Multidetector-Row CT of the Thorax
With the advent of multidetector-row technology, excitement has returned to computed tomography. Not only can we now image faster and with better resolution than ever before; more importantly, the development of sophisticated image acquisition techniques has enabled us to venture into areas previously considered to be beyond the scope of CT imaging. The knowledge, experience, and vision of a host of renowned international experts in cutting-edge thoracic applications of multidetector-row CT are condensed within this book. The result is a critical, comprehensive review of the novel opportunities, but also the new challenges, brought about by the development of ever-faster CT acquisition techniques.
Multidetector-Row CT Angiography
Multidetector-row CT has dramatically improved the results of computed tomography in all clinical applications, but its beneficial impact has been most striking in vascular imaging. The simplicity of acquisition and the wide availability of equipment make this modality especially suitable for routine clinical application. In this book the basic aspects of multidetector-row CT angiography are comprehensively reviewed. Individual chapters are included on technical principles, image processing techniques and contrast agent administration. All clinical applications are then discussed in depth, with lucid descriptions of the examination technique for particular clinical indications and of the findings that characterize specific diseases. Limitations and advantages in comparison with other imaging modalities are considered. A large number of high-quality black and white and color illustrations help to explain the clinical findings.
Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography : Scanning and Contrast Protocols
Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) has advanced the approach to diagnostic assessment of many pathologies and now plays an integral role in imaging of both abdominal and cardiovascular diseases. The possibility to acquire diagnostic images with shorter scan duration, longer scan ranges, and/or thinner sections, MDCT has facilitated the opening of new horizons, such as interventional MDCT and functional imaging in stroke and oncology. In addition, advanced postprocessing techniques now permit high quality volumetric imaging in combination with maximum intensity projections, volume rendering, curved planar reformations and multiplanar reconstructions. This volume gathers contributions by internationally renowned specialists in the field who, through presenting their clinical experience, provide a thorough overview not only of MDCT and its practical applications, but also of workflow management in everyday clinical practice. Focussing on scanning and contrast protocols, the current advantages and disadvantages of non-enhanced vs. enhanced MDCT are discussed, along with insights into likely future developments. The volume represents an up-to-date source of technical and practically-oriented clinical information which should prove of great benefit to all who wish to improve or consolidate their knowledge and expertise in MDCT.
Multicriteria Scheduling : Theory, Models and Algorithms
Scheduling and multicriteria optimisation theory have been subject, separately, to numerous studies. Since the last twenty years, multicriteria scheduling problems have been subject to a growing interest. However, a gap between multicriteria scheduling approaches and multicriteria optimisation field exits. This book is an attempt to collect the elementary of multicriteria optimisation theory and the basic models and algorithms of multicriteria scheduling. It is composed of numerous illustrations, algorithms and examples which may help the reader in understanding the presented concepts. This book covers general concepts such as Pareto optimality, complexity theory, and general method for multicriteria optimisation, as well as dedicated scheduling problems and algorithms: just-in-time scheduling, flexibility and robustness, single machine problems, parallel machine problems, shop problems, etc.
Multicriteria Optimization
Decision makers in many areas, from industry to engineering and the social sector, face an increasing need to consider multiple, conflicting objectives in their decision processes. In many cases these real world decision problems can be formulated as multicriteria mathematical optimization models. The solution of such models requires appropriate techniques to compute so called efficient, or Pareto optimal, or compromise solutions that - unlike traditional mathematical programming methods - take the contradictory nature of the criteria into account. This book provides the necessary mathematical foundation of multicriteria optimization to solve nonlinear, linear and combinatorial problems with multiple criteria. Motivational examples illustrate the use of multicriteria optimization in practice. Numerous illustrations and exercises as well as an extensive bibliography are provided.
Multichain Immune Recognition Receptor Signaling : From Spatiotemporal Organization to Human Disease
The central idea of this book is to show that the structural similarity of the MIRRs determines the general principles underlying MIRR-mediated transmembrane signaling mechanisms and also provides the basis for existing and fixture therapeutic strategies targeting MIRRs. The reviews assembled in this book detail the prog-ress in defining and controlling the spatiotemporal organization of key events in immune cell activation. An improved understanding of MIRR-mediated signaling has numerous potential practical applications, fi-om the rational design of drugs and vaccines to the engineering of cells for biotechnological purposes.
