Operation of the T2K time projection chambers

The three time projection chambers of the T2K near detector are micro pattern gaseous detectors based on bulk micromegas technology. They have been operated successfully during the first two physics runs of the experiment. Their design, operation, and performance are presented.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figures, proceedings of MPGD2011, submitted to JINS

The Role of Multiparametric MRI in Patients on Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: Assessment and Validation of the Precise Recommendations

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate can identify candidates for active surveillance (AS), who can safely be monitored to allow prompt curative treatment if the disease shows signs of becoming more aggressive. Methods: We established the guidelines for the reporting of MRI in AS, known as the Prostate Cancer Radiological Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation (PRECISE) recommendations. The key features are the measurement of each lesion at every time point, and a determination of the likelihood of radiological progression according to changes in tumour size and conspicuity using a 1-to-5 scale (PRECISE score). I evaluated the impact of Dutasteride on tumour conspicuity on MRI. I applied the PRECISE score at University College London Hospital (UCLH) and analysed the inter-observer variability at two different centres. As prostate MRI quality is key during AS, I created a new scoring system (PI-QUAL) to assess image quality. Results: Dutasteride affects tumour conspicuity on diffusion-weighted imaging. Freedom from clinical progression (i.e., progression to ≥ Gleason Grade Group 3 or initiation of active treatment) at 60 months in the UCLH cohort is 97% for PRECISE 1-2 (radiological regression) and PRECISE 3 (radiological stability), while only 61%, for PRECISE 4-5 (radiological progression) (p<0.001). There is a significant difference in the average yearly percentage volume change over time stratified by PRECISE score using the ellipsoid formula. The inter-reader reproducibility of PRECISE is substantial (κ = 0.71 and agreement = 79%). PI-QUAL is a promising scoring system (1-to-5 Likert scale) to assess the diagnostic quality of MRI. Conclusions: Patients without radiological progression (PRECISE 1-3) during AS have a very low likelihood of clinical progression and many could avoid routine re-biopsy. The inter-reader agreement of PRECISE is substantial. PI-QUAL represents the start of identifying a framework for the assessment of prostate MR quality

The Terrible Doubt of Appearances - The Walt Whitman House and Inclusive Interpretation

The Historic Preservation community has prioritized inclusive interpretation of historic sites, but this shift has also presented new challenges. Meanwhile, mainstream historians have downplayed lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) history by casting doubt on sexual identity as a historical phenomenon before the late nineteenth century. Starting with the premise that non-normative sexual practices also constitute LGBTQ heritage before the modern era, that it is a legitimate subset of cultural heritage, and that social stigmatism has suppressed its presence in the historical record, this thesis aims to challenge traditional interpretation. Preservation can open historical interpretation to LGBTQ heritage by embracing ambiguity and uncertainty while still relying on evidence and logic. The thesis uses the Walt Whitman House in Camden, NJ to argue for broadening historic interpretation and normalizing discussions of sexuality. Following a description of the site, the thesis presents an overview of sexuality as historical context. It then discusses feminist and post-modern theories of sexuality and space as well as the controversial arguments surrounding Whitman and his attitudes towards sex and sexuality. Attention is given to the urban context of Camden. It finally argues for the holistic significance of the issues discussed

Imaging quality and prostate MR: it's time to improve

The PI-RADS guidelines set out the minimal technical requirements for the acquisition of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate. However, the rapid diffusion of this technique has inevitably led to variability in scan quality among centres across the UK and the world. Suboptimal image acquisitionreduces the sensitivity and specificity of this technique for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and result in clinicians losing confidence in the technique.Two expert panels (one from the UK and one from the ESUR/ESUI) have stressed the importance to establish quality criteria for the acquisition ofmpMRI of the prostate.A first attempt to address this issue has been the publication of the Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) score, whichassesses the mpMRI quality against a set of objectivecriteria (PI-RADS version 2.1 guidelines) together with criteria obtained from the image.PI-QUAL represents the first step towards the standardisation of a scoring system toassess the quality of prostate mpMRIprior to reporting and allows clinicians to have more confidence in using the scan to determine patient care. Further refinements after robust consensus among experts at an international level need to be agreed before its widespread adoption in the clinical setting

Análisis y evolución del rubro bienes de uso

Se presenta un análisis de las diferentes situaciones contables e impositivas con que puede encontrarse el profesional contable tanto en la Argentina como en la aplicación de la normativa internacional.Fil: Baldovín, Constanza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas.Fil: Giganti, Julián. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas

Lunar Surface Gravimeter Experiment

The lunar surface gravimeter which was emplaced on the moon by the Apollo 17 flight is described and a schematic diagram of the sensor is provided. The objective of the lunar surface gravimeter is to use the moon as an instrumented antenna to detect gravitational waves. Another objective is to measure tidal deformation of the moon. Samples of signals received during lunar sunrise activity and during quiet periods are presented in graph form based on power spectrum analysi

A critical comparison of techniques for MRI-targeted biopsy of the prostate

MRI-targeted biopsy is a promising technique that offers an improved detection of clinically significant prostate cancer over standard non-targeted biopsy. It is established that prostate MRI is of use in both the primary and repeat biopsy setting for the detection of significant prostate cancer. There are three approaches to targeting biopsies to areas of interest seen on prostate MRI. They each rely on the acquisition and reporting of a diagnