract infection group but it was not related to any clinical parameters. Escherichia coli was the dominant bacteria in 71% of persistent and 47% of reinfection recurrent urinary tract infections in the most recently reported urine culture. This study reaffirms that upper tract imaging is not indicated for bacterial reinfection, recurrent urinary tract infections. However, the same conclusion can be extended to recurrent urinary tract infections secondary to bacterial persistence, thus, questioning the routine practice of upper tract studies in white postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections and trigonitis. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Measuring Femoral Torsion In Vivo Using Freehand 3-D Ultrasound Imaging.

    PubMed

    Passmore, Elyse; Pandy, Marcus G; Graham, H Kerr; Sangeux, Morgan

    2016-02-01

    Despite variation in bone geometry, muscle and joint function is often investigated using generic musculoskeletal models. Patient-specific bone geometry can be obtained from computerised tomography, which involves ionising radiation, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is costly and time consuming. Freehand 3-D ultrasound provides an alternative to obtain bony geometry. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and repeatability of 3-D ultrasound in measuring femoral torsion. Measurements of femoral torsion were performed on 10 healthy adults using MRI and 3-D ultrasound. Measurements of femoral torsion from 3-D ultrasound were, on average, smaller than those from MRI (mean difference = 1.8°; 95% confidence interval: -3.9°, 7.5°). MRI and 3-D ultrasound had Bland and Altman repeatability coefficients of 3.1° and 3.7°, respectively. Accurate measurements of femoral torsion were obtained with 3-D ultrasound offering the potential to acquire patient-specific bone geometry for musculoskeletal modelling. Three-dimensional ultrasound is non-invasive and relatively inexpensive and can be integrated into gait analysis. Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. An ultrashort throw ratio projection lens design based on a catadioptric structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Hsiu-Cheng; Pan, Jui-Wen

    2018-07-01

    In this paper, we present a rotational symmetry for an ultrashort throw (UST) lens with offset field. The UST lens has a throw ratio of 0.23 and a total track of 195 mm. The optical elements of the UST lens are comprised of two parts. First, a catadioptric projection lens where the catadioptric function permits reaching an ultrashort throw ratio, short total track, while at the same time requiring fewer lens elements. The second part is a collimating lens which takes advantage of the telecentric condition to generate uniform total internal reflection (TIR) in the TIR prism. With this design, an effective focal length of -1.96 mm and a f-number of 2.4 can be obtained. The root mean square spot size and lateral colour of all fields are smaller than one pixel in size. The maximum optical distortion of -0.97% and TV distortion of 0.2% are acceptable. In terms of image quality, the modulation transfer function (MTF) values for all fields are above 0.65 at 0.245 line pairs/mm. Even when the tolerance error is considered, the MTF values for all fields are still above 0.3. The suitability of the novel UST lens design for projection applications is discussed.

  18. UST Financial Assurance Information

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended by the Hazardous Waste Disposal Act of 1984, brought underground storage tanks (USTs) under federal regulation. As part of that regulation, Congress directed EPA to develop financial responsibility regulations for UST owners and operators. Congress wanted owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) to show that they have the financial resources to clean up a site if a release occurs, correct environmental damage, and compensate third parties for injury to their property or themselves.Owners and operators have several options: obtain insurance coverage from an insurer or a risk retention group; demonstrate self-insurance using a financial test; obtain corporate guarantees, surety bonds, or letters of credit; place the required amount into a trust fund administered by a third party; or rely on coverage provided by a state financial assurance fund.Information in this data asset includes state documentation to support this requirement. Many states have developed financial assurance funds to help owners and operators meet financial responsibility requirements and to help cover the costs of cleanups. State financial assurance fund programs, which supplement or are a substitute for private insurance, have been especially useful for small-to-medium sized petroleum marketers.EPA requires its Regional Offices to conduct annual reviews of state financial assurance funds. Data is provided by s

  19. Children's (Pediatric) Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    MedlinePlus Videos and Cool Tools

    ... ultrasound), computed tomography and catheter angiography to provide information both before and after treatment. Cardiac MRI may ... use it after appropriate pre-medication. For more information on adverse reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents, ...

  20. Tracked 3D ultrasound in radio-frequency liver ablation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boctor, Emad M.; Fichtinger, Gabor; Taylor, Russell H.; Choti, Michael A.

    2003-05-01

    Recent studies have shown that radio frequency (RF) ablation is a simple, safe and potentially effective treatment for selected patients with liver metastases. Despite all recent therapeutic advancements, however, intra-procedural target localization and precise and consistent placement of the tissue ablator device are still unsolved problems. Various imaging modalities, including ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) have been tried as guidance modalities. Transcutaneous US imaging, due to its real-time nature, may be beneficial in many cases, but unfortunately, fails to adequately visualize the tumor in many cases. Intraoperative or laparoscopic US, on the other hand, provides improved visualization and target imaging. This paper describes a system for computer-assisted RF ablation of liver tumors, combining navigational tracking of a conventional imaging ultrasound probe to produce 3D ultrasound imaging with a tracked RF ablation device supported by a passive mechanical arm and spatially registered to the ultrasound volume.

  1. Monitoring of self-healing composites: a nonlinear ultrasound approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Malfense Fierro, Gian-Piero; Pinto, Fulvio; Dello Iacono, Stefania; Martone, Alfonso; Amendola, Eugenio; Meo, Michele

    2017-11-01

    Self-healing composites using a thermally mendable polymer, based on Diels-Alder reaction were fabricated and subjected to various multiple damage loads. Unlike traditional destructive methods, this work presents a nonlinear ultrasound technique to evaluate the structural recovery of the proposed self-healing laminate structures. The results were compared to computer tomography and linear ultrasound methods. The laminates were subjected to multiple loading and healing cycles and the induced damage and recovery at each stage was evaluated. The results highlight the benefit and added advantage of using a nonlinear based methodology to monitor the structural recovery of reversibly cross-linked epoxy with efficient recycling and multiple self-healing capability.

  2. Registration of human skull computed tomography data to an ultrasound treatment space using a sparse high frequency ultrasound hemispherical array

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    O’Reilly, Meaghan A., E-mail: moreilly@sri.utoront

    Purpose: Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) shows great promise for a range of therapeutic applications in the brain. Current clinical investigations rely on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor treatments and for the registration of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-data to the MR images at the time of treatment to correct the sound aberrations caused by the skull. For some applications, MRI is not an appropriate choice for therapy monitoring and its cost may limit the accessibility of these treatments. An alternative approach, using high frequency ultrasound measurements to localize the skull surface and register CT data to themore » ultrasound treatment space, for the purposes of skull-related phase aberration correction and treatment targeting, has been developed. Methods: A prototype high frequency, hemispherical sparse array was fabricated. Pulse-echo measurements of the surface of five ex vivo human skulls were made, and the CT datasets of each skull were obtained. The acoustic data were used to rigidly register the CT-derived skull surface to the treatment space. The ultrasound-based registrations of the CT datasets were compared to the gold-standard landmark-based registrations. Results: The results show on an average sub-millimeter (0.9 ± 0.2 mm) displacement and subdegree (0.8° ± 0.4°) rotation registration errors. Numerical simulations predict that registration errors on this scale will result in a mean targeting error of 1.0 ± 0.2 mm and reduction in focal pressure of 1.0% ± 0.6% when targeting a midbrain structure (e.g., hippocampus) using a commercially available low-frequency brain prototype device (InSightec, 230 kHz brain system). Conclusions: If combined with ultrasound-based treatment monitoring techniques, this registration method could allow for the development of a low-cost transcranial FUS treatment platform to make this technology more widely available.« less

  3. Registration of human skull computed tomography data to an ultrasound treatment space using a sparse high frequency ultrasound hemispherical array.

    PubMed

    O'Reilly, Meaghan A; Jones, Ryan M; Birman, Gabriel; Hynynen, Kullervo

    2016-09-01

    Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) shows great promise for a range of therapeutic applications in the brain. Current clinical investigations rely on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor treatments and for the registration of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-data to the MR images at the time of treatment to correct the sound aberrations caused by the skull. For some applications, MRI is not an appropriate choice for therapy monitoring and its cost may limit the accessibility of these treatments. An alternative approach, using high frequency ultrasound measurements to localize the skull surface and register CT data to the ultrasound treatment space, for the purposes of skull-related phase aberration correction and treatment targeting, has been developed. A prototype high frequency, hemispherical sparse array was fabricated. Pulse-echo measurements of the surface of five ex vivo human skulls were made, and the CT datasets of each skull were obtained. The acoustic data were used to rigidly register the CT-derived skull surface to the treatment space. The ultrasound-based registrations of the CT datasets were compared to the gold-standard landmark-based registrations. The results show on an average sub-millimeter (0.9 ± 0.2 mm) displacement and subdegree (0.8° ± 0.4°) rotation registration errors. Numerical simulations predict that registration errors on this scale will result in a mean targeting error of 1.0 ± 0.2 mm and reduction in focal pressure of 1.0% ± 0.6% when targeting a midbrain structure (e.g., hippocampus) using a commercially available low-frequency brain prototype device (InSightec, 230 kHz brain system). If combined with ultrasound-based treatment monitoring techniques, this registration method could allow for the development of a low-cost transcranial FUS treatment platform to make this technology more widely available.

  4. Registration of human skull computed tomography data to an ultrasound treatment space using a sparse high frequency ultrasound hemispherical array

    PubMed Central

    O’Reilly, Meaghan A.; Jones, Ryan M.; Birman, Gabriel; Hynynen, Kullervo

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) shows great promise for a range of therapeutic applications in the brain. Current clinical investigations rely on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor treatments and for the registration of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-data to the MR images at the time of treatment to correct the sound aberrations caused by the skull. For some applications, MRI is not an appropriate choice for therapy monitoring and its cost may limit the accessibility of these treatments. An alternative approach, using high frequency ultrasound measurements to localize the skull surface and register CT data to the ultrasound treatment space, for the purposes of skull-related phase aberration correction and treatment targeting, has been developed. Methods: A prototype high frequency, hemispherical sparse array was fabricated. Pulse-echo measurements of the surface of five ex vivo human skulls were made, and the CT datasets of each skull were obtained. The acoustic data were used to rigidly register the CT-derived skull surface to the treatment space. The ultrasound-based registrations of the CT datasets were compared to the gold-standard landmark-based registrations. Results: The results show on an average sub-millimeter (0.9 ± 0.2 mm) displacement and subdegree (0.8° ± 0.4°) rotation registration errors. Numerical simulations predict that registration errors on this scale will result in a mean targeting error of 1.0 ± 0.2 mm and reduction in focal pressure of 1.0% ± 0.6% when targeting a midbrain structure (e.g., hippocampus) using a commercially available low-frequency brain prototype device (InSightec, 230 kHz brain system). Conclusions: If combined with ultrasound-based treatment monitoring techniques, this registration method could allow for the development of a low-cost transcranial FUS treatment platform to make this technology more widely available. PMID:27587036

  5. Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

    MedlinePlus

    ... such as ultrasound, a computerized tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging to guide the biopsy needle into ... heats and destroys selected portions of prostate tissue. Shields protect the urethra from heat damage. Transurethral microwave ...

  6. Renal and adrenal tumors: Pathology, radiology, ultrasonography, therapy, immunology

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lohr, E.; Leder, L.D.

    1987-01-01

    Aspects as diverse as radiology, pathology, urology, pediatrics and immunology have been brought together in one book. The most up-do-date methods of tumor diagnosis by CT, NMR, and ultrasound are covered, as are methods of catheter embolization and radiation techniques in case of primarily inoperable tumors. Contents: Pathology of Renal and Adrenal Neoplasms; Ultrasound Diagnosis of Renal and Pararenal Tumors; Computed-Body-Tomography of Renal Carcinoma and Perirenal Masses; Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Renal Mass Lesions; I-125 Embolotherapy of Renal Tumors; Adrenal Mass Lesions in Infants and Children; Computed Tomography of the Adrenal Glands; Scintigraphic Studies of Renal and Adrenal Function; Surgicalmore » Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma; Operative Therapy of Nephroblastoma; Nonoperative Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma; Prenatal Wilms' Tumor; Congenital Neuroblastoma; Nonsurgical Management of Wilms' Tumor; Immunologic Aspects of Malignant Renal Disease.« less

  7. Sparse-View Ultrasound Diffraction Tomography Using Compressed Sensing with Nonuniform FFT

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Accurate reconstruction of the object from sparse-view sampling data is an appealing issue for ultrasound diffraction tomography (UDT). In this paper, we present a reconstruction method based on compressed sensing framework for sparse-view UDT. Due to the piecewise uniform characteristics of anatomy structures, the total variation is introduced into the cost function to find a more faithful sparse representation of the object. The inverse problem of UDT is iteratively resolved by conjugate gradient with nonuniform fast Fourier transform. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method that the main characteristics of the object can be properly presented with only 16 views. Compared to interpolation and multiband method, the proposed method can provide higher resolution and lower artifacts with the same view number. The robustness to noise and the computation complexity are also discussed. PMID:24868241

  8. Elasticity mapping of tissue mimicking phantoms by remote palpation with a focused ultrasound beam and intensity autocorrelation measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Usha Devi, C.; Bharat Chandran, R. S.; Vasu, R. M.; Sood, A. K.

    2007-05-01

    We use a focused ultrasound beam to load a region of interest (ROI) in a tissue-mimicking phantom and read out the vibration amplitude of phantom particles from the modulation depth in the intensity autocorrelation of a coherent light beam that intercepted the ROI. The modulation depth, which is also affected by the local light absorption coefficient, which is employed in ultrasound assisted optical tomography, to read out absorption coefficient is greatly influenced by the vibration amplitude, depends to a great extend on local elasticity. We scan a plane in an elastography phantom with an inhomogeneous inclusion, in elasticity with the focused ultrasound and from the measured modulation depth variation create a qualitative map of the elasticity variation in the interrogated plane.

  9. The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in imaging carotid arterial diseases.

    PubMed

    Clevert, Dirk A; Paprottka, Philipp; Sommer, Wieland H; Helck, Andreas; Reiser, Maximilian F; Zengel, Pamela

    2013-06-01

    The standard of care for the initial diagnosis of carotid artery bifurcation diseases is carotid duplex ultrasound. Carotid abnormalities or difficult examinations may represent a diagnostic challenge in patients with clinical symptoms as well as in the follow-up after carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting or other interventions. A promising new method in the diagnosis and follow-up of pathologic carotid diseases is contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). In comparison with magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, the contrast agents used for CEUS remain within the vascular space and hence can be used to study vascular disease and could provide additional information on carotid arterial diseases. This review describes the current carotid duplex ultrasound examination and compares the pathologic findings with CEUS. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Feasibility of ultrasound imaging of osteochondral defects in the ankle: a clinical pilot study.

    PubMed

    Kok, A C; Terra, M P; Muller, S; Askeland, C; van Dijk, C N; Kerkhoffs, G M M J; Tuijthof, G J M

    2014-10-01

    Talar osteochondral defects (OCDs) are imaged using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). For extensive follow-up, ultrasound might be a fast, non-invasive alternative that images both bone and cartilage. In this study the potential of ultrasound, as compared with CT, in the imaging and grading of OCDs is explored. On the basis of prior CT scans, nine ankles of patients without OCDs and nine ankles of patients with anterocentral OCDs were selected and classified using the Loomer CT classification. A blinded expert skeletal radiologist imaged all ankles with ultrasound and recorded the presence of OCDs. Similarly to CT, ultrasound revealed typical morphologic OCD features, for example, cortex irregularities and loose fragments. Cartilage disruptions, Loomer grades IV (displaced fragment) and V (cyst with fibrous roof), were visible as well. This study encourages further research on the use of ultrasound as a follow-up imaging modality for OCDs located anteriorly or centrally on the talar dome. Copyright © 2014 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Echo-Planar Imaging-Based, J-Resolved Spectroscopic Imaging for Improved Metabolite Detection in Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    cancer is through imaging techniques including ultrasound , computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with or without the help...performed at least 8 weeks after transrectal ultrasound -guided sextant biopsy. The entire protocol was ap- proved by the Institutional Review Board...volume of interest (VOI) was localized using three slice-selective radiofrequency (RF) pulses (90°–180°–180°) (Fig. 1). The total time for the

  12. Diagnostic sensitivity of ultrasound, radiography and computed tomography for gender determination in four species of lizards.

    PubMed

    Di Ianni, Francesco; Volta, Antonella; Pelizzone, Igor; Manfredi, Sabrina; Gnudi, Giacomo; Parmigiani, Enrico

    2015-01-01

    Gender determination is frequently requested by reptile breeders, especially for species with poor or absent sexual dimorphism. The aims of the current study were to describe techniques and diagnostic sensitivities of ultrasound, radiography, and computed tomography for gender determination (identification of hemipenes) in four species of lizards. Nineteen lizards of known sex, belonging to four different species (Pogona vitticeps, Uromastyx aegyptia, Tiliqua scincoides, Gerrhosaurus major) were prospectively enrolled. With informed owner consent, ultrasound, noncontrast CT, contrast radiography, and contrast CT (with contrast medium administered into the cloaca) were performed in conscious animals. Imaging studies were reviewed by three different operators, each unaware of the gender of the animals and of the results of the other techniques. The lizard was classified as a male when hemipenes were identified. Nineteen lizards were included in the study, 10 females and nine males. The hemipenes were seen on ultrasound in only two male lizards, and appeared as oval hypoechoic structures. Radiographically, hemipenes filled with contrast medium appeared as spindle-shaped opacities. Noncontrast CT identified hemipenes in only two lizards, and these appeared as spindle-shaped kinked structures with hyperattenuating content consistent with smegma. Hemipenes were correctly identified in all nine males using contrast CT (accuracy of 100%). Accuracy of contrast radiography was excellent (94.7%). Accuracy of ultrasound and of noncontrast CT was poor (64.3% and 63.1%, respectively). Findings from the current study supported the use of contrast CT or contrast radiography for gender determination in lizards. © 2014 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

  13. Multidetector row computed tomography and ultrasound characteristics of caudal vena cava duplication in dogs.

    PubMed

    Bertolini, Giovanna; Diana, Alessia; Cipone, Mario; Drigo, Michele; Caldin, Marco

    2014-01-01

    Caudal vena cava duplication has been rarely reported in small animals. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe characteristics of duplicated caudal vena cava in a large group of dogs. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound databases from two hospitals were searched for canine reports having the diagnosis "double caudal vena cava." One observer reviewed CT images for 71 dogs and two observers reviewed ultrasound images for 21 dogs. In all CT cases, the duplication comprised two vessels that were bilaterally symmetrical and approximately the same calibre (similar to Type I complete duplication in humans). In all ultrasound cases, the duplicated caudal vena cava appeared as a distinct vessel running on the left side of the abdominal segment of the descending aorta and extending from the left common iliac vein to the left renal vein. The prevalence of caudal vena cava duplication was 0.46% for canine ultrasound studies and 2.08% for canine CT studies performed at these hospitals. Median body weight for affected dogs was significantly lower than that of unaffected dogs (P < 0.0001). Breeds with increased risk for duplicated caudal vena cava were Yorkshire Terrier (odds ratio [OR] = 6.41), Poodle (OR = 7.46), West Highland White Terrier (OR = 6.33), and Maltese (OR = 3.87). Presence of a duplicated caudal vena cava was significantly associated with presence of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) (P < 0.004). While uncommon in dogs, caudal vena cava duplication should be differentiated from other vascular anomalies when planning surgeries and for avoiding misdiagnoses. © 2014 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

  14. [Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the characterization of incidental liver lesions - an economical evaluation in comparison with multi-phase computed tomography].

    PubMed

    Giesel, F L; Delorme, S; Sibbel, R; Kauczor, H-U; Krix, M

    2009-06-01

    The aim of the study was to conduct a cost-minimization analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) compared to multi-phase computed tomography (M-CT) as the diagnostic standard for diagnosing incidental liver lesions. Different scenarios of a cost-covering realization of CEUS in the ambulant sector in the general health insurance system of Germany were compared to the current cost situation. The absolute savings potential was estimated using different approaches for the calculation of the incidence of liver lesions which require further characterization. CEUS was the more cost-effective method in all scenarios in which CEUS examinations where performed at specialized centers (122.18-186.53 euro) compared to M-CT (223.19 euro). With about 40 000 relevant liver lesions per year, systematic implementation of CEUS would result in a cost savings of 4 m euro per year. However, the scenario of a cost-covering CEUS examination for all physicians who perform liver ultrasound would be the most cost-intensive approach (e. g., 407.87 euro at an average utilization of the ultrasound machine of 25 %, and a CEUS ratio of 5 %). A cost-covering realization of the CEUS method can result in cost savings in the German healthcare system. A centralized approach as proposed by the DEGUM should be targeted.

  15. Validation of computational code UST3D by the example of experimental aerodynamic data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Surzhikov, S. T.

    2017-02-01

    Numerical simulation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the hypersonic vehicles X-33 and X-34 as well as spherically blunted cone is performed using the unstructured meshes. It is demonstrated that the numerical predictions obtained with the computational code UST3D are in acceptable agreement with the experimental data for approximate parameters of the geometry of the hypersonic vehicles and in excellent agreement with data for blunted cone.

  16. Organic chemical aging mechanisms: An annotated bibliography. Waste Tank Safety Program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Samuels, W.D.; Camaioni, D.M.; Nelson, D.A.

    1993-09-01

    An annotated bibliography has been compiled of the potential chemical and radiological aging mechanisms of the organic constituents (non-ferrocyanide) that would likely be found in the UST at Hanford. The majority of the work that has been conducted on the aging of organic chemicals used for extraction and processing of nuclear materials has been in conjunction with the acid or PUREX type processes. At Hanford the waste being stored in the UST has been stabilized with caustic. The aging factors that were used in this work were radiolysis, hydrolysis and nitrite/nitrate oxidation. The purpose of this work was two-fold: tomore » determine whether or not research had been or is currently being conducted on the species associated with the Hanford UST waste, either as a mixture or as individual chemicals or chemical functionalities, and to determine what areas of chemical aging need to be addressed by further research.« less

  17. Role of ultrasound in colorectal diseases.

    PubMed

    Bor, Renáta; Fábián, Anna; Szepes, Zoltán

    2016-11-21

    Ultrasound is an undervalued non-invasive examination in the diagnosis of colonic diseases. It has been replaced by the considerably more expensive magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, despite the fact that, as first examination, it can usefully supplement the diagnostic process. Transabdominal ultrasound can provide quick information about bowel status and help in the choice of adequate further examinations and treatment. Ultrasonography, as a screening imaging modality in asymptomatic patients can identify several colonic diseases such as diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. In addition, it is widely available, cheap, non-invasive technique without the use of ionizing radiation, therefore it is safe to use in childhood or during pregnancy, and can be repeated at any time. New ultrasound techniques such as elastography, contrast enhanced and Doppler ultrasound, mini-probes rectal and transperineal ultrasonography have broadened the indication. It gives an overview of the methodology of various ultrasound examinations, presents the morphology of normal bowel wall and the typical changes in different colonic diseases. We will pay particular attention to rectal and transperineal ultrasound because of their outstanding significance in the diagnosis of rectal and perineal disorders. This article seeks to overview the diagnostic impact and correct indications of bowel ultrasound.

  18. Mineral & Bone Disorder in Chronic Kidney Disease

    MedlinePlus

    ... stages of CKD. Slowed bone growth leads to short stature, which may remain with a child into adulthood. ... and local anesthetic. The health care provider uses imaging techniques such as ultrasound or a computerized tomography ...

  19. Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation on gap healing in a rabbit osteotomy model evaluated by quantitative micro-computed tomography-based cross-sectional moment of inertia.

    PubMed

    Tobita, Kenji; Matsumoto, Takuya; Ohashi, Satoru; Bessho, Masahiko; Kaneko, Masako; Ohnishi, Isao

    2012-07-01

    It has been previously demonstrated that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) enhances formation of the medullary canal and cortex in a gap-healing model of the tibia in rabbits, shortens the time required for remodeling, and enhances mineralization of the callus. In the current study, the mechanical integrity of these models was confirmed. In order to do this, the cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI) obtained from quantitative micro-computed tomography scans was calculated, and a comparison was made with a four-point bending test. This parameter can be analyzed in any direction, and three directions were selected in order to adopt an XYZ coordinate (X and Y for bending; Z for torsion). The present results demonstrated that LIPUS improved earlier restoration of bending stiffness at the healing site. In addition, LIPUS was effective not only in the ultrasound-irradiated plane, but also in the other two planes. CSMI may provide the structural as well as compositional determinants to assess fracture healing and would be very useful to replace the mechanical testing.

  20. Spatial smoothing coherence factor for ultrasound computed tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lou, Cuijuan; Xu, Mengling; Ding, Mingyue; Yuchi, Ming

    2016-04-01

    In recent years, many research studies have been carried out on ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) for its application prospect in early diagnosis of breast cancer. This paper applies four kinds of coherence-factor-like beamforming methods to improve the image quality of synthetic aperture focusing method for USCT, including the coherence-factor (CF), the phase coherence factor (PCF), the sign coherence factor (SCF) and the spatial smoothing coherence factor (SSCF) (proposed in our previous work). The performance of these methods was tested with simulated raw data which were generated by the ultrasound simulation software PZFlex 2014. The simulated phantom was set to be water of 4cm diameter with three nylon objects of different diameters inside. The ring-type transducer had 72 elements with a center frequency of 1MHz. The results show that all the methods can reveal the biggest nylon circle with the radius of 2.5mm. SSCF gets the highest SNR among the proposed methods and provides a more homogenous background. None of these methods can reveal the two smaller nylon circles with the radius of 0.75mm and 0.25mm. This may be due to the small number of elements.

  1. Non-contact photoacoustic tomography and ultrasonography for brain imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rousseau, Guy; Blouin, Alain; Monchalin, Jean-Pierre

    2012-02-01

    Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and ultrasonography (US) of biological tissues usually rely on transducer arrays for the detection of ultrasound. Obtaining the best sensitivity requires a physical contact with the tissue using an intermediate coupling fluid (water or gel). This type of contact is a major drawback for several applications such as neurosurgery. Laser-ultrasonics is an established optical technique for the non-contact generation and detection of ultrasound in industrial materials. In this paper, the non-contact detection scheme used in laser-ultrasonics is adapted to allow probing of ultrasound in biological tissues while remaining below laser exposure safety limits. Both non-contact PAT (NCPAT) and non-contact US (NCUS) are demonstrated experimentally using a single-frequency detection laser emitting suitably shaped pulses and a confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer. It is shown that an acceptable sensitivity is obtained while remaining below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) of biological tissues. Results obtained ex vivo with a calf brain specimen show that sub-mm endogenous and exogenous inclusions can be detected at depths exceeding 1 cm. When fully developed, the technique could be a unique diagnostic tool in neurosurgery providing deep imaging of blood vessels, blood clots and blood oxygenation.

  2. Sensitivity study of an ultrasound coupled transrectal electrical Impedance Tomography system for prostate imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, Y.; Halter, R.; Borsic, A.; Manwaring, P.; Hartov, A.; Paulsen, K.

    2010-04-01

    In 2009, prostate cancer ranks as the most common cancer and the second most fatal cancer in men in the United States. Unfortunately, the current clinical diagnostic methods (e.g. prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination, endorectal MRI, transrectal ultrasound, biopsy) used for detecting and staging prostate cancer are limited. It has been shown that cancerous prostate tissue has significantly different electrical properties when compared to benign tissues. Based on these electrical property findings, a TransRectal Electrical Impedance Tomography (TREIT) system is proposed as a novel prostate imaging modality. The TREIT system is comprised of an array of electrodes interfaced with a clinical TransRectal UltraSound (TRUS) probe. We evaluate this imaging system through series of phantom imaging experiments to assess the system's ability to image high and low contrast objects at various positions. We found that the TREIT system can easily discern high contrast inclusions of 1 cm in diameter at distances centered at 2 times the radius of the TREIT probe away from the probe surface. Furthermore, this technology's ability to detect low contrast inclusions suggests that it has the potential to successfully detect prostate cancer.

  3. Modification of the Magnetic Properties of α-Fe2O3 Powders by Ultrasonic Processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stolyar, S. V.; Bayukov, O. A.; Iskhakov, R. S.; Yaroslavtsev, R. N.; Ladygina, V. P.

    2017-12-01

    Hematite (α-Fe2O3) powders after ultrasonic treatment (UST) in the regime of cavitation in aqueous suspension and in that with an organic component (albumin protein) have been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy and ferromagnetic resonance techniques. It is established that the UST in aqueous hematite suspensions with albumin results in the formation of a new magnetic phase with parameters coinciding with those of the α-Fe metallic phase.

  4. A tiered approach to distinguish sources of gasoline and diesel spills.

    PubMed

    Xiong, Wenhui; Bernesky, Ryan; Bechard, Robert; Michaud, Guy; Lang, Jeremy

    2014-07-15

    Approximately 11% and 25% of annual Canadian oil spill accidents are gasoline and diesel spills, respectively. Gasoline and diesel spills are a challenge to conventional environmental forensic techniques because refinery processes remove most of the higher molecular weight biomarkers. This study presents a tiered environmental forensics strategy that includes such information as site operational history, geology/hydrogeology, GC/FID pre-screening, volatile GC/MS, semi-volatile GC/MS, and GC/MS selected ion monitoring (SIM) chromatograms for fingerprinting of gasoline and diesel spills. GC/FID pre-screening analysis identified the presence of two individual gasoline and diesel plumes at a fuel service station (study site). The gasoline plume is present between the upgradient fuel underground storage tanks (USTs) and the downgradient diesel plume, suggesting that the diesel impacts to groundwater may not be originated from the current UST leakage. Similar distribution of C3-alkylbenzenes (the most stable chemicals in gasoline) and the consistent diagnostic ratios of the analyte pairs with similar solubility indicate that the source for the dissolved gasoline constituents in the gasoline impacted zone likely originated from a gasoline leakage from the current USTs on the study site. In the diesel impacted zone, the distinct distribution and diagnostic ratios of sesquiterpanes (biomarkers for diesel) and alkylated PAHs confirm that the diesel plume originate from different crude oil sources than the current USTs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Magnetoacoustic tomographic imaging of electrical impedance with magnetic induction

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Rongmin; Li, Xu; He, Bin

    2008-01-01

    Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a recently introduced method for imaging tissue electrical impedance properties by integrating magnetic induction and ultrasound measurements. In the present study, we have developed a focused cylindrical scanning mode MAT-MI system and the corresponding reconstruction algorithms. Using this system, we demonstrated 3-dimensional MAT-MI imaging in a physical phantom, with cylindrical scanning combined with ultrasound focusing, and the ability of MAT-MI in imaging electrical conductivity properties of biological tissue. PMID:19169372

  6. Magnetoacoustic tomographic imaging of electrical impedance with magnetic induction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xia, Rongmin; Li, Xu; He, Bin

    2007-08-01

    Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a recently introduced method for imaging tissue electrical impedance properties by integrating magnetic induction and ultrasound measurements. In the present study, the authors have developed a focused cylindrical scanning mode MAT-MI system and the corresponding reconstruction algorithms. Using this system, they demonstrated a three-dimensional MAT-MI imaging approach in a physical phantom, with cylindrical scanning combined with ultrasound focusing, and the ability of MAT-MI in imaging electrical conductivity properties of biological tissue.

  7. Magnetoacoustic tomographic imaging of electrical impedance with magnetic induction.

    PubMed

    Xia, Rongmin; Li, Xu; He, Bin

    2007-08-22

    Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a recently introduced method for imaging tissue electrical impedance properties by integrating magnetic induction and ultrasound measurements. In the present study, we have developed a focused cylindrical scanning mode MAT-MI system and the corresponding reconstruction algorithms. Using this system, we demonstrated 3-dimensional MAT-MI imaging in a physical phantom, with cylindrical scanning combined with ultrasound focusing, and the ability of MAT-MI in imaging electrical conductivity properties of biological tissue.

  8. Biopsy: Types of Biopsy Procedures Used to Diagnose Cancer

    MedlinePlus

    ... procedure — such as X-ray, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound — with a needle ... org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation ...

  9. Coronary Artery Dissection: Not Just a Heart Attack

    MedlinePlus

    ... using an angiogram , but an intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography screening, which allows doctors to see ... Changes Recovery FAQs • Heart Attack Tools & Resources • Support Network Watch, Learn and Live Our Interactive Cardiovascular Library ...

  10. Characterization of air-coupled ultrasound transducers in the frequency range 40 kHz-2 mHz using light diffraction tomography.

    PubMed

    Almqvist, M; Holm, A; Persson, H W; Lindström, K

    2000-01-01

    The aim of this work was to show the applicability of light diffraction tomography on airborne ultrasound in the frequency range 40 kHz-2 MHz. Seven different air-coupled transducers were measured to show the method's performance regarding linearity, absolute pressure measurements, phase measurements, frequency response, S/N ratio and spatial resolution. A calibrated microphone and the pulse-echo method were used to evaluate the results. The absolute measurements agreed within the calibrated microphone's uncertainty range. Pulse waveforms and corresponding FFT diagrams show the method's higher bandwidth compared with the microphone. Further, the method offers non-perturbing measurements with high spatial resolution, which was especially advantageous for measurements close to the transducer surfaces. The S/N ratio was higher than or in the same range as that of the two comparison methods.

