Field-based Analysis Research Articles

The value of 68Ga-PSMA enhanced PET-CT and MR-PET in patients with biochemical recurrent prostate cancer

Materials and methods A total of 322 patients with BRPC underwent either a PET-CT or a MR-PET examination (Siemens Biograph mMR) after injection of about 150 mBqGa-PSMA. Images were evaluated in cosensus by one experienced nuclear medicine physician and one radiologist. Pelvine lymphnode dissection was performed in most of the patients according to a predefined template with 8 fields. Lymphnode involvement was evaluated according to a 5 point scale with a patientand a field-based analysis. These findings were stratified according to PSA-values.

Preliminary evaluation of a next-generation portable gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) for the on-site analysis of ignitable liquid residues

The detection of ignitable liquid residues (ILRs) at a fire scene can be valuable evidence to indicate if the fire may have been deliberately set. In this study, a commercially-available portable GC-MS, the TRIDION-9, was evaluated for the purpose of on-site fire debris analysis. The instrument, which incorporates a low thermal mass capillary GC and a miniaturised toroidal ion trap mass spectrometer, is designed to use solid-phase microextraction (SPME) as the default sampling method. Four ignitable liquids (petrol, mineral turpentine, kerosene and diesel) and seven substrates (nylon, polypropylene and wool carpet, rubber and foam underlay, untreated pine and polyurethane) were considered. After method optimisation, substrates were burned and spiked with 0.1 μL of ignitable liquid (mineral turpentine, kerosene, diesel fuel, and both neat and weathered unleaded petrol). Sampling was performed via passive headspace SPME adsorption over 3 min immediately followed by analysis using the TRIDION-9 (analysis time < 2 min). Field trials were performed on fire debris samples collected from an accelerated structural fire. The data from the portable GC-MS analyses permitted the detection and correct classification of ILRs in the majority of samples analysed. Overall, the TRIDION-9 was found to be well-suited to the field-based analysis of fire debris samples as a preliminary screen to provide rapid presumptive results for fire investigators.

PD32-07 PREOPERATIVE LYMPH NODE STAGING IN INTERMEDIATE TO HIGH-RISK PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS USING 68GA-HBED-PSMA PET HYBRID IMAGING – A PATIENT- AND FIELD-BASED ANALYSIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Staging II1 Apr 2015PD32-07 PREOPERATIVE LYMPH NODE STAGING IN INTERMEDIATE TO HIGH-RISK PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS USING 68GA-HBED-PSMA PET HYBRID IMAGING – A PATIENT- AND FIELD-BASED ANALYSIS Tobias Maurer, Lisa Pähr, Michael Souvatzoglou, Gregor Weirich, Hubert Kübler, Hans-Jürgen Wester, Bernhard Haller, Markus Schwaiger, Jürgen Erich Gschwend, and Matthias Eiber Tobias MaurerTobias Maurer More articles by this author , Lisa PährLisa Pähr More articles by this author , Michael SouvatzoglouMichael Souvatzoglou More articles by this author , Gregor WeirichGregor Weirich More articles by this author , Hubert KüblerHubert Kübler More articles by this author , Hans-Jürgen WesterHans-Jürgen Wester More articles by this author , Bernhard HallerBernhard Haller More articles by this author , Markus SchwaigerMarkus Schwaiger More articles by this author , Jürgen Erich GschwendJürgen Erich Gschwend More articles by this author , and Matthias EiberMatthias Eiber More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.2118AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Recently, Glu-NH-CO-NH-Lys-(Ahx)-[(68)Ga(HBED-CC)] as a novel 68Gallium-labelled ligand of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (68Ga-HBED-PSMA) has been introduced for the diagnostic evaluation of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET with the results of postoperative histological findings after radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvine template lymph node (LN) dissection with regard to metastatic LN involvement. METHODS 92 consecutive patients with intermediate to high-risk PCa patients were included. All patients received 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET hybrid imaging prior to surgery. Pelvine template LN dissection was performed according to 8 predefined anatomical fields. In all patients LN involvement was evaluated in a blinded fashion according to a 5-point scale (1 = metastatic; 2 = probably metastatic; 3 = equivocal; 4 = probably benign; 5 = benign) on a patient- and field-based manner and correlated to postoperative histological analysis. RESULTS Due to lacking PSMA expression of the primary tumor 4 patients were excluded from further analysis. In total, 20 patients showed metastatic LN. 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET detected 15 out of 20 patients with histological proven metastatic LN (sensitivity: 75.0%) and correctly classified all 68 patients without histological evidence of LN metastases (specificity: 100%; accuracy 94.3%; PPV: 100%; NPV: 93.2%). 5 patients without evidence of metastatic LN on imaging showed only small metastases in single LN (3 patients with one positive LN, 2 patients with two LN). In total, 470 anatomical fields could be analysed (52 with LN metastases). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for the field-based analysis were calculated as 73.1%, 98.6%, 95.7%, 86.4% and 96.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET hybrid imaging shows a high sensitivity as well as superb specificity and accuracy for lymph node staging in intermediate to high-risk PCa patients and might replace current standard imaging (sole MRI, CT or PET using FDG or choline-based tracers) in the future. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e707 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Tobias Maurer More articles by this author Lisa Pähr More articles by this author Michael Souvatzoglou More articles by this author Gregor Weirich More articles by this author Hubert Kübler More articles by this author Hans-Jürgen Wester More articles by this author Bernhard Haller More articles by this author Markus Schwaiger More articles by this author Jürgen Erich Gschwend More articles by this author Matthias Eiber More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