Multi-Agent Programming : Languages, Platforms and Applications
Part I describes four approaches that are based on computational logic or process algebra--Jason, 3APL, IMPACT, and CLAIM/SyMPA. These programming languages have formal semantics and use heavy machinery based on formal methods, but also provide working platforms for the development of multi-agent systems. Part II presents agent languages and platforms that extend or are based on Java--JADE, Jadex, and JACKTM. Although these have no formal semantics, the languages are well documented and the platforms provide a variety of tools that have been extensively used in practice. Part III provides two significant industry specific applications--The DEFACTO System for coordinating human-agent teams for the future of disaster response, and the ARTIMIS rational dialogue agent technology. The book also features seven appendices, summarising each of the agent programming languages, hence facilitating comparison of the approaches. In particular, Appendix A describes the criteria used for comparing the agent languages and platforms.
Mucosal Immunology and Virology
Mucosal Immunology and Virology is designed to provide the clinician with a thorough and yet approachable textbook describing the relationships between immunology, virology and the disease process. It includes a vast wealth of information and illustrations to enable the reader to become familiar with the clinical presentation of these diseases, the tests needed to establish the diagnosis, and the treatment of the disease including specific antiviral agents. Suitable for residents and clinicians in immunology, infectious diseases, internal medicine and dermatology the book reviews the systematic manifestations of mucosal viral infections, including those involving the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, anogenital mucosa and ocular infections
Mucosal Immune Defense : Immunoglobulin A
This book, authored by international experts in the field of IgA immunology, presents a comprehensive and timely overview of current knowledge of IgA structure and function. Topics include the basic science of IgA biochemistry and molecular biology, general and tissue-specific aspects of IgA function, and the clinical relevance of IgA in infection, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and cancer.
Mucins : Methods and protocols
Explores the latest advancements in mucin research. The chapters in this book are organized into 8 parts and cover a wide range of topics such as mucin extraction, isolation, physicochemical property analysis, and experimental methods. The chapters also discuss the origins of mucins in jellyfish, feces, saliva and salivary glands, bronchi, stomach, and cervical tract; organic synthesis of peptides glycosylated at specific sites; analysis of mucin gene expression and methylation-specific electrophoresis of genes; imaging of mucin networks by AFM; and experimental methods using supported molecular matrix electrophoresis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
MSCs and Innovative Biomaterials in Dentistry
Presents the modern concepts of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and biomaterials as they pertain to the dental field. The book is organized around three main topics: MSCs biology, advanced biomaterials, and clinical applications. The chapters present basic information on stem cell biology and physiology, modern biomaterials that improve bone tissue regeneration, the biomatrices like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) used to functionalize the biomaterials surface, the strategic and safe intraoral seats of harvesting, the new sources for MSCs, as well as the future perspectives and new challenges in these exciting fields.
MSC Maximal Stress Cooperation
In 1996 my book ‘The Nature of Cultures’ appeared in Vi- na and New York. It describes cultures as systems which are controlled by MSC and decorum. While MSC is a neologism meaning ‘maximal stress cooperation’ decorum is a very old term. It is as old as Western culture itself, and is furthermore, the translation of the even older Greek word ‘prepon’. Decorum and prepon mean ‘to be suitable, to be fitting’. It is all about the fitting of cultural medial contents to elementary cultural behavioural types and behavioural phases. These behavioural units are subject to a type of ranking system in which that which is essential is sorted from that which less essential. - corum then means – the representations of the media must ‘fit’ the ranking of the cultural behaviour. It is MSC which assumes the top position in this ranking. In 1996 and the two previous years when I was working on my book ‘The Nature of Cultures’ less than 5 years had passed since the Iron Curtain had been lifted. Many believed at that time that with ending of the Cold War, which was more or less de facto peace anyway, that a new and better age of peace was dawning.
MRI of the Liver : Imaging Techniques, Contrast Enhancement, Differential Diagnosis
Due to the latest developments in magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of liver pathology, a second, completely revised and enlarged edition of this book was felt necessary – despite only three years having elapsed since the first edition. New chapters have been added covering important and highly relevant topics, among which imaging of pseudolesions, imaging of neoplastic diseases in pediatric subjects, imaging of bile ducts, MR angiography and imaging pre and post liver transplantation.