  11. Quantitative validation of an air-coupled ultrasonic probe model by Interferometric laser tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Revel, G. M.; Pandarese, G.; Cavuto, A.

    2012-06-01

    The present paper describes the quantitative validation of a finite element (FE) model of the ultrasound beam generated by an air coupled non-contact ultrasound transducer. The model boundary conditions are given by vibration velocities measured by laser vibrometry on the probe membrane. The proposed validation method is based on the comparison between the simulated 3D pressure field and the pressure data measured with interferometric laser tomography technique. The model details and the experimental techniques are described in paper. The analysis of results shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the possibility to quantitatively assess and predict the generated acoustic pressure field, with maximum discrepancies in the order of 20% due to uncertainty effects. This step is important for determining in complex problems the real applicability of air-coupled probes and for the simulation of the whole inspection procedure, also when the component is designed, so as to virtually verify its inspectability.

  12. Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction: Bioimepedance reconstruction through vector source imaging

    PubMed Central

    Mariappan, Leo; He, Bin

    2013-01-01

    Magneto acoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a technique proposed to reconstruct the conductivity distribution in biological tissue at ultrasound imaging resolution. A magnetic pulse is used to generate eddy currents in the object, which in the presence of a static magnetic field induces Lorentz force based acoustic waves in the medium. This time resolved acoustic waves are collected with ultrasound transducers and, in the present work, these are used to reconstruct the current source which gives rise to the MAT-MI acoustic signal using vector imaging point spread functions. The reconstructed source is then used to estimate the conductivity distribution of the object. Computer simulations and phantom experiments are performed to demonstrate conductivity reconstruction through vector source imaging in a circular scanning geometry with a limited bandwidth finite size piston transducer. The results demonstrate that the MAT-MI approach is capable of conductivity reconstruction in a physical setting. PMID:23322761

  13. Non-contact photoacoustic tomography and ultrasonography for tissue imaging

    PubMed Central

    Rousseau, Guy; Blouin, Alain; Monchalin, Jean-Pierre

    2011-01-01

    The detection of ultrasound in photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and ultrasonography (US) usually relies on ultrasonic transducers in contact with the biological tissue. This is a major drawback for important potential applications such as surgery and small animal imaging. Here we report the use of remote optical detection, as used in industrial laser-ultrasonics, to detect ultrasound in biological tissues. This strategy enables non-contact implementation of PAT and US without exceeding laser exposure safety limits. The method uses suitably shaped laser pulses and a confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer in differential configuration to reach quantum-limited sensitivity. Endogenous and exogenous inclusions exhibiting optical and acoustic contrasts were detected ex vivo in chicken breast and calf brain specimens. Inclusions down to 0.5 mm in size were detected at depths well exceeding 1 cm. The method could significantly expand the scope of applications of PAT and US in biomedical imaging. PMID:22254164

  14. Multi-scale Functional and Molecular Photoacoustic Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Yao, Junjie; Xia, Jun; Wang, Lihong V.

    2015-01-01

    Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) combines rich optical absorption contrast with the high spatial resolution of ultrasound at depths in tissue. The high scalability of PAT has enabled anatomical imaging of biological structures ranging from organelles to organs. The inherent functional and molecular imaging capabilities of PAT have further allowed it to measure important physiological parameters and track critical cellular activities. Integration of PAT with other imaging technologies provides complementary capabilities and can potentially accelerate the clinical translation of PAT. PMID:25933617

  15. Classifying murine glomerulonephritis using optical coherence tomography and optical coherence elastography.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chih-Hao; Du, Yong; Singh, Manmohan; Wu, Chen; Han, Zhaolong; Li, Jiasong; Chang, Anthony; Mohan, Chandra; Larin, Kirill V

    2016-08-01

    Acute glomerulonephritis caused by antiglomerular basement membrane marked by high mortality. The primary reason for this is delayed diagnosis via blood examination, urine analysis, tissue biopsy, or ultrasound and X-ray computed tomography imaging. Blood, urine, and tissue-based diagnoses can be time consuming, while ultrasound and CT imaging have relatively low spatial resolution, with reduced sensitivity. Optical coherence tomography is a noninvasive and high-resolution imaging technique that provides superior spatial resolution (micrometer scale) as compared to ultrasound and CT. Changes in tissue properties can be detected based on the optical metrics analyzed from the OCT signals, such as optical attenuation and speckle variance. Furthermore, OCT does not rely on ionizing radiation as with CT imaging. In addition to structural changes, the elasticity of the kidney can significantly change due to nephritis. In this work, OCT has been utilized to quantify the difference in tissue properties between healthy and nephritic murine kidneys. Although OCT imaging could identify the diseased tissue, its classification accuracy is clinically inadequate. By combining optical metrics with elasticity, the classification accuracy improves from 76% to 95%. These results show that OCT combined with OCE can be a powerful tool for identifying and classifying nephritis. Therefore, the OCT/OCE method could potentially be used as a minimally invasive tool for longitudinal studies during the progression and therapy of glomerulonephritis as well as complement and, perhaps, substitute highly invasive tissue biopsies. Elastic-wave propagation in mouse healthy and nephritic kidneys. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Ultrasonic computed tomography imaging of iron oxide nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perlman, Or; Azhari, Haim

    2017-02-01

    Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are becoming increasingly used and intensively investigated in the field of medical imaging. They are currently FDA approved for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and it would be highly desirable to visualize them by ultrasound as well. Previous reports using the conventional ultrasound B-scan (pulse-echo) imaging technique have shown very limited detectability of these particles. The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of imaging IONPs using the through-transmission ultrasound methodology and demonstrate their detectability using ultrasonic computed tomography (UCT). Commercially available IONPs were acoustically analysed to quantify their effect on the speed of sound (SOS) and acoustic attenuation as a function of concentration. Next, through-transmission projection and UCT imaging were performed on a breast mimicking phantom and on an ex vivo tissue model, to which IONPs were injected. Finally, an MRI scan was performed to verify that the same particles examined in the ultrasound experiment can be imaged by magnetic resonance, using the same clinically relevant concentrations. The results have shown a consistent concentration dependent speed of sound increase (1.86 \\text{m}{{\\text{s}}^{-1}} rise per 100 µg · ml-1 IONPs). Imaging based on this property has shown a substantial contrast-to-noise ratio improvement (up to 5 fold, p  <  0.01). The SOS-related effect generated a well discernible image contrast and allowed the detection of the particles existence and location, in both raster-scan projection and UCT imaging. Conversely, no significant change in the acoustic attenuation coefficient was noted. Based on these findings, it is concluded that IONPs can be used as an effective SOS-based contrast agent, potentially useful for ultrasonic breast imaging. Furthermore, the particle offers the capacity of significantly enhancing diagnosis accuracy using multimodal MRI-ultrasound imaging capabilities.

  17. Environmental Restoration Guide

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1995-09-01

    40 C.F.R $355, Apps. A and B). M. Hill, "Private Party Cost Recovery Actions In The Wake of KFC Western v. Meghing and other Recent Developments,” 30...million or $2 million depending on the number of USTs owned. Id. § 280.93(b). Petroleum marketers and UST owners that handle an average of more than...whenever a cleanup is undertaken for which other parties may share responsibility. See M. Hill, "Private Party Cost Recovery Actions in the Wake of KFC

  18. The Impact of Prostate Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms on Low-Income Latino Couples

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-03-01

    hacerle una pregunta sobre su salud. A1. En general, ¿Usted diría que su salud es excelente, muy buena, buena, regular, o mala? 100...hizo usted su trabajo u otras actividades con el mismo cuidado que de costumbre debido a algún problema emocional, como sentirse deprimido o...problema, si es que ha tenido problemas con esto, de gotear orina o mojarse los pantalones durante las últimas 4 semanas? 100 Ningún problema

  19. 100-N Area underground storage tank closures

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rowley, C.A.

    1993-08-01

    This report describes the removal/characterization actions concerning underground storage tanks (UST) at the 100-N Area. Included are 105-N-LFT, 182-N-1-DT, 182-N-2-DT, 182-N-3-DT, 100-N-SS-27, and 100-N-SS-28. The text of this report gives a summary of remedial activities. In addition, correspondence relating to UST closures can be found in Appendix B. Appendix C contains copies of Unusual Occurrence Reports, and validated sampling data results comprise Appendix D.

  20. PULSED FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF MUSCLE MITIGATES PARALYSIS-INDUCED BONE LOSS IN THE ADJACENT BONE: A STUDY IN A MOUSE MODEL

    PubMed Central

    Poliachik, Sandra L.; Khokhlova, Tatiana D.; Wang, Yak-Nam; Simon, Julianna C.; Bailey, Michael R.

    2015-01-01

    Bone loss can result from bed rest, space flight, spinal cord injury or age-related hormonal changes. Current bone loss mitigation techniques include pharmaceutical interventions, exercise, pulsed ultrasound targeted to bone and whole body vibration. In this study, we attempted to mitigate paralysis-induced bone loss by applying focused ultrasound to the midbelly of a paralyzed muscle. We employed a mouse model of disuse that uses onabotulinumtoxinA-induced paralysis, which causes rapid bone loss in 5 d. A focused 2 MHz transducer applied pulsed exposures with pulse repetition frequency mimicking that of motor neuron firing during walking (80 Hz), standing (20 Hz), or the standard pulsed ultrasound frequency used in fracture healing (1 kHz). Exposures were applied daily to calf muscle for 4 consecutive d. Trabecular bone changes were characterized using micro-computed tomography. Our results indicated that application of certain focused pulsed ultrasound parameters was able to mitigate some of the paralysis-induced bone loss. PMID:24857416

  1. A super-resolution ultrasound method for brain vascular mapping

    PubMed Central

    O'Reilly, Meaghan A.; Hynynen, Kullervo

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: High-resolution vascular imaging has not been achieved in the brain due to limitations of current clinical imaging modalities. The authors present a method for transcranial ultrasound imaging of single micrometer-size bubbles within a tube phantom. Methods: Emissions from single bubbles within a tube phantom were mapped through an ex vivo human skull using a sparse hemispherical receiver array and a passive beamforming algorithm. Noninvasive phase and amplitude correction techniques were applied to compensate for the aberrating effects of the skull bone. The positions of the individual bubbles were estimated beyond the diffraction limit of ultrasound to produce a super-resolution image of the tube phantom, which was compared with microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Results: The resulting super-resolution ultrasound image is comparable to results obtained via the micro-CT for small tissue specimen imaging. Conclusions: This method provides superior resolution to deep-tissue contrast ultrasound and has the potential to be extended to provide complete vascular network imaging in the brain. PMID:24320408

  2. [Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and image fusion for procedures of liver interventions].

    PubMed

    Jung, E M; Clevert, D A

    2018-06-01

    Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is becoming increasingly important for the detection and characterization of malignant liver lesions and allows percutaneous treatment when surgery is not possible. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound image fusion with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) opens up further options for the targeted investigation of a modified tumor treatment. Ultrasound image fusion offers the potential for real-time imaging and can be combined with other cross-sectional imaging techniques as well as CEUS. With the implementation of ultrasound contrast agents and image fusion, ultrasound has been improved in the detection and characterization of liver lesions in comparison to other cross-sectional imaging techniques. In addition, this method can also be used for intervention procedures. The success rate of fusion-guided biopsies or CEUS-guided tumor ablation lies between 80 and 100% in the literature. Ultrasound-guided image fusion using CT or MRI data, in combination with CEUS, can facilitate diagnosis and therapy follow-up after liver interventions. In addition to the primary applications of image fusion in the diagnosis and treatment of liver lesions, further useful indications can be integrated into daily work. These include, for example, intraoperative and vascular applications as well applications in other organ systems.

  3. Detecting cell death with optical coherence tomography and envelope statistics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farhat, Golnaz; Yang, Victor X. D.; Czarnota, Gregory J.; Kolios, Michael C.

    2011-02-01

    Currently no standard clinical or preclinical noninvasive method exists to monitor cell death based on morphological changes at the cellular level. In our past work we have demonstrated that quantitative high frequency ultrasound imaging can detect cell death in vitro and in vivo. In this study we apply quantitative methods previously used with high frequency ultrasound to optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect cell death. The ultimate goal of this work is to use these methods for optically-based clinical and preclinical cancer treatment monitoring. Optical coherence tomography data were acquired from acute myeloid leukemia cells undergoing three modes of cell death. Significant increases in integrated backscatter were observed for cells undergoing apoptosis and mitotic arrest, while necrotic cells induced a decrease. These changes appear to be linked to structural changes observed in histology obtained from the cell samples. Signal envelope statistics were analyzed from fittings of the generalized gamma distribution to histograms of envelope intensities. The parameters from this distribution demonstrated sensitivities to morphological changes in the cell samples. These results indicate that OCT integrated backscatter and first order envelope statistics can be used to detect and potentially differentiate between modes of cell death in vitro.

  4. Insights from echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and microcomputed tomography relative to the mid-myocardial left ventricular echogenic zone.

    PubMed

    Agger, Peter; Stephenson, Robert S; Dobrzynski, Halina; Atkinson, Andrew; Iaizzo, Paul A; Anderson, Robert H; Jarvis, Jonathan C; Allan, Sarah L; Partridge, John B; Zhao, Jichao; Zhang, Henggui; MacIver, David H

    2016-10-01

    The anatomical substrate for the mid-mural ventricular hyperechogenic zone remains uncertain, but it may represent no more than ultrasound reflected from cardiomyocytes orientated orthogonally to the ultrasonic beam. We sought to ascertain the relationship between the echogenic zone and the orientation of the cardiomyocytes. We used 3D echocardiography, diffusion tensor imaging, and microcomputed tomography to analyze the location and orientation of cardiomyocytes within the echogenic zone. We demonstrated that visualization of the echogenic zone is dependent on the position of the transducer and is most clearly seen from the apical window. Diffusion tensor imaging and microcomputed tomography show that the echogenic zone seen from the apical window corresponds to the position of the circumferentially orientated cardiomyocytes. An oblique band seen in the parasternal view relates to cardiomyocytes orientated orthogonally to the ultrasonic beam. The mid-mural ventricular hyperechogenic zone represents reflected ultrasound from cardiomyocytes aligned orthogonal to the ultrasonic beam. The echogenic zone does not represent a space, a connective tissue sheet, a boundary between ascending and descending limbs of a hypothetical helical ventricular myocardial band, nor an abrupt change in cardiomyocyte orientation. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Myocardial contrast echocardiography in mice: technical and physiological aspects.

    PubMed

    Verkaik, Melissa; van Poelgeest, Erik M; Kwekkeboom, Rick F J; Ter Wee, Piet M; van den Brom, Charissa E; Vervloet, Marc G; Eringa, Etto C

    2018-03-01

    Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) offers the opportunity to study myocardial perfusion defects in mice in detail. The value of MCE compared with single-photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and computed tomography consists of high spatial resolution, the possibility of quantification of blood volume, and relatively low costs. Nevertheless, a number of technical and physiological aspects should be considered to ensure reproducibility among research groups. The aim of this overview is to describe technical aspects of MCE and the physiological parameters that influence myocardial perfusion data obtained with this technique. First, technical aspects of MCE discussed in this technical review are logarithmic compression of ultrasound data by ultrasound systems, saturation of the contrast signal, and acquisition of images during different phases of the cardiac cycle. Second, physiological aspects of myocardial perfusion that are affected by the experimental design are discussed, including the anesthesia regimen, systemic cardiovascular effects of vasoactive agents used, and fluctuations in body temperature that alter myocardial perfusion. When these technical and physiological aspects of MCE are taken into account and adequately standardized, MCE is an easily accessible technique for mice that can be used to study the control of myocardial perfusion by a wide range of factors.

  6. Ultrasound guided fluorescence molecular tomography with improved quantification by an attenuation compensated born-normalization and in vivo preclinical study of cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Baoqiang; Berti, Romain; Abran, Maxime

    2014-05-15

    Ultrasound imaging, having the advantages of low-cost and non-invasiveness over MRI and X-ray CT, was reported by several studies as an adequate complement to fluorescence molecular tomography with the perspective of improving localization and quantification of fluorescent molecular targets in vivo. Based on the previous work, an improved dual-modality Fluorescence-Ultrasound imaging system was developed and then validated in imaging study with preclinical tumor model. Ultrasound imaging and a profilometer were used to obtain the anatomical prior information and 3D surface, separately, to precisely extract the tissue boundary on both sides of sample in order to achieve improved fluorescence reconstruction. Furthermore,more » a pattern-based fluorescence reconstruction on the detection side was incorporated to enable dimensional reduction of the dataset while keeping the useful information for reconstruction. Due to its putative role in the current imaging geometry and the chosen reconstruction technique, we developed an attenuation compensated Born-normalization method to reduce the attenuation effects and cancel off experimental factors when collecting quantitative fluorescence datasets over large area. Results of both simulation and phantom study demonstrated that fluorescent targets could be recovered accurately and quantitatively using this reconstruction mechanism. Finally, in vivo experiment confirms that the imaging system associated with the proposed image reconstruction approach was able to extract both functional and anatomical information, thereby improving quantification and localization of molecular targets.« less

  7. Assessment of the feasibility of using transrectal ultrasound for postimplant dosimetry in low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Davies, Rhian Siân, E-mail: rhian.s.davies@wales.nhs.uk; Perrett, Teresa; Powell, Jane

    A study was performed to establish whether transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-based postimplant dosimetry (PID) is both practically feasible and comparable to computed tomography (CT)-based PID, recommended in current published guidelines. In total, 22 patients treated consecutively at a single cancer center with low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy for early-stage prostate cancer had a transrectal ultrasound performed immediately after implant (d0-TRUS) and computed tomography scan 30 days after implant (d30-CT). Postimplant dosimetry planning was performed on both image sets and the results were compared. The interobserver reproducibility of the transrectal ultrasound postimplant dosimetry planning technique was also assessed. It was noticed that there wasmore » no significant difference in mean prostate D{sub 90} (136.5 Gy and 144.4 Gy, p = 0.2197), V{sub 100} (86.4% and 89.1%, p = 0.1480) and V{sub 150} (52.0% and 47.8%, p = 0.1657) for d30-CT and d0-TRUS, respectively. Rectal doses were significantly higher for d0-TRUS than d30-CT. Urethral doses were available with d0-TRUS only. We have shown that d0-TRUS PID is a useful tool for assessing the quality of an implant after low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy and is comparable to d30-CT PID. There are clear advantages to its use in terms of resource and time efficiency both for the clinical team and the patient.« less

  8. Bedside Ultrasound in the Emergency Department to Detect Hydronephrosis for the Evaluation of Suspected Ureteric Colic.

    PubMed

    Shrestha, R; Shakya, R M; Khan A, A

    2016-01-01

    Background Renal colic is a common emergency department presentation. Hydronephrosis is indirect sign of urinary obstruction which may be due to obstructing ureteric calculus and can be detected easily by bedside ultrasound with minimal training. Objective To compare the accuracy of detection of hydronephrosis performed by the emergency physician with that of radiologist's in suspected renal colic cases. Method This was a prospective observational study performed over a period of 6 months. Patients >8 years with provisional diagnosis of renal colic with both the bedside ultrasound and the formal ultrasound performed were included. Presence of hydronephrosis in both ultrasounds and size and location of ureteric stone if present in formal ultrasound was recorded. The accuracy of the emergency physician detection of hydronephrosis was determined using the scan reported by the radiologists as the "gold standard" as computed tomography was unavailable. Statistical analysis was executed using SPSS 17.0. Result Among the 111 included patients, 56.7% had ureteric stone detected in formal ultrasound. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of bedside ultrasound performed by emergency physician for detection of hydronephrosis with that of formal ultrasound performed by radiologist was 90.8%., 78.3%, 85.5% and 85.7% respectively. Bedside ultrasound and formal ultrasound both detected hydronephrosis more often in patients with larger stones and the difference was statistically significant (p=.000). Conclusion Bedside ultrasound can be potentially used as an important tool in detecting clinically significant hydronephrosis in emergency to evaluate suspected ureteric colic. Focused training in ultrasound could greatly improve the emergency management of these patients.

  9. Preoperative staging of rectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Yeung, Justin Mc; Ferris, Nicholas J; Lynch, A Craig; Heriot, Alexander G

    2009-10-01

    Preoperative staging is now an essential factor in the multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer because tumor stage is the strongest predictive factor for recurrence. Preoperative staging of rectal cancer can be divided into either local or distant staging. Local staging incorporates the assessment of mural wall invasion, circumferential resection margin involvement, as well as the nodal status for metastasis. Distant staging assesses for evidence of metastatic disease. The aim of this review is to consider the indications and limitations of the current preoperative imaging modalities for rectal cancer staging including clinical examination, endorectal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography, with respect to local and distant disease.

  10. Installation restoration program. Closure assessment report for UST removals at sites 4 and 5 - petroleum, oils, and lubricants facility. Virginia Air National Guard, 192nd Fighter Group, Richmond International Airport, Sandston, Virginia. Final report

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    The objectives of the closure assessment were to determine the extent of contaminated soil adjacent to the USTs requiring excavation, to provide documentation of soil and groundwater conditions following excavation, and to document closure activities in accordance with applicable VADEQ regulations. During closure activities, ASI provided technical support to the Base to ensure that the UST removal contractor (E K, Inc.) hereinafter referred to as the Contractor was in compliance with the technical requirements (as specified in the Plans and Specifications for Removal of Abandoned Underground Storage Tanks, Virginia Air National Guard, Richmond International Airport, Sandston, VA., dated July 1991more » and revised April 1992, and Addendum Numbers 1 through 7) of the contract. ASI was also responsible for collecting soil and/or groundwater closure samples from the excavations, and providing off-site fixed based laboratory analysis to verify clean conditions within the excavations.« less

  11. Integrating Robotic Observatories into Astronomy Labs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruch, Gerald T.

    2015-01-01

    The University of St. Thomas (UST) and a consortium of five local schools is using the UST Robotic Observatory, housing a 17' telescope, to develop labs and image processing tools that allow easy integration of observational labs into existing introductory astronomy curriculum. Our lab design removes the burden of equipment ownership by sharing access to a common resource and removes the burden of data processing by automating processing tasks that are not relevant to the learning objectives.Each laboratory exercise takes place over two lab periods. During period one, students design and submit observation requests via the lab website. Between periods, the telescope automatically acquires the data and our image processing pipeline produces data ready for student analysis. During period two, the students retrieve their data from the website and perform the analysis. The first lab, 'Weighing Jupiter,' was successfully implemented at UST and several of our partner schools. We are currently developing a second lab to measure the age of and distance to a globular cluster.

  12. Effect of Hydrologic and Geochemical Conditions on Oxygen-Enhanced Bioremediation in a Gasoline-Contaminated Aquifer

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Landmeyer, J.E.; Bradley, P.M.

    2003-01-01

    The effect of pre-existing factors, e.g., hydrologic, geochemical, and microbiological properties, on the results of oxygen addition to a reformulated gasoline-contaminated groundwater system was studied. Oxygen addition with an oxygen-release compound (a proprietary form of magnesium peroxide produced different results with respect to dissolved oxygen (DO) generation and contaminant decrease in the two locations. Oxygen-release compound injected at the former UST source area did not significantly change measured concentrations of DO, benzene, toluene, or MTBE. Conversely, oxygen-release compound injected 200 m downgradient of the former UST source area rapidly increased DO levels, and benzene, toluene, and MTBE concentrations decreased substantially. The different results could be related to differences in hydrologic and geochemical conditions that characterized the two locations prior to oxygen addition. The lack of recharge to ground water in the paved UST source area led to a much larger geochemical sink for DO compared to ground water in the unpaved area.

  13. A kinematic analysis of the rapid step test in balance-impaired and unimpaired older women.

    PubMed

    Schulz, Brian W; Ashton-Miller, James A; Alexander, Neil B

    2007-04-01

    Little is known about the kinematic and kinetic determinants that might explain age and balance-impairment alterations in the results of volitional stepping performance tests. Maximal unipedal stance time (UST) was used to distinguish "balance-impaired" old (BI, UST<10s, N=15, mean age=76 years) from unimpaired old (O, UST>30s, N=12, mean age=71 years) before they and healthy young females (Y, UST>30s, N=13, mean age=23 years) performed the rapid step test (RST). The RST evaluates the time required to take volitional front, side, and back steps of at least 80% maximum step length in response to verbal commands. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded during the RST. The results indicate that the initiation phase of the step was the major source of age- and balance impairment-related delays. The delays in BI were primarily caused by increased postural adjustments prior to step initiation, as measured by center-of-pressure (COP) path length (p<0.003). The Step landing phase showed similar, but non-significant, temporal trends. Step length and peak center-of-mass (COM) deceleration during the Step-Out landing decreased in O by 18% (p=0.0002) and 24% (p=0.001), respectively, and a further 12% (p=0.04) and 18% (p=0.08) in BI. We conclude that the delay in BI step initiation was due to the increase in their postural adjustments prior to step initiation.

  14. The prevalence of upright non-stepping time in comparison to stepping time in 11-13 year old school children across seasons.

    PubMed

    McCrorie, P Rw; Duncan, E; Granat, M H; Stansfield, B W

    2012-11-01

    Evidence suggests that behaviours such as standing are beneficial for our health. Unfortunately, little is known of the prevalence of this state, its importance in relation to time spent stepping or variation across seasons. The aim of this study was to quantify, in young adolescents, the prevalence and seasonal changes in time spent upright and not stepping (UNSt(time)) as well as time spent upright and stepping (USt(time)), and their contribution to overall upright time (U(time)). Thirty-three adolescents (12.2 ± 0.3 y) wore the activPAL activity monitor during four school days on two occasions: November/December (winter) and May/June (summer). UNSt(time) contributed 60% of daily U(time) at winter (Mean = 196 min) and 53% at summer (Mean = 171 min); a significant seasonal effect, p < 0.001. USt(time) was significantly greater in summer compared to winter (153 min versus 131 min, p < 0.001). The effects in UNSt(time) could be explained through significant seasonal differences during the school hours (09:00-16:00), whereas the effects in USt(time) could be explained through significant seasonal differences in the evening period (16:00-22:00). Adolescents spent a greater amount of time upright and not stepping than they did stepping, in both winter and summer. The observed seasonal effects for both UNSt(time) and USt(time) provide important information for behaviour change intervention programs.

  15. The Diagnosis of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection by Optical Coherence Tomography.

    PubMed

    Kanda, Takahiro; Tawarahara, Kei; Matsukura, Gaku; Matsunari, Masayoshi; Takabayashi, Rumi; Tamura, Jun; Ozeki, Mariko; Ukigai, Hiroshi

    2018-02-15

    Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is rare, but it frequently presents as acute myocardial infarction. It is frequently fatal and most cases are diagnosed at autopsy. We herein present the case of a 65-year-old woman with ST-elevation and myocardial infarction due to SCAD. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) helped us to confirm the diagnosis. The information on the intravascular morphology provided by OCT imaging is much more detailed in comparison to that provided by coronary angiography (CAG) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

  16. Ring-based ultrasonic virtual point detector with applications to photoacoustic tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Xinmai; Li, Meng-Lin; Wang, Lihong V.

    2007-06-01

    An ultrasonic virtual point detector is constructed using the center of a ring transducer. The virtual point detector provides ideal omnidirectional detection free of any aperture effect. Compared with a real point detector, the virtual one has lower thermal noise and can be scanned with its center inside a physically inaccessible medium. When applied to photoacoustic tomography, the virtual point detector provides both high spatial resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio. It can also be potentially applied to other ultrasound-related technologies.

  17. Detection of an embolized central venous catheter fragment with endobronchial ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Dhillon, Samjot Singh; Harris, Kassem; Alraiyes, Abdul H; Picone, Anthony L

    2018-01-01

    An 84-year-old woman underwent Convex-probe Endobronchial Ultrasound (CP-EBUS) for 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose avid subcarinal lymphadenopathy on Positron Emission Tomogram (PET) scan. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of the subcarinal lymph node revealed squamous cell lung carcinoma. A small hyperechoic rounded density was noted inside the lumen of the azygous vein. Based on chest computed tomography findings and her clinical history, this was felt to be a broken fragment of a peripherally inserted central catheter, which was placed for intravenous antibiotics, a few months prior to this presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever CP-EBUS description of a broken fragment of central venous catheter. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. A photoacoustic tomography and ultrasound combined system for proximal interphalangeal joint imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Guan; Rajian, Justin R.; Girish, Gandikota; Wang, Xueding

    2013-03-01

    A photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound (US) dual modality system for imaging human peripheral joints is introduced. The system utilizes a commercial US unit for both US control imaging and PA signal acquisition. Preliminary in vivo evaluation of the system on normal volunteers revealed that this system can recover both the structural and functional information of intra- and extra-articular tissues. Presenting both morphological and pathological information in joint, this system holds promise for diagnosis and characterization of inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

  19. Light-emitting diode-based multiwavelength diffuse optical tomography system guided by ultrasound

    PubMed Central

    Yuan, Guangqian; Alqasemi, Umar; Chen, Aaron; Yang, Yi; Zhu, Quing

    2014-01-01

    Abstract. Laser diodes are widely used in diffuse optical tomography (DOT) systems but are typically expensive and fragile, while light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are cheaper and are also available in the near-infrared (NIR) range with adequate output power for imaging deeply seated targets. In this study, we introduce a new low-cost DOT system using LEDs of four wavelengths in the NIR spectrum as light sources. The LEDs were modulated at 20 kHz to avoid ambient light. The LEDs were distributed on a hand-held probe and a printed circuit board was mounted at the back of the probe to separately provide switching and driving current to each LED. Ten optical fibers were used to couple the reflected light to 10 parallel photomultiplier tube detectors. A commercial ultrasound system provided simultaneous images of target location and size to guide the image reconstruction. A frequency-domain (FD) laser-diode-based system with ultrasound guidance was also used to compare the results obtained from those of the LED-based system. Results of absorbers embedded in intralipid and inhomogeneous tissue phantoms have demonstrated that the LED-based system provides a comparable quantification accuracy of targets to the FD system and has the potential to image deep targets such as breast lesions. PMID:25473884

  20. American Thyroid Association statement on preoperative imaging for thyroid cancer surgery.

    PubMed

    Yeh, Michael W; Bauer, Andrew J; Bernet, Victor A; Ferris, Robert L; Loevner, Laurie A; Mandel, Susan J; Orloff, Lisa A; Randolph, Gregory W; Steward, David L

    2015-01-01

    The success of surgery for thyroid cancer hinges on thorough and accurate preoperative imaging, which enables complete clearance of the primary tumor and affected lymph node compartments. This working group was charged by the Surgical Affairs Committee of the American Thyroid Association to examine the available literature and to review the most appropriate imaging studies for the planning of initial and revision surgery for thyroid cancer. Ultrasound remains the most important imaging modality in the evaluation of thyroid cancer, and should be used routinely to assess both the primary tumor and all associated cervical lymph node basins preoperatively. Positive lymph nodes may be distinguished from normal nodes based upon size, shape, echogenicity, hypervascularity, loss of hilar architecture, and the presence of calcifications. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of suspicious lymph nodes may be useful in guiding the extent of surgery. Cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography with contrast or magnetic resonance imaging) may be considered in select circumstances to better characterize tumor invasion and bulky, inferiorly located, or posteriorly located lymph nodes, or when ultrasound expertise is not available. The above recommendations are applicable to both initial and revision surgery. Functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT may be helpful in cases of recurrent cancer with positive tumor markers and negative anatomic imaging.

  1. American Thyroid Association Statement on Preoperative Imaging for Thyroid Cancer Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Bauer, Andrew J.; Bernet, Victor A.; Ferris, Robert L.; Loevner, Laurie A.; Mandel, Susan J.; Orloff, Lisa A.; Randolph, Gregory W.; Steward, David L.

    2015-01-01

    Background: The success of surgery for thyroid cancer hinges on thorough and accurate preoperative imaging, which enables complete clearance of the primary tumor and affected lymph node compartments. This working group was charged by the Surgical Affairs Committee of the American Thyroid Association to examine the available literature and to review the most appropriate imaging studies for the planning of initial and revision surgery for thyroid cancer. Summary: Ultrasound remains the most important imaging modality in the evaluation of thyroid cancer, and should be used routinely to assess both the primary tumor and all associated cervical lymph node basins preoperatively. Positive lymph nodes may be distinguished from normal nodes based upon size, shape, echogenicity, hypervascularity, loss of hilar architecture, and the presence of calcifications. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of suspicious lymph nodes may be useful in guiding the extent of surgery. Cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography with contrast or magnetic resonance imaging) may be considered in select circumstances to better characterize tumor invasion and bulky, inferiorly located, or posteriorly located lymph nodes, or when ultrasound expertise is not available. The above recommendations are applicable to both initial and revision surgery. Functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT may be helpful in cases of recurrent cancer with positive tumor markers and negative anatomic imaging. PMID:25188202

  2. Sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of pancreas divisum: a tertiary center experience.

    PubMed

    Kushnir, Vladimir M; Wani, Sachin B; Fowler, Kathryn; Menias, Christine; Varma, Rakesh; Narra, Vamsi; Hovis, Christine; Murad, Faris M; Mullady, Daniel K; Jonnalagadda, Sreenivasa S; Early, Dayna S; Edmundowicz, Steven A; Azar, Riad R

    2013-04-01

    There are limited data comparing imaging modalities in the diagnosis of pancreas divisum. We aimed to: (1) evaluate the sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for pancreas divisum; and (2) assess interobserver agreement (IOA) among expert radiologists for detecting pancreas divisum on MDCT and MRCP. For this retrospective cohort study, we identified 45 consecutive patients with pancreaticobiliary symptoms and pancreas divisum established by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography who underwent EUS and cross-sectional imaging. The control group was composed of patients without pancreas divisum who underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and cross-sectional imaging. The sensitivity of EUS for pancreas divisum was 86.7%, significantly higher than the sensitivity reported in the medical records for MDCT (15.5%) or MRCP (60%) (P < 0.001 for each). On review by expert radiologists, the sensitivity of MDCT increased to 83.3% in cases where the pancreatic duct was visualized, with fair IOA (κ = 0.34). Expert review of MRCPs did not identify any additional cases of pancreas divisum; IOA was moderate (κ = 0.43). Endoscopic ultrasound is a sensitive test for diagnosing pancreas divisum and is superior to MDCT and MRCP. Review of MDCT studies by expert radiologists substantially raises its sensitivity for pancreas divisum.