PD32-09 VERY LONG-TERM ONCOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS TREATED WITH RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY FOR NODE POSITIVE PROSTATE CANCER: A MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL, CONDITIONAL SURVIVAL ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, Glu-NH-CONH-Lys-(Ahx)-[(68)Ga(HBED-CC)] as a novel 68Gallium-labelled ligand of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (68Ga-HBEDPSMA) has been introduced for the diagnostic evaluation of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET with the results of postoperative histological findings after radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvine template lymph node (LN) dissection with regard to metastatic LN involvement. METHODS: 92 consecutive patients with intermediate to highrisk PCa patients were included. All patients received 68Ga-HBEDPSMA PET hybrid imaging prior to surgery. Pelvine template LN dissection was performed according to 8 predefined anatomical fields. In all patients LN involvement was evaluated in a blinded fashion according to a 5-point scale (1 1⁄4 metastatic; 2 1⁄4 probably metastatic; 3 1⁄4 equivocal; 4 1⁄4 probably benign; 5 1⁄4 benign) on a patientand field-based manner and correlated to postoperative histological analysis. RESULTS: Due to lacking PSMA expression of the primary tumor 4 patients were excluded from further analysis. In total, 20 patients showed metastatic LN. 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET detected 15 out of 20 patients with histological proven metastatic LN (sensitivity: 75.0%) and correctly classified all 68 patients without histological evidence of LN metastases (specificity: 100%; accuracy 94.3%; PPV: 100%; NPV: 93.2%). 5 patients without evidence of metastatic LN on imaging showed only small metastases in single LN (3 patients with one positive LN, 2 patients with two LN). In total, 470 anatomical fields could be analysed (52 with LN metastases). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for the field-based analysis were calculated as 73.1%, 98.6%, 95.7%, 86.4% and 96.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET hybrid imaging shows a high sensitivity as well as superb specificity and accuracy for lymph node staging in intermediate to high-risk PCa patients and might replace current standard imaging (sole MRI, CT or PET using FDG or choline-based tracers) in the future.

PD32-08 CHOLINE PET/CT SCAN FOR THE DETECTION OF NODAL RELAPSES OF PROSTATE CANCER AFTER BIOCHEMICAL RECURRENCE: RESULTS FROM A MULTICENTRIC STUDY

