Past, Present, and Future X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Missions

X- and -ray astronomy began in the early sixties of the last century with balloons flights, sounding rocket experiment and satellites. Long before space satellite detected X- and -rays emitted by cosmic sources, scientists had known that the Universe should be producing these photons. In this chapter we provided an overview of past and present missions that has made the X- and -ray astronomy an integral part of astronomical research, and prospects of future developments

Imaging renal cell carcinoma with ultrasonography, CT and MRI

C1 - Journal Articles RefereedThe increased use of abdominal imaging techniques for a variety of indications has contributed to more-frequent detection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Ultrasonography has been used to characterize the solid versus cystic nature of renal masses. This modality has limitations, however, in further characterization of solid tumors and in staging of malignancy, although contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has shown promise. Cross-sectional imaging with multiplanar reconstruction capability via CT or MRI has become the standard-bearer in the diagnosis, staging and surveillance of renal cancers. The use of specific protocols and the exploitation of different imaging characteristics of RCC subtypes, including variations in contrast agent timing, MRI weighting and digital subtraction, have contributed to this diagnostic capability. Cystic renal masses are a special case, evaluation of which can require multiple imaging modalities. Rigorous evaluation of these lesions can provide information that is crucial to prediction of the likelihood of malignancy. Such imaging is not without risk, however, as radiation from frequent CT imaging has been implicated in the development of secondary malignancies, and contrast agents for CT and MRI can pose risks, particularly in patients with compromised renal function