  3. Scatterer density sensitive tomography utilizing light and ultrasound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vakili, Ali; Holt, R. Glynn; DiMarzio, Charles A.

    2018-02-01

    Hybrid imaging modalities are becoming more popular since they utilize the benefit of both optical and ultrasound (US) imaging modalities. They use the contrast based on optical properties and negligible scattering of US waves to extend the depth of imaging. Ultrasound modulated optical tomography (UOT) and acoustic radiation force (ARF) with speckle pattern analysis, both use the idea of utilizing a focused US wave to spatially encode in information in the diffused light. We have previously shown that compared to UOT, ARF regime can result in a stronger signal and the mean irradiance change (MIC) signal can reflect the mechanical and thermal properties of the tissue non-invasively. In addition to the mechanical and thermal properties of the medium, the MIC signal is able to reveal information about the morphology of the medium. A tumor is formed by a group of cancer cells that are result of rounds of successive mutation. Cancer cell grow without control in abnormal shapes. In this study, we have modeled cells with their nuclei, assuming that the scattering events occur at the location of the nuclei of the cells. We have shown that, although the MIC signal is not sensitive to the size of the particle, it can detect the presence of the tumor base on the higher concentration of cells in a tumor.

  4. Relationship between endobronchial ultrasound‐guided (EBUS)‐transbronchial needle aspiration utility and computed tomography staging, node size at EBUS, and positron emission tomography scan node standard uptake values: A retrospective analysis

    PubMed Central

    Marchand, Clare

    2017-01-01

    Background Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) diagnoses and stages mediastinal lymph node pathology. This retrospective study determined the relationship between EBUS‐TBNA utility and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage, lymph node size, and positron emission tomography (PET) standard uptake values (SUV), and the utility of neck ultrasound in bulky mediastinal disease. Methods Data of 284 consecutive patients who had undergone EBUS‐TBNA was collected. Two hundred patients had suspected NSCLC, with 148 confirmed NSCLC cases. The diagnostic utility of EBUS‐TBNA was determined according to NSCLC stage, EBUS lymph node size, PET SUV, use in distal metastases, and mutation testing. The utility of neck ultrasound for N3 disease was calculated in patients with bulky mediastinal disease. Results EBUS‐TBNA was well tolerated with 97% sensitivity in distant metastatic disease, avoiding the need for distal metastases biopsy in 81% of cases. It had equivalent diagnostic accuracy in all NSCLC stages and in lymph nodes <10 mm, <20 mm or >20 mm (sensitivity >92% in all cases), with no mutation testing failures. EBUS‐TBNA had 33% sensitivity in PET indolent (SUV < 4) nodes and 79% sensitivity in PET active nodes (SUV > 4). EBUS‐TBNA diagnosed 12 cases of lymphoma without flow cytometry. Conclusions The use of EBUS‐TBNA meant that distant metastatic biopsy was avoided in 81% of cases, performing well irrespective of cancer stage, node size, and facilitating mutation testing. Neck ultrasound failed to detect N3 disease in patients with bulky mediastinal disease. EBUS‐TBNA had a sensitivity of 33% for metastases in PET negative nodes, highlighting PET limitations. PMID:28436173

  5. Utility of Computed Tomography versus Abdominal Ultrasound Examination to Identify Iliosacral Lymphadenomegaly in Dogs with Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Anal Sac.

    PubMed

    Palladino, S; Keyerleber, M A; King, R G; Burgess, K E

    2016-11-01

    Apocrine gland adenocarcinoma of the anal sac (AGAAS) is associated with high rates of iliosacral lymph node metastasis, which may influence treatment and prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recently has been shown to be more sensitive than abdominal ultrasound examination (AUS) in affected patients. To compare the rate of detection of iliosacral lymphadenomegaly between AUS and computed tomography (CT) in dogs with AGAAS. Cohort A: A total of 30 presumed normal dogs. Cohort B: A total of 20 dogs with AGAAS that underwent AUS and CT. Using cohort A, mean normalized lymph node : aorta (LN : AO) ratios were established for medial iliac, internal iliac, and sacral lymph nodes. The CT images in cohort B then were reviewed retrospectively and considered enlarged if their LN : AO ratio measured 2 standard deviations above the mean normalized ratio for that particular node in cohort A. Classification and visibility of lymph nodes identified on AUS were compared to corresponding measurements obtained on CT. Computed tomography identified lymphadenomegaly in 13 of 20 AGAAS dogs. Of these 13 dogs, AUS correctly identified and detected all enlarged nodes in only 30.8%, and either misidentified or failed to detect additional enlarged nodes in the remaining dogs. Despite limitations in identifying enlargement in all affected lymph nodes, AUS identified at least 1 enlarged node in 100% of affected dogs. Abdominal ultrasound examination is an effective screening test for lymphadenomegaly in dogs with AGAAS, but CT should be considered in any patient in which an additional metastatic site would impact therapeutic planning. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  6. Clinical review: Lung imaging in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients - an update

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Over the past 30 years lung imaging has greatly contributed to the current understanding of the pathophysiology and the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In the past few years, in addition to chest X-ray and lung computed tomography, newer functional lung imaging techniques, such as lung ultrasound, positron emission tomography, electrical impedance tomography and magnetic resonance, have been gaining a role as diagnostic tools to optimize lung assessment and ventilator management in ARDS patients. Here we provide an updated clinical review of lung imaging in ARDS over the past few years to offer an overview of the literature on the available imaging techniques from a clinical perspective. PMID:24238477

  7. Optical Coherence Tomography and Autofluorescence Imaging of Human Tonsil

    PubMed Central

    Pahlevaninezhad, Hamid; Lee, Anthony M. D.; Rosin, Miriam; Sun, Ivan; Zhang, Lewei; Hakimi, Mehrnoush; MacAulay, Calum; Lane, Pierre M.

    2014-01-01

    For the first time, we present co-registered autofluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography (AF/OCT) of excised human palatine tonsils to evaluate the capabilities of OCT to visualize tonsil tissue components. Despite limited penetration depth, OCT can provide detailed structural information about tonsil tissue with much higher resolution than that of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and Ultrasound. Different tonsil tissue components such as epithelium, dense connective tissue, lymphoid nodules, and crypts can be visualized by OCT. The co-registered AF imaging can provide matching biochemical information. AF/OCT scans may provide a non-invasive tool for detecting tonsillar cancers and for studying the natural history of their development. PMID:25542010

  8. Relationships among ultrasonic and mechanical properties of cancellous bone in human calcaneus in vitro.

    PubMed

    Wear, Keith A; Nagaraja, Srinidhi; Dreher, Maureen L; Sadoughi, Saghi; Zhu, Shan; Keaveny, Tony M

    2017-10-01

    Clinical bone sonometers applied at the calcaneus measure broadband ultrasound attenuation and speed of sound. However, the relation of ultrasound measurements to bone strength is not well-characterized. Addressing this issue, we assessed the extent to which ultrasonic measurements convey in vitro mechanical properties in 25 human calcaneal cancellous bone specimens (approximately 2×4×2cm). Normalized broadband ultrasound attenuation, speed of sound, and broadband ultrasound backscatter were measured with 500kHz transducers. To assess mechanical properties, non-linear finite element analysis, based on micro-computed tomography images (34-micron cubic voxel), was used to estimate apparent elastic modulus, overall specimen stiffness, and apparent yield stress, with models typically having approximately 25-30 million elements. We found that ultrasound parameters were correlated with mechanical properties with R=0.70-0.82 (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that ultrasound measurements provide additional information regarding mechanical properties beyond that provided by bone quantity alone (p≤0.05). Adding ultrasound variables to linear regression models based on bone quantity improved adjusted squared correlation coefficients from 0.65 to 0.77 (stiffness), 0.76 to 0.81 (apparent modulus), and 0.67 to 0.73 (yield stress). These results indicate that ultrasound can provide complementary (to bone quantity) information regarding mechanical behavior of cancellous bone. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  9. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation for mandibular condyle osteoarthritis lesions in rats.

    PubMed

    Kanaguchi Arita, A; Yonemitsu, I; Ikeda, Y; Miyazaki, M; Ono, T

    2018-05-01

    This study evaluated low-intensity pulsed ultrasound effects for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in adult rats. Osteoarthritis-like lesions were induced in 24 adult rats' temporomandibular joints with low-dose mono-iodoacetate injections. The rats were divided into four groups: control and mono-iodoacetate groups, injected with contrast media and mono-iodoacetate, respectively, at 12 weeks and observed until 20 weeks; and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and mono-iodoacetate + low-intensity pulsed ultrasound groups, injected with contrast media and mono-iodoacetate, respectively, at 12 weeks with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound performed from 16 to 20 weeks. Condylar bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone volume were evaluated weekly with microcomputed tomography. Histological and immunohistochemical staining for matrix metalloproteinases-13 was performed at 20 weeks. At 20 weeks, the mono-iodoacetate + low-intensity pulsed ultrasound group showed significantly higher bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone volume than the mono-iodoacetate group; however, these values remained lower than those in the other two groups. On histological and immunohistochemical analysis, the chondrocytes were increased, and fewer matrix metalloproteinases-13 immunopositive cells were identified in the mono-iodoacetate + low-intensity pulsed ultrasound group than mono-iodoacetate group. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for 2 weeks may have therapeutic potential for treating temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis lesions. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. Imaging of non-osteochondral tissues in osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Guermazi, A; Roemer, F W; Crema, M D; Englund, M; Hayashi, D

    2014-10-01

    The aim of this review is to describe imaging techniques for evaluation of non-osteochondral structures such as the synovium, menisci in the knee, labrum in the hip, ligaments and muscles and to review the literature from recent clinical and epidemiological studies of OA. This is a non-systematic narrative review of published literature on imaging of non-osteochondral tissues in OA. PubMed and MEDLINE search for articles published up to 2014, using the keywords osteoarthritis, synovitis, meniscus, labrum, ligaments, plica, muscles, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography (PET). Published literature showed imaging of non-osteochondral tissues in OA relies primarily on MRI and ultrasound. The use of semiquantitative and quantitative imaging biomarkers of non-osteochondral tissues in clinical and epidemiological OA studies is reported. We highlight studies that have compared both imaging methodologies directly, and those that have established a relationship between imaging biomarkers and clinical outcomes. We provide recommendations as to which imaging protocols should be used to assess disease-specific changes regarding synovium, meniscus in the knee, labrum in the hip, and ligaments, and highlight potential pitfalls in their usage. MRI and ultrasound are currently the most useful imaging modalities for evaluation of non-osteochondral tissues in OA. MRI evaluation of any tissue needs to be performed using appropriate MR pulse sequences. Ultrasound may be particularly useful for evaluation of small joints of the hand. Nuclear medicine and CT play a limited role in imaging of non-osteochondral tissues in OA. Copyright © 2014 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Brain Imaging in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mantovani, John F.

    1994-01-01

    This article reviews neuroimaging techniques such as cranial ultrasound, computed tomography scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging. Their roles in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities include identification of high-risk infants, establishment of the diagnosis and prognosis in affected children, and enhancement of discussion…

  12. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Massuger, L.F.; Kenemans, P.; Claessens, R.A.

    The safety and diagnostic accuracy of immunoscintigraphy with the indium-111-labeled monoclonal antibody OV-TL 3 F(ab')2({sup 111}In-OV-TL 3 F(ab')2) for diagnosis and follow-up of ovarian cancer was prospectively studied in 31 patients. Planar and SPECT scintigraphy were performed up to 4 days after i.v. injection of 140 MBq {sup 111}In-OV-TL 3 F(ab')2. Surgical evaluation was possible in 22 out of 31 patients. Imaging results were compared with X-ray computed tomography, ultrasound, and CA 125 serum level using the histologically confirmed surgical findings as a gold standard. Apart from a transient rash observed in two patients, no other immediate or delayed adversemore » reactions were observed. Within the surgically evaluated group, ovarian cancer lesions were detected in 16 out of 17 patients (94%). Of 45 distinct tumor deposits found at operation, 67% were detected and localized with immunoscintigraphy while X-ray computed tomography and ultrasound visualized 53% and 23%, respectively.« less

  13. Immunoscintigraphy of ovarian cancer with indium-111-labeled OV-TL 3 F(ab')2 monoclonal antibody.

    PubMed

    Massuger, L F; Kenemans, P; Claessens, R A; Verheijen, R H; Schijf, C P; Strijk, S P; Poels, L G; van Hoesel, R G; Corstens, F H

    1990-11-01

    The safety and diagnostic accuracy of immunoscintigraphy with the indium-111-labeled monoclonal antibody OV-TL 3 F(ab')2(111In-OV-TL 3 F(ab')2) for diagnosis and follow-up of ovarian cancer was prospectively studied in 31 patients. Planar and SPECT scintigraphy were performed up to 4 days after i.v. injection of 140 MBq 111In-OV-TL 3 F(ab')2. Surgical evaluation was possible in 22 out of 31 patients. Imaging results were compared with X-ray computed tomography, ultrasound, and CA 125 serum level using the histologically confirmed surgical findings as a "gold standard." Apart from a transient rash observed in two patients, no other immediate or delayed adverse reactions were observed. Within the surgically evaluated group, ovarian cancer lesions were detected in 16 out of 17 patients (94%). Of 45 distinct tumor deposits found at operation, 67% were detected and localized with immunoscintigraphy while X-ray computed tomography and ultrasound visualized 53% and 23%, respectively.

  14. The effect of variable waveform low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in a fourth metacarpal osteotomy gap model in horses.

    PubMed

    McClure, S R; Miles, K; Vansickle, D; South, T

    2010-08-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variable waveform low-intensity ultrasound on the healing of a fracture gap of the fourth metacarpal bone in horses. A randomized, blinded, controlled trial was conducted in eight healthy adult horses. In each horse, a 1-cm osteotomy of the fourth metacarpal bone was created. One randomly selected metacarpal gap was treated daily with a 40-min session of ultrasound and the opposite gap was managed similarly with an inactive transducer. The fourth metacarpal bones were radiographed weekly. Fluorescent markers were administered at 14, 28, 56 and 70 d. At the completion of the study at day 84, the bones were harvested and evaluated with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and histology. There were no significant differences between treated and control bones for any of the radiographic, pQCT or histologic parameters evaluated. These findings suggested that low-intensity ultrasound did not affect bone formation in a fracture gap model in the horse. Copyright 2010 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Magnetic Resonance-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Osteoid Osteoma: A Case Series Report.

    PubMed

    Rovella, Marcello S; Martins, Guilherme L P; Cavalcanti, Conrado F A; Bor-Seng-Shu, Edson; Camargo, Olavo P; Cerri, Giovanni G; Menezes, Marcos R

    2016-04-01

    Osteoid osteoma is painful benign tumor. The aim of this study was to report our initial experience using magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound to treat osteoid osteomas. This retrospective single-center study included four patients treated with magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound. They presented with severe pain with reduced quality of life and a poor response to clinical treatment. The pre- and post-treatment evaluation comprised computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and focused on quality of life and the impact of pain on daily activities. After treatment, three patients had complete pain resolution with no recurrence. One patient had a recurrence of symptoms after 2 wk and underwent a new successful treatment with increased energy levels. On average, 13 sonications were administered (8-18 sonications/treatment) with an average energy of 2,003 J (range: 1,063-3,522 J). Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound appears to be a feasible, tolerable and effective treatment in selected patients with osteoid osteomas. Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Optical tomography of fluorophores in dense scattering media based on ultrasound-enhanced chemiluminescence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kobayashi, Masaki; Kikuchi, Naoto; Sato, Akihiro

    2015-01-01

    This letter proposes and demonstrates ultrasound-combined optical imaging in dense scattering media. A peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence system that includes fluorophores to chemically excite the pigment is stimulated by ultrasound irradiation with power of less than 0.14 W/cm2. Using focused ultrasound, the chemiluminescence is selectively spatially enhanced, which leads to imaging of the pigment when embedded in a light-scattering medium via scanning of the focal point. The ultrasonically enhanced intensity of the chemiluminescence depends on the base intensity of the chemiluminescence without the applied ultrasound irradiation, which thereby enables quantitative determination of the fluorophore concentration. The authors demonstrate the potential of this method to resolve chemiluminescent targets in a dense scattering medium that is comparable to biological tissue. An image was acquired of a chemiluminescent target that included indocyanine green as the fluorophore embedded at a depth of 20 mm in an Intralipid-10% 200 ml/l solution scattering medium (the reduced scattering coefficient was estimated to be approximately 1.3 mm-1), indicating the potential for expansion of this technique for use in biological applications.

  17. A Review of Centrifugal Testing of Gasoline Contamination and Remediation

    PubMed Central

    Meegoda, Jay N.; Hu, Liming

    2011-01-01

    Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) containing gasoline represent a significant public health hazard. Virtually undetectable to the UST owner, gasoline leaks can contaminate groundwater supplies. In order to develop remediation plans one must know the extent of gasoline contamination. Centrifugal simulations showed that in silty and sandy soils gasoline moved due to the physical process of advection and was retained as a pool of free products above the water table. However, in clayey soils there was a limited leak with lateral spreading and without pooling of free products above the water table. Amount leaked depends on both the type of soil underneath the USTs and the amount of corrosion. The soil vapor extraction (SVE) technology seems to be an effective method to remove contaminants from above the water table in contaminated sites. In-situ air sparging (IAS) is a groundwater remediation technology for contamination below the water table, which involves the injection of air under pressure into a well installed into the saturated zone. However, current state of the art is not adequate to develop a design guide for site implementation. New information is being currently generated by both centrifugal tests as well as theoretical models to develop a design guide for IAS. The petroleum contaminated soils excavated from leaking UST sites can be used for construction of highway pavements, specifically as sub-base material or blended and used as hot or cold mix asphalt concrete. Cost analysis shows that 5% petroleum contaminated soils is included in hot or cold mix asphalt concrete can save US$5.00 production cost per ton of asphalt produced. PMID:21909320

  18. A review of centrifugal testing of gasoline contamination and remediation.

    PubMed

    Meegoda, Jay N; Hu, Liming

    2011-08-01

    Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) containing gasoline represent a significant public health hazard. Virtually undetectable to the UST owner, gasoline leaks can contaminate groundwater supplies. In order to develop remediation plans one must know the extent of gasoline contamination. Centrifugal simulations showed that in silty and sandy soils gasoline moved due to the physical process of advection and was retained as a pool of free products above the water table. However, in clayey soils there was a limited leak with lateral spreading and without pooling of free products above the water table. Amount leaked depends on both the type of soil underneath the USTs and the amount of corrosion. The soil vapor extraction (SVE) technology seems to be an effective method to remove contaminants from above the water table in contaminated sites. In-situ air sparging (IAS) is a groundwater remediation technology for contamination below the water table, which involves the injection of air under pressure into a well installed into the saturated zone. However, current state of the art is not adequate to develop a design guide for site implementation. New information is being currently generated by both centrifugal tests as well as theoretical models to develop a design guide for IAS. The petroleum contaminated soils excavated from leaking UST sites can be used for construction of highway pavements, specifically as sub-base material or blended and used as hot or cold mix asphalt concrete. Cost analysis shows that 5% petroleum contaminated soils is included in hot or cold mix asphalt concrete can save US$5.00 production cost per ton of asphalt produced.

  19. Establishment of ultrasound as a diagnostic aid in the referral of patients with abdominal pain in an emergency department – a pilot study

    PubMed Central

    Poulsen, Liv la Cour; Bækgaard, Emilie Stokholm; Istre, Per Grosen; Schmidt, Thomas Andersen; Larsen, Torben

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Ultrasonography is a noninvasive, cheap, and fast way of assessing abdominal pain in an emergency department. Many physicians working in emergency departments do not have pre-existing ultrasound experience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of first-year internship doctors to perform a reliable ultrasound examination on patients with abdominal pain in an emergency setting. Materials and methods This study took place in an emergency department in Denmark. Following a 1-day ultrasound introduction course, three doctors without prior ultrasound experience scanned 45 patients during a 2-month period. The applicability of the examinations was evaluated by subsequent control examination: computed tomography, operation, or ultrasound by a trained radiologist or gynecologist or, in cases where the patient was immediately discharged, by ultrasound image evaluation. Results In 14 out of 21 patients with a control examination, there was diagnostic agreement between the project ultrasound examination and the control. Image evaluation of all patients showed useful images of the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, abdominal aorta, and urinary bladder, but no useful images for either the pancreas or colon. Conclusion With only little formal training, it is possible for first-year internship doctors to correctly visualize some abdominal organs with ultrasonography. However, a longer study time frame, including more patients, and an ultrasound course specifically designed for the purpose of use in an emergency department, is needed to enhance the results. PMID:27147884

  20. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours: Report of Two Cases

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Orgera, Gianluigi, E-mail: gianluigi.orgera@ieo.it; Krokidis, Miltiadis; Monfardini, Lorenzo

    2011-04-15

    We describe the use of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for ablation of two pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs; insulinomas) in two inoperable young female patients. Both suffered from episodes of severe nightly hypoglycemia that was not efficiently controlled by medical treatment. After HIFU ablation, local disease control and symptom relief were achieved without postinterventional complications. The patients remained free of symptoms during 9-month follow-up. The lesions appeared to be decreased in volume, and there was decreased enhancing pattern in the multidetector computed tomography control (MDCT). HIFU is likely to be a valid alternative for symptoms control in patients with pancreaticmore » NETs. However, currently the procedure should be reserved for inoperable patients for whom symptoms cannot be controlled by medical therapy.« less

  1. Pituitary and ovarian abnormalities demonstrated by CT and ultrasound in children with features of the McCune-Albright syndrome

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rieth, K.G.; Comite, F.; Shawker, T.H.

    1984-11-01

    In a random series of 97 children referred to the National Institutes of Health with a presumptive diagnosis of precocious puberty, eight girls were found to have features of the McCune-Albright syndrome, including fibrous dysplasia of bone and/or skin lesions resembling cafe au lait spots. Radiographic evaluation of these patients included computed tomography of the head and pelvic ultrasound. The pituitary glands were suspicious for abnormality in five of the eight girls. Seven girls underwent pelvic ultrasound, and in all of them the ovaries were considered to be abnormal for their chronological age; in addition, two had functional ovarian cysts.more » The role of diagnostic radiological studies in the diagnosis of this syndrome is discussed.« less

  2. Intravenous and Intracavitary Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Evaluation and Management of Complicated Pediatric Pneumonia.

    PubMed

    Deganello, Annamaria; Rafailidis, Vasileios; Sellars, Maria E; Ntoulia, Aikaterini; Kalogerakou, Kleanthi; Ruiz, Gary; Cosgrove, David O; Sidhu, Paul S

    2017-09-01

    Pediatric pneumonia can be complicated by necrotizing pneumonia or a parapneumonic effusion either in the form of an empyema or a clear effusion. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography represent well-established modalities for evaluation of complicated pediatric pneumonia. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was recently introduced and is gaining increasing acceptance in pediatric imaging. In this case series, we present our initial experience with both intravenous and intracavitary use of CEUS in children with complicated pneumonia. Intravenous CEUS accurately and confidently showed necrotizing pneumonia and delineated pleural effusions, whereas intracavitary CEUS accurately identified the chest catheter location and patency and showed the presence of loculations, suggesting the use of fibrinolytics. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

  3. Simultaneous three-dimensional laser-ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wurzinger, Gerhild; Nuster, Robert; Schmitner, Nicole; Gratt, Sibylle; Paltauf, Günther

    2013-06-01

    A purely optical setup for simultaneous photoacoustic (PA) and laser-ultrasound (US) tomography is presented. It is shown that combined imaging can be achieved by using the same laser pulse for photoacoustic generation and for launching a broadband ultrasound pulse from an optically absorbing target. Detection of the laser-generated plane waves that have been scattered at the imaging object and of the photoacoustic signals emitted from the sample is done interferometrically. This way data for PA and US imaging are acquired within one single measurement. Distinction between the signals is possible due to their different times of flight. After data separation, image reconstruction is done using standard back-projection algorithms. The resolution of the setup was estimated and images of a zebra fish are shown, demonstrating the complementary information of the two imaging modalities.

  4. A robotic observatory in the city

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruch, Gerald T.; Johnston, Martin E.

    2012-05-01

    The University of St. Thomas (UST) Observatory is an educational facility integrated into UST's undergraduate curriculum as well as the curriculum of several local schools. Three characteristics combine to make the observatory unique. First, the telescope is tied directly to the support structure of a four-story parking ramp instead of an isolated pier. Second, the facility can be operated remotely over an Internet connection and is capable of performing observations without a human operator. Third, the facility is located on campus in the heart of a metropolitan area where light pollution is severe. Our tests indicate that, despite the lack of an isolated pier, vibrations from the ramp do not degrade the image quality at the telescope. The remote capability facilitates long and frequent observing sessions and allows others to use the facility without traveling to UST. Even with the high background due to city lights, the sensitivity and photometric accuracy of the system are sufficient to fulfill our pedagogical goals and to perform a variety of scientific investigations. In this paper, we outline our educational mission, provide a detailed description of the observatory, and discuss its performance characteristics.

  5. Antifouling potentials of eight deep-sea-derived fungi from the South China Sea.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiao-Yong; Xu, Xin-Ya; Peng, Jiang; Ma, Chun-Feng; Nong, Xu-Hua; Bao, Jie; Zhang, Guang-Zhao; Qi, Shu-Hua

    2014-04-01

    Marine-derived microbial secondary metabolites are promising potential sources of nontoxic antifouling agents. The search for environmentally friendly and low-toxic antifouling components guided us to investigate the antifouling potentials of eight novel fungal isolates from deep-sea sediments of the South China Sea. Sixteen crude ethyl acetate extracts of the eight fungal isolates showed distinct antibacterial activity against three marine bacteria (Loktanella hongkongensis UST950701-009, Micrococcus luteus UST950701-006 and Pseudoalteromonas piscida UST010620-005), or significant antilarval activity against larval settlement of bryozoan Bugula neritina. Furthermore, the extract of Aspergillus westerdijkiae DFFSCS013 displayed strong antifouling activity in a field trial lasting 4 months. By further bioassay-guided isolation, five antifouling alkaloids including brevianamide F, circumdatin F and L, notoamide C, and 5-chlorosclerotiamide were isolated from the extract of A. westerdijkiae DFFSCS013. This is the first report about the antifouling potentials of metabolites of the deep-sea-derived fungi from the South China Sea, and the first stage towards the development of non- or low-toxic antifouling agents from deep-sea-derived fungi.

  6. Construction concepts and validation of the 3D printed UST_2 modular stellarator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Queral, V.

    2015-03-01

    High accuracy, geometric complexity and thus high cost of stellarators tend to hinder the advance of stellarator research. Nowadays, new manufacturing methods might be developed for the production of small and middle-size stellarators. The methods should demonstrate advantages with respect common fabrication methods, like casting, cutting, forging and welding, for the construction of advanced highly convoluted modular stellarators. UST2 is a small modular three period quasi-isodynamic stellarator of major radius 0.26 m and plasma volume 10 litres being currently built to validate additive manufacturing (3D printing) for stellarator construction. The modular coils are wound in grooves defined on six 3D printed half period frames designed as light truss structures filled by a strong filler. A geometrically simple assembling configuration has been concocted for UST2 so as to try to lower the cost of the device while keeping the positioning accuracy of the different elements. The paper summarizes the construction and assembling concepts developed, the devised positioning methodology, the design of the coil frames and positioning elements and, an initial validation of the assembling of the components.

  7. Optical coherence tomography in gastroenterology: a review and future outlook

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsai, Tsung-Han; Leggett, Cadman L.; Trindade, Arvind J.; Sethi, Amrita; Swager, Anne-Fré; Joshi, Virendra; Bergman, Jacques J.; Mashimo, Hiroshi; Nishioka, Norman S.; Namati, Eman

    2017-12-01

    Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique optically analogous to ultrasound that can generate depth-resolved images with micrometer-scale resolution. Advances in fiber optics and miniaturized actuation technologies allow OCT imaging of the human body and further expand OCT utilization in applications including but not limited to cardiology and gastroenterology. This review article provides an overview of current OCT development and its clinical utility in the gastrointestinal tract, including disease detection/differentiation and endoscopic therapy guidance, as well as a discussion of its future applications.

  8. Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma of Prostatic Fascia: Case Report and Literature Review.

    PubMed

    Olivetti, Lucio; Benecchi, Luigi; Corti, Serena; Del Boca, Carlo; Ferrari, Matteo; Sergio, Pietro; Bercich, Luisa; Tanzi, Giulia

    2015-01-01

    Synovial sarcoma (SS) primarily occurs in the para-articular soft tissue of the lower extremities in young adults and it is extremely rare in the prostatic region. We report a case of a 46-year-old man who presented with urinary retention. Pelvic ultrasound (US) examination, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an 8.5 cm mass that appeared to originate in the prostatic fascia of the right lobe. Preoperative prostatic ultrasound transrectal needle biopsy revealed mesenchymal neoplastic tissue. Patient underwent surgery. The final pathologic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of monophasic synovial sarcoma.

  9. Two Cases of Lethal Complications Following Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Fine-Needle Biopsy of the Liver

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Drinkovic, Ivan; Brkljacic, Boris

    1996-09-15

    Two cases with lethal complications are reported among 1750 ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous fine-needle liver biopsies performed in our department. The first patient had angiosarcoma of the liver which was not suspected after computed tomography (CT) and US studies had been performed. The other patient had hepatocellular carcinoma in advanced hepatic cirrhosis. Death was due to bleeding in both cases. Pre-procedure laboratory tests did not reveal the existence of major bleeding disorders in either case. Normal liver tissue was interposed in the needle track between the liver capsule and the lesions which were targeted.

  10. A Theoretical Investigation of Acoustic Cavitation.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-07-15

    program generates. One needs to know what fraction of the bubble’s volume reaches the critical temperature for free radical formation and how long it...MACH-UST/C DRIVER=PFPO*( 1 .O.EPS*SIN(T+DT+RST/DUME)) DUM1=1 .O+(DT/(2 .Q*RST*( 1.0-MACH)) )*(l1.5*UST*( 1 .- MACH/3 .O)+CAPP* 1(1 .O+MACH)* CAPM /RST...UPR--1 .5*U*U*(1 .-MACH/3. )+CAPP*( (P-DRIVER-(CAPW+ CAPM *U)/R) 1*(1. O+MACH )+( 1. 0+0 .0 )*R*PPR/C)/R*( 1. 0-MACH) ) UTL=U+DT*UPR * PTLPR=3.O*(GM1

  11. Improving performance of nanoscale ultrasound contrast agents using N,N-diethylacrylamide stabilization.

    PubMed

    Perera, Reshani H; Wu, Hanping; Peiris, Pubudu; Hernandez, Christopher; Burke, Alan; Zhang, Helen; Exner, Agata A

    2017-01-01

    The design of nanoscale yet highly echogenic agents for imaging outside of the vasculature and for ultrasound-mediated drug delivery remains a formidable challenge. We have previously reported on formulation of echogenic perfluoropropane gas nanobubbles stabilized by a lipid-pluronic surfactant shell. In the current work we describe the development of a new generation of these nanoparticles which consist of perfluoropropane gas stabilized by a surfactant and lipid membrane and a crosslinked network of N,N-diethylacrylamide. The resulting crosslinked nanobubbles (CL-PEG-NB) were 95.2±25.2nm in diameter and showed significant improvement in stability and retention of echogenic signal over 24h. In vivo analysis via ultrasound and fluorescence mediated tomography showed greater tumor extravasation and accumulation with CL-PEG-NB compared to microbubbles. Together these results demonstrate the capabilities and advantages of a new, more stable, nanometer-scale ultrasound contrast agent that can be utilized in future work for diagnostic scans and molecular imaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Emergency ultrasound-based algorithms for diagnosing blunt abdominal trauma.