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, Glu-NH-CONH-Lys-(Ahx)-[(68)Ga(HBED-CC)] as a novel 68Gallium-labelled ligand of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (68Ga-HBEDPSMA) has been introduced for the diagnostic evaluation of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET with the results of postoperative histological findings after radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvine template lymph node (LN) dissection with regard to metastatic LN involvement. METHODS: 92 consecutive patients with intermediate to highrisk PCa patients were included. All patients received 68Ga-HBEDPSMA PET hybrid imaging prior to surgery. Pelvine template LN dissection was performed according to 8 predefined anatomical fields. In all patients LN involvement was evaluated in a blinded fashion according to a 5-point scale (1 1⁄4 metastatic; 2 1⁄4 probably metastatic; 3 1⁄4 equivocal; 4 1⁄4 probably benign; 5 1⁄4 benign) on a patientand field-based manner and correlated to postoperative histological analysis. RESULTS: Due to lacking PSMA expression of the primary tumor 4 patients were excluded from further analysis. In total, 20 patients showed metastatic LN. 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET detected 15 out of 20 patients with histological proven metastatic LN (sensitivity: 75.0%) and correctly classified all 68 patients without histological evidence of LN metastases (specificity: 100%; accuracy 94.3%; PPV: 100%; NPV: 93.2%). 5 patients without evidence of metastatic LN on imaging showed only small metastases in single LN (3 patients with one positive LN, 2 patients with two LN). In total, 470 anatomical fields could be analysed (52 with LN metastases). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for the field-based analysis were calculated as 73.1%, 98.6%, 95.7%, 86.4% and 96.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 68Ga-HBED-PSMA PET hybrid imaging shows a high sensitivity as well as superb specificity and accuracy for lymph node staging in intermediate to high-risk PCa patients and might replace current standard imaging (sole MRI, CT or PET using FDG or choline-based tracers) in the future.

Estimation of accuracy of the dimensional characteristics of complex objects with kinect systems

The article deals with methods for determining the size of objects with complex shapes using computer Kinect systems. The developed methods allow to determine the real shapes and sizes of arbitrary sections on the base of field-based analysis points obtained in Kinect systems. Experimental studies in determining the shape of the human body showed difference not exceeding 2.5 %

Assessment of dry and wet atmospheric deposits of radioactive aerosols: application to Fukushima radiocaesium fallout.

The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident led to massive atmospheric deposition of radioactive substances onto the land surfaces. The spatial distribution of deposits has been estimated by Japanese authorities for gamma-emitting radionuclides through either airborne monitoring surveys (since April 2011) or in situ gamma-ray spectrometry of bare soil areas (since summer 2011). We demonstrate that significant differences exist between the two surveys for radiocaesium isotopes and that these differences can be related to dry deposits through the use of physically based relationships involving aerosol deposition velocities. The methodology, which has been applied to cesium-134 and cesium-137 deposits within 80-km of the nuclear site, provides reasonable spatial estimations of dry and wet deposits that are discussed and compared to atmospheric numerical simulations from the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency and the French Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety. As a complementary approach to numerical simulations, this field-based analysis has the possibility to contribute information that can be applied to the understanding and assessment of dose impacts to human populations and the environment around Fukushima.

Potential impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT on patients selection for neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radical cystectomy

BackgroundThe detection of lymph node metastases in bladder cancer has a major impact on treatment decisions and patients prognosis. Due to limited value of conventional imaging, the place of molecular and functional imaging needs to be precised, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting. MethodsFrom June 2011 to June 2013, 102 patients with clinically localized BCa were simultaneously staged with 18F-FDG PET/CT before RC. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of metastases in normal-sized lymph nodes using extended pelvic lymph node dissection and histopathology as the reference standard. ResultsA total of 1211 LNs were examined histopathologically. Sixty-seven (5.5%) metastatic nodes were found in 26/102 patients (25.5%). Lymph node density was 22%. On patient-based analysis, sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value (PPV), negative positive value (NPV) and accuracy for 18F-FDG PET/CT were calculated as 50%, 96.2%, 80%, 86.2% and 85.3% respectively. On a field-based analysis, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for 18F-FDG PET/CT were calculated as 50.0%, 99.0%, 71.9%, 97.4%, and 96.5% respectively. The majority of missed metastases were micrometastasis <5 mm in long axis diameter. Conclusions18F-FDG PET/CT improves diagnostic efficacy for lymph node staging in patients staged N0 with conventional cross-sectional imaging. 18F-FDG PET/CT could be used as a surrogate marker for detection of metastases in non-enlarged pelvic lymph nodes and enhances management strategy guiding patients selection for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Monitoring environmental health using SPOT-VEGETATION-derived and field-measured spectral indices in Karabash, Russia