MRI of the Heart and Vessels
In recent years magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enriched the technological potential available for the characterization of cardiovascular pathologies, adding substantial advantages to other non-invasive techniques. This technique, which is intrinsically digital and has reduced operator dependency, allows the performance of image analysis in a quantitative and reproducible manner. In virtue of its added diagnostic value and inherent refinements that allow construction of two- and three-dimensional images, MRI is gaining a primary role in the histopathological and physiopathological understanding of a large number of pathologies concerning the heart and vessels. This text is addressed both to MRI operators seeking specific technical information and to clinicians who wish to have a better understanding of the diagnostic and management advantages that MRI can offer.
MRI in Clinical Practice
The book covers the basic Physics behind MRI, quality assurance, up-to-date safety guidelines and a useful gallery of image artefacts. Part of the book focuses on the specific areas of the body in which MRI is currently exploited, describing how MRI is performed in practice. In each of these sections, a common theme is followed with illustrations of MR images acquired with clinically relevant settings and typical imaging protocols are also explicitly stated. Additional information is provided which includes a subjective view of the strengths and weaknesses of MRI in comparison to other imaging modalities. As well as covering routine clinical techniques, the latest advanced methods (e.g. spectroscopy, fMRI, diffusion, high field MRI) are discussed and placed into the context of clinical application.
MRI Atlas Orthopedics and Neurosurgery The Spine
This MRI atlas of the spine is the fruit of interdisciplinary cooperation among radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, traumatologists, and neurosurgeons. It is a clinically oriented atlas that covers all important diseases and injuries of the spine. Ample illustrations are supplemented by concise descriptions of anatomy and pathophysiology, the normal and abnormal MRI appearance, diagnostic pitfalls, and the clinical significance of MRI. The clear and didactic style enables readers to revise the fundamentals of spinal anatomy and disease states as a basis for understanding the diagnostic strategies and surgical management.
MRI Atlas of MS Lesions
MRI has become the main paraclinical test in the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis. We have demonstrated more than 400 pictures of different typical and atypical MS lesions in this atlas.
MRI and CT of the Female Pelvis
MRI and CT exquisitely depict the anatomy of the female pelvis and offer fascinating diagnostic possibilities in women with pelvic disorders. This volume provides a comprehensive account of the use of these cross-sectional imaging techniques to identify and characterize developmental anomalies and acquired diseases of the female genital tract. Both benign and malignant diseases are considered in depth, and detailed attention is also paid to normal anatomical findings and variants. Further individual chapters focus on the patient with pelvic pain and the use of MRI for pelvimetry during pregnancy and the evaluation of fertility. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the most recent diagnostic and technical advances, and the text is complemented by many detailed and informative illustrations.
MR Imaging in White Matter Diseases of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Comprises a series of comprehensive and up-to-date reviews on the use of MR imaging in these major neurological conditions. The diverse available MR techniques, such as magnetization transfer MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, MR spectroscopy, functional MRI, cell-specific MRI, perfusion MRI, and microscopic imaging with ultra-high field MRI, offer an extraordinarily powerful means of gaining fundamental in vivo insights into disease processes. The strengths and weaknesses of all these techniques in the study of multiple sclerosis and other relevant diseases are extensively considered. After an introductory section on neuroimaging technology, subsequent sections address disorders of myelination, demyelinating diseases, immune-mediated disorders, and white matter disorders related to aging and other conditions. This book provides a valuable summary of the state of the art in the field, and defines important areas for future research.
MR Cholangiopancreatography : Atlas with Cross-Sectional Imaging Correlation
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a novel non-invasive technique for diagnosis of pancreatic-biliary disease. The purpose of this book is to highlight the advantages, limitations and indications of MRCP. Specific examples have been selected to showcase the utility of this technique in a large variety of clinical conditions. Each example is purposefully used to stress important technical features, to give practical advice, or to discuss the role of MRCP in specific clinical situations. Important features of the book are the high quality of the illustrations, the reduction of the text to relevant and practically useful issues, and the simple and logic organisation of the case material. The book should show: the optimal technique in MRCP, the pitfalls and limitations.



