    PubMed

    Stengel, Dirk; Bauwens, Kai; Rademacher, Grit; Ekkernkamp, Axel; Güthoff, Claas

    2013-07-31

    Ultrasonography is regarded as the tool of choice for early diagnostic investigations in patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma. Although its sensitivity is too low for definite exclusion of abdominal organ injury, proponents of ultrasound argue that ultrasound-based clinical pathways enhance the speed of primary trauma assessment, reduce the number of computed tomography scans and cut costs. To assess the effects of trauma algorithms that include ultrasound examinations in patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma. We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (OvidSP), EMBASE (OvidSP), CINAHL (EBSCO), publishers' databases, controlled trials registers and the Internet. Bibliographies of identified articles and conference abstracts were searched for further elligible studies. Trial authors were contacted for further information and individual patient data. The searches were updated in February 2013. randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials (qRCTs). patients with blunt torso, abdominal or multiple trauma undergoing diagnostic investigations for abdominal organ injury. diagnostic algorithms comprising emergency ultrasonography (US). diagnostic algorithms without ultrasound examinations (for example, primary computed tomography [CT] or diagnostic peritoneal lavage [DPL]). mortality, use of CT and DPL, cost-effectiveness, laparotomy and negative laparotomy rates, delayed diagnoses, and quality of life. Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and extracted data. Where possible, data were pooled and relative risks (RRs), risk differences (RDs) and weighted mean differences, each with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated by fixed- or random-effects modelling, as appropriate. We identified four studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Overall, trials were of moderate methodological quality. Few trial authors responded to our written inquiries seeking to resolve controversial issues and to obtain individual patient data. We pooled mortality data from three trials involving 1254 patients; relative risk in favour of the US arm was 1.00 (95% CI 0.50 to 2.00). US-based pathways significantly reduced the number of CT scans (random-effects RD -0.52, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.21), but the meaning of this result is unclear. Given the low sensitivity of ultrasound, the reduction in CT scans may either translate to a number needed to treat or number needed to harm of two. There is currently insufficient evidence from RCTs to justify promotion of ultrasound-based clinical pathways in diagnosing patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma.

  13. Influence of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on osteogenic tissue regeneration in a periodontal injury model: X-ray image alterations assessed by micro-computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yunji; Chai, Zhaowu; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Deng, Feng; Wang, Zhibiao; Song, Jinlin

    2014-08-01

    This study was conducted to evaluate, with micro-computed tomography, the influence of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on wound-healing in periodontal tissues. Periodontal disease with Class II furcation involvement was surgically produced at the bilateral mandibular premolars in 8 adult male beagle dogs. Twenty-four teeth were randomly assigned among 4 groups (G): G1, periodontal flap surgery; G2, periodontal flap surgery+low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS); G3, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) surgery; G4, GTR surgery plus LIPUS. The affected area in the experimental group was exposed to LIPUS. At 6 and 8weeks, the X-ray images of regenerated teeth were referred to micro-CT scanning for 3-D measurement. Bone volume (BV), bone surface (BS), and number of trabeculae (Tb) in G2 and G4 were higher than in G1 and G3 (p<0.05). BV, BS, and Tb.N of the GTR+LIPUS group were higher than in the GTR group. BV, BS, and Tb.N of the LIPUS group were higher than in the periodontal flap surgery group. LIPUS irradiation increased the number, volume, and area of new alveolar bone trabeculae. LIPUS has the potential to promote the repair of periodontal tissue, and may work effectively if combined with GTR. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Amplitude-modulated ultrasound radiation force combined with phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography for shear wave elastography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nguyen, Thu-Mai; Song, Shaozhen; Arnal, Bastien; Wong, Emily Y.; Shen, Tueng T.; Wang, Ruikang K.; O'Donnell, Matthew

    2015-03-01

    Tissue stiffness can be measured from the propagation speed of shear waves. Acoustic radiation force (ARF) can generate shear waves by focusing ultrasound in tissue for ~100 μs. Safety considerations and electronics abilities limit ultrasound pressures. We previously presented shear wave elastography combining ARF and phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) [1]. Here, we use amplitude-modulated ARF to enhance shear wave signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at low pressures. Experiments were performed on tissue-mimicking phantoms. ARF was applied using a single-element transducer, driven by a 7.5 MHz, 3-ms, sine wave modulated in amplitude by a linear-swept frequency (1 to 7 kHz). Pressures between 1 to 3 MPa were tested. Displacements were tracked using PhS-OCT and numerically compressed using pulse compression methods detailed in previous work [2]. SNR was compared to that of 200-μs bursts. Stiffness maps were reconstructed using time-of-flight computations. 200-μs bursts give barely detectable displacements at 1 MPa (3.7 dB SNR). Pulse compression gives 36.2 dB at 1.5 MPa. In all cases with detectable displacements, shear wave speeds were determined in 5%-gelatin and 10%-gelatin phantoms and compared to literature values. Applicability to ocular tissues (cornea, intraocular lens) is under investigation.

  15. Is there a simple, definitive, and cost-effective way to diagnose osteomyelitis in the pressure ulcer patient?

    PubMed

    Larson, David L; Gilstrap, Jarom; Simonelic, Kevin; Carrera, Guillermo F

    2011-02-01

    Despite advances in managing pressure ulcers, there is still no definitive way to diagnose bone infection (osteomyelitis) short of open biopsy. An effective, less invasive diagnostic method might result in cost savings and improved care; however, needle aspiration, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and bone scans have proven unsatisfactory in predicting osteomyelitis. The authors reviewed preoperative radiologic studies of stage IV pressure ulcer patients and their bone biopsy results to determine which radiologic studies are most diagnostic for osteomyelitis. Patients (n = 44) having surgical débridement of stage IV ulcers with open bone biopsy after prior radiographic imaging (plain films, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or nuclear bone scans) were included. Studies were interpreted by a single musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to information from the medical record and following standard radiologic criteria for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. The percentage of patients with biopsy-proven osteomyelitis identified with imaging was 50 percent using a computed tomography scan and 88 percent using a plain film of the bony area of involvement. The overall sensitivity of either radiologic study was 61 percent. The percentage of patients without osteomyelitis identified as not having the condition by imaging was 85 percent for the computed tomography scan and 32 percent for the plain film. Overall specificity of both studies was 69 percent. Preoperative radiologic studies for osteomyelitis in a pressure ulcer are far from definitive; however, if a radiologic study is used to make that diagnosis in a stage IV pressure ulcer, it would appear that a plain film would suffice.

  16. Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Pulmonary Concerns in Remote Spaceflight Triage Environments.

    PubMed

    Johansen, Benjamin D; Blue, Rebecca S; Castleberry, Tarah L; Antonsen, Erik L; Vanderploeg, James M

    2018-02-01

    With the development of the commercial space industry, growing numbers of spaceflight participants will engage in activities with a risk for pulmonary injuries, including pneumothorax, ebullism, and decompression sickness, as well as other concomitant trauma. Medical triage capabilities for mishaps involving pulmonary conditions have not been systematically reviewed. Recent studies have advocated the use of point-of-care ultrasound to screen for lung injury or illness. The operational utility of portable ultrasound systems in disaster relief and other austere settings may be relevant to commercial spaceflight. A systematic review of published literature was conducted concerning the use of point-of-care pulmonary ultrasound techniques in austere environments, including suggested examination protocols for triage and diagnosis. Recent studies support the utility of pulmonary ultrasound examinations when performed by skilled operators, and comparability of the results to computed tomography and chest radiography for certain conditions, with important implications for trauma management in austere environments. Pulmonary injury and illness are among the potential health risks facing spaceflight participants. Implementation of point-of-care ultrasound protocols could aid in the rapid diagnosis, triage, and treatment of such conditions. Though operator-dependent, ultrasound, with proper training, experience, and equipment, could be a valuable tool in the hands of a first responder supporting remote spaceflight operations.Johansen BD, Blue RS, Castleberry TL, Antonsen EL, Vanderploeg JM. Point-of-care ultrasound for pulmonary concerns in remote spaceflight triage environments. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(2):122-129.

  17. Trunk repositioning errors are increased in balance-impaired older adults.

    PubMed

    Goldberg, Allon; Hernandez, Manuel Enrique; Alexander, Neil B

    2005-10-01

    Controlling the flexing trunk is critical in recovering from a loss of balance and avoiding a fall. To investigate the relationship between trunk control and balance in older adults, we measured trunk repositioning accuracy in young and balance-impaired and unimpaired older adults. Young adults (N = 8, mean age 24.3 years) and two groups of community-dwelling older adults defined by unipedal stance time (UST)-a balance-unimpaired group (UST > 30 seconds, N = 7, mean age 73.9 years) and a balance-impaired group (UST < 5 seconds, N = 8, mean age 79.6 years)-were tested in standing trunk control ability by reproducing a approximately 30 degrees trunk flexion angle under three visual-surface conditions: eyes opened and closed on the floor, and eyes opened on foam. Errors in reproducing the angle were defined as trunk repositioning errors (TREs). Clinical measures related to balance, trunk extensor strength, and self-reported disability were obtained. TREs were significantly greater in the balance-impaired group than in the other groups, even when controlling for trunk extensor strength and body mass. In older adults, there were significant correlations between TREs and three clinical measures of balance and fall risk, UST and maximum step length (-0.65 to -0.75), and Timed Up & Go score (0.55), and between TREs and age (0.63-0.76). In each group TREs were similar under the three visual-surface conditions. Test-retest reliability for TREs was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients > or =0.74). Older balance-impaired adults have larger TREs, and thus poorer trunk control, than do balance-unimpaired older individuals. TREs are reliable and valid measures of underlying balance impairment in older adults, and may eventually prove to be useful in predicting the ability to recover from losses of balance and to avoid falls.

  18. The Kara and Ust-Kara impact structures (USSR) and their relevance to the K/T boundary event

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Koeberl, Christian; Nazarov, M. A.; Harrison, T. M.; Sharpton, V. L.; Murali, A. V.; Burke, K.

    1988-01-01

    The Kara and Ust-Kara craters are twin impact structures situated at about 69 deg 10 min N; 65 deg 00 min E at the Kara Sea. For Kara a diameter of about 55 km would be a very conservative estimate, and field observations indicate a maximum current diameter of about 60 km. The diameter of Ust-Kara has to be larger than 16 km. A better estimate might be 25 km but in all likelihood it is even larger. Suevites and impactites from the Kara area have been known since the beginning of the century, but had been misidentified as glacial deposits. Only about 15 years ago the impact origin of the two structures was demonstrated, following the recognition of shock metamorphism in the area. The composition of the target rocks is mirrored by the composition of the clasts within the suevites. In the southern part of Kara, Permian shales and limestones are sometimes accompanied by diabasic dykes, similar to in the central uplift. Due to the high degree of shock metamorphism the shocked magmatic rocks are not easily identified, although most of them seem to be of diabasic or dioritic composition. The impact melts (tagamites) are grey to dark grey fine grained crystallized rocks showing very fine mineral components and are the product of shock-melting with later recrystallization. The impact glasses show a layered structure, inclusions, and vesicles, and have colors ranging from translucent white over brown and grey to black. A complete geochemical characterization of the Kara and Ust-Kara impact craters was attempted by analyzing more than 40 samples of target rocks, shocked rocks, suevites, impact melts, and impact glasses for major and trace elements.

  19. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided techniques for diagnosing pancreatic mass lesions: Can we do better?

    PubMed Central

    Storm, Andrew C; Lee, Linda S

    2016-01-01

    The diagnostic approach to a possible pancreatic mass lesion relies first upon various non-invasive imaging modalities, including computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Once a suspect lesion has been identified, tissue acquisition for characterization of the lesion is often paramount in developing an individualized therapeutic approach. Given the high prevalence and mortality associated with pancreatic cancer, an ideal approach to diagnosing pancreatic mass lesions would be safe, highly sensitive, and reproducible across various practice settings. Tools, in addition to radiologic imaging, currently employed in the initial evaluation of a patient with a pancreatic mass lesion include serum tumor markers, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). EUS-FNA has grown to become the gold standard in tissue diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. PMID:27818584

  20. 3D-printed adaptive acoustic lens as a disruptive technology for transcranial ultrasound therapy using single-element transducers.

    PubMed

    Maimbourg, Guillaume; Houdouin, Alexandre; Deffieux, Thomas; Tanter, Mickael; Aubry, Jean-François

    2018-01-16

    The development of multi-element arrays for better control of the shape of ultrasonic beams has opened the way for focusing through highly aberrating media, such as the human skull. As a result, the use of brain therapy with transcranial-focused ultrasound has rapidly grown. Although effective, such technology is expensive. We propose a disruptive, low-cost approach that consists of focusing a 1 MHz ultrasound beam through a human skull with a single-element transducer coupled with a tailored silicone acoustic lens cast in a 3D-printed mold and designed using computed tomography-based numerical acoustic simulation. We demonstrate on N  =  3 human skulls that adding lens-based aberration correction to a single-element transducer increases the deposited energy on the target 10 fold.

  1. Feasibility study of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver.

    PubMed

    Imankulov, S B; Fedotovskikh, G V; Shaimardanova, G M; Yerlan, M; Zhampeisov, N K

    2015-11-01

    This study evaluates the feasibility of using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver. HIFU ablation was carried out in 62 patients with echinococcosis of the liver. The mean age of patients was 40.76±14.84 (range: 17-72 years). The effectiveness of the treatment was monitored in real-time by changes in the gray-scale, and by morphological studies, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. Criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in real time were outlines. Cytomorphological picture of destructive changes of parasitic elements was presented as well. Loss of embryonic elements of the parasite was observed at the subcellular level after HIFU-ablation and underlines the effectiveness of HIFU. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  2. Monitoring of tissue heating with medium intensity focused ultrasound via four dimensional optoacoustic tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oyaga Landa, Francisco Javier; Ronda Penacoba, Silvia; Deán-Ben, Xosé Luís.; Montero de Espinosa, Francisco; Razansky, Daniel

    2018-02-01

    Medium intensity focused ultrasound (MIFU) holds promise in important clinical applications. Generally, the aim in MIFU is to stimulate physiological mechanisms that reinforce healing responses, avoiding reaching temperatures that can cause permanent tissue damage. The outcome of interventions is then strongly affected by the temperature distribution in the treated region, and accurate monitoring represents a significant clinical need. In this work, we showcase the capacities of 4D optoacoustic imaging to monitor tissue heating during MIFU. The proposed method allows localizing the ultrasound focus, estimating the peak temperature and measuring the size of the heat-affected volume. Calibration experiments in a tissue-mimicking phantom demonstrate that the optoacoustically-estimated temperature accurately matches thermocouple readings. The good performance of the suggested approach in real tissues is further showcased in experiments with bovine muscle samples.

  3. 3D-printed adaptive acoustic lens as a disruptive technology for transcranial ultrasound therapy using single-element transducers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maimbourg, Guillaume; Houdouin, Alexandre; Deffieux, Thomas; Tanter, Mickael; Aubry, Jean-François

    2018-01-01

    The development of multi-element arrays for better control of the shape of ultrasonic beams has opened the way for focusing through highly aberrating media, such as the human skull. As a result, the use of brain therapy with transcranial-focused ultrasound has rapidly grown. Although effective, such technology is expensive. We propose a disruptive, low-cost approach that consists of focusing a 1 MHz ultrasound beam through a human skull with a single-element transducer coupled with a tailored silicone acoustic lens cast in a 3D-printed mold and designed using computed tomography-based numerical acoustic simulation. We demonstrate on N  =  3 human skulls that adding lens-based aberration correction to a single-element transducer increases the deposited energy on the target 10 fold.

  4. Ultrasound Imaging Using Diffraction Tomography in a Cylindrical Geometry

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chambers, D H; Littrup, P

    2002-01-24

    Tomographic images of tissue phantoms and a sample of breast tissue have been produced from an acoustic synthetic array system for frequencies near 500 kHz. The images for sound speed and attenuation show millimeter resolution and demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining high-resolution tomographic images with frequencies that can deeply penetrate tissue. The image reconstruction method is based on the Born approximation to acoustic scattering and is a simplified version of a method previously used by Andre (Andre, et. al., Int. J. Imaging Systems and Technology, Vol 8, No. 1, 1997) for a circular acoustic array system. The images have comparablemore » resolution to conventional ultrasound images at much higher frequencies (3-5 MHz) but with lower speckle noise. This shows the potential of low frequency, deeply penetrating, ultrasound for high-resolution quantitative imaging.« less

  5. Ultrasound detection of pneumothorax compared with chest X-ray and computed tomography scan.

    PubMed

    Nagarsheth, Khanjan; Kurek, Stanley

    2011-04-01

    Pneumothorax after trauma can be a life threatening injury and its care requires expeditious and accurate diagnosis and possible intervention. We performed a prospective, single blinded study with convenience sampling at a Level I trauma center comparing thoracic ultrasound with chest X-ray and CT scan in the detection of traumatic pneumothorax. Trauma patients that received a thoracic ultrasound, chest X-ray, and chest CT scan were included in the study. The chest X-rays were read by a radiologist who was blinded to the thoracic ultrasound results. Then both were compared with CT scan results. One hundred and twenty-five patients had a thoracic ultrasound performed in the 24-month period. Forty-six patients were excluded from the study due to lack of either a chest X-ray or chest CT scan. Of the remaining 79 patients there were 22 positive pneumothorax found by CT and of those 18 (82%) were found on ultrasound and 7 (32%) were found on chest X-ray. The sensitivity of thoracic ultrasound was found to be 81.8 per cent and the specificity was found to be 100 per cent. The sensitivity of chest X-ray was found to be 31.8 per cent and again the specificity was found to be 100 per cent. The negative predictive value of thoracic ultrasound for pneumothorax was 0.934 and the negative predictive value for chest X-ray for pneumothorax was found to be 0.792. We advocate the use of chest ultrasound for detection of pneumothorax in trauma patients.

  6. An ultrasound wearable system for the monitoring and acceleration of fracture healing in long bones.

    PubMed

    Protopappas, Vasilios C; Baga, Dina A; Fotiadis, Dimitrios I; Likas, Aristidis C; Papachristos, Athanasios A; Malizos, Konstantinos N

    2005-09-01

    An ultrasound wearable system for remote monitoring and acceleration of the healing process in fractured long bones is presented. The so-called USBone system consists of a pair of ultrasound transducers, implanted into the fracture region, a wearable device and a centralized unit. The wearable device is responsible to carry out ultrasound measurements using the axial-transmission technique and initiate therapy sessions of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. The acquired measurements and other data are wirelessly transferred from the patient-site to the centralized unit, which is located in a clinical setting. The evaluation of the system on an animal tibial osteotomy model is also presented. A dataset was constructed for monitoring purposes consisting of serial ultrasound measurements, follow-up radiographs, quantitative computed tomography-based densitometry and biomechanical data. The animal study demonstrated the ability of the system to collect ultrasound measurements in an effective and reliable fashion and participating orthopaedic surgeons accepted the system for future clinical application. Analysis of the acquired measurements showed that the pattern of evolution of the ultrasound velocity through healing bones over the postoperative period monitors a dynamic healing process. Furthermore, the ultrasound velocity of radiographically healed bones returns to 80% of the intact bone value, whereas the correlation coefficient of the velocity with the material and mechanical properties of the healing bone ranges from 0.699 to 0.814. The USBone system constitutes the first telemedicine system for the out-hospital management of patients sustained open fractures and treated with external fixation devices.

  7. Imaging-based assessment of the mineral composition of urinary stones: an in vitro study of the combination of hounsfield unit measurement in noncontrast helical computerized tomography and the twinkling artifact in color Doppler ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Hassani, Hakim; Raynal, Gauthier; Spie, Romain; Daudon, Michel; Vallée, Jean-Noël

    2012-05-01

    We evaluated the value of combining noncontrast helical computerized tomography (NCHCT) and color Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of the composition of urinary stones. In vitro, we studied 120 stones of known composition, that separate into the five main types: 18 calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones, 41 calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) stones, 24 uric acid stones, 25 calcium phosphate stones and 12 cystine calculi. Stones were characterized in terms of their Hounsfield density (HU) in NCHCT and the presence of a twinkling artifact (TA) in color Doppler ultrasound. There were statistically significant HU differences between calcium and non-calcium stones (p < 0.001), calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones (p < 0.001) and uric acid stones and cystine calculi (p < 0.001) but not between COM and COD stones (p = 0.786). Hence, the HU was a predictive factor of the composition of all types of stones, other than for COM and COD stones within the calcium oxalate class (p > 0.05). We found that the TA does not enable differentiation between calcium and non-calcium stones (p > 0.999), calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones (p = 0.15), or uric acid stones and cystine calculi (p = 0.079). However, it did reveal a significant difference between COM and COD stones (p = 0.002). The absence of a TA is a predictive factor for the presence of COM stones (p = 0.008). Hence, the association of NCHCT and Doppler enables the accurate classification of the five types of stones in vitro. Copyright © 2012 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. A multimodal image guiding system for Navigated Ultrasound Bronchoscopy (EBUS): A human feasibility study

    PubMed Central

    Hofstad, Erlend Fagertun; Amundsen, Tore; Langø, Thomas; Bakeng, Janne Beate Lervik; Leira, Håkon Olav

    2017-01-01

    Background Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the endoscopic method of choice for confirming lung cancer metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes. Precision is crucial for correct staging and clinical decision-making. Navigation and multimodal imaging can potentially improve EBUS-TBNA efficiency. Aims To demonstrate the feasibility of a multimodal image guiding system using electromagnetic navigation for ultrasound bronchoschopy in humans. Methods Four patients referred for lung cancer diagnosis and staging with EBUS-TBNA were enrolled in the study. Target lymph nodes were predefined from the preoperative computed tomography (CT) images. A prototype convex probe ultrasound bronchoscope with an attached sensor for position tracking was used for EBUS-TBNA. Electromagnetic tracking of the ultrasound bronchoscope and ultrasound images allowed fusion of preoperative CT and intraoperative ultrasound in the navigation software. Navigated EBUS-TBNA was used to guide target lymph node localization and sampling. Navigation system accuracy was calculated, measured by the deviation between lymph node position in ultrasound and CT in three planes. Procedure time, diagnostic yield and adverse events were recorded. Results Preoperative CT and real-time ultrasound images were successfully fused and displayed in the navigation software during the procedures. Overall navigation accuracy (11 measurements) was 10.0 ± 3.8 mm, maximum 17.6 mm, minimum 4.5 mm. An adequate sample was obtained in 6/6 (100%) of targeted lymph nodes. No adverse events were registered. Conclusions Electromagnetic navigated EBUS-TBNA was feasible, safe and easy in this human pilot study. The clinical usefulness was clearly demonstrated. Fusion of real-time ultrasound, preoperative CT and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy provided a controlled guiding to level of target, intraoperative overview and procedure documentation. PMID:28182758

  9. An examination of polyvinylidene fluoride capacitive sensors as ultrasound transducer for imaging applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reyes-Ramírez, B.; García-Segundo, C.; García-Valenzuela, A.

    2014-05-01

    We investigate theoretically and experimentally the performance of low-noise capacitive sensors based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric films to sense water-borne ultrasound signals for their use in photoacoustic tomography. We derive a mechanical-to-electrical transfer function of a piezoelectric capacitor sensor of infinite lateral dimensions and arbitrary thickness assuming that an ultrasound wave is normally incident. Then, we analyse the response for obliquely incident ultrasound waves on sensors of large but finite area and derive an expression for the angle dependence of the sensor's response. We also present experimental different measurements with home-made sensors and compare with our theoretical model. We present measurements of the sensors' response to harmonic signals of variable frequency in the range from 0.5 to 50 MHz and of the angular-dependence factor at 6 MHz. Additionally, because of the scope of interest in these kinds of sensors, we also tested the sensors' response for photoacoustic perturbations. These are generated by laser pulses from directly impinging on the sensor and from ultrasound perturbations produced on neoprene by the same kind of laser pulses and then travelling through water to the sensor.

  10. Optical tomography of fluorophores in dense scattering media based on ultrasound-enhanced chemiluminescence

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kobayashi, Masaki, E-mail: masaki@tohtech.ac.jp; Kikuchi, Naoto; Sato, Akihiro

    This letter proposes and demonstrates ultrasound-combined optical imaging in dense scattering media. A peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence system that includes fluorophores to chemically excite the pigment is stimulated by ultrasound irradiation with power of less than 0.14 W/cm{sup 2}. Using focused ultrasound, the chemiluminescence is selectively spatially enhanced, which leads to imaging of the pigment when embedded in a light-scattering medium via scanning of the focal point. The ultrasonically enhanced intensity of the chemiluminescence depends on the base intensity of the chemiluminescence without the applied ultrasound irradiation, which thereby enables quantitative determination of the fluorophore concentration. The authors demonstrate the potential of thismore » method to resolve chemiluminescent targets in a dense scattering medium that is comparable to biological tissue. An image was acquired of a chemiluminescent target that included indocyanine green as the fluorophore embedded at a depth of 20 mm in an Intralipid-10% 200 ml/l solution scattering medium (the reduced scattering coefficient was estimated to be approximately 1.3 mm{sup −1}), indicating the potential for expansion of this technique for use in biological applications.« less

  11. Right Lower Quadrant Pain in a Young Female: Ultrasound Diagnosis of Rectus Abdominis Tear.

    PubMed

    Minardi, Joseph; Shaver, Erica; Monseau, Aaron; Pratt, Adam; Layman, Shelley M

    2015-11-01

    Right lower quadrant pain in young females presents a frequent diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians, with a broad differential and several important diagnoses. Using an "ultrasound first" imaging strategy can help decrease the use of computed tomography scans, with associated savings in radiation exposure, cost, and other resource use. We report a case of right lower quadrant pain in a young woman. After her initial history and physical examination, appendicitis was the leading differential. A bedside ultrasound was performed, leading to the uncommon diagnosis of rectus abdominis muscle tear. The sonographic findings of a muscle tear include increase in size, loss of linear, homogeneous architecture, and decreased echogenicity. Making this diagnosis at the bedside using ultrasound obviated the need for further imaging, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure, and decreasing emergency department length of stay and overall cost, while leading to a tailored treatment plan. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Rectus abdominis tear is a cause of right lower quadrant pain that may mimic appendicitis and should be considered in patients with this complaint. The ability to make this diagnosis with bedside ultrasound may assist in several important patient-oriented outcomes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Fortuitously discovered liver lesions.

    PubMed

    Dietrich, Christoph F; Sharma, Malay; Gibson, Robert N; Schreiber-Dietrich, Dagmar; Jenssen, Christian

    2013-06-07

    The fortuitously discovered liver lesion is a common problem. Consensus might be expected in terms of its work-up, and yet there is none. This stems in part from the fact that there is no preventive campaign involving the early detection of liver tumors other than for patients with known liver cirrhosis and oncological patients. The work-up (detection and differential diagnosis) of liver tumors comprises theoretical considerations, history, physical examination, laboratory tests, standard ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound techniques, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as image-guided biopsy. CEUS techniques have proved to be the most pertinent method; these techniques became part of the clinical routine about 10 years ago in Europe and Asia and are used for a variety of indications in daily clinical practice. CEUS is in many cases the first and also decisive technical intervention for detecting and characterizing liver tumors. This development is reflected in many CEUS guidelines, e.g., in the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) guidelines 2004, 2008 and 2012 as well as the recently published World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology-EFSUMB guidelines 2012. This article sets out considerations for making a structured work-up of incidental liver tumors feasible.

  13. Coregistered photoacoustic and ultrasound tomography of healthy and inflamed human interphalangeal joints

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Es, Peter; Vlieg, Redmar C.; Biswas, Samir K.; Hondebrink, Erwin; van Hespen, Johan C. G.; Moens, Hein B. J.; Steenbergen, Wiendelt; Manohar, Srirang

    2015-07-01

    Photoacoustic (PA) or optoacoustic (OA) imaging combines the high (blood) contrast to light with the high-resolution of ultrasound. The method can visualize vascularization deep inside tissue. Of late there is interest in PA imaging of synovial joints which are expected to be associated with increased vascularization in the event of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We here describe our approach in investigating the application of the PA technique in arthritis. We are developing a CT-geometry version PA finger imager, intended for early clinical assessment of the method. The imager uses two curved array ultrasound detectors each with 64 elements with central frequencies 1.5 and 7.5 MHz respectively, stacked above each other. Both cover approximately 180 degrees of the circle. Illumination is provided with a multiple of optical fiber bundles coupled to a laser-OPO system. Ultrasound imaging is also possible with the system, since the curved arrays are each provided with 12 or 8 ultrasound pulsers. We have investigated systematically imaging of finger vasculature in healthy volunteers using an earlier laboratory prototype. In this paper we present finger imaging results of a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

  14. Correlated sequential tunneling in Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid quantum dots

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thorwart, M.; Egger, R.; Grifoni, M.

    2005-02-01

    We investigate tunneling through a quantum dot formed by two strong impurites in a spinless Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid. Upon employing a Markovian master equation approach, we compute the linear conductance due to sequential tunneling processes. Besides the previously used lowest-order Golden Rule rates describing uncorrelated sequential tunneling (UST) processes, we systematically include higher-order correlated sequential tunneling (CST) diagrams within the standard Weisskopf-Wigner approximation. We provide estimates for the parameter regions where CST effects are shown to dominate over UST. Focusing mainly on the temperature dependence of the conductance maximum, we discuss the relation of our results to previous theoretical and experimental results.

  15. Progress on Numerical Modeling of the Dispersion of Ceramic Nanoparticles During Ultrasonic Processing and Solidification of Al-Based Nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Daojie; Nastac, Laurentiu

    2016-12-01

    In present study, 6061- and A356-based nano-composites are fabricated by using the ultrasonic stirring technology (UST) in a coreless induction furnace. SiC nanoparticles are used as the reinforcement. Nanoparticles are added into the molten metal and then dispersed by ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic streaming assisted by electromagnetic stirring. The applied UST parameters in the current experiments are used to validate a recently developed magneto-hydro-dynamics (MHD) model, which is capable of modeling the cavitation and nanoparticle dispersion during UST processing. The MHD model accounts for turbulent fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification, and electromagnetic field, as well as the complex interaction between the nanoparticles and both the molten and solidified alloys by using ANSYS Maxwell and ANSYS Fluent. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are conducted to analyze the complex interactions between the nanoparticle and the liquid/solid interface. The current modeling results demonstrate that a strong flow can disperse the nanoparticles relatively well during molten metal and solidification processes. MD simulation results prove that ultrafine particles (10 nm) will be engulfed by the solidification front instead of being pushed, which is beneficial for nano-dispersion.

  16. Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction (MAT-MI) for Imaging Electrical Conductivity of Biological Tissue: A Tutorial Review

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xu; Yu, Kai; He, Bin

    2016-01-01

    Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a noninvasive imaging method developed to map electrical conductivity of biological tissue with millimeter level spatial resolution. In MAT-MI, a time-varying magnetic stimulation is applied to induce eddy current inside the conductive tissue sample. With the existence of a static magnetic field, the Lorentz force acting on the induced eddy current drives mechanical vibrations producing detectable ultrasound signals. These ultrasound signals can then be acquired to reconstruct a map related to the sample’s electrical conductivity contrast. This work reviews fundamental ideas of MAT-MI and major techniques developed in these years. First, the physical mechanisms underlying MAT-MI imaging are described including the magnetic induction and Lorentz force induced acoustic wave propagation. Second, experimental setups and various imaging strategies for MAT-MI are reviewed and compared together with the corresponding experimental results. In addition, as a recently developed reverse mode of MAT-MI, magneto-acousto-electrical tomography with magnetic induction (MAET-MI) is briefly reviewed in terms of its theory and experimental studies. Finally, we give our opinions on existing challenges and future directions for MAT-MI research. With all the reported and future technical advancement, MAT-MI has the potential to become an important noninvasive modality for electrical conductivity imaging of biological tissue. PMID:27542088

  17. Linearized image reconstruction method for ultrasound modulated electrical impedance tomography based on power density distribution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Xizi; Xu, Yanbin; Dong, Feng

    2017-04-01

    Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is a promising measurement technique with important industrial and clinical applications. However, with limited effective measurements, it suffers from poor spatial resolution due to the ill-posedness of the inverse problem. Recently, there has been an increasing research interest in hybrid imaging techniques, utilizing couplings of physical modalities, because these techniques obtain much more effective measurement information and promise high resolution. Ultrasound modulated electrical impedance tomography (UMEIT) is one of the newly developed hybrid imaging techniques, which combines electric and acoustic modalities. A linearized image reconstruction method based on power density is proposed for UMEIT. The interior data, power density distribution, is adopted to reconstruct the conductivity distribution with the proposed image reconstruction method. At the same time, relating the power density change to the change in conductivity, the Jacobian matrix is employed to make the nonlinear problem into a linear one. The analytic formulation of this Jacobian matrix is derived and its effectiveness is also verified. In addition, different excitation patterns are tested and analyzed, and opposite excitation provides the best performance with the proposed method. Also, multiple power density distributions are combined to implement image reconstruction. Finally, image reconstruction is implemented with the linear back-projection (LBP) algorithm. Compared with ERT, with the proposed image reconstruction method, UMEIT can produce reconstructed images with higher quality and better quantitative evaluation results.