The objective of this study was to use satellite imagery combined with field-based spectral analysis to assess the impacts of mining-related activities on vegetation around the smelter town of Karabash, South Ural Mountains of Russia. Time series analysis of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) images derived from Système Pour l’Observation de la Terre (SPOT)-VEGETATION was combined with the analysis of vegetation stress indices calculated from 140 in situ spectral measurements. Correlation analyses have revealed that vegetation stress affects vegetation density and resilience, and that it impedes a gradual increase in photosynthetic activity in the most affected areas ranging up to 10 km from the smelter. The prolongation of the growing season of healthier vegetation at greater distances, showing higher vegetation density, lower variation, and a more positive trend over time, can possibly be related to climate change. Although land cover shows a concentric pattern around Karabash, the analysis revealed that both spectral and time series-derived indices are defined more by the distance to the Karabash smelter and vegetation stress, rather than by the land cover class.

Prospective comparison of computed tomography, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and [11C]choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography for preoperative lymph node staging in prostate cancer patients

The aim of this study was to prospectively compare diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and [(11)C]choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with computed tomography (CT) for preoperative lymph node (LN) staging in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Between June 2010 and May 2012, CT, DWI and [(11)C]choline PET/CT were performed preoperatively in 33 intermediate- and high-risk PCa patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) including obturator fossa and internal, external and common iliac fields. Patient- and field-based performance characteristics for all three imaging techniques based on histopathological results are reported. Imaging techniques were compared by means of the area under the curve (AUC). LN metastases were detected in 92 of 1,012 (9%) LNs from 14 of 33 (42%) patients. On patient-based analysis, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for CT were 57, 68 and 64%, respectively, for DWI were 57, 79 and 70%, respectively, and for [(11)C]choline PET/CT were 57, 90 and 76%, respectively. On field-based analysis, these numbers for CT were 47, 94 and 88%, respectively, for DWI were 56, 97 and 92%, respectively, and for [(11)C]choline PET/CT were 62, 96 and 92%, respectively. Neither DWI nor [(11)C]choline PET/CT performed significantly better than CT on pairwise comparison of patient- and field-based results. All three imaging techniques exhibit a rather low sensitivity with less than two thirds of LN metastases being detected on patient- and field-based analysis. Overall diagnostic efficacy did not differ significantly between imaging techniques, whereas distinct performance characteristics, esp. patient-based specificity, were best for [(11)C]choline PET/CT followed by DWI and CT.

