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 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.
Multicomponent reactions towards heterocycles : Concepts and applications
Heterocycles are a central component in natural product chemistry, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and material science. New synthetic methodologies integrating the sequencing of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are today being used for the rapid synthesis of diversified heterocycles in just one step. Multicomponent Reactions towards Heterocycles presents an up-to-date summary MCR chemistry with a focus on the conjugation between modern synthetic methodologies and MCRs.
Multiagent System Technologies ; 6th German Conference, MATES 2008, Kaiserslautern, Germany, September 23-26, 2008. Proceedings
This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 6th German Conference on Multiagent Systems Technologies, MATES 2008, held in Kaiserslautern, Germany, in September 2008 - co-located with the 31st German Conference on Artificial Intelligence, KI 2008.The 16 revised full papers presented together with 2 invited talks were carefully reviewed and selected from 35 submissions. The papers present and discuss the latest advances of research and development in the area of autonomous agents and multiagent systems ranging from theoretical and methodological issues to applications in various fields.
Multi-Agent and Multi-Agent-Based Simulation ; Joint Workshop MABS 2004
The aim of the workshop was to provide a forum for work in both appli- tions of multi-agent-based simulation and the technical challenges of simulating large multi-agent systems (MAS). There has been considerable recent progress in modelling and analyzing multi-agent systems, and in techniques that apply MAS models to complex real-world systems such as social systems and organi- tions. Simulation is an increasingly important strand that weaves together this work. In high-risk, high-cost situations, simulations provide critical cost/benefit leverage, and make possible explorations that cannot be carried out in situ: – Multi-agent approaches to simulating complex systems are keytools in interdisciplinary studies of social systems. Agent-based social simulation (ABSS) research simulates and synthesizes social behavior in order to understand real social systems with properties of self-organization, scalability, robustness, and openness. – In the MAS community, simulation has been applied to awide range of MAS research and design problems, from models of complex individual agents - ploying sophisticated internal mechanisms to models of large-scale societies of relatively simple agents which focus more on the interactions between agents.
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 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.
Mosquito Ecology : Field Sampling Methods
The purpose of this book is in keeping with the original vision of Professor Service to describe the methods and rationale for sampling mosquitoes, with particular emphasis on the ecology and behaviour of those species that play a role as vectors of human and animal diseases and infections. The book is designed to serve as a practical reference for field entomologists and mosquito control specialists and describes the sampling methods and available trapping technologies and tools for the collection of all life-stages of mosquitoes, from egg to adult. It also describes the techniques available for data analysis and discusses ecological principles of relevance to the study of field populations of mosquitoes. While concentrating primarily on mosquitoes, many of the techniques described are suitable for the study of other Diptera, including Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae, Simuliidae, Phlebotominae, etc.
Morse Theoretic Methods in Nonlinear Analysis and in Symplectic Topology
It covered an ample spectrum of subjects which are re ected in the present volume: Morse theory and related techniques in in nite dim- sional spaces, Floer theory and its recent extensions and generalizations, Morse and Floer theory in relation to string topology, generating functions, structure of the group of Hamiltonian difieomorphisms and related dynamical problems, applications to robotics and many others. We thank all our main speakers for their stimulating lectures and all p- ticipants for creating a friendly atmosphere
Monitors of Organic Chemicals in the Environment : Semipermeable Membrane Devices
Modern, industrialized societies depend on a wide range of chemical substances such as fuels, plastics, biocides, pharmaceuticals and detergents for maintaining the high quality lifestyle to which we aspire. The challenge is to ensure that while we enjoy the benetsof thes esubstances,theirinevitablereleaseintoourbiosphere does not result in unwanted human and ecosystem exposures, and the risk of - verse effects. One response to this challenge has been the extensive effort to detect and analyze or monitor a multitude of chemicals in a variety of environmental media, especially toxic organic compounds in air, water, soils and biota. An extensive literature on these traditional techniques has evolved over the years.
Monitoring, Security, and Rescue Techniques in Multiagent Systems
This volume contains extended and improved versions of selected contributions presented at the International Workshop "Monitoring, Security and Rescue Techniques in Multiagent Systems".
Monetary Policy and the German Unemployment Problem in Macroeconomic Models : Theory and Evidence
Having the high unemployment in Germany in mind, this book discusses how macroeconomic theory has evolved over the past forty years. It shows that in recent years a convergence has taken place, with modern models embodying a Keynesian transmission mechanism, monetarist policy implication, and modeling techniques inspired by new classical economics and real business cycle theory. It also probes in which direction models may be extended from here. Empirically, the book uses different econometric techniques to investigate the relevance and implications of different macroeconomic theories for German data. A key question this book investigates is the role of demand and supply side conditions for the increase in the German unemployment rate. On a policy level, the book relates the implications of the different theories to the ongoing debate on the appropriate roles of demand and supply side policies for curing the German unemployment problem.
Molecular Techniques in the Microbial Ecology of Fermented Foods
Molecular Methods and Microbial Ecology of Fermented Foods presents the latest findings in microbial ecology as determined by the application of molecular methods, reports the most recent advances in the field, and offers details on primers and protocols most suitable for studying specific food ecosystems. It provides analytical details and suggestions useful in research, as well as evaluation of the criticism of using novel approaches in food fermentation microbiology. This book also discusses new insights drawn from the use of bio-molecular techniques in the microbial ecology of fermented foods.
Molecular Paradigms of Infectious Disease : A Bacterial Perspective
This comprehensive volume, written by leading authors in the field, provides a fundamental understanding of the complex cellular and molecular processes that are important for bacterial virulence and the infectious disease process. Written in a clear and engaging manner, the book highlights key techniques and methodologies that have driven recent discoveries in bacterial pathogenesis, major structures and mechanisms in bacteria that are important for the pathogenesis of these organisms, the regulation of these virulence determinants by global regulators, and bacterial biowarfare agents. Molecular Paradigms of Infectious Disease: A Bacterial Perspective is an ideal book for students, microbiologists, immunologists and scientists and researchers of bacterial pathogenesis.



