  18. Thermoacoustic tomography for an integro-differential wave equation modeling attenuation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Acosta, Sebastián; Palacios, Benjamín

    2018-02-01

    In this article we study the inverse problem of thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) on a medium with attenuation represented by a time-convolution (or memory) term, and whose consideration is motivated by the modeling of ultrasound waves in heterogeneous tissue via fractional derivatives with spatially dependent parameters. Under the assumption of being able to measure data on the whole boundary, we prove uniqueness and stability, and propose a convergent reconstruction method for a class of smooth variable sound speeds. By a suitable modification of the time reversal technique, we obtain a Neumann series reconstruction formula.

  19. Imaging angiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Charnley, Natalie; Donaldson, Stephanie; Price, Pat

    2009-01-01

    There is a need for direct imaging of effects on tumor vasculature in assessment of response to antiangiogenic drugs and vascular disrupting agents. Imaging tumor vasculature depends on differences in permeability of vasculature of tumor and normal tissue, which cause changes in penetration of contrast agents. Angiogenesis imaging may be defined in terms of measurement of tumor perfusion and direct imaging of the molecules involved in angiogenesis. In addition, assessment of tumor hypoxia will give an indication of tumor vasculature. The range of imaging techniques available for these processes includes positron emission tomography (PET), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), perfusion computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US).

  20. High-numerical-aperture-based virtual point detectors for photoacoustic tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Changhui; Wang, Lihong V.

    2008-07-01

    The focal point of a high-numerical-aperture (NA) ultrasonic transducer can be used as a virtual point detector. This virtual point detector detects omnidirectionally over a wide acceptance angle. It also combines a large active transducer surface and a small effective virtual detector size. Thus the sensitivity is high compared with that of a real point detector, and the aperture effect is small compared with that of a finite size transducer. We present two kinds of high-NA-based virtual point detectors and their successful application in photoacoustic tomography. They can also be applied in other ultrasound-related fields.

  1. Direct Regularization From Co-Registered Contrast MRI Improves Image Quality of MRI-Guided Near-Infrared Spectral Tomography of Breast Lesions.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Limin; Jiang, Shudong; Zhao, Yan; Feng, Jinchao; Pogue, Brian W; Paulsen, Keith D

    2018-05-01

    An approach using direct regularization from co-registered dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic reson- ance images was used to reconstruct near-infrared spectral tomography patient images, which does not need image segmentation. 20 patients with mammography/ultrasound confirmed breast abnormalities were involved in this paper, and the resulting images indicated that tumor total hemoglobin concentration contrast differentiated malignant from benign cases (p-value = 0.021). The approach prod- uced reconstructed images, which significantly reduced surface artifacts near the source-detector locations (p-value = 4.16e-6).

  2. Results from the commissioning of a multi-modal endoscope for ultrasound and time of flight PET

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bugalho, Ricardo

    2015-07-01

    The EndoTOFPET-US collaboration has developed a multi-modal imaging system combining Ultrasound with Time-of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography into an endoscopic imaging device. The objective of the project is to obtain a coincidence time resolution of about 200 ps FWHM and to achieve about 1 mm spatial resolution of the PET system, while integrating all the components in a very compact detector suitable for endoscopic use. This scanner aims to be exploited for diagnostic and surgical oncology, as well as being instrumental in the clinical test of new biomarkers especially targeted for prostate and pancreatic cancer. (authors)

  3. Two-step reconstruction method using global optimization and conjugate gradient for ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography.

    PubMed

    Tavakoli, Behnoosh; Zhu, Quing

    2013-01-01

    Ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a promising method for characterizing malignant and benign lesions in the female breast. We introduce a new two-step algorithm for DOT inversion in which the optical parameters are estimated with the global optimization method, genetic algorithm. The estimation result is applied as an initial guess to the conjugate gradient (CG) optimization method to obtain the absorption and scattering distributions simultaneously. Simulations and phantom experiments have shown that the maximum absorption and reduced scattering coefficients are reconstructed with less than 10% and 25% errors, respectively. This is in contrast with the CG method alone, which generates about 20% error for the absorption coefficient and does not accurately recover the scattering distribution. A new measure of scattering contrast has been introduced to characterize benign and malignant breast lesions. The results of 16 clinical cases reconstructed with the two-step method demonstrates that, on average, the absorption coefficient and scattering contrast of malignant lesions are about 1.8 and 3.32 times higher than the benign cases, respectively.

  4. Investigation of temporal vascular effects induced by focused ultrasound treatment with speckle-variance optical coherence tomography

    PubMed Central

    Tsai, Meng-Tsan; Chang, Feng-Yu; Lee, Cheng-Kuang; Gong, Cihun-Siyong Alex; Lin, Yu-Xiang; Lee, Jiann-Der; Yang, Chih-Hsun; Liu, Hao-Li

    2014-01-01

    Focused ultrasound (FUS) can be used to locally and temporally enhance vascular permeability, improving the efficiency of drug delivery from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. However, it is difficult to evaluate in real time the effect induced by FUS and to noninvasively observe the permeability enhancement. In this study, speckle-variance optical coherence tomography (SVOCT) was implemented for the investigation of temporal effects on vessels induced by FUS treatment. With OCT scanning, the dynamic change in vessels during FUS exposure can be observed and studied. Moreover, the vascular effects induced by FUS treatment with and without the presence of microbubbles were investigated and quantitatively compared. Additionally, 2D and 3D speckle-variance images were used for quantitative observation of blood leakage from vessels due to the permeability enhancement caused by FUS, which could be an indicator that can be used to determine the influence of FUS power exposure. In conclusion, SVOCT can be a useful tool for monitoring FUS treatment in real time, facilitating the dynamic observation of temporal effects and helping to determine the optimal FUS power. PMID:25071945

  5. Brain single photon emission computed tomography in neonates

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Denays, R.; Van Pachterbeke, T.; Tondeur, M.

    1989-08-01

    This study was designed to rate the clinical value of ({sup 123}I)iodoamphetamine (IMP) or ({sup 99m}Tc) hexamethyl propylene amine oxyme (HM-PAO) brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in neonates, especially in those likely to develop cerebral palsy. The results showed that SPECT abnormalities were congruent in most cases with structural lesions demonstrated by ultrasonography. However, mild bilateral ventricular dilatation and bilateral subependymal porencephalic cysts diagnosed by ultrasound were not associated with an abnormal SPECT finding. In contrast, some cortical periventricular and sylvian lesions and all the parasagittal lesions well visualized in SPECT studies were not diagnosed by ultrasound scans.more » In neonates with subependymal and/or intraventricular hemorrhage the existence of a parenchymal abnormality was only diagnosed by SPECT. These results indicate that ({sup 123}I)IMP or ({sup 99m}Tc)HM-PAO brain SPECT shows a potential clinical value as the neurodevelopmental outcome is clearly related to the site, the extent, and the number of cerebral lesions. Long-term clinical follow-up is, however, mandatory in order to define which SPECT abnormality is associated with neurologic deficit.« less

  6. Image-guided endobronchial ultrasound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Higgins, William E.; Zang, Xiaonan; Cheirsilp, Ronnarit; Byrnes, Patrick; Kuhlengel, Trevor; Bascom, Rebecca; Toth, Jennifer

    2016-03-01

    Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is now recommended as a standard procedure for in vivo verification of extraluminal diagnostic sites during cancer-staging bronchoscopy. Yet, physicians vary considerably in their skills at using EBUS effectively. Regarding existing bronchoscopy guidance systems, studies have shown their effectiveness in the lung-cancer management process. With such a system, a patient's X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan is used to plan a procedure to regions of interest (ROIs). This plan is then used during follow-on guided bronchoscopy. Recent clinical guidelines for lung cancer, however, also dictate using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for identifying suspicious ROIs and aiding in the cancer-staging process. While researchers have attempted to use guided bronchoscopy systems in tandem with PET imaging and EBUS, no true EBUS-centric guidance system exists. We now propose a full multimodal image-based methodology for guiding EBUS. The complete methodology involves two components: 1) a procedure planning protocol that gives bronchoscope movements appropriate for live EBUS positioning; and 2) a guidance strategy and associated system graphical user interface (GUI) designed for image-guided EBUS. We present results demonstrating the operation of the system.

  7. [Rational imaging in locally advanced prostate cancer].

    PubMed

    Beissert, M; Lorenz, R; Gerharz, E W

    2008-11-01

    Prostate cancer is one of the principal medical problems facing the male population in developed countries with an increasing need for sophisticated imaging techniques and risk-adapted treatment options. This article presents an overview of the current imaging procedures in the diagnosis of locally advanced prostate cancer. Apart from conventional gray-scale transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) as the most frequently used primary imaging modality we describe computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). CT and MRI not only allow assessment of prostate anatomy but also a specific evaluation of the pelvic region. Color-coded and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, real-time elastography, dynamic contrast enhancement in MR imaging, diffusion imaging, and MR spectroscopy may lead to a clinically relevant improvement in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. While bone scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-bisphosphonates is still the method of choice in the evaluation of bone metastasis, whole-body MRI and PET using (18)F-NaF, (18)F-FDG, (11)C-choline, (11)C-acetate, and (18)F-choline as tracers achieve higher sensitivities.

  8. Waveform inversion with source encoding for breast sound speed reconstruction in ultrasound computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Wang, Kun; Matthews, Thomas; Anis, Fatima; Li, Cuiping; Duric, Neb; Anastasio, Mark A

    2015-03-01

    Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) holds great promise for improving the detection and management of breast cancer. Because they are based on the acoustic wave equation, waveform inversion-based reconstruction methods can produce images that possess improved spatial resolution properties over those produced by ray-based methods. However, waveform inversion methods are computationally demanding and have not been applied widely in USCT breast imaging. In this work, source encoding concepts are employed to develop an accelerated USCT reconstruction method that circumvents the large computational burden of conventional waveform inversion methods. This method, referred to as the waveform inversion with source encoding (WISE) method, encodes the measurement data using a random encoding vector and determines an estimate of the sound speed distribution by solving a stochastic optimization problem by use of a stochastic gradient descent algorithm. Both computer simulation and experimental phantom studies are conducted to demonstrate the use of the WISE method. The results suggest that the WISE method maintains the high spatial resolution of waveform inversion methods while significantly reducing the computational burden.

  9. Setting up a parathyroid multidisciplinary team meeting: one year's experience, outcomes and learning points.

    PubMed

    Hancox, S H; Sinnott, J D; Kirkland, P; Lipscomb, D; Owens, E; Howlett, D C

    2018-03-01

    A parathyroid multidisciplinary team meeting was set up at East Sussex Healthcare Trust, from November 2014 to November 2015, in order to improve and streamline services for patients with parathyroid pathology. Data were collected on all new referrals for hyperparathyroidism, and on the outcomes for each patient discussed at the meeting, including the number of operations and management outcomes. A survey was sent out to the members of the multidisciplinary team meeting to determine their perception of its effectiveness. Seventy-nine new referrals were discussed throughout the year; 43 per cent were recommended for surgery, 41 per cent had a trial of conservative or medical management before re-discussion, and 16 per cent required further imaging. Ninety-two per cent of patients underwent an ultrasound, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography or nuclear medicine (sestamibi) scan prior to the meeting. All ultrasound scans were performed by a consultant radiologist. The multidisciplinary team meeting has been successful, with perceived benefits for patients, improved imaging evaluation and efficiency of referral pathways, leading to more appropriate patient management.

  10. Diagnostic Imaging and workup of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

    PubMed

    Cardinale, Luciano; Ardissone, Francesco; Gned, Dario; Sverzellati, Nicola; Piacibello, Edoardo; Veltri, Andrea

    2017-08-23

    Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent primary neoplasm of the pleura and its incidence is still increasing.This tumor has a strong association with exposure to occupational or environmental asbestos, often after a long latent period of 30-40 years.Plain chest radiography (CXR) is usually the first-line radiologic examination, but the radiographic findings are nonspecific due to its limited contrast resolution and they need to be complemented by other imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and ultrasound (US).The aim of this paper is to describe the imaging  features of this malignancy, underlining the peculiarity of CXR, CT, MRI, PET-CT and US and also focusing on diagnostic workup, based on the literature evidence and according to our experience.

  11. Physical And Medical Attributes Of Six Contemporary Noninvasive Imaging Techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Budinger, Thomas F.

    1981-11-01

    Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)is compared to five other noninvasive imaging methods with respect to physical attributes and medical applications. 1) Digital subtraction angiography measures flow channel (vessel) anatomy and vascular leaks in regions where signals from under and overlying vascular pools do not conflict in strength with the vessel or tissue of interest. 2) X-ray computed tomography, in principle, can separate the under and overlying signals, yet presently it is limited in speed, axial coverage, and computational burden for tasks DSA can efficiently perform. Possible exceptions are the dynamic spatial reconstructor (DSR) of Mayo Clinic and the system under construction at the University of California, San Francisco. 3) Heavy ion imaging measures electron density and is less sensitive to injected contrast than x-ray imaging which has the advantage of the photoelectric effect. A unique attribute of heavy ion imaging is its potential for treatment planning and the fact that beam hardening is not a physical problem. 4) Ultrasound detects surfaces, bulk tissue characteristics, and blood velocity. Doppler ultrasound competes with DSA in some regions of the body and generally involves less equipment and patient procedures. Ultrasound vessel imaging and range-gated Doppler have limitations due to sound absorption by atheromatous tissue and available imaging windows. 5) Emission tomography measures receptor site distribution, metabolism, permeability, and tissue perfusion. Resolution is limited to 7mm full width half maximum (FWHM) in the near future, and extraction of metabolic and perfusion information usually requires kinetic analyses with statistically poor data. The ability of positron tomography to measure metabolism (sugar, fatty acid, and oxygen utilization) and the ability to measure tissue perfusion with single photon tomography (17 mm FWHM) or PET (7 mm FWHM) using non-cyclotron produced radionuclides are the major unique features of emission tomography. 6) Nuclear magnetic resonance procedures measure the concentration of some nuclei (e.g., 1H, 23Na, 32P) as well as their chemical state and the local physical-chemical environment of the resolution volume. Velocity and diffusion are also potential measurements. Two unique capabilities of contemporary interest are the ability to image the spatial distribu-tion of relaxation parameters which give information about the local tissue characteristics, and the ability of NMR spectroscopy to sample (not image) the energy state of phosphorous in selected regions of the body. A third attribute of importance is that possible tissue heating seems to be the only hazard and this can be controlled.

  12. Contrast enhanced ultrasound of renal masses. A reappraisal of EFSUMB recommendations and possible emerging applications.

    PubMed

    Sparchez, Zeno; Radu, Pompilia; Sparchez, Mihaela; Crisan, Nicolae; Kacso, Gabriel; Petrut, Bogdan

    2015-06-01

    The main imagistic method for characterization of renal lesions is contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Disadvantages of CECT are a contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with renal impairment, allergic reactions and high costs. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) evaluation of hepatic and non-hepatic lesions is a relatively new, but increasingly utilised, diagnostic method. In 2011 the European Federation of Societies of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) updated the Guidelines and Recommendations on the Clinical Practice of CEUS and included in the recommendation the renal pathology. However, there are several possible new indications that have not been discussed (pyelocaliceal masses and renal vein thrombosis) and several issues that remain controversial such as the differentiation of benign and malignant tumours or the differentiation of lymphoma and metastasis. This study aims to review literature data, as well as reveal the latest findings in the field of renal CEUS.

  13. A novel graphical user interface for ultrasound-guided shoulder arthroscopic surgery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tyryshkin, K.; Mousavi, P.; Beek, M.; Pichora, D.; Abolmaesumi, P.

    2007-03-01

    This paper presents a novel graphical user interface developed for a navigation system for ultrasound-guided computer-assisted shoulder arthroscopic surgery. The envisioned purpose of the interface is to assist the surgeon in determining the position and orientation of the arthroscopic camera and other surgical tools within the anatomy of the patient. The user interface features real time position tracking of the arthroscopic instruments with an optical tracking system, and visualization of their graphical representations relative to a three-dimensional shoulder surface model of the patient, created from computed tomography images. In addition, the developed graphical interface facilitates fast and user-friendly intra-operative calibration of the arthroscope and the arthroscopic burr, capture and segmentation of ultrasound images, and intra-operative registration. A pilot study simulating the computer-aided shoulder arthroscopic procedure on a shoulder phantom demonstrated the speed, efficiency and ease-of-use of the system.

  14. Skull registration for prone patient position using tracked ultrasound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Underwood, Grace; Ungi, Tamas; Baum, Zachary; Lasso, Andras; Kronreif, Gernot; Fichtinger, Gabor

    2017-03-01

    PURPOSE: Tracked navigation has become prevalent in neurosurgery. Problems with registration of a patient and a preoperative image arise when the patient is in a prone position. Surfaces accessible to optical tracking on the back of the head are unreliable for registration. We investigated the accuracy of surface-based registration using points accessible through tracked ultrasound. Using ultrasound allows access to bone surfaces that are not available through optical tracking. Tracked ultrasound could eliminate the need to work (i) under the table for registration and (ii) adjust the tracker between surgery and registration. In addition, tracked ultrasound could provide a non-invasive method in comparison to an alternative method of registration involving screw implantation. METHODS: A phantom study was performed to test the feasibility of tracked ultrasound for registration. An initial registration was performed to partially align the pre-operative computer tomography data and skull phantom. The initial registration was performed by an anatomical landmark registration. Surface points accessible by tracked ultrasound were collected and used to perform an Iterative Closest Point Algorithm. RESULTS: When the surface registration was compared to a ground truth landmark registration, the average TRE was found to be 1.6+/-0.1mm and the average distance of points off the skull surface was 0.6+/-0.1mm. CONCLUSION: The use of tracked ultrasound is feasible for registration of patients in prone position and eliminates the need to perform registration under the table. The translational component of error found was minimal. Therefore, the amount of TRE in registration is due to a rotational component of error.

  15. Descriptive Cadaveric Study Comparing the Accuracy of Ultrasound Versus Fluoroscopic Guidance for First Sacral Transforaminal Injections: A Comparison Study.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Bradley F; Pingree, Matthew J; Qu, Wenchun; Murthy, Naveen S; Lachman, Nirusha; Hurdle, Mark Friedrich

    2018-04-01

    Ultrasound is rarely used for guiding lumbosacral epidural steroid injections due to its technical limitations. For example, sonographic imaging lacks the ability to confirm epidural spread and identify vascular uptake. The perceived risk that these limitations pose to human subjects has precluded any large scale clinical trials to date. To compare the accuracy of ultrasound versus fluoroscopic guidance for first sacral transforaminal epidural injections. Cadaveric comparative study using dichotomous outcomes. A fluoroscopy suite and anatomic laboratory at an academic medical center. Four unembalmed adult human cadavers with no history of spinal surgery. Eight sites were injected twice by one interventionalist, using fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. In the fluoroscopy arm, contrast spread was assessed using computed tomography. In the ultrasound arm, latex spread was assessed using gross anatomic dissection. Any visible evidence of epidural spread constituted a positive result. Comparison of the success of obtaining epidural contrast flow was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included average duration, rate of intravascular uptake, and quantity of intravascular uptake. All injections performed in both the ultrasound arm and the fluoroscopy arm had positive epidural spread. The average duration was 3.03 minutes with fluoroscopy and 4.76 minutes with ultrasound. The rate of intravascular uptake was 37.5% with fluoroscopy and 50% with ultrasound. Within the ultrasound arm, greater intravascular spread and duration variability were recorded. Although ultrasonography can provide reliable image guidance for cannulating the first sacral foramen in cadavers, it would have limited clinical utility due to its inability to visualize relevant neurovascular structures deep to the osseus roof and exclude intravascular uptake. IV. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Non-ionizing real-time ultrasonography in implant and oral surgery: A feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Chan, Hsun-Liang; Wang, Hom-Lay; Fowlkes, Jeffery Brian; Giannobile, William V; Kripfgans, Oliver D

    2017-03-01

    Ultrasound imaging has potential to complement radiographic imaging modalities in implant and oral surgery given that it is non-ionizing and provides instantaneous images of anatomical structures. For application in oral and dental imaging, its qualities are dependent on its ability to accurately capture these complex structures. Therefore, the aim of this feasibility study was to investigate ultrasound to image soft tissue, hard tissue surface topography and specific vital structures. A clinical ultrasound scanner, paired with two 14-MHz transducers of different sizes (one for extraoral and the other for intraoral scans), was used to scan the following structures on a fresh cadaver: (i) the facial bone surface and soft tissue of maxillary anterior teeth, (ii) the greater palatine foramen; (iii) the mental foramen and (iv) the lingual nerve. Multiple measurements relevant to these structures were made on the ultrasound images and compared to those on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and/or direct measurements. Ultrasound imaging could delineate hard tissue surfaces, including enamel, root dentin and bone as well as soft tissue with high resolution (110 μm wavelength). The greater palatine foramen, mental foramen and lingual nerve were clearly shown in ultrasound images. Merging ultrasound and CBCT images demonstrated overall spatial accuracy of ultrasound images, which was corroborated by data gathered from direct measurements. For the first time, this study provides proof-of-concept evidence that ultrasound can be a real-time and non-invasive alternative for the evaluation of oral and dental anatomical structures relevant for implant and oral surgery. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Validation of Ultrasound Imaging to Rule-out Thoracic Trauma on the International Space Station

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hamilton, Douglas R.; Sargsyan, Ashot E.; Melton, Shannon; Martin, David; Dulchavsky, Scott A.

    2006-01-01

    Introduction: Aboard the International Space Station (ISS) an intra-thoracic injury may be disastrous to the crew member if the diagnosis is missed or even delayed. Pneumothorax and hemothorax commonly seen in trauma patients; the diagnosis is usually confirmed by chest X-ray or computed tomography. In this study, the ability of ultrasound to rule out pneumothorax by the presence "lung sliding" and hemothorax by the absence of pleural fluid was validated. Methods: The research activities were approved by the NASA Johnson Space Center Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects, and the participating crewmembers signed informed consent prior to the activity. ISS crewmembers received 2-hours of "hands on" ultrasound training 8 months prior to the on-orbit ultrasound exam. Baseline ultrasound images of the thorax were acquired on the crewmebers of Increment 8 and 9 prior to launch from Bakonur, Russia. Ultrasound examination of the thorax were performed on crewmembers at 30 day intervals (n=??) throughout their flight. Post flight images were acquired on or about landing day 10. Ultrasound images were acquired using the ISS Health Research Facility ultrasound system and examined by experts on the ground to rule out the presence of pneumothorax and hemothorax. Results: The presence of "lung sliding" which excludes pneumothorax, was seen in all subjects. The absence of pleural fluid, which excludes hemothorax was seen in all subjects. The optimal position between sonographer and patient under microgravity conditions and the amount and type of training for a non-physician crew medical officer for these procedures was also established for this procedure. Conclusion: Ultrasound can be performed on orbit under microgravity condition to rule thoracic trauma, such as pneumothorax and hemothorax.

  18. Analysis of the potential for non-invasive imaging of oxygenation at heart depth, using ultrasound optical tomography (UOT) or photo-acoustic tomography (PAT).

    PubMed

    Walther, Andreas; Rippe, Lars; Wang, Lihong V; Andersson-Engels, Stefan; Kröll, Stefan

    2017-10-01

    Despite the important medical implications, it is currently an open task to find optical non-invasive techniques that can image deep organs in humans. Addressing this, photo-acoustic tomography (PAT) has received a great deal of attention in the past decade, owing to favorable properties like high contrast and high spatial resolution. However, even with optimal components PAT cannot penetrate beyond a few centimeters, which still presents an important limitation of the technique. Here, we calculate the absorption contrast levels for PAT and for ultrasound optical tomography (UOT) and compare them to their relevant noise sources as a function of imaging depth. The results indicate that a new development in optical filters, based on rare-earth-ion crystals, can push the UOT technique significantly ahead of PAT. Such filters allow the contrast-to-noise ratio for UOT to be up to three orders of magnitude better than for PAT at depths of a few cm into the tissue. It also translates into a significant increase of the image depth of UOT compared to PAT, enabling deep organs to be imaged in humans in real time. Furthermore, such spectral holeburning filters are not sensitive to speckle decorrelation from the tissue and can operate at nearly any angle of incident light, allowing good light collection. We theoretically demonstrate the improved performance in the medically important case of non-invasive optical imaging of the oxygenation level of the frontal part of the human myocardial tissue. Our results indicate that further studies on UOT are of interest and that the technique may have large impact on future directions of biomedical optics.

  19. Influence of Scan Duration on Pulmonary Capillary Hemorrhage Induced by Diagnostic Ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Miller, Douglas L; Dong, Zhihong; Dou, Chunyan; Raghavendran, Krishnan

    2016-08-01

    Diagnostic ultrasound can induce pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH) in rats and display this as "comet tail" artifacts (CTAs) after a time delay. To test the hypothesis that no PCH occurs for brief scans, anesthetized rats were scanned using a 6-MHz linear array for different durations. PCH was characterized by ultrasound CTAs, micro-computed tomography (μCT), and measurements of fixed lung tissue. The μCT images revealed regions of PCH, sometimes penetrating the entire depth of a lobe, which were reflected in the fixed tissue measurements. At -3 dB of power, PCH was substantial for 300-s scans, but not significant for 25-s scans. At 0 dB, PCH was not strongly dependent on scan durations of 300 to 10 s. Contrary to the hypothesis, CTAs were not evident during most 10-s scans (p > 0.05), but PCH was significant (p = 0.02), indicating that PCH could occur without evidence of the injury in the images. Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Point of Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Empyema.

    PubMed

    Nelson, Mathew; Stankard, Brendon; Greco, Jeffrey; Okumura, Yoshito

    2016-08-01

    Emergency ultrasonography is an efficient and cost effective tool for patients who are in respiratory distress. Chest radiographs can yield limited information for these patients. Computed tomography scans have long been the criterion standard for advanced imaging in patients with respiratory complaints, but point of care ultrasound (POCUS) can be performed at bedside, does not expose the patient to radiation, and at times may provide more information than a computed tomography scan. A 60-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension presented to the emergency department complaining of a productive cough associated with fever, weakness, and progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion over the previous 1 to 2 weeks. The physical examination was remarkable for rhonchi in the right upper lobe and diminished breath sounds throughout the right lung. POCUS was performed, and the results revealed severe atelectasis and hepatization of the right lung parenchyma with visualized air bronchograms. Complex hypoechoic material with a posterior spine sign was noted, which increased concern for complex consolidation and effusion. The diagnosis of pneumonia with empyema was made. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: POCUS has become a much more commonly used imaging modality within many emergency departments. Ultrasound is more sensitive than chest radiographs for identifying pathologies such as pneumothorax and simple effusions. This case shows how well POCUS can diagnose empyema even in the setting of diagnostic uncertainty of computed tomographic imaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Bayesian parameter estimation in spectral quantitative photoacoustic tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pulkkinen, Aki; Cox, Ben T.; Arridge, Simon R.; Kaipio, Jari P.; Tarvainen, Tanja

    2016-03-01

    Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an imaging technique combining strong contrast of optical imaging to high spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging. These strengths are achieved via photoacoustic effect, where a spatial absorption of light pulse is converted into a measurable propagating ultrasound wave. The method is seen as a potential tool for small animal imaging, pre-clinical investigations, study of blood vessels and vasculature, as well as for cancer imaging. The goal in PAT is to form an image of the absorbed optical energy density field via acoustic inverse problem approaches from the measured ultrasound data. Quantitative PAT (QPAT) proceeds from these images and forms quantitative estimates of the optical properties of the target. This optical inverse problem of QPAT is illposed. To alleviate the issue, spectral QPAT (SQPAT) utilizes PAT data formed at multiple optical wavelengths simultaneously with optical parameter models of tissue to form quantitative estimates of the parameters of interest. In this work, the inverse problem of SQPAT is investigated. Light propagation is modelled using the diffusion equation. Optical absorption is described with chromophore concentration weighted sum of known chromophore absorption spectra. Scattering is described by Mie scattering theory with an exponential power law. In the inverse problem, the spatially varying unknown parameters of interest are the chromophore concentrations, the Mie scattering parameters (power law factor and the exponent), and Gruneisen parameter. The inverse problem is approached with a Bayesian method. It is numerically demonstrated, that estimation of all parameters of interest is possible with the approach.

  2. Do You Know a Child with a Handicap? Children with Handicaps Have a Right to an Education [and] Do You Know Someone with a Handicap? Individuals with Handicaps Have a Right to an Education = Conoce Usted a un Nino que Tiene Alguna Desventaja? Los Ninos con Desventajas Tienen Derecho a Recibir Educacion [and] Conoce Usted Alguna Persona que Tenga Alguna Desventaja? Las Personas que Tienen Desventajas Tienen Derecho a Recibir Educacion.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento. Div. of Special Education.

    Two advertisements and two brochures for the California Search and Serve program are presented in this excerpt from the California Search and Serve "Search Guidelines and Resource Manual." The materials are designed to promote community involvement in the identification of handicapped persons, from birth through age 21, so that they may…

  3. Application of geologic-mathematical 3D modeling for complex structure deposits by the example of Lower- Cretaceous period depositions in Western Ust - Balykh oil field (Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perevertailo, T.; Nedolivko, N.; Prisyazhnyuk, O.; Dolgaya, T.

    2015-11-01

    The complex structure of the Lower-Cretaceous formation by the example of the reservoir BC101 in Western Ust - Balykh Oil Field (Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District) has been studied. Reservoir range relationships have been identified. 3D geologic- mathematical modeling technique considering the heterogeneity and variability of a natural reservoir structure has been suggested. To improve the deposit geological structure integrity methods of mathematical statistics were applied, which, in its turn, made it possible to obtain equal probability models with similar input data and to consider the formation conditions of reservoir rocks and cap rocks.

  4. Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction for Electrical Conductivity based Tissue imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mariappan, Leo

    Electrical conductivity imaging of biological tissue has attracted considerable interest in recent years owing to research indicating that electrical properties, especially electrical conductivity and permittivity, are indicators of underlying physiological and pathological conditions in biological tissue. Also, the knowledge of electrical conductivity of biological tissue is of interest to researchers conducting electromagnetic source imaging and in design of devices that apply electromagnetic energy to the body such as MRI. So, the need for a non-invasive, high resolution impedance imaging method is highly desired. To address this need we have studied the magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) method. In MAT-MI, the object is placed in a static and a dynamic magnetic field giving rise to ultrasound waves. The dynamic field induces eddy currents in the object, and the static field leads to generation of acoustic vibrations from Lorentz force on the induced currents. The acoustic vibrations are at the same frequency as the dynamic magnetic field, which is chosen to match the ultrasound frequency range. These ultrasound signals can be measured by ultrasound probes and are used to reconstruct MAT-MI acoustic source images using possible ultrasound imaging approaches .The reconstructed high spatial resolution image is indicative of the object's electrical conductivity contrast. We have investigated ultrasound imaging methods to reliably reconstruct the MAT-MI image under the practical conditions of limited bandwidth and transducer geometry. The corresponding imaging algorithm, computer simulation and experiments are developed to test the feasibility of these different methods. Also, in experiments, we have developed a system with the strong static field of an MRI magnet and a strong pulsed magnetic field to evaluate MAT-MI in biological tissue imaging. It can be seen from these simulations and experiments that conductivity boundary images with millimeter resolution can be reliably reconstructed with MAT-MI. Further, to estimate the conductivity distribution throughout the object, we reconstruct a vector source image corresponding to the induced eddy currents. As the current source is uniformly present throughout the object, we are able to reliably estimate the internal conductivity distribution for a more complete imaging. From the computer simulations and experiments it can be seen that MAT-MI method has the potential to be a clinically applicable, high resolution, non-invasive method for electrical conductivity imaging.

  5. Italian Chapter of the International Society of Cardiovascular Ultrasound expert consensus document on coronary computed tomography angiography: overview and new insights.

    PubMed

    Sozzi, Fabiola B; Maiello, Maria; Pelliccia, Francesco; Parato, Vito Maurizio; Canetta, Ciro; Savino, Ketty; Lombardi, Federico; Palmiero, Pasquale

    2016-09-01

    Coronary computed tomography angiography is a noninvasive heart imaging test currently undergoing rapid development and advancement. The high resolution of the three-dimensional pictures of the moving heart and great vessels is performed during a coronary computed tomography to identify coronary artery disease and classify patient risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The technique provides useful information about the coronary tree and atherosclerotic plaques beyond simple luminal narrowing and plaque type defined by calcium content. This application will improve image-guided prevention, medical therapy, and coronary interventions. The ability to interpret coronary computed tomography images is of utmost importance as we develop personalized medical care to enable therapeutic interventions stratified on the bases of plaque characteristics. This overview provides available data and expert's recommendations in the utilization of coronary computed tomography findings. We focus on the use of coronary computed tomography to detect coronary artery disease and stratify patients at risk, illustrating the implications of this test on patient management. We describe its diagnostic power in identifying patients at higher risk to develop acute coronary syndrome and its prognostic significance. Finally, we highlight the features of the vulnerable plaques imaged by coronary computed tomography angiography. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Activatable thermo-sensitive ICG encapsulated pluronic nanocapsules for temperature sensitive fluorescence tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kwong, Tiffany C.; Nouizi, Farouk; Sampathkumaran, Uma; Zhu, Yue; Alam, Maksudul M.; Gulsen, Gultekin

    2015-03-01

    Fluorescent tomography has been hindered by poor tissue penetration and weak signal which results in poor spatial resolution and quantification accuracy. Recently, it has been reported that activatable temperature responsive fluorescent probes which respond to focused ultrasound heating can improve the resolution and quantification of fluorescent tomography in deep tissue. This has lead to a new imaging modality, "Temperature-modulated fluorescent tomography." This technique relies on activatable thermo-sensitive fluorescent nanocapsules for whose fluorescence quantum efficiency is temperature dependent. Within a 4-5° C temperature range, the fluorescent signal increase more than 10-fold. In this molecular probe, Indocyanine Green (ICG) is encapsulated inside the core of a thermo-reversible pluronic micelle. Here we show the fluorescence response and temperature range of the nanocapsules which have been optimized for a higher temperature range to be used for in vivo animal imaging. We report on the feasibility of these temperature-sensitive reversible nanocapsules for in vivo applications by studying the pharmacokinetics in a subcutaneous mouse tumor model in vivo.