1434 THE STAGING ROLE OF 18FDG PET-CT IN PATIENTS WITH MUSCLE-INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER SELECTED FOR RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyBladder Cancer: Invasive (I)1 Apr 20131434 THE STAGING ROLE OF 18FDG PET-CT IN PATIENTS WITH MUSCLE-INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER SELECTED FOR RADICAL CYSTECTOMY Mariaconsiglia Ferriero, Giuseppe Simone, Rocco Papalia, Salvatore Guaglianone, Rosa Sciuto, Carlo Ludovico Maini, and Michele Gallucci Mariaconsiglia FerrieroMariaconsiglia Ferriero Rome, Italy More articles by this author , Giuseppe SimoneGiuseppe Simone Rome, Italy More articles by this author , Rocco PapaliaRocco Papalia Rome, Italy More articles by this author , Salvatore GuaglianoneSalvatore Guaglianone Rome, Italy More articles by this author , Rosa SciutoRosa Sciuto Rome, Italy More articles by this author , Carlo Ludovico MainiCarlo Ludovico Maini Rome, Italy More articles by this author , and Michele GallucciMichele Gallucci Rome, Italy More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.2788AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Preoperative staging of patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer includes either CT scan or MR imaging. Few reports addressed the staging role of 18FDG PET-CT and its role has not been defined. METHODS Between July 2009 and Feb 2012, 76 consecutive patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and conventional imaging negative for nodal or distant metastasis, underwent 18FDG PET-CT before radical cystectomy. Nine patients with evidence of liver, bone or retroperitoneal metastases at PET-CT underwent palliative cystectomy, all other patients underwent radical cystectomy and extended lymph-node dissection 2cm over the aortic bifurcation. Nodes were sent to pathologist into separate packages. We tested sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of 18FDG PET-CT alone in a patient and in a field-based manner, matching results with pathological examinations of nodal packages removed. RESULTS Lymph node metastasis were found in 24 of 76 patients (31%). Eighty-six of 758 dissected nodal fields showed metastasis (11.3%). Positive sites detected by 18FDG PET-CT were confirmed by histology in 45 cases and were not in 10 cases, while 662 sites were true negative versus 41 false negative (cases of nodal micrometastasis or with size of metastasis < 5 mm). On patient based analysis, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 56.6%, 95.6%, 89.5%, 77.2% and 80.2% respectively and on field-based analysis the calculated percentages were 52.3%, 98.5%, 81.8%, 94.2% and 93.3% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Despite low sensitivity 18FDG PET/CT detected nodal metastases between 5 and 10 mm and represents a step forward in the preoperative staging compared with conventional CT. © 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 189Issue 4SApril 2013Page: e587 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Mariaconsiglia Ferriero Rome, Italy More articles by this author Giuseppe Simone Rome, Italy More articles by this author Rocco Papalia Rome, Italy More articles by this author Salvatore Guaglianone Rome, Italy More articles by this author Rosa Sciuto Rome, Italy More articles by this author Carlo Ludovico Maini Rome, Italy More articles by this author Michele Gallucci Rome, Italy More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Bio-Activity of 1-Phenyl-3-(2-Hydroxyl-Phenyl)-5-(2,4-Chloro-Phenyl)-2-Pyrazoline

The title compound 1-Phenyl-3-(2-Hydroxyl–Phenyl)-5-(2,4-Chloro-Phenyl)-2-pyrazoline（C21H16Cl2N2O,Mr=383.26） was prepared from chalcone and phenylhydrazine. It was characterized by IR spectra, NMR spectra, MS spectra and X-Ray. The following crystal data was given: space group Pbca, with a=8.9678(7), b=14.1785(11), c=28.603(2)Å, β=90.00°, V=3636.8(5)nm3, Z=8, Dc=1.400mg/m3, μ=0.369mm-1, F(000)=1584, R=0.0492 and wR=0.1175. Found that there exist intramolecular H-bonds and the structure was one-dimensional lattice molecular. The inhibitory effects on EcMetAPof the title compound was determined and its inhibition was 31.62%. Its molecular field-based similarity analysis provided the necessary three-dimensional molecular field properties of the title compound to inhibit EcMetAP activities, and found that the EcMetAP inhibit-activities could be increased by addition electron donating groups at position 1,2 and 4 of pyrazole ring.

Prospective use of molecular field points in ligand-based virtual screening: efficient identification of new reversible Cdc25 inhibitors

A series of novel reversible inhibitors of the dual-specificity phosphatase Cdc25 was discovered using a two-stage molecular field-based similarity analysis. This method compares molecules on the basis of electrostatic and steric features, rather than their underlying structures, facilitating scaffold-hopping to new chemotypes. In this prospective study, a field point pharmacophore model was generated from three structurally diverse, reversible Cdc25 inhibitors and used in field-based virtual screening of 3.7 million commercially available compounds. Seven thiazoles, from the small set of 35 compounds selected for testing, showed reversible inhibition of activity at all three isoforms of Cdc25 (Cdc25A, B and C) at micromolar concentrations. The new series are not structurally related to the initial three starting points, but share their biological properties. Substructure searching rapidly identified additional thiazoles with modest (10-fold) increases in activity equivalent to those of the initial three starting points. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of this ligand-based method to both define a pharmacophore and effect virtual screening resulting in rapid and efficient identification of chemical starting points for development of novel therapeutic agents.

A field-based analysis of the accuracy of niche models applied to the fossil record

The use of ecological niche modeling (ENM) to estimate the geographic ranges of species is widely employed with modern fauna and is becoming more widespread in paleontology. Herein, field validation is utilized to assess the predictive accuracy of ENM methods for Paleozoic brachiopod species. This study represents the first field validation analysis of ENM methods in the fossil record. Previously published species distributions models for 8 Late Ordovician brachiopod species from the Cincinnati, Ohio region (United States) developed using GARP (Genetic Algorithm using Rule-set Prediction) were assessed for accuracy by comparing species occurrence data from a newly available set of 18 localities with the original species distribution models. Based on this data, the statistical significance of the original model set was assessed; 18 of the 22 original models were demonstrated to be statistically significant, based on field validation. Of the 140 individual species occurrences assessed, 60.8% were accurately predicted, 9.2% exhibited over prediction, and 30% exhibited under prediction. Accurate results were more common for species modeled from the greatest number of species occurrence points. The least accurate species models developed were for eurytopic species or those for which taxonomic affinities are unclear. Results indicate that with ample outcrop, well-defined stratigraphy, and sufficient fossil occurrence data, ENM methods could be successfully applied to many intervals in Earth history.

Monitoring Uranium, Hydrogen, and Lithium and Their Isotopes Using a Compact Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Probe and High-Resolution Spectrometer

The development of field-deployable instruments to monitor radiological, nuclear, and explosive (RNE) threats is of current interest for a number of assessment needs such as the on-site screening of suspect facilities and nuclear forensics. The presence of uranium and plutonium and radiological materials can be determined through monitoring the elemental emission spectrum using relatively low-resolution spectrometers. In addition, uranium compounds, explosives, and chemicals used in nuclear fuel processing (e.g., tributyl-phosphate) can be identified by applying chemometric analysis to the laser-induced breakdown (LIBS) spectrum recorded by these spectrometers. For nuclear forensic applications, however, isotopes of U and Pu and other elements (e.g., H and Li) must also be determined, requiring higher resolution spectrometers given the small magnitude of the isotope shifts for some of these elements (e.g., 25 pm for U and 13 pm for Pu). High-resolution spectrometers will be preferred for several reasons but these must fit into realistic field-based analysis scenarios. To address the need for field instrumentation, we evaluated a previously developed field-deployable hand-held LIBS interrogation probe combined with two relatively new high-resolution spectrometers (λ/Δλ ~75,000 and ~44,000) that have the potential to meet field-based analysis needs. These spectrometers are significantly smaller and lighter in weight than those previously used for isotopic analysis and one unit can provide simultaneous wide spectral coverage and high resolution in a relatively small package. The LIBS interrogation probe was developed initially for use with low resolution compact spectrometers in a person-portable backpack LIBS instrument. Here we present the results of an evaluation of the LIBS probe combined with a high-resolution spectrometer and demonstrate rapid detection of isotopes of uranium and hydrogen and highly enriched samples of (6)Li and (7)Li.

Diagnostic Efficacy of [11C]Choline Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Compared With Conventional Computed Tomography in Lymph Node Staging of Patients With Bladder Cancer Prior to Radical Cystectomy

BackgroundCurrent imaging techniques are of limited value for lymph node (LN) staging in bladder cancer (BCa) patients scheduled for radical cystectomy (RC). ObjectiveEvaluate the diagnostic efficacy of [11C]choline positron emission tomography in combination with computed tomography (PET/CT) for LN staging of patients with BCa scheduled for RC and compare that efficacy with the diagnostic efficacy of CT and the gold standard of histopathologic evaluation. Design, setting, and participantsFrom June 2004 to May 2007, 44 patients with localized BCa were staged with [11C]choline PET with low-dose CT for attenuation correction and simultaneous intravenous and rectal contrast-enhanced diagnostic CT before RC and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). LNs were dissected from the internal and external iliac arteries up to the origin of the inferior mesentery artery according to a template with 14 predefined anatomic fields. InterventionDiagnostic [11C]choline PET/CT before RC and regional LN dissection. MeasurementsHistopathologic findings of resected LN were correlated with the results of [11C]choline PET/CT and CT alone in a patient- and field-based manner. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of [11C]choline PET/CT and CT were assessed. Results and limitationsLN metastases were found in 12 of 44 patients (27%). On patient-based analysis, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for [11C]choline PET/CT were calculated as 58%, 66%, 39%, 81%, and 64%, respectively; and for CT the calculated percentages were 75%, 56%, 39%, 86%, and 61%, respectively. Twenty-five of 471 dissected LN fields (5%) showed metastases. On field-based analysis, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for [11C]choline PET/CT were 28%, 95%, 21%, 96%, and 91%, respectively; for CT, the calculated percentages were 39%, 92%, 20%, 96%, and 90%, respectively. Limitations of this study are small patient number and the fact that not all patients underwent extensive PLND. ConclusionsIn patients with BCa who were scheduled for RC, preoperative LN staging with [11C]choline PET/CT was not able to improve diagnostic efficacy compared with conventional CT alone.