  7. Ocular toxocariasis.

    PubMed

    Arevalo, J Fernando; Espinoza, Juan V; Arevalo, Fernando A

    2013-01-01

    Ocular toxocariasis is an uncommon worldwide parasitic infection that affects mostly children and is found in both rural and metropolitan areas. In many parts of the world, parasitic infections of the eye are a major cause of blindness. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is essentially clinical, based on the lesion morphology and supportive laboratory data such as serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers and ELISA Toxocara titers on aqueous humor; other diagnostic methods are imaging studies including optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, computed tomography, and ocular ultrasound. Treatment is directed at complications arising from intraocular inflammation and vitreous membrane traction. Early vitrectomy may be of value both diagnostically and therapeutically. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

  8. Low-cost printing of computerised tomography (CT) images where there is no dedicated CT camera.

    PubMed

    Tabari, Abdulkadir M

    2007-01-01

    Many developing countries still rely on conventional hard copy images to transfer information among physicians. We have developed a low-cost alternative method of printing computerised tomography (CT) scan images where there is no dedicated camera. A digital camera is used to photograph images from the CT scan screen monitor. The images are then transferred to a PC via a USB port, before being printed on glossy paper using an inkjet printer. The method can be applied to other imaging modalities like ultrasound and MRI and appears worthy of emulation elsewhere in the developing world where resources and technical expertise are scarce.

  9. Towards multimodal detection of melanoma thickness based on optical coherence tomography and optoacoustics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahlves, M.; Varkentin, A.; Stritzel, J.; Blumenröther, E.; Mazurenka, M.; Wollweber, M.; Roth, B.

    2016-03-01

    Melanoma skin cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of all types of cancer if not detected at an early stage. The survival rate is highly dependent on its penetration depth, which is commonly determined by histopathology. In this work, we aim at combining optical coherence tomography and optoacoustic as a non-invasive all-optical method to measure the penetration depth of melanoma. We present our recent achievements to setup a handheld multimodal device and also results from first in vivo measurements on healthy and cancerous skin tissue, which are compared to measurements obtained by ultrasound and histopathology.

  10. Hierarchical clustering method for improved prostate cancer imaging in diffuse optical tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kavuri, Venkaiah C.; Liu, Hanli

    2013-03-01

    We investigate the feasibility of trans-rectal near infrared (NIR) based diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for early detection of prostate cancer using a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) compatible imaging probe. For this purpose, we designed a TRUS-compatible, NIR-based image system (780nm), in which the photo diodes were placed on the trans-rectal probe. DC signals were recorded and used for estimating the absorption coefficient. We validated the system using laboratory phantoms. For further improvement, we also developed a hierarchical clustering method (HCM) to improve the accuracy of image reconstruction with limited prior information. We demonstrated the method using computer simulations laboratory phantom experiments.

  11. Acoustic window planning for ultrasound acquisition.

    PubMed

    Göbl, Rüdiger; Virga, Salvatore; Rackerseder, Julia; Frisch, Benjamin; Navab, Nassir; Hennersperger, Christoph

    2017-06-01

    Autonomous robotic ultrasound has recently gained considerable interest, especially for collaborative applications. Existing methods for acquisition trajectory planning are solely based on geometrical considerations, such as the pose of the transducer with respect to the patient surface. This work aims at establishing acoustic window planning to enable autonomous ultrasound acquisitions of anatomies with restricted acoustic windows, such as the liver or the heart. We propose a fully automatic approach for the planning of acquisition trajectories, which only requires information about the target region as well as existing tomographic imaging data, such as X-ray computed tomography. The framework integrates both geometrical and physics-based constraints to estimate the best ultrasound acquisition trajectories with respect to the available acoustic windows. We evaluate the developed method using virtual planning scenarios based on real patient data as well as for real robotic ultrasound acquisitions on a tissue-mimicking phantom. The proposed method yields superior image quality in comparison with a naive planning approach, while maintaining the necessary coverage of the target. We demonstrate that by taking image formation properties into account acquisition planning methods can outperform naive plannings. Furthermore, we show the need for such planning techniques, since naive approaches are not sufficient as they do not take the expected image quality into account.

  12. Use of fractional laser microablation and ultrasound to facilitate the delivery of gold nanoparticles into skin in vivo

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Terentyuk, G. S.; Genina, Elina A.; Bashkatov, A. N.; Ryzhova, M. V.; Tsyganova, N. A.; Chumakov, D. S.; Khlebtsov, B. N.; Sazonov, A. A.; Dolotov, L. E.; Tuchin, Valerii V.; Khlebtsov, Nikolai G.; Inozemtseva, O. A.

    2012-06-01

    The delivery of gold nanoparticles (nanocages coated with a layer of silicon dioxide (40/20 nm)) dispersed in the solution (glycerol + polyethylene glycol-400, 1 : 1) into the skin tissue is studied experimentally in vivo. From the data of optical coherence tomography and histochemical analysis it follows that simple application of suspension of nanoparticles is not efficient enough for delivery of the particles into the skin as a result of passive diffusion. It is shown that fractional laser microablation of skin before the application of the suspension, followed by the topical treatment by ultrasound allows penetration through the epidermis layer and delivery of nanoparticles into dermis and hypodermis

  13. Real-time three-dimensional optical coherence tomography image-guided core-needle biopsy system.

    PubMed

    Kuo, Wei-Cheng; Kim, Jongsik; Shemonski, Nathan D; Chaney, Eric J; Spillman, Darold R; Boppart, Stephen A

    2012-06-01

    Advances in optical imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), enable us to observe tissue microstructure at high resolution and in real time. Currently, core-needle biopsies are guided by external imaging modalities such as ultrasound imaging and x-ray computed tomography (CT) for breast and lung masses, respectively. These image-guided procedures are frequently limited by spatial resolution when using ultrasound imaging, or by temporal resolution (rapid real-time feedback capabilities) when using x-ray CT. One feasible approach is to perform OCT within small gauge needles to optically image tissue microstructure. However, to date, no system or core-needle device has been developed that incorporates both three-dimensional OCT imaging and tissue biopsy within the same needle for true OCT-guided core-needle biopsy. We have developed and demonstrate an integrated core-needle biopsy system that utilizes catheter-based 3-D OCT for real-time image-guidance for target tissue localization, imaging of tissue immediately prior to physical biopsy, and subsequent OCT imaging of the biopsied specimen for immediate assessment at the point-of-care. OCT images of biopsied ex vivo tumor specimens acquired during core-needle placement are correlated with corresponding histology, and computational visualization of arbitrary planes within the 3-D OCT volumes enables feedback on specimen tissue type and biopsy quality. These results demonstrate the potential for using real-time 3-D OCT for needle biopsy guidance by imaging within the needle and tissue during biopsy procedures.

  14. A Comparison of 1- and 3.2-MHz Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Osteogenesis on Porous Titanium Alloy Scaffolds: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

    PubMed

    Feng, Lifang; Liu, Xiaohan; Cao, Hongjuan; Qin, Limei; Hou, Wentao; Wu, Lin

    2018-05-21

    Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with porous scaffolds can be used as a new therapy to treat bone defect repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 1 and 3.2 MHz LIPUS on osteogenesis on porous Ti64 alloy scaffolds for both in vitro and in vivo studies. Scaffolds were randomly divided into the high-frequency ultrasound group, low-frequency ultrasound group, and control group. Mouse pre-osteoblast cells were cultured with porous Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds in vitro to evaluate cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, scaffolds were implanted into rabbit mandibular defects in vivo. The effects of LIPUS on bone regeneration were evaluated by observing the micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), toluidine blue staining, and von Kossa staining. The results revealed no significant difference in the cell counting kit-8 values between the ultrasound groups and control groups (P > .05). Compared with the control group, ultrasound promoted alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin levels of the cells on the scaffolds (P < .05), but there was no significant difference between the two frequencies. In addition, histomorphologic analyses revealed that the volume and amount of new bone formation increased and that bone maturity improved in the ultrasound groups compared with the control group, but no significant difference was noted between the two frequencies. Under the present experimental conditions, LIPUS promoted osteoblast differentiation and promoted bone maturity on porous Ti64 scaffolds. No significant differences were noted between the two frequencies. © 2018 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

  15. US Emergency Department Trends in Imaging for Pediatric Nontraumatic Abdominal Pain.

    PubMed

    Niles, Lauren M; Goyal, Monika K; Badolato, Gia M; Chamberlain, James M; Cohen, Joanna S

    2017-10-01

    To describe national emergency department (ED) trends in computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound imaging for the evaluation of pediatric nontraumatic abdominal pain from 2007 through 2014. We used data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to measure trends in CT and ultrasound use among children with nontraumatic abdominal pain. We performed multivariable logistic regression to measure the strength of the association of ED type (pediatric versus general ED) with CT and ultrasound use adjusting for potential confounding variables. Of an estimated 21.1 million ED visits for nontraumatic abdominal pain, 14.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.2%-16.0%) had CT imaging only, 10.9% (95% CI, 9.7%-12.1%) had ultrasound imaging only, and 1.9% (95% CI, 1.4%-2.4%) received both CT and ultrasound. The overall use of CT and ultrasound did not significantly change over the study period ( P trend .63 and .90, respectively). CT use was lower among children treated in pediatric EDs compared with general EDs (adjusted odds ratio 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17-0.69). Conversely, ultrasound use was higher among children treated in pediatric EDs compared with general EDs (adjusted odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI, 1.29-3.55). CT imaging for pediatric patients with nontraumatic abdominal pain has plateaued since 2007 after the steady increase seen in the preceding 9 years. Among this population, an increased likelihood of CT imaging was demonstrated in general EDs compared with pediatric EDs, in which there was a higher likelihood of ultrasound imaging. Dissemination of pediatric-focused radiology protocols to general EDs may help optimize radiation exposure in children. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  16. Standardized ultrasound templates for diagnosing appendicitis reduce annual imaging costs.

    PubMed

    Nordin, Andrew B; Sales, Stephen; Nielsen, Jason W; Adler, Brent; Bates, David Gregory; Kenney, Brian

    2018-01-01

    Ultrasound is preferred over computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing appendicitis in children to avoid undue radiation exposure. We previously reported our experience in instituting a standardized appendicitis ultrasound template, which decreased CT rates by 67.3%. In this analysis, we demonstrate the ongoing cost savings associated with using this template. Retrospective chart review for the time period preceding template implementation (June 2012-September 2012) was combined with prospective review through December 2015 for all patients in the emergency department receiving diagnostic imaging for appendicitis. The type of imaging was recorded, and imaging rates and ultrasound test statistics were calculated. Estimated annual imaging costs based on pretemplate ultrasound and CT utilization rates were compared with post-template annual costs to calculate annual and cumulative savings. In the pretemplate period, ultrasound and CT rates were 80.2% and 44.3%, respectively, resulting in a combined annual cost of $300,527.70. Similar calculations were performed for each succeeding year, accounting for changes in patient volume. Using pretemplate rates, our projected 2015 imaging cost was $371,402.86; however, our ultrasound rate had increased to 98.3%, whereas the CT rate declined to 9.6%, yielding an annual estimated cost of $224,853.00 and a savings of $146,549.86. Since implementation, annual savings have steadily increased for a cumulative cost savings of $336,683.83. Standardizing ultrasound reports for appendicitis not only reduces the use of CT scans and the associated radiation exposure but also decreases annual imaging costs despite increased numbers of imaging studies. Continued cost reduction may be possible by using diagnostic algorithms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Creation and Characterization of an Ultrasound and CT Phantom for Non-invasive Ultrasound Thermometry Calibration

    PubMed Central

    Lai, Chun-Yen; Kruse, Dustin E.; Ferrara, Katherine W.; Caskey, Charles F.

    2014-01-01

    Ultrasound thermometry provides noninvasive two-dimensional (2-D) temperature monitoring, and in this paper, we have investigated the use of computed tomography (CT) radiodensity to characterize tissues to improve the accuracy of ultrasound thermometry. Agarose-based tissue-mimicking phantoms were created with glyceryl trioleate (a fat-mimicking material) concentration of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%. The speed of sound (SOS) of the phantoms was measured over a temperature range of 22.1–41.1°C. CT images of the phantoms were acquired by a clinical dedicated breast CT scanner, followed by calculation of the Hounsfield units (HU). The phantom was heated with a therapeutic acoustic pulse (1.54 MHz), while RF data were acquired with a 10-MHz linear-array transducer. 2-D speckle tracking was used to calculate the thermal strain offline. The tissue dependent thermal strain parameter required for ultrasound thermometry was analyzed and correlated with CT radiodensity, followed by validation of the temperature prediction. Results showed that the change in SOS with the temperature increase was opposite in sign between the 0–10% and 20–50% trioleate phantoms. The inverse of the tissue dependent thermal strain parameter of the phantoms was correlated with the CT radiodensity (R2 = 0.99). A blinded ultrasound thermometry study on phantoms with a trioleate range of 5–35% demonstrated the capability to estimate the tissue dependent thermal strain parameter and estimate temperature with error less than ~1°C. In conclusion, CT radiodensity may provide a method for improving ultrasound thermometry in heterogeneous tissues. PMID:24107918

  18. [Current approaches to evaluating the anatomic and functional status of the cornea].

    PubMed

    Avetisov, S E; Borodina, N V; Kobzova, M V; Musaeva, G M

    2010-01-01

    The review provides data on current methods for evaluating the anatomic and functional status of the cornea (light refraction, light transmission, and biomechanical properties, in particular). It analyzes the main advantages and disadvantages of basic (biomicroscopy, endothelial microscopy, ophthalmometry, topography, and pachymetry) and special (confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, aberrometry, bidirectional corneal applanation, and keratoesthesiometry) studies.

  19. Breast ultrasound computed tomography using waveform inversion with source encoding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Kun; Matthews, Thomas; Anis, Fatima; Li, Cuiping; Duric, Neb; Anastasio, Mark A.

    2015-03-01

    Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) holds great promise for improving the detection and management of breast cancer. Because they are based on the acoustic wave equation, waveform inversion-based reconstruction methods can produce images that possess improved spatial resolution properties over those produced by ray-based methods. However, waveform inversion methods are computationally demanding and have not been applied widely in USCT breast imaging. In this work, source encoding concepts are employed to develop an accelerated USCT reconstruction method that circumvents the large computational burden of conventional waveform inversion methods. This method, referred to as the waveform inversion with source encoding (WISE) method, encodes the measurement data using a random encoding vector and determines an estimate of the speed-of-sound distribution by solving a stochastic optimization problem by use of a stochastic gradient descent algorithm. Computer-simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate the use of the WISE method. Using a single graphics processing unit card, each iteration can be completed within 25 seconds for a 128 × 128 mm2 reconstruction region. The results suggest that the WISE method maintains the high spatial resolution of waveform inversion methods while significantly reducing the computational burden.

  20. Accuracy of ultrasound versus computed tomography urogram in detecting urinary tract calculi.

    PubMed

    Salinawati, B; Hing, E Y; Fam, X I; Zulfiqar, M A

    2015-08-01

    To determine the (i) sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound (USG) in the detection of urinary tract calculi, (ii) size of renal calculi detected on USG, and (iii) size of renal calculi not seen on USG but detected on computed tomography urogram (CTU). A total of 201 patients' USG and CTU were compared retrospectively for the presence of calculi. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of USG were calculated with CTU as the gold standard. From the 201 sets of data collected, 59 calculi were detected on both USG and CTU. The sensitivity and specificity of renal calculi detection on USG were 53% and 85% respectively. The mean size of the renal calculus detected on USG was 7.6 mm ± 4.1 mm and the mean size of the renal calculus not visualised on USG but detected on CTU was 4 mm ± 2.4 mm. The sensitivity and specificity of ureteric calculi detection on USG were 12% and 97% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary bladder calculi detection on USG were 20% and 100% respectively. This study showed that the accuracy of US in detecting renal, ureteric and urinary bladder calculi were 67%, 80% and 98% respectively.

  1. Automated breast segmentation in ultrasound computer tomography SAFT images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hopp, T.; You, W.; Zapf, M.; Tan, W. Y.; Gemmeke, H.; Ruiter, N. V.

    2017-03-01

    Ultrasound Computer Tomography (USCT) is a promising new imaging system for breast cancer diagnosis. An essential step before further processing is to remove the water background from the reconstructed images. In this paper we present a fully-automated image segmentation method based on three-dimensional active contours. The active contour method is extended by applying gradient vector flow and encoding the USCT aperture characteristics as additional weighting terms. A surface detection algorithm based on a ray model is developed to initialize the active contour, which is iteratively deformed to capture the breast outline in USCT reflection images. The evaluation with synthetic data showed that the method is able to cope with noisy images, and is not influenced by the position of the breast and the presence of scattering objects within the breast. The proposed method was applied to 14 in-vivo images resulting in an average surface deviation from a manual segmentation of 2.7 mm. We conclude that automated segmentation of USCT reflection images is feasible and produces results comparable to a manual segmentation. By applying the proposed method, reproducible segmentation results can be obtained without manual interaction by an expert.

  2. Multimodality bonchoscopic imaging of tracheopathica osteochondroplastica

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Colt, Henri; Murgu, Septimiu D.; Ahn, Yeh-Chan; Brenner, Matt

    2009-05-01

    Results of a commercial optical coherence tomography system used as part of a multimodality diagnostic bronchoscopy platform are presented for a 61-year-old patient with central airway obstruction from tracheopathica osteochondroplastica. Comparison to results of white-light bronchoscopy, histology, and endobronchial ultrasound examination are accompanied by a discussion of resolution, penetration depth, contrast, and field of view of these imaging modalities. White-light bronchoscopy revealed irregularly shaped, firm submucosal nodules along cartilaginous structures of the anterior and lateral walls of the trachea, sparing the muscular posterior membrane. Endobronchial ultrasound showed a hyperechoic density of 0.4 cm thickness. optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed using a commercially available, compact time-domain OCT system (Niris System, Imalux Corp., Cleveland, Ohio) with a magnetically actuating probe (two-dimensional, front imaging, and inside actuation). Images showed epithelium, upper submucosa, and osseous submucosal nodule layers corresponding with histopathology. To our knowledge, this is the first time these commercially available systems are used as part of a multimodality bronchoscopy platform to study diagnostic imaging of a benign disease causing central airway obstruction. Further studies are needed to optimize these systems for pulmonary applications and to determine how new-generation imaging modalities will be integrated into a multimodality bronchoscopy platform.

  3. Diagnostic imaging advances in murine models of colitis.

    PubMed

    Brückner, Markus; Lenz, Philipp; Mücke, Marcus M; Gohar, Faekah; Willeke, Peter; Domagk, Dirk; Bettenworth, Dominik

    2016-01-21

    Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic-remittent inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract still evoking challenging clinical diagnostic and therapeutic situations. Murine models of experimental colitis are a vital component of research into human IBD concerning questions of its complex pathogenesis or the evaluation of potential new drugs. To monitor the course of colitis, to the present day, classical parameters like histological tissue alterations or analysis of mucosal cytokine/chemokine expression often require euthanasia of animals. Recent advances mean revolutionary non-invasive imaging techniques for in vivo murine colitis diagnostics are increasingly available. These novel and emerging imaging techniques not only allow direct visualization of intestinal inflammation, but also enable molecular imaging and targeting of specific alterations of the inflamed murine mucosa. For the first time, in vivo imaging techniques allow for longitudinal examinations and evaluation of intra-individual therapeutic response. This review discusses the latest developments in the different fields of ultrasound, molecularly targeted contrast agent ultrasound, fluorescence endoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy as well as tomographic imaging with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and fluorescence-mediated tomography, discussing their individual limitations and potential future diagnostic applications in the management of human patients with IBD.

  4. Combined optical coherence tomography and optical coherence elastography for glomerulonephritis classification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Chih-Hao; Du, Yong; Singh, Manmohan; Wu, Chen; Han, Zhaolong; Li, Jiasong; Mohammadzai, Qais; Raghunathan, Raksha; Hsu, Thomas; Noorani, Shezaan; Chang, Anthony; Mohan, Chandra; Larin, Kirill V.

    2016-03-01

    Acute Glomerulonephritis caused by anti-glomerular basement membrane disease has a high mortality due to delayed diagnosis. Thus, an accurate and early diagnosis is critical for preserving renal function. Currently, blood, urine, and tissue-based diagnoses can be time consuming, while ultrasound and CT imaging have relatively low spatial resolution. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that provides superior spatial resolution (micron scale) as compared to ultrasound and CT. Pathological changes in tissue properties can be detected based on the optical metrics analyzed from the OCT signal, such as optical attenuation and speckle variance. Moreover, OCT does not rely on ionizing radiation as with CT imaging. In addition to structural changes, the elasticity of the kidney can significantly change due to nephritis. In this work, we utilized OCT to detect the difference in tissue properties between healthy and nephritic murine kidneys. Although OCT imaging could identify the diseased tissue, classification accuracy using only optical metrics was clinically inadequate. By combining optical metrics with elasticity, the classification accuracy improved from 76% to 95%. These results show that OCT combined with OCE can be potentially useful for nephritis detection.

  5. Volumetric breast density evaluation by ultrasound tomography and magnetic resonance imaging: a preliminary comparative study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Myc, Lukasz; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Li, Cuiping; Ranger, Bryan; Lupinacci, Jessica; Schmidt, Steven; Rama, Olsi; Bey-Knight, Lisa

    2010-03-01

    Since a 1976 study by Wolfe, high breast density has gained recognition as a factor strongly correlating with an increased incidence of breast cancer. These observations have led to mammographic density being designated a "risk factor" for breast cancer. Clinically, the exclusive reliance on mammography for breast density measurement has forestalled the inclusion of breast density into statistical risk models. This exclusion has in large part been due to the ionizing radiation associated with the method. Additionally, the use of mammography as valid tool for measuring a three dimensional characteristic (breast density) has been criticized for its prima facie incongruity. These shortfalls have prompted MRI studies of breast density as an alternative three-dimensional method of assessing breast density. Although, MRI is safe and can be used to measure volumetric density, its cost has prohibited its use in screening. Here, we report that sound speed measurements using a prototype ultrasound tomography device have potential for use as surrogates for breast density measurement. Accordingly, we report a strong positive linear correlation between volume-averaged sound speed of the breast and percent glandular tissue volume as assessed by MR.

  6. Ultrasound-responsive gene-activated matrices for osteogenic gene therapy using matrix-assisted sonoporation.

    PubMed

    Nomikou, N; Feichtinger, G A; Saha, S; Nuernberger, S; Heimel, P; Redl, H; McHale, A P

    2018-01-01

    Gene-activated matrix (GAM)-based therapeutics for tissue regeneration are limited by efficacy, the lack of spatiotemporal control and availability of target cells, all of which impact negatively on their translation to the clinic. Here, an advanced ultrasound-responsive GAM is described containing target cells that facilitates matrix-assisted sonoporation (MAS) to induce osteogenic differentiation. Ultrasound-responsive GAMs consisting of fibrin/collagen hybrid-matrices containing microbubbles, bone morphogenetic protein BMP2/7 coexpression plasmids together with C2C12 cells were treated with ultrasound either in vitro or following parenteral intramuscular implantation in vivo. Using direct measurement for alkaline phosphatase activity, von Kossa staining and immunohistochemical analysis for osteocalcin expression, MAS-stimulated osteogenic differentiation was confirmed in the GAMs in vitro 7 days after treatment with ultrasound. At day 30 post-treatment with ultrasound, ectopic osteogenic differentiation was confirmed in vivo using X-ray microcomputed tomography and histological analysis. Osteogenic differentiation was indicated by the presence of ectopic bone structures in all animals treated with MAS. In addition, bone volumes in this group were statistically greater than those in the control groups. This novel approach of incorporating a MAS capability into GAMs could be exploited to facilitate ex vivo gene transfer with subsequent surgical implantation or alternatively provide a minimally invasive means of stimulating in situ transgene delivery for osteoinductive gene-based therapies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  7. The feasibility of non-contact ultrasound for medical imaging.

    PubMed

    Clement, G T; Nomura, H; Adachi, H; Kamakura, T

    2013-09-21

    High intensity focused ultrasound in air may provide a means for medical and biological imaging without direct coupling of an ultrasound probe. In this study, an approach based on highly focused ultrasound in air is described and the feasibility of the technique is assessed. The overall method is based on the observations that (1) ultrasound in air has superior focusing ability and stronger nonlinear harmonic generation as compared to tissue propagation and (2) a tightly focused field directed into tissue causes point-like spreading that may be regarded as a source for generalized diffraction tomography. Simulations of a spherically-curved transducer are performed, where the transducer's radiation pattern is directed from air into tissue. It is predicted that a focal pressure of 162 dB (2.5 kPa) is sufficient to direct ultrasound through the body, and provide a small but measurable signal (∼1 mPa) upon exit. Based on the simulations, a 20 cm diameter array consisting of 298 transducers is constructed. For this feasibility study, a 40 kHz resonance frequency is selected based on the commercial availability of such transducers. The array is used to focus through water and acrylic phantoms, and the time history of the exiting signal is evaluated. Sufficient data are acquired to demonstrate a low-resolution tomographic reconstruction. Finally, to demonstrate the feasibility to record a signal in vivo, a 75 mm × 55 mm section of a human hand is imaged in a C-mode configuration.

  8. High-resolution ultrasonic imaging of the posterior segment.

    PubMed

    Coleman, D Jackson; Silverman, Ronald H; Chabi, Almira; Rondeau, Mark J; Shung, K Kirk; Cannata, Jon; Lincoff, Harvey

    2004-07-01

    Conventional ophthalmic ultrasonography is performed using 10-megahertz (MHz) transducers. Our aim was to explore the use of higher frequency ultrasound to provide improved resolution of the posterior pole. Prospective case series. One normal subject and 5 subjects with pathologies affecting the posterior coats, including nevii, small melanomas, and macular hole. We modeled the frequency-dependent attenuation of ultrasound across the eye to develop an understanding of the range of frequencies that might be practically applied for imaging of the posterior pole. We compared images of the posterior coats made at 10, 15, and 20 MHz, and 20-MHz ultrasound images of pathologies with 10-MHz ultrasound and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ability to resolve normal and pathologic structures affecting posterior coats of the eye. Modeling showed that frequencies of 20 to 25 MHz might be used for posterior pole imaging. Twenty-megahertz images allowed differentiation of the retina, choroid, and sclera. In addition, at 20 MHz the retina showed banding patterns suggesting an internal structure comparable in many respects to that seen in OCT and histology. Images of ocular pathology provided much improved detail relative to 10-MHz images and deeper penetration than OCT. Twenty-megahertz ultrasound can be practically employed for imaging of the posterior pole of the eye, providing a 2-fold improvement in resolution relative to conventional 10-MHz instruments. Although not providing the resolution of OCT, ultrasound can be used in the presence of optical opacities and allows evaluation of deeper tissue structures.

  9. Safety of Microbubbles and Transcranial Ultrasound in Rabbits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Culp, William C.; Brown, Aliza T.; Hennings, Leah; Lowery, John; Culp, Benjamin C.; Erdem, Eren; Roberson, Paula; Matsunaga, Terry O.

    2007-05-01

    The object of this study was to evaluate the safety of large doses of microbubbles and ultrasound administered to the head of rabbits as if they were receiving acute stroke therapy of a similar nature. Materials and Methods: Female New Zealand White rabbits were used, N=24, in three groups 1] n=4 control (no treatment), 2] n=10 bubble control (ultrasound plus aspirin), and 3] n=10 target group (ultrasound plus aspirin plus MRX-815 microbubbles). Group 3 was infused with IV bubbles over 1 hour at 0.16cc/kg. Ultrasound was delivered to the dehaired side of the head during bubble infusion and for 1 additional hour at 0.8 W/cm2 20% pulsed wave. Rabbits survived for 22 to 24 hours, were imaged with computerized tomography and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging including contrast studies, and sacrificed. Tetrazolium (TTC) and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) sections were made for pathological examination. Results: All 24 animals showed absence of bleeding, endothelial damage, EKG abnormalities, stroke, blood-brain-barrier breakdown, or other acute abnormalities. CT and MRI showed no bleeding or signs of stroke, but two animals had mild hydrocephalus. The EKGs showed normal variation in QTc. Rabbit behavior was normal in all. Minimal chronic inflammation unrelated to the study was seen in 5. Two animals were excluded because of protocol violations and replaced during the study. Conclusion: The administered dose of microbubbles and ultrasound demonstrated no detrimental effects on the healthy rabbit animal model.

  10. Anterior segment biometry with 2 imaging technologies: very-high-frequency ultrasound scanning versus optical coherence tomography.

    PubMed

    Piñero, David P; Plaza, Ana Belén; Alió, Jorge L

    2008-01-01

    To determine the interchangeability of 2 anterior segment imaging systems: a very-high-frequency (VHF) ultrasound scanning system (Artemis 2, Ultralink LLC) and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system (Visante, Zeiss). Vissum Instituto Oftalmologico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain. This study comprised 20 eyes without pathology or previous surgery. The anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), angle-to-angle distance (ATA), and the iridocorneal angle size (IAS) at the 0-degree and 180-degree positions were measured with 2 imaging techniques: VHF ultrasound scanning and OCT. Analysis of agreement and interchangeability was performed by the Bland and Altman method. In addition, each measurement was performed 3 times consecutively to determine intrasession repeatability by means of the coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). No statistically significant differences were found between imaging techniques in ACD, CCT, or ATA (P>.40). The ranges of agreement were 0.20 mm, 16.11 mum, and 0.80 mm for ACD, CCT, and ATA, respectively. Regarding IAS, no statistically significant differences were found in the nasal (P = .78) or temporal (P = .63) measurements between devices. However, the range of agreement for nasal (14.3 degrees) and temporal (14.90 degrees) values was relevant, indicating the 2 techniques cannot be used interchangeably for IAS measurement. Excellent intrasession repeatability scores were obtained (CV and ICC). The Artemis 2 and the Visante OCT systems provide equivalent and repeatable measurements of the ACD, CCT, and ATA and can be used interchangeably for these purposes.

  11. Musculoskeletal ultrasound for interventional physiatry.

    PubMed

    De Muynck, M; Parlevliet, T; De Cock, K; Vanden Bossche, L; Vanderstraeten, G; Özçakar, L

    2012-12-01

    More and more physiatrists are interested in learning how to use musculoskeletal ultrasonography in their clinical practice. The possibility of high resolution, dynamic, comparative and repeatable imaging makes it an important diagnostic tool for soft tissue pathology. There is also growing interest to use sonography for guiding interventions such as aspirations and infiltrations. In daily practice these are often done blindly or palpation-guided. To improve the accuracy of interventions, fluoroscopy or computed tomography were traditionally used for guidance. Since sonography is non-ionizing, readily available and relatively low cost, it has become the first choice to guide many musculoskeletal interventions. Ultrasound allows real-time imaging of target and needle as well as surrounding vulnerable structures such as vessels and nerves. Many different techniques are proposed in the literature. Interventions under ultrasound guidance have been proven to be more accurate than unguided ones. Further studies are required to prove better clinical results and fewer complications. Infection is the most dreaded complication. This review wants to highlight technical aspects of ultrasound guidance of interventions and give a survey of different interventions that have been introduced, with emphasis on applications in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Results and complications are discussed. Finally training requirements and modalities are presented.