Ego-perspective and field-based frames of reference: Temporal meanings of front in Japanese, Wolof, and Aymara

This article analyzes temporal frames of reference that are metaphorically related to experiences of movement and location. Two path-configured temporal frames of reference are distinguished, both of which employ a metaphorical front/ behind contrast: field-based (perspective neutral) and ego-perspective (perspective specific). Claims are illustrated with data from Wolof (Niger-Congo, West Africa), Japanese, and Aymara (Jaqi, South America). The paper focuses on a field-based analysis (akin to absolute) of deictically neutral uses of front/ behind terms, and defends it against a possible analysis as intrinsic. Front in the field-based frame of reference maps onto ‘earlier’, and behind maps onto ‘later’. An ego-perspective frame of reference generally has the opposite orientation so that front maps onto ‘future’ and behind maps onto ‘past’. Both of these patterns seem to be crosslinguistically typical. However, there is one well-documented case of ego facing the past—that of Aymara. I argue that in the Aymara system, ego's orientation is aligned with that of a field-based frame of reference: in Aymara the past is metaphorically in front of ego partly because the past is a special case of an earlier time that is metaphorically in front of a later time.

Severe-to-fatal head injuries in motor vehicle impacts

Severe-to-fatal head injuries in motor vehicle environments were analyzed using the United States Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network database for the years 1997–2006. Medical evaluations included details and photographs of injury, and on-scene, trauma bay, emergency room, intensive care unit, radiological, operating room, in-patient, and rehabilitation records. Data were synthesized on a case-by-case basis. X-rays, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed along with field evaluations of scene and photographs for the analyses of brain injuries and skull fractures. Injuries to the parenchyma, arteries, brainstem, cerebellum, cerebrum, and loss of consciousness were included. In addition to the analyses of severe-to-fatal (AIS4+) injuries, cervical spine, face, and scalp trauma were used to determine the potential for head contact. Fatalities and survivors were compared using nonparametric tests and confidence intervals for medians. Results were categorized based on the mode of impact with a focus on head contact. Out of the 3178 medical cases and 169 occupants sustaining head injuries, 132 adults were in frontal (54), side (75), and rear (3) crashes. Head contact locations are presented for each mode. A majority of cases clustered around the mid-size anthropometry and normal body mass index (BMI). Injuries occurred at change in velocities (Δ V) representative of US regulations. Statistically significant differences in Δ V between fatalities and survivors were found for side but not for frontal impacts. Independent of the impact mode and survivorship, contact locations were found to be superior to the center of gravity of the head, suggesting a greater role for angular than translational head kinematics. However, contact locations were biased to the impact mode: anterior aspects of the frontal bone and face were involved in frontal impacts while temporal–parietal regions were involved in side impacts. Because head injuries occur at regulatory Δ V in modern vehicles and angular accelerations are not directly incorporated in crashworthiness standards, these findings from the largest dataset in literature, offer a field-based rationale for including rotational kinematics in injury assessments. In addition, it may be necessary to develop injury criteria and evaluate dummy biofidelity based on contact locations as this parameter depended on the impact mode. The current field-based analysis has identified the importance of both angular acceleration and contact location in head injury assessment and mitigation.

A Figure in a Field: Semantic Field-Based Analysis of Antithesis

A Figure in a Field: Semantic Field-Based Analysis of Antithesis

A Figure in a Field: Semantic Field-Based Analysis of Antithesis

A Figure in a Field: Semantic Field-Based Analysis of Antithesis