  12. Point-of-care ultrasound facilitates diagnosing a posterior shoulder dislocation.

    PubMed

    Mackenzie, David C; Liebmann, Otto

    2013-05-01

    Posterior shoulder dislocation is an uncommon disruption of the glenohumeral joint. Risk factors include seizure, electric shock, and underlying instabilities of the shoulder joint. A 27-year-old man with a history of recurrent posterior shoulder dislocation presented to the Emergency Department with sudden shoulder pain and reduced range of motion about the shoulder after abducting and internally rotating his arm. Radiographs did not show fracture or dislocation. The treating physician suspected an occult posterior shoulder dislocation, but wanted to avoid performing a computed tomography scan of the shoulder, as the patient had undergone numerous scans during the evaluation of similar complaints. Instead, a point-of-care ultrasound was performed, demonstrating posterior displacement of the humeral head relative to the glenoid rim, confirming the presence of a posterior shoulder dislocation. The patient received procedural sedation, and the shoulder was reduced with real-time ultrasound visualization. The patient tolerated the procedure well, and had decreased pain and improved range of motion. He was discharged with a sling, swathe, and orthopedic follow-up. Point-of-care ultrasound of the shoulder may be used to demonstrate posterior shoulder dislocation. This may have particular utility in the setting of non-diagnostic radiographs. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  13. Optimising probe holder design for sentinel lymph node imaging using clinical photoacoustic system with Monte Carlo simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sivasubramanian, Kathyayini; Periyasamy, Vijitha; Wen, Kew Kok; Pramanik, Manojit

    2017-03-01

    Photoacoustic tomography is a hybrid imaging modality that combines optical and ultrasound imaging. It is rapidly gaining attention in the field of medical imaging. The challenge is to translate it into a clinical setup. In this work, we report the development of a handheld clinical photoacoustic imaging system. A clinical ultrasound imaging system is modified to integrate photoacoustic imaging with the ultrasound imaging. Hence, light delivery has been integrated with the ultrasound probe. The angle of light delivery is optimized in this work with respect to the depth of imaging. Optimization was performed based on Monte Carlo simulation for light transport in tissues. Based on the simulation results, the probe holders were fabricated using 3D printing. Similar results were obtained experimentally using phantoms. Phantoms were developed to mimic sentinel lymph node imaging scenario. Also, in vivo sentinel lymph node imaging was done using the same system with contrast agent methylene blue up to a depth of 1.5 cm. The results validate that one can use Monte Carlo simulation as a tool to optimize the probe holder design depending on the imaging needs. This eliminates a trial and error approach generally used for designing a probe holder.

  14. Usefulness of lung ultrasound in a newborn with pulmonary atelectasis.

    PubMed

    Caiulo, V A; Gargani, L; Caiulo, S; Moramarco, F; Latini, G; Gargasole, C; Picano, E

    2011-01-01

    The use of ultrasound for the evaluation of the lung is relatively recent. We describe the case of a newborn with pulmonary atelectasis and shift of the mediastinum underlining both advantages and limits of lung ultrasound (LUS). The baby, 1 month of age, was admitted to our hospital for tachypnoea, vomiting and poor weight gain. Chest X-ray (CXR) showed displacement of the heart to the right, suggesting the presence of atelectasis of the right lung. LUS confirmed the displacement of the mediastinum to the right and atelectasis of the right lung, clearly visible as a consolidation with the presence of air bronchograms. The computed tomography image showed that the lung parenchyma displayed in the right hemithorax could be attributed to the hyperexpanded left lung. However, once this information was acquired, and compared to the ultrasound picture, we were able to monitor the patient by LUS until normalization, thus avoiding further exposure to ionizing radiation. Our case, in accordance with the recent Literature, indicates that LUS can be adopted as a simple and non-invasive method for evaluating children with lung disease. It is easy to perform at bedside, allows a close follow-up and avoids the use of ionizing radiation.

  15. Comparison of active-set method deconvolution and matched-filtering for derivation of an ultrasound transit time spectrum.

    PubMed

    Wille, M-L; Zapf, M; Ruiter, N V; Gemmeke, H; Langton, C M

    2015-06-21

    The quality of ultrasound computed tomography imaging is primarily determined by the accuracy of ultrasound transit time measurement. A major problem in analysis is the overlap of signals making it difficult to detect the correct transit time. The current standard is to apply a matched-filtering approach to the input and output signals. This study compares the matched-filtering technique with active set deconvolution to derive a transit time spectrum from a coded excitation chirp signal and the measured output signal. The ultrasound wave travels in a direct and a reflected path to the receiver, resulting in an overlap in the recorded output signal. The matched-filtering and deconvolution techniques were applied to determine the transit times associated with the two signal paths. Both techniques were able to detect the two different transit times; while matched-filtering has a better accuracy (0.13 μs versus 0.18 μs standard deviations), deconvolution has a 3.5 times improved side-lobe to main-lobe ratio. A higher side-lobe suppression is important to further improve image fidelity. These results suggest that a future combination of both techniques would provide improved signal detection and hence improved image fidelity.

  16. Photoacoustic characterization of human ovarian tissue

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aguirre, Andres; Ardeshirpour, Yasaman; Sanders, Mary M.; Brewer, Molly; Zhu, Quing

    2010-02-01

    Ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of only 30%, which represents the highest mortality of all gynecologic cancers. The reason for that is that the current imaging techniques are not capable of detecting ovarian cancer early. Therefore, new imaging techniques, like photoacoustic imaging, that can provide functional and molecular contrasts are needed for improving the specificity of ovarian cancer detection and characterization. Using a coregistered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system we have studied thirty-one human ovaries ex vivo, including normal and diseased. In order to compare the photoacoustic imaging results from all the ovaries, a new parameter using the RF data has been derived. The preliminary results show higher optical absorption for abnormal and malignant ovaries than for normal postmenopausal ones. To estimate the quantitative optical absorption properties of the ovaries, additional ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography images have been acquired. Good agreement between the two techniques has been observed. These results demonstrate the potential of a co-registered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

  17. Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound after Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Injection to Treat Osteochondral Defects: An In Vivo Study.

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Shoki; Aoyama, Tomoki; Ito, Akira; Nagai, Momoko; Iijima, Hirotaka; Tajino, Junichi; Zhang, Xiangkai; Wataru, Kiyan; Kuroki, Hiroshi

    2016-12-01

    We investigated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment combined with mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) injection for cartilage repair and subchondral bone reconstitution for treatment of osteochondral defects. An osteochondral defect was created on both femur grooves of Wistar rats. Four weeks later, bone marrow MSCs were injected into the right knee joint. The rats were divided into two intervention groups: without or with LIPUS irradiation. Cartilage repair was evaluated histologically based on the Wakitani cartilage repair score. Subchondral bone reconstitution was evaluated as bone volume (BV)/tissue volume (TV) by micro-computed tomography analysis. MSC injection improved the cartilage repair score, and LIPUS irradiation improved BV/TV. Combination treatment promoted both cartilage repair and BV/TV improvement. Thus, MSC injection combined with LIPUS irradiation is more effective than either treatment alone in promoting concurrent cartilage repair and subchondral reconstitution. Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. A framework for directional and higher-order reconstruction in photoacoustic tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boink, Yoeri E.; Lagerwerf, Marinus J.; Steenbergen, Wiendelt; van Gils, Stephan A.; Manohar, Srirang; Brune, Christoph

    2018-02-01

    Photoacoustic tomography is a hybrid imaging technique that combines high optical tissue contrast with high ultrasound resolution. Direct reconstruction methods such as filtered back-projection, time reversal and least squares suffer from curved line artefacts and blurring, especially in the case of limited angles or strong noise. In recent years, there has been great interest in regularised iterative methods. These methods employ prior knowledge of the image to provide higher quality reconstructions. However, easy comparisons between regularisers and their properties are limited, since many tomography implementations heavily rely on the specific regulariser chosen. To overcome this bottleneck, we present a modular reconstruction framework for photoacoustic tomography, which enables easy comparisons between regularisers with different properties, e.g. nonlinear, higher-order or directional. We solve the underlying minimisation problem with an efficient first-order primal-dual algorithm. Convergence rates are optimised by choosing an operator-dependent preconditioning strategy. A variety of reconstruction methods are tested on challenging 2D synthetic and experimental data sets. They outperform direct reconstruction approaches for strong noise levels and limited angle measurements, offering immediate benefits in terms of acquisition time and quality. This work provides a basic platform for the investigation of future advanced regularisation methods in photoacoustic tomography.

  19. Imaging diagnosis--Use of multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography for diagnosis of mesenteric volvulus in a dog.

    PubMed

    Chow, Kathleen Ella; Stent, Andrew William; Milne, Marjorie

    2014-01-01

    A 4-year-old German shorthaired pointer presented with collapse and hematochezia. Radiographs showed gas and fluid-distended small intestines and loss of serosal detail. Ultrasound examination showed hypomotile, fluid-distended small intestines, and thrombosed jejunal veins. Multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed and showed a CT "whirl sign," an important but nonspecific sign of intestinal volvulus in human patients. At surgery, the majority of the small intestine was entangled in the volvulus and showed black discoloration. The patient was euthanized. Postmortem evaluation yielded a diagnosis of jejunoileal mesenteric volvulus secondary to a congenital omphalomesenteric duct remnant. © 2013 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

  20. Photoacoustic tomography: principles and advances

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Jun; Yao, Junjie; Wang, Lihong V.

    2014-01-01

    Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging imaging modality that shows great potential for preclinical research and clinical practice. As a hybrid technique, PAT is based on the acoustic detection of optical absorption from either endogenous chromophores, such as oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin, or exogenous contrast agents, such as organic dyes and nanoparticles. Because ultrasound scatters much less than light in tissue, PAT generates high-resolution images in both the optical ballistic and diffusive regimes. Over the past decade, the photoacoustic technique has been evolving rapidly, leading to a variety of exciting discoveries and applications. This review covers the basic principles of PAT and its different implementations. Strengths of PAT are highlighted, along with the most recent imaging results. PMID:25642127

  1. [Treatment of inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease at the emergency surgical care hospital].

    PubMed

    Reznitsky, P A; Yartsev, P A; Shavrina, N V

    To assess an effectiveness of minimally invasive and laparoscopic technologies in treatment of inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease. The study included 150 patients who were divided into control and main groups. Survey included ultrasound, X-ray examination and abdominal computerized tomography. In the main group standardized treatment algorithm including minimally invasive and laparoscopic technologies was used. In the main group 79 patients underwent conservative treatment, minimally invasive (ultrasound-assisted percutaneous drainage of abscesses) and laparoscopic surgery that was successful in 78 (98.7%) patients. Standardized algorithm reduces time of treatment, incidence of postoperative complications, mortality and the risk of recurrent inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease. Also postoperative quality of life was improved.

  2. Ultrasonically Encoded Photoacoustic Flowgraphy in Biological Tissue

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Lidai; Xia, Jun; Yao, Junjie; Maslov, Konstantin I.; Wang, Lihong V.

    2013-11-01

    Blood flow speed is an important functional parameter. Doppler ultrasound flowmetry lacks sufficient sensitivity to slow blood flow (several to tens of millimeters per second) in deep tissue. To address this challenge, we developed ultrasonically encoded photoacoustic flowgraphy combining ultrasonic thermal tagging with photoacoustic imaging. Focused ultrasound generates a confined heat source in acoustically absorptive fluid. Thermal waves propagate with the flow and are directly visualized in pseudo color using photoacoustic computed tomography. The Doppler shift is employed to calculate the flow speed. This method requires only acoustic and optical absorption, and thus is applicable to continuous fluid. A blood flow speed as low as 0.24mm·s-1 was successfully measured. Deep blood flow imaging was experimentally demonstrated under 5-mm-thick chicken breast tissue.

  3. Complex and Simple Clinical Reaction Times Are Associated with Gait, Balance, and Major Fall Injury in Older Subjects with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

    PubMed Central

    Richardson, James K.; Eckner, James T.; Allet, Lara; Kim, Hogene; Ashton-Miller, James

    2016-01-01

    Objective To identify relationships between complex and simple clinical measures of reaction time (RTclin), and indicators of balance in older subjects with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Design Prospective cohort design. Complex RTclin Accuracy, Simple RTclin Latency, and their ratio were determined using a novel device in 42 subjects (age = 69.1 ± 8.3 yrs), 26 with DPN and 16 without. Dependent variables included unipedal stance time (UST), step width variability and range on an uneven surface, and major fall-related injury over 12 months. Results In the DPN subjects the ratio of Complex RTclin Accuracy:Simple RTclin Latency was strongly associated with longer UST (r/p = .653/.004), and decreased step width variability and range (r/p = −.696/.001 and −.782/<.001, respectively) on an uneven surface. Additionally, the two DPN subjects sustaining major injuries had lower Complex RTclin Accuracy:Simple: RTclin Latency than those without. Conclusions The ratio of Complex RTclin Accuracy:Simple RTclin Latency is a potent predictor of UST and frontal plane gait variability in response to perturbations, and may predict major fall injury in older subjects with DPN. These short latency neurocognitive measures may compensate for lower limb neuromuscular impairments, and provide a more comprehensive understanding of balance and fall risk. PMID:27552354

  4. [Abdominal ultrasound abnormalities incidentally discovered in patients with asymptomatic HIV in Lome (Togo)].

    PubMed

    Sonhaye, L; Tchaou, M; Amadou, A; Gbande, P; Assih, K; Djibril, M; Adjenou, K; Redah, D; N'Dakéna, K

    2014-01-01

    Few studies have examined ultrasound imaging of abdominal manifestations of HIV-AIDS, although these rank second only to its pleuropulmonary manifestations. Thus, this study sought to determine the features of abdominal ultrasound in HIV infection. This prospective, descriptive and analytical study took place in the radiology department of the University Hospital Campus Lomé and covered the three-year period of 2009-2011. It included all patients older than 15 years with positive HIV serology. During the study period, 566 patients met the inclusion criteria. Ultrasound examination showed the liver appeared normal in 153 patients (27.0%), but homogeneously hyperechoic and thus suggestive of hepatic steatosis in 107 (18.9%). The bile duct was dilatated in 12 patients or 2.1%. An anomaly in the corticomedullary differentiation in normal-sized kidneys was noted in 28.1% (159 patients). Diffuse homogeneous hypertrophy of the pancreas was found in 3 patients (0.53%). Splenomegaly was noted in 387 patients (68.4%); the echopattern of the spleen was diffusely micronodular in 6 patients (1.1%). Deep adenopathies were found in 29 patients (5.1%) and ascites in 46 patients (8.1%). Abdominal ultrasound is a medical imaging technique available in developing countries, less expensive than others, which can be considered an alternative to computed tomography (CT) in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa for the exploration of the abdominal manifestations of HIV.

  5. A multitechnique evaluation of topical corticosteroid treatment.

    PubMed

    Josse, G; Rouvrais, C; Mas, A; Haftek, M; Delalleau, A; Ferraq, Y; Ossant, F; George, J; Lagarde, J M; Schmitt, A M

    2009-02-01

    Corticosteroids are widely prescribed for systemic or local treatment of inflammatory autoimmune disorders. Long-term therapy is associated with side effects and causes cutaneous atrophy of the epidermis and the dermis. The present study aims to evaluate with several noninvasive techniques, the skin modifications observed during corticosteroids treatment. The potential of skin mechanical measurement and ultrasound radio frequency (RF) signal analysis are proposed as new measures more closely related to the functional impairments. Thirteen young healthy women volunteers had two applications per day on one arm of topical Clobetasol propionate 0.05% for 28 days, and they were followed for 28 days more. Skin modifications were studied by high-frequency ultrasound imaging, ultrasound RF signal analysis, optical coherence tomography and by the suction test. For all the techniques, a statistically significant change is observed with treatment. Large variations, around 30%, are observed for all techniques, but less for ultrasound imaging (10%). Dermis and epidermis thickness presented stable measurements on the nontreated zone. At the end of the study, measures returned to normal. The dynamic is mainly observed within the first 14 days of treatment and within the first 14 days after its cessation. Similar dynamics of skin modification during corticosteroid treatment was observed with very different techniques. Moreover, the potential of RF ultrasound analysis and mechanical skin measurement for characterizing skin structural and functional impairments has been evaluated.

  6. Is the Internet a Suitable Patient Resource for Information on Common Radiological Investigations?: Radiology-Related Information on the Internet.

    PubMed

    Bowden, Dermot J; Yap, Lee-Chien; Sheppard, Declan G

    2017-07-01

    This study aimed to assess the quality of Internet information about common radiological investigations. Four search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Duckduckgo) were searched using the terms "X-ray," "cat scan," "MRI," "ultrasound," and "pet scan." The first 10 webpage results returned for each search term were recorded, and their quality and readability were analyzed by two independent reviewers (DJB and LCY), with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Analysis of information quality was conducted using validated instruments for the assessment of health-care information (DISCERN score is a multi-domain tool for assessment of health-care information quality by health-care professionals and laypeople (max 80 points)) and readability (Flesch-Kincaid and SMOG or Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scores). The search result pages were further classified into categories as follows: commercial, academic (educational/institutional), and news/magazine. Several organizations offer website accreditation for health-care information, and accreditation is recognized by the presence of a hallmark or logo on the website. The presence of any valid accreditation marks on each website was recorded. Mean scores between groups were compared for significance using the Student t test. A total of 200 webpages returned (108 unique website addresses). The average DISCERN score was <50 points for all modalities and search engines. No significant difference was seen in readability between modalities or between search engines. Websites carrying validated accreditation marks were associated with higher average DISCERN scores: X-ray (39.36 vs 25.35), computed tomography (45.45 vs 31.33), and ultrasound (40.91 vs 27.62) (P < .01). Academic/government institutions produced material with higher DISCERN scores: X-ray (40.06 vs 22.23), magnetic resonance imaging (44.69 vs 29), ultrasound (46 vs 31.91), and positron emission tomography (45.93 vs 38.31) (P < .01). Commercial websites produced material with lower mean DISCERN scores: X-ray (17.25 vs 31.69), magnetic resonance imaging (20.8 vs 40.1), ultrasound (24.11 vs 42.35), and positron emission tomography (24.5 vs 44.45) (P < .01). Although readability is adequate, the overall quality of radiology-related health-care information on the Internet is poor. High-quality online resources should be identified so that patients may avoid the use of poor-quality information derived from general search engine queries. Copyright © 2017 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. A Low-Cost Tele-Imaging Platform for Developing Countries

    PubMed Central

    Adambounou, Kokou; Adjenou, Victor; Salam, Alex P.; Farin, Fabien; N’Dakena, Koffi Gilbert; Gbeassor, Messanvi; Arbeille, Philippe

    2014-01-01

    Purpose: To design a “low-cost” tele-imaging method allowing real-time tele-ultrasound expertise, delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis, and tele-radiology between remote peripherals hospitals and clinics (patient centers) and university hospital centers (expert center). Materials and methods: A system of communication via internet (IP camera and remote access software) enabling transfer of ultrasound videos and images between two centers allows a real-time tele-radiology expertise in the presence of a junior sonographer or radiologist at the patient center. In the absence of a sonographer or radiologist at the patient center, a 3D reconstruction program allows a delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis with images acquired by a lay operator (e.g., midwife, nurse, technician). The system was tested both with high and low bandwidth. The system can further accommodate non-ultrasound tele-radiology (conventional radiography, mammography, and computer tomography for example). The system was tested on 50 patients between CHR Tsevie in Togo (40 km from Lomé-Togo and 4500 km from Tours-France) and CHU Campus at Lomé and CHU Trousseau in Tours. Results: A real-time tele-expertise was successfully performed with a delay of approximately 1.5 s with an internet bandwidth of around 1 Mbps (IP Camera) and 512 kbps (remote access software). A delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis was also performed with satisfactory results. The transmission of radiological images from the patient center to the expert center was of adequate quality. Delayed tele-ultrasound and tele-radiology was possible even in the presence of a low-bandwidth internet connection. Conclusion: This tele-imaging method, requiring nothing by readily available and inexpensive technology and equipment, offers a major opportunity for telemedicine in developing countries. PMID:25250306

  8. A 3D reconstruction algorithm for magneto-acoustic tomography with magnetic induction based on ultrasound transducer characteristics.

    PubMed

    Ma, Ren; Zhou, Xiaoqing; Zhang, Shunqi; Yin, Tao; Liu, Zhipeng

    2016-12-21

    In this study we present a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction algorithm for magneto-acoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) based on the characteristics of the ultrasound transducer. The algorithm is investigated to solve the blur problem of the MAT-MI acoustic source image, which is caused by the ultrasound transducer and the scanning geometry. First, we established a transducer model matrix using measured data from the real transducer. With reference to the S-L model used in the computed tomography algorithm, a 3D phantom model of electrical conductivity is set up. Both sphere scanning and cylinder scanning geometries are adopted in the computer simulation. Then, using finite element analysis, the distribution of the eddy current and the acoustic source as well as the acoustic pressure can be obtained with the transducer model matrix. Next, using singular value decomposition, the inverse transducer model matrix together with the reconstruction algorithm are worked out. The acoustic source and the conductivity images are reconstructed using the proposed algorithm. Comparisons between an ideal point transducer and the realistic transducer are made to evaluate the algorithms. Finally, an experiment is performed using a graphite phantom. We found that images of the acoustic source reconstructed using the proposed algorithm are a better match than those using the previous one, the correlation coefficient of sphere scanning geometry is 98.49% and that of cylinder scanning geometry is 94.96%. Comparison between the ideal point transducer and the realistic transducer shows that the correlation coefficients are 90.2% in sphere scanning geometry and 86.35% in cylinder scanning geometry. The reconstruction of the graphite phantom experiment also shows a higher resolution using the proposed algorithm. We conclude that the proposed reconstruction algorithm, which considers the characteristics of the transducer, can obviously improve the resolution of the reconstructed image. This study can be applied to analyse the effect of the position of the transducer and the scanning geometry on imaging. It may provide a more precise method to reconstruct the conductivity distribution in MAT-MI.

  9. Characterizing EPR-mediated passive drug targeting using contrast-enhanced functional ultrasound imaging.

    PubMed

    Theek, Benjamin; Gremse, Felix; Kunjachan, Sijumon; Fokong, Stanley; Pola, Robert; Pechar, Michal; Deckers, Roel; Storm, Gert; Ehling, Josef; Kiessling, Fabian; Lammers, Twan

    2014-05-28

    The Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect is extensively used in drug delivery research. Taking into account that EPR is a highly variable phenomenon, we have here set out to evaluate if contrast-enhanced functional ultrasound (ceUS) imaging can be employed to characterize EPR-mediated passive drug targeting to tumors. Using standard fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) and two different protocols for hybrid computed tomography-fluorescence molecular tomography (CT-FMT), the tumor accumulation of a ~10 nm-sized near-infrared-fluorophore-labeled polymeric drug carrier (pHPMA-Dy750) was evaluated in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. In the same set of animals, two different ceUS techniques (2D MIOT and 3D B-mode imaging) were employed to assess tumor vascularization. Subsequently, the degree of tumor vascularization was correlated with the degree of EPR-mediated drug targeting. Depending on the optical imaging protocol used, the tumor accumulation of the polymeric drug carrier ranged from 5 to 12% of the injected dose. The degree of tumor vascularization, determined using ceUS, varied from 4 to 11%. For both hybrid CT-FMT protocols, a good correlation between the degree of tumor vascularization and the degree of tumor accumulation was observed, within the case of reconstructed CT-FMT, correlation coefficients of ~0.8 and p-values of <0.02. These findings indicate that ceUS can be used to characterize and predict EPR, and potentially also to pre-select patients likely to respond to passively tumor-targeted nanomedicine treatments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Optical imaging: new tools for arthritis.

    PubMed

    Chamberland, David; Jiang, Yebin; Wang, Xueding

    2010-10-01

    Conventional radiography, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging are the current imaging modalities used for clinical evaluation of arthritis which is highly prevalent and a leading cause of disability. Some of these types of imaging are also used for monitoring disease progression and treatment response of arthritis. However, their disadvantages limit their utilities, such as ionizing radiation for radiography, CT, and nuclear imaging; suboptimal tissue contrast resolution for radiography, CT, ultrasound, and nuclear imaging; high cost for CT and MRI and nuclear imaging; and long data-acquisition time with ensuing patient discomfort for MRI. Recently, there have been considerable advances in nonionizing noninvasive optical imaging which has demonstrated promise for early diagnosis, monitoring therapeutic interventions and disease progression of arthritis. Optical based molecular imaging modalities such as fluorescence imaging have shown high sensitivity in detection of optical contrast agents and can aid early diagnosis and ongoing evaluation of chronic inflammatory arthritis. Optical transillumination imaging or diffuse optical tomography may differentiate normal joint clear synovial fluid from turbid and pink medium early in the inflammatory process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used to evaluate fluid composition from joints affected by arthritis. Hemodynamic changes such as angiogenesis, hypervascularization, and hypoxia in arthritic articular tissue can potentially be observed by diffuse optical tomography and photoacoustic tomography. Optical measurements could also facilitate quantification of hemodynamic properties such as blood volume and oxygenation levels at early stages of inflammatory arthritis. Optical imaging provides methodologies which should contribute to detection of early changes and monitoring of progression in pathological characteristics of arthritis, with relatively simple instrumentation.

  11. 3D ultrasound computer tomography: Hardware setup, reconstruction methods and first clinical results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gemmeke, Hartmut; Hopp, Torsten; Zapf, Michael; Kaiser, Clemens; Ruiter, Nicole V.

    2017-11-01

    A promising candidate for improved imaging of breast cancer is ultrasound computer tomography (USCT). Current experimental USCT systems are still focused in elevation dimension resulting in a large slice thickness, limited depth of field, loss of out-of-plane reflections, and a large number of movement steps to acquire a stack of images. 3D USCT emitting and receiving spherical wave fronts overcomes these limitations. We built an optimized 3D USCT, realizing for the first time the full benefits of a 3D system. The point spread function could be shown to be nearly isotropic in 3D, to have very low spatial variability and fit the predicted values. The contrast of the phantom images is very satisfactory in spite of imaging with a sparse aperture. The resolution and imaged details of the reflectivity reconstruction are comparable to a 3 T MRI volume. Important for the obtained resolution are the simultaneously obtained results of the transmission tomography. The KIT 3D USCT was then tested in a pilot study on ten patients. The primary goals of the pilot study were to test the USCT device, the data acquisition protocols, the image reconstruction methods and the image fusion techniques in a clinical environment. The study was conducted successfully; the data acquisition could be carried out for all patients with an average imaging time of six minutes per breast. The reconstructions provide promising images. Overlaid volumes of the modalities show qualitative and quantitative information at a glance. This paper gives a summary of the involved techniques, methods, and first results.

  12. Renal vein thrombosis mimicking urinary calculus: a dilemma of diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yimin; Chen, Shanwen; Wang, Wei; Liu, Jianyong; Jin, Baiye

    2015-07-02

    Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) with flank pain, and hematuria, is often mistaken with renal colic originating from ureteric or renal calculus. Especially in young and otherwise healthy patients, clinicians are easily misled by clinical presentation and calcified RVT. A 38-year-old woman presented with flank pain and hematuria suggestive of renal calculus on ultrasound. She underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy that failed, leading to the recommendation that percutaneous lithotomy was necessary to remove the renal calculus. In preoperative view of the unusual shape of the calculus without hydronephrosis, noncontrast computed tomography was taken and demonstrated left ureteric calculus. However computed tomography angiography revealed, to our surprise, a calcified RVT that was initially thought to be a urinary calculus. This case shows that a calcified RVT might mimic a urinary calculus on conventional ultrasonography and ureteric calculus on noncontrast computed tomography. Subsequent computed tomography angiography disclosed that a calcified RVT caused the imaging findings, thus creating a potentially dangerous clinical pitfall. Hence, it is suggested that the possibility of a RVT needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis whenever one detects an uncommon shape for a urinary calculus.

  13. 40 CFR 280.42 - Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND... effective corrective action technologies, health risks, and chemical and physical properties of the stored...

  14. Emergencias

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Aprenda cómo usted puede prepararse y recuperarse de los desastres naturales como los huracanes y las inundaciones, aceite informe y derrames de sustancias peligrosas, y cómo la EPA responde a derramar emergencia.

  15. The Supraclavicular Artery Perforator Flap: A Comparative Study of Imaging Techniques Used in Preoperative Mapping.

    PubMed

    Sheriff, Hemin Oathman; Mahmood, Kawa Abdullah; Hamawandi, Nzar; Mirza, Aram Jamal; Hawas, Jawad; Moreno, Esther Granell; Clavero, Juan Antonio; Hankins, Christopher; Masia, Jaume

    2018-05-18

     The supraclavicular artery flap is an excellent flap for head and neck reconstruction. The aim of this study is to assess imaging techniques to define the precise vascular boundaries of this flap.  Six imaging techniques were used for supraclavicular artery mapping in 65 cases; handheld Doppler, triplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, digital subtraction angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. We checked the site of the perforators, the course of a supraclavicular artery, and anatomical mapping of the supraclavicular artery.  Handheld Doppler identified perforators' sites in 80% of the cases but showed no results for the course of the vessel. Triplex ultrasound identified the site of perforators in 52.9%, and partial mapping of the course of a supraclavicular artery in 64.7% of the cases. Computerized tomography angiography showed the site of perforators in 60%, and the course of supraclavicular artery completely in 45%, and partially in an additional 30%of the cases examined. Magnetic resonance angiography showed negative results for all parameters. Digital subtraction angiography showed the partial course of a supraclavicular artery in 62.5%, but showed no perforators. Indocyanine green angiography showed the site of perforators in 60% and a partial course of supraclavicular artery distal to perforators in 60%.Anatomical mapping of the vessel was possible with computerized tomography angiogram completely in 45%, and partially in 30%, and was also possible with indocyanine green angiography partially in 60%.  Computerized tomography angiography showed best results in the mapping of the supraclavicular artery, but with an inability to define the perforator perfusion territories, and also with risks of irradiation, while indocyanine green angiography is a good alternative as it could precisely map the superficial course of the artery and angiosomes, with no radiation exposure. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

  16. Ultrasonic guided wave tomography of pipes: A development of new techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of cylindrical geometries and guided wave multi-mode analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leonard, Kevin Raymond

    This dissertation concentrates on the development of two new tomographic techniques that enable wide-area inspection of pipe-like structures. By envisioning a pipe as a plate wrapped around upon itself, the previous Lamb Wave Tomography (LWT) techniques are adapted to cylindrical structures. Helical Ultrasound Tomography (HUT) uses Lamb-like guided wave modes transmitted and received by two circumferential arrays in a single crosshole geometry. Meridional Ultrasound Tomography (MUT) creates the same crosshole geometry with a linear array of transducers along the axis of the cylinder. However, even though these new scanning geometries are similar to plates, additional complexities arise because they are cylindrical structures. First, because it is a single crosshole geometry, the wave vector coverage is poorer than in the full LWT system. Second, since waves can travel in both directions around the circumference of the pipe, modes can also constructively and destructively interfere with each other. These complexities necessitate improved signal processing algorithms to produce accurate and unambiguous tomographic reconstructions. Consequently, this work also describes a new algorithm for improving the extraction of multi-mode arrivals from guided wave signals. Previous work has relied solely on the first arriving mode for the time-of-flight measurements. In order to improve the LWT, HUT and MUT systems reconstructions, improved signal processing methods are needed to extract information about the arrival times of the later arriving modes. Because each mode has different through-thickness displacement values, they are sensitive to different types of flaws, and the information gained from the multi-mode analysis improves understanding of the structural integrity of the inspected material. Both tomographic frequency compounding and mode sorting algorithms are introduced. It is also shown that each of these methods improve the reconstructed images both qualitatively and quantitatively.

  17. Enhanced ultrasound for advanced diagnostics, ultrasound tomography for volume limb imaging and prosthetic fitting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anthony, Brian W.

    2016-04-01

    Ultrasound imaging methods hold the potential to deliver low-cost, high-resolution, operator-independent and nonionizing imaging systems - such systems couple appropriate algorithms with imaging devices and techniques. The increasing demands on general practitioners motivate us to develop more usable and productive diagnostic imaging equipment. Ultrasound, specifically freehand ultrasound, is a low cost and safe medical imaging technique. It doesn't expose a patient to ionizing radiation. Its safety and versatility make it very well suited for the increasing demands on general practitioners, or for providing improved medical care in rural regions or the developing world. However it typically suffers from sonographer variability; we will discuss techniques to address user variability. We also discuss our work to combine cylindrical scanning systems with state of the art inversion algorithms to deliver ultrasound systems for imaging and quantifying limbs in 3-D in vivo. Such systems have the potential to track the progression of limb health at a low cost and without radiation exposure, as well as, improve prosthetic socket fitting. Current methods of prosthetic socket fabrication remain subjective and ineffective at creating an interface to the human body that is both comfortable and functional. Though there has been recent success using methods like magnetic resonance imaging and biomechanical modeling, a low-cost, streamlined, and quantitative process for prosthetic cup design and fabrication has not been fully demonstrated. Medical ultrasonography may inform the design process of prosthetic sockets in a more objective manner. This keynote talk presents the results of progress in this area.

  18. In situ bone tissue engineering via ultrasound-mediated gene delivery to endogenous progenitor cells in mini-pigs.

    PubMed

    Bez, Maxim; Sheyn, Dmitriy; Tawackoli, Wafa; Avalos, Pablo; Shapiro, Galina; Giaconi, Joseph C; Da, Xiaoyu; David, Shiran Ben; Gavrity, Jayne; Awad, Hani A; Bae, Hyun W; Ley, Eric J; Kremen, Thomas J; Gazit, Zulma; Ferrara, Katherine W; Pelled, Gadi; Gazit, Dan

    2017-05-17

    More than 2 million bone-grafting procedures are performed each year using autografts or allografts. However, both options carry disadvantages, and there remains a clear medical need for the development of new therapies for massive bone loss and fracture nonunions. We hypothesized that localized ultrasound-mediated, microbubble-enhanced therapeutic gene delivery to endogenous stem cells would induce efficient bone regeneration and fracture repair. To test this hypothesis, we surgically created a critical-sized bone fracture in the tibiae of Yucatán mini-pigs, a clinically relevant large animal model. A collagen scaffold was implanted in the fracture to facilitate recruitment of endogenous mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) into the fracture site. Two weeks later, transcutaneous ultrasound-mediated reporter gene delivery successfully transfected 40% of cells at the fracture site, and flow cytometry showed that 80% of the transfected cells expressed MSC markers. Human bone morphogenetic protein-6 ( BMP - 6 ) plasmid DNA was delivered using ultrasound in the same animal model, leading to transient expression and secretion of BMP-6 localized to the fracture area. Micro-computed tomography and biomechanical analyses showed that ultrasound-mediated BMP-6 gene delivery led to complete radiographic and functional fracture healing in all animals 6 weeks after treatment, whereas nonunion was evident in control animals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ultrasound-mediated gene delivery to endogenous mesenchymal progenitor cells can effectively treat nonhealing bone fractures in large animals, thereby addressing a major orthopedic unmet need and offering new possibilities for clinical translation. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  19. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program using hand-held ultrasound in primary healthcare

    PubMed Central

    Kostov, Belchin; Navarro González, Marta; Cararach Salami, Daniel; Pérez Jiménez, Alfonso; Gilabert Solé, Rosa; Bru Saumell, Concepció; Donoso Bach, Lluís; Villalta Martí, Mireia; González-de Paz, Luis; Ruiz Riera, Rafael; Riambau Alonso, Vicenç; Acar-Denizli, Nihan; Farré Almacellas, Marta; Ramos-Casals, Manuel; Benavent Àreu, Jaume

    2017-01-01

    We determined the feasibility of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening program led by family physicians in public primary healthcare setting using hand-held ultrasound device. The potential study population was 11,214 men aged ≥ 60 years attended by three urban, public primary healthcare centers. Participants were recruited by randomly-selected telephone calls. Ultrasound examinations were performed by four trained family physicians with a hand-held ultrasound device (Vscan®). AAA observed were verified by confirmatory imaging using standard ultrasound or computed tomography. Cardiovascular risk factors were determined. The prevalence of AAA was computed as the sum of previously-known aneurysms, aneurysms detected by the screening program and model-based estimated undiagnosed aneurysms. We screened 1,010 men, with mean age of 71.3 (SD 6.9) years; 995 (98.5%) men had normal aortas and 15 (1.5%) had AAA on Vscan®. Eleven out of 14 AAA-cases (78.6%) had AAA on confirmatory imaging (one patient died). The total prevalence of AAA was 2.49% (95%CI 2.20 to 2.78). The median aortic diameter at diagnosis was 3.5 cm in screened patients and 4.7 cm (p<0.001) in patients in whom AAA was diagnosed incidentally. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified coronary heart disease (OR = 4.6, 95%CI 1.3 to 15.9) as the independent factor with the highest odds ratio. A screening program led by trained family physicians using hand-held ultrasound was a feasible, safe and reliable tool for the early detection of AAA. PMID:28453577

  20. In situ bone tissue engineering via ultrasound-mediated gene delivery to endogenous progenitor cells in mini-pigs

    PubMed Central

    Bez, Maxim; Sheyn, Dmitriy; Tawackoli, Wafa; Avalos, Pablo; Shapiro, Galina; Giaconi, Joseph C.; Da, Xiaoyu; Ben David, Shiran; Gavrity, Jayne; Awad, Hani A.; Bae, Hyun W.; Ley, Eric J.; Kremen, Thomas J.; Gazit, Zulma; Ferrara, Katherine W.; Pelled, Gadi; Gazit, Dan

    2017-01-01

    More than 2 million bone-grafting procedures are performed each year using autografts or allografts. However, both options carry disadvantages, and there remains a clear medical need for the development of new therapies for massive bone loss and fracture nonunions. We hypothesized that localized ultrasound-mediated, microbubble-enhanced therapeutic gene delivery to endogenous stem cells would induce efficient bone regeneration and fracture repair. To test this hypothesis, we surgically created a critical-sized bone fracture in the tibiae of Yucatán mini-pigs, a clinically relevant large animal model. A collagen scaffold was implanted in the fracture to facilitate recruitment of endogenous mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) into the fracture site. Two weeks later, transcutaneous ultrasound-mediated reporter gene delivery successfully transfected 40% of cells at the fracture site, and flow cytometry showed that 80% of the transfected cells expressed MSC markers. Human bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6) plasmid DNA was delivered using ultrasound in the same animal model, leading to transient expression and secretion of BMP-6 localized to the fracture area. Micro–computed tomography and biomechanical analyses showed that ultrasound-mediated BMP-6 gene delivery led to complete radiographic and functional fracture healing in all animals 6 weeks after treatment, whereas nonunion was evident in control animals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ultrasound-mediated gene delivery to endogenous mesenchy-mal progenitor cells can effectively treat nonhealing bone fractures in large animals, thereby addressing a major orthopedic unmet need and offering new possibilities for clinical translation. PMID:28515335

  1. Performance on physical function tests and the risk of fractures and admissions: Findings from a national health screening of 557,648 community-dwelling older adults.

    PubMed

    Chun, So Hyun; Cho, Belong; Yang, Hyung-Kook; Ahn, Eunmi; Han, Min Kyu; Oh, Bumjo; Shin, Dong Wook; Son, Ki Young

    Falls and fractures in older adults are often preventable, yet remain major health concerns as comprehensive physical function assessment may not be readily available. This study investigated whether simple timed up and go test (TUG) and unipedal stance test (UST) are effective in identifying people with an increased risk of fractures, femoral fractures, or admissions due to femoral fractures. Community-dwelling Korean older adults aged 66 years participated in the Korean National Screening Program for the Transitional Ages (n=557,648) between 2007 and 2010. Overall fractures, femoral fractures, and admissions due to femoral fracture during this period were outcome measures. The outcome measures were overall fractures, femoral fractures, and admissions due to femoral fracture after the health screening. The associations between inferior physical function test results and outcome measures were evaluated. A total of 523,502 subjects were followed-up for a mean period of 1.42 years, which resulted in 12,965 subjects with any fractures. Fracture data were retrieved from medical claims record. Subjects who performed poorly on one or both of the two physical function tests experienced higher number of overall fractures (aHR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.16-1.26), femoral fractures (aHR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.59-2.17), and admissions due to femoral fractures (aHR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.55-2.22) as compared to subjects with normal results on both tests. Combining TUG and UST was not superior to performing UST alone in predicting the increased risk of overall fractures (p=0.347), femoral fractures (p=0.402) or admissions due to femoral fractures (p=0.774). Poor performance on physical performance tests is associated with a higher risk of overall fractures, femoral fractures and admissions due to femoral fractures. The TUG and UST can be used to identify community-dwelling older individuals who are more vulnerable to fractures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. First-line sonographic diagnosis of pneumothorax in major trauma: accuracy of e-FAST and comparison with multidetector computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Ianniello, Stefania; Di Giacomo, Vincenza; Sessa, Barbara; Miele, Vittorio

    2014-09-01

    Combined clinical examination and supine chest radiography have shown low accuracy in the assessment of pneumothorax in unstable patients with major chest trauma during the primary survey in the emergency room. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of extended-focused assessment with sonography in trauma (e-FAST), in the diagnosis of pneumothorax, compared with the results of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and of invasive interventions (thoracostomy tube placement). This was a retrospective case series involving 368 consecutive unstable adult patients (273 men and 95 women; average age, 25 years; range, 16-68 years) admitted to our hospital's emergency department between January 2011 and December 2012 for major trauma (Injury Severity Score ≥ 15). We evaluated the accuracy of thoracic ultrasound in the detection of pneumothorax compared with the results of MDCT and invasive interventions (thoracostomy tube placement). Institutional review board approval was obtained prior to commencement of this study. Among the 736 lung fields included in the study, 87 pneumothoraces were detected with thoracic CT scans (23.6%). e-FAST detected 67/87 and missed 20 pneumothoraces (17 mild, 3 moderate). The diagnostic performance of ultrasound was: sensitivity 77% (74% in 2011 and 80% in 2012), specificity 99.8%, positive predictive value 98.5%, negative predictive value 97%, accuracy 97.2% (67 true positive; 668 true negative; 1 false positive; 20 false negative); 17 missed mild pneumothoraces were not immediately life-threatening (thickness less than 5 mm). Thoracic ultrasound (e-FAST) is a rapid and accurate first-line, bedside diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of pneumothorax in unstable patients with major chest trauma during the primary survey in the emergency room.

  3. Optical biopsy of the prostate: can we TRUST (trans-rectal ultrasound-coupled spectral tomography)?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piao, Daqing; Jiang, Zhen; Bartels, Kenneth E.; Holyoak, G. Reed; Ritchey, Jerry W.; Rock, Kendra; Ownby, Charlotte L.; Bunting, Charles F.; Slobodov, Gennady

    2011-03-01

    Needle-based core-biopsy to locate prostate cancer relies heavily upon trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging guidance. Ultrasonographic findings of classic hypoechoic peripheral zone lesions have a low specificity of ~28%, a low positive predictive value of ~29%, and an overall accuracy of ~43%, in prostate cancer diagnosis. The prevalence of isoechoic or nearly invisible prostate cancers on ultrasonography ranges from 25 to 42%. As a result, TRUS is useful and convenient to direct the needle trajectory following a systematic biopsy sampling template rather than to target only the potentially malignant lesion for focal-biopsy. To address this deficiency in the first-line of prostate cancer imaging, a trans-rectal ultrasound-coupled spectral tomography (TRUST) approach is being developed to non-invasively resolve the likely optical signatures of prostate malignancy. The approach has evolved from using one NIR wavelength to two NIR bands, and recently to three bands of NIR spectrum information. The concept has been evaluated on one normal canine prostate and three dogs with implanted prostate tumor developed as a model. The initial results implementing TRUST on the canine prostate tumor model includes: (1) quantifying substantially increased total hemoglobin concentration over the time-course of imaging in a rapidly growing prostate tumor; (2) confirming hypoxia in a prostatic cystic lesion; and (3) imaging hypoxic changes of a necrotic prostate tumor. Despite these interesting results, intensive technologic development is necessary for translating the approach to benefiting clinical practice, wherein the ultimate utility is not possibly to eliminate needle-biopsy but to perform focal-biopsy that is only necessary to confirm the cancer, as well as to monitor and predict treatment responses.

  4. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in patients with solid malignancies: evaluation of feasibility, local tumour response and clinical results.

    PubMed

    Orgera, G; Monfardini, L; Della Vigna, P; Zhang, L; Bonomo, G; Arnone, P; Padrenostro, M; Orsi, F

    2011-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for ablation of solid tumours without damaging the surrounding structures. A specific written informed consent was obtained from every patient before treatment. From September 2008 to April 2009, 22 patients with 29 lesions were treated: nine patients with liver and/or soft-tissue metastases from colorectal carcinoma (CRC), six with pancreatic solid lesions, three with liver and/or bone metastases from breast cancer, one with osteosarcoma, one with muscle metastasis from lung cancer, one with iliac metastasis from multiple myeloma and one with abdominal liposarcoma. The mean diameter of tumours was 4.2 cm. All patients were evaluated 1 day, 1 month and 3 months after HIFU treatment by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), positron-emission tomography (PET)-CT and clinical evaluation. The treatment time and adverse events were recorded. All patients had one treatment. Average treatment and sonication times were, respectively, 162.7 and 37.4 min. PET-CT or/and MDCT showed complete response in 11/13 liver metastases; all bone, soft-tissue and pancreatic lesions were palliated in symptoms, with complete response to PET-CT, MDCT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); the liposarcoma was almost completely ablated at MRI. Local oedema was observed in three patients. No other side effects were observed. All patients were discharged 1-3 days after treatment. According to our preliminary experience in a small number of patients, we conclude that HIFU ablation is a safe and feasible technique for locoregional treatment and is effective in pain control.

  5. Evaluation of treatment response after chemoembolisation (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma using real time image fusion of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography (CT)--preliminary results.

    PubMed

    Wobser, Hella; Wiest, Reiner; Salzberger, Bernd; Wohlgemuth, Walter Alexander; Stroszczynski, Christian; Jung, Ernst-Michael

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate treatment response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with a new real-time imaging fusion technique of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with multi-slice detection computed tomography (CT) in comparison to conventional post-interventional follow-up. 40 patients with HCC (26 male, ages 46-81 years) were evaluated 24 hours after TACE using CEUS with ultrasound volume navigation and image fusion with CT compared to non-enhanced CT and follow-up contrast-enhanced CT after 6-8 weeks. Reduction of tumor vascularization to less than 25% was regarded as "successful" treatment, whereas reduction to levels >25% was considered as "partial" treatment response. Homogenous lipiodol retention was regarded as successful treatment in non-enhanced CT. Post-interventional image fusion of CEUS with CT was feasible in all 40 patients. In 24 patients (24/40), post-interventional image fusion with CEUS revealed residual tumor vascularity, that was confirmed by contrast-enhanced CT 6-8 weeks later in 24/24 patients. In 16 patients (16/40), post-interventional image fusion with CEUS demonstrated successful treatment, but follow-up CT detected residual viable tumor (6/16). Non-enhanced CT did not identify any case of treatment failure. Image fusion with CEUS assessed treatment efficacy with a specificity of 100%, sensitivity of 80% and a positive predictive value of 1 (negative predictive value 0.63). Image fusion of CEUS with CT allows a reliable, highly specific post-interventional evaluation of embolization response with good sensitivity without any further radiation exposure. It can detect residual viable tumor at early state, resulting in a close patient monitoring or re-therapy.

  6. Extravasation Risk Using Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheters for Computed Tomography Contrast Administration.

    PubMed

    Rupp, Jordan D; Ferre, Robinson M; Boyd, Jeremy S; Dearing, Elizabeth; McNaughton, Candace D; Liu, Dandan; Jarrell, Kelli L; McWade, Conor M; Self, Wesley H

    2016-08-01

    Ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter (USGIV) insertion is increasingly being used for administration of intravenous (IV) contrast for computed tomography (CT) scans. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the risk of contrast extravasation among patients receiving contrast through USGIV catheters. A retrospective observational study of adult patients who underwent a contrast-enhanced CT scan at a tertiary care emergency department during a recent 64-month period was conducted. The unadjusted prevalence of contrast extravasation was compared between patients with an USGIV and those with a standard peripheral IV inserted without ultrasound. Then, a two-stage sampling design was used to select a subset of the population for a multivariable logistic regression model evaluating USGIVs as a risk factor for extravasation while adjusting for potential confounders. In total, 40,143 patients underwent a contrasted CT scan, including 364 (0.9%) who had contrast administered through an USGIV. Unadjusted prevalence of extravasation was 3.6% for contrast administration through USGIVs and 0.3% for standard IVs (relative risk = 13.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.9 to 24.6). After potential confounders were adjusted for, CT contrast administered through USGIVs was associated with extravasation (adjusted odds ratio = 8.6, 95% CI = 4.6 to 16.2). No patients required surgical management for contrast extravasation; one patient in the standard IV group was admitted for observation due to extravasation. Patients who received contrast for a CT scan through an USGIV had a higher risk of extravasation than those who received contrast through a standard peripheral IV. Clinicians should consider this extravasation risk when weighing the risks and benefits of a contrast-enhanced CT scan in a patient with USGIV vascular access. © 2016 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

  7. Extravasation Risk Using Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheters for Computed Tomography Contrast Administration

    PubMed Central

    Rupp, Jordan D.; Ferre, Robinson M.; Boyd, Jeremy S.; Dearing, Elizabeth; McNaughton, Candace D.; Liu, Dandan; Jarrell, Kelli L.; McWade, Conor M.; Self, Wesley H.

    2016-01-01

    Objective Ultrasound guided intravenous catheter (USGIV) insertion is increasingly being used for administration of intravenous contrast for computed tomography (CT) scans. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the risk of contrast extravasation among patients receiving contrast through USGIV catheters. Methods A retrospective observational study of adult patients who underwent a contrast-enhanced CT scan at a tertiary-care emergency department during a recent 64-month period was conducted. The unadjusted prevalence of contrast extravasation was compared between patients with an USGIV and those with a standard peripheral IV inserted without ultrasound. Then, a two-stage sampling design was used to select a subset of the population for a multivariable logistic regression model evaluating USGIVs as a risk factor for extravasation while adjusting for potential confounders. Results In total, 40,143 patients underwent a contrasted CT scan, including 364 (0.9%) who had contrast administered through an USGIV. Unadjusted prevalence of extravasation was 3.6% for contrast administration through USGIVs and 0.3% for standard IVs (relative risk: 13.9, 95% CI: 7.7 to 24.6). After adjustment for potential confounders, CT contrast administered through USGIVs was associated with extravasation (adjusted odds ratio: 8.6; 95% CI: 4.6, 16.2). No patients required surgical management for contrast extravasation; one patient in the standard IV group was admitted for observation due to extravasation. Conclusions Patients who received contrast for a CT scan through an USGIV had a higher risk of extravasation than those who received contrast through a standard peripheral IV. Clinicians should consider this extravasation risk when weighing the risks and benefits of a contrast-enhanced CT scan in a patient with USGIV vascular access. PMID:27151898

  8. Automated Radiology-Pathology Module Correlation Using a Novel Report Matching Algorithm by Organ System.

    PubMed

    Dane, Bari; Doshi, Ankur; Gfytopoulos, Soterios; Bhattacharji, Priya; Recht, Michael; Moore, William

    2018-05-01

    Radiology-pathology correlation is time-consuming and is not feasible in most clinical settings, with the notable exception of breast imaging. The purpose of this study was to determine if an automated radiology-pathology report pairing system could accurately match radiology and pathology reports, thus creating a feedback loop allowing for more frequent and timely radiology-pathology correlation. An experienced radiologist created a matching matrix of radiology and pathology reports. These matching rules were then exported to a novel comprehensive radiology-pathology module. All distinct radiology-pathology pairings at our institution from January 1, 2016 to July 1, 2016 were included (n = 8999). The appropriateness of each radiology-pathology report pairing was scored as either "correlative" or "non-correlative." Pathology reports relating to anatomy imaged in the specific imaging study were deemed correlative, whereas pathology reports describing anatomy not imaged with the particular study were denoted non-correlative. Overall, there was 88.3% correlation (accuracy) of the radiology and pathology reports (n = 8999). Subset analysis demonstrated that computed tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis, CT head/neck/face, CT chest, musculoskeletal CT (excluding spine), mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abdomen/pelvis, MRI brain, musculoskeletal MRI (excluding spine), breast MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), breast ultrasound, and head/neck ultrasound all demonstrated greater than 91% correlation. When further stratified by imaging modality, CT, MRI, mammography, and PET demonstrated excellent correlation (greater than 96.3%). Ultrasound and non-PET nuclear medicine studies demonstrated poorer correlation (80%). There is excellent correlation of radiology imaging reports and appropriate pathology reports when matched by organ system. Rapid, appropriate radiology-pathology report pairings provide an excellent opportunity to close feedback loop to the interpreting radiologist. Copyright © 2018 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction for high-resolution bioimepedance imaging through vector source reconstruction under the static field of MRI magnet.

    PubMed

    Mariappan, Leo; Hu, Gang; He, Bin

    2014-02-01

    Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is an imaging modality to reconstruct the electrical conductivity of biological tissue based on the acoustic measurements of Lorentz force induced tissue vibration. This study presents the feasibility of the authors' new MAT-MI system and vector source imaging algorithm to perform a complete reconstruction of the conductivity distribution of real biological tissues with ultrasound spatial resolution. In the present study, using ultrasound beamformation, imaging point spread functions are designed to reconstruct the induced vector source in the object which is used to estimate the object conductivity distribution. Both numerical studies and phantom experiments are performed to demonstrate the merits of the proposed method. Also, through the numerical simulations, the full width half maximum of the imaging point spread function is calculated to estimate of the spatial resolution. The tissue phantom experiments are performed with a MAT-MI imaging system in the static field of a 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging magnet. The image reconstruction through vector beamformation in the numerical and experimental studies gives a reliable estimate of the conductivity distribution in the object with a ∼ 1.5 mm spatial resolution corresponding to the imaging system frequency of 500 kHz ultrasound. In addition, the experiment results suggest that MAT-MI under high static magnetic field environment is able to reconstruct images of tissue-mimicking gel phantoms and real tissue samples with reliable conductivity contrast. The results demonstrate that MAT-MI is able to image the electrical conductivity properties of biological tissues with better than 2 mm spatial resolution at 500 kHz, and the imaging with MAT-MI under a high static magnetic field environment is able to provide improved imaging contrast for biological tissue conductivity reconstruction.

  10. Imaging of sound speed using reflection ultrasound tomography.

    PubMed

    Nebeker, Jakob; Nelson, Thomas R

    2012-09-01

    The goal of this work was to obtain and evaluate measurements of tissue sound speed in the breast, particularly dense breasts, using backscatter ultrasound tomography. An automated volumetric breast ultrasound scanner was constructed for imaging the prone patient. A 5- to 7-MHz linear array transducer acquired 17,920 radiofrequency pulse echo A-lines from the breast, and a back-wall reflector rotated over 360° in 25 seconds. Sound speed images used reflector echoes that after preprocessing were uploaded into a graphics processing unit for filtered back-projection reconstruction. A velocimeter also was constructed to measure the sound speed and attenuation for comparison to scanner performance. Measurements were made using the following: (1) deionized water from 22°C to 90°C; (2) various fluids with sound speeds from 1240 to 1904 m/s; (3) acrylamide gel test objects with features from 1 to 15 mm in diameter; and (4) healthy volunteers. The mean error ± SD between sound speed reference and image data was -0.48% ± 9.1%, and the error between reference and velocimeter measurements was -1.78% ± 6.50%. Sound speed image and velocimeter measurements showed a difference of 0.10% ± 4.04%. Temperature data showed a difference between theory and imaging performance of -0.28% ± 0.22%. Images of polyacrylamide test objects showed detectability of an approximately 1% sound speed difference in a 2.4-mm cylindrical inclusion with a contrast to noise ratio of 7.9 dB. An automated breast scanner offers the potential to make consistent automated tomographic images of breast backscatter, sound speed, and attenuation, potentially improving diagnosis, particularly in dense breasts.

  11. Quantitative measurement and real-time tracking of high intensity focused ultrasound using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography: Feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Le, Nhan; Song, ShaoZhen; Nabi, Ghulam; Wang, Ruikang; Huang, Zhihong

    2016-09-01

    Phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) is proposed, as a new high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) imaging guidance to detect and track HIFU focus inside 1% agar samples in this work. The experiments studied the effect of varying HIFU power on the induction of shear wave, which can be implemented as a new technique to monitor focused ultrasound surgery (FUS). A miniature HIFU transducer (1.02 MHz, 20 mm aperture diameter, 15 mm radius of curvature) was produced in-house, pressure-field mapped, and calibrated. The transducer was then embedded inside a 1% agar phantom, which was placed under PhS-OCT for observation, under various HIFU power settings (acoustic power, and number of cycles per pulse). Shear wave was induced on the sample surface by HIFU and was captured in full under PhS-OCT. The lowest HIFU acoustic power output for the detection of shear wave was found to be 0.36 W (1.02 MHz, 100 cycles/pulse), or with the number of cycles/pulse as low as 20 (1.02 MHz, 0.98 W acoustic power output). A linear relationship between acoustic power output and the maximum shear wave displacement was found in the first study. The second study explores a non-linear correlation between the (HIFU) numbers of cycles per pulse, and the maximum shear wave displacement. PhS-OCT demonstrates excellent tracking and detection of HIFU-induced shear wave. The results could benefit other imaging techniques in tracking and guiding HIFU focus. Further studies will explore the relationship between the physical transducer characteristics and the HIFU-induced shear wave.

  12. Evaluation of tumor response to intra-arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound with multiphase computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Paul, S B; Dhamija, E; Gamanagatti, S R; Sreenivas, V; Yadav, D P; Jain, S; Shalimar; Acharya, S K

    2017-03-01

    To compare the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with that of multiphase computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty patients (41 men, 9 women; mean age, 53 years±12.5 [SD]) with a total of 70 HCCs (mean size, 5cm±3 [SD]) were evaluated. Post-TACE therapeutic assessment of HCC was done at 4 weeks. Patients with TACE done earlier and reporting with suspicion for recurrence were also included. Patients with hepatic masses seen on ultrasound were enrolled and subjected to CEUS, multiphase CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hyperenhancing area at the tumor site on arterial phase of CEUS/multiphase CT/MRI was termed as residual disease (RD), the patterns of which were described on CEUS. Diagnostic accuracies of CEUS and MPCT were compared to that of MRI that was used as the reference standard. CEUS detected RD in 43/70 HCCs (61%). RD had a heterogeneous pattern in 22/43 HCCs (51%). Sensitivities of CEUS and multiphase CT were 94% (34/36; 95% CI: 81-99%) and 50% (18/36; 95% CI: 33-67%) respectively. Significant difference in sensitivity was found between CEUS and multiphase CT (P=0.0001). CEUS and multiphase CT had 100% specificity (95% CI: 83-100%). CEUS is a useful technique for detecting RD in HCC after TACE. For long term surveillance, CEUS should be complemented with multiphase CT/MRI for a comprehensive evaluation. Copyright © 2016 Éditions françaises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  13. Comparison of Oral Contrast-Enhanced Transabdominal Ultrasound Imaging With Transverse Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in Preoperative Tumor Staging of Advanced Gastric Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    He, Xuemei; Sun, Jing; Huang, Xiaoling; Zeng, Chun; Ge, Yinggang; Zhang, Jun; Wu, Jingxian

    2017-12-01

    This study assessed the diagnostic performance of transabdominal oral contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) imaging for preoperative tumor staging of advanced gastric carcinoma by comparing it with transverse contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). This retrospective study included 42 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopy, radical surgery, or palliative surgery because of serious complications and had a body mass index of less than 25 kg/m 2 . A cereal-based oral contrast agent was used for transabdominal oral contrast-enhanced US. Retrospective analyses were conducted using preoperative tumor staging data acquired by either transabdominal oral contrast-enhanced US or transverse contrast-enhanced CT. Both contrast-enhanced US and contrast-enhanced CT examinations were reviewed by 2 experienced radiologists independently for preoperative tumor staging according to the seventh edition of the TNM classification. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated by comparing the results of contrast-enhanced US and contrast-enhanced CT with pathologic findings. The overall accuracies of the imaging modalities were compared by the McNemar test. No significant difference was noted in the overall accuracy of transabdominal oral contrast-enhanced US (86% [36 of 42]) and transverse contrast-enhanced CT (83% [35 of 42] P > .999). For stage T2 to T4 gastric cancer, the accuracies of transabdominal oral contrast-enhanced US were 88%, 86%, and 98%, respectively, and those of transverse contrast-enhanced CT were 93%, 83%, and 90%. The overall accuracy of transabdominal oral contrast-enhanced US was comparable with that of transverse contrast-enhanced CT for preoperative tumor staging of advanced gastric cancer. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

  14. Macular hole: 10 and 20-MHz ultrasound and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

    PubMed

    Bottós, Juliana Mantovani; Torres, Virginia Laura Lucas; Kanecadan, Liliane Andrade Almeida; Martinez, Andrea Alejandra Gonzalez; Moraes, Nilva Simeren Bueno; Maia, Mauricio; Allemann, Norma

    2012-01-01

    Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is valuable for macula evaluation. However, as this technique relies on light energy it cannot be performed in the presence of opaque media. In such cases, the ultrasound (US) may predict some macular features. The aim of this study was to characterize images obtained by ultrasound with 10 and 20-MHz transducers comparing to OCT, as well as to analyze the relationship between the vitreous and retina in eyes with macular hole (MH). 29 eyes of 22 patients with biomicroscopic evidence of MH at different stages were included. All patients were evaluated using ultrasonography with 10 and 20-MHz transducers and OCT. OCT identified signs of MH in 25 of 29 eyes. The remaining 4 cases not identified by US were pseudoholes caused by epiretinal membranes. In MH stages I (2 eyes) and II (1 eye), both transducers were not useful to analyze the macular thickening, but suggestive findings as macular irregularity, operculum or partial posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) were highlighted. In stages III (14 eyes) and IV (5 eyes), both transducers identified the double hump irregularity and thickening. US could measure the macular thickness and other suggestive findings for MH: operculum, vitreomacular traction and partial or complete PVD. In cases of pseudoholes, US identified irregularities macular contour and a discrete depression. 10-MHz US was useful for an overall assessment of the vitreous body as well as its relationship to the retina. The 20-MHz transducer allowed valuable information on the vitreomacular interface and macular contour. OCT provides superior quality for fine morphological study of macular area, except in cases of opaque media. In these cases, and even if OCT is not available, the combined US study is able to provide a valid evaluation of the macular area improving therapeutic approach.

  15. Biomechanical properties of the forefoot plantar soft tissue as measured by an optical coherence tomography-based air-jet indentation system and tissue ultrasound palpation system.

    PubMed

    Chao, Clare Y L; Zheng, Yong-Ping; Huang, Yan-Ping; Cheing, Gladys L Y

    2010-07-01

    The forefoot medial plantar area withstand high plantar pressure during locomotion, and is a common site that develops foot lesion problems among elderly people. The aims of the present study were to (1) determine the correlation between the biomechanical properties of forefoot medial plantar soft tissue measured by a newly developed optical coherence tomography-based air-jet indentation system and by tissue ultrasound palpation system, and (2) to compare the biomechanical properties of plantar soft tissues of medial forefoot between a young and old adult group. Thirty healthy subjects were classified as the young or older group. The biomechanical properties of plantar soft tissues measured at the forefoot by the air-jet indentation system and tissue ultrasound palpation system were performed, and the correlation of the findings obtained in the two systems were compared. A strong positive correlation was obtained from the findings in the two systems (r=0.88, P<0.001). The forefoot plantar soft tissue of the older group was significantly stiffer at the second metatarsal head and thinner at both metatarsal heads than that of the young group (all P<0.05). The stiffness coefficient at the second metatarsal head was 28% greater than that at the first metatarsal head in both study groups. Older subjects showed a loss of elasticity and reduced thickness in their forefoot plantar soft tissue, with the second metatarsal head displaying stiffer and thicker plantar tissue than the first metatarsal head. The air-jet indentation system is a useful instrument for characterizing the biomechanical properties of soft tissue. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Evaluation of a new method for the measurement of corneal thickness in eye bank posterior corneal lenticules using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

    PubMed

    Amato, Domenico; Lombardo, Marco; Oddone, Francesco; Nubile, Mario; Colabelli Gisoldi, Rossella A M; Villani, Carlo M; Yoo, Sonia; Parel, Jean-Marie; Pocobelli, Augusto

    2011-04-01

    To preliminarily evaluate the repeatability of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements performed with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) on eye bank posterior corneal lenticules. Six donor lenticules were created with a 350 μm head microkeratome (Moria, Antony, France). All donor tissues were stored at 4°C in Eusol-C solution (Alchimia S.r.l, Ponte S. Nicolò, Italy), without the anterior cornea lamella. The CCT of each lenticule, maintained in the glass phial, was measured using a commercial AS-OCT instrument (Visante, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California, USA) and a specially designed adaptor immediately and 4, 24 and 48 hours after dissection. Immediately after AS-OCT, CCT values were measured with the ultrasound pachymetry method used at the Eye Bank. The mean donor cornea central thickness was 647±36 μm and 660 ± 38 μm (p=0.001) as measured by AS-OCT and ultrasound, respectively; immediately after dissection, CCT values of posterior lenticules were 235 ± 43 μm and 248 ± 44 μm, respectively (p=0.001). No statistically significant changes in CCT values of donor lenticules were assessed over the 48 h period with both methods. There was a high level of agreement, evidenced by Bland-Altman analysis, between the two methods of pachymetry. AS-OCT, with the corneal tissue in the vial, was revealed to be a repeatable and reliable method for measuring posterior donor lenticule central thickness. Lenticule CCT values measured with the investigational AS-OCT method were on average 10 μm thinner than those measured with the established ultrasound method.

  17. Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Various Leak Detection Methods

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Learn about protocols that testers could use to demonstrate that an individual release detection equipment type could meet the performance requirements noted in the federal UST requirements for detecting leaks.

  18. Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    In 1986, Congress created the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund to address releases from federally regulated underground storage tanks (USTs) by amending Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.

  19. Ileocecocolic volvulus in a German shepherd dog

    PubMed Central

    Javard, Romain; Specchi, Swan; Benamou, Jérôme; Lapointe, Catherine; Deffontaines, Jean-Baptiste; Planté, Jérôme; d’Anjou, Marc-André

    2014-01-01

    This report describes an ileocecocolic volvulus in a German shepherd dog with risk factors of previous abdominal surgeries and concurrent chronic enteropathy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reformatting was more sensitive than abdominal radiographs or ultrasound to obtain a diagnosis, because of the presence of a “whirl-sign” on CT. A combination of colopexy and cecopexy was succesfully used to treat the patient’s condition. PMID:25392556

  20. Cardiac Trauma.

    PubMed

    Gosavi, Sucheta; Tyroch, Alan H; Mukherjee, Debabrata

    2016-11-01

    Cardiac trauma is a leading cause of death in the United States and occurs mostly due to motor vehicle accidents. Blunt cardiac trauma and penetrating chest injuries are most common, and both can lead to aortic injuries. Timely diagnosis and early management are the key to improve mortality. Cardiac computed tomography and cardiac ultrasound are the 2 most important diagnostic modalities. Mortality related to cardiac trauma remains high despite improvement in diagnosis and management.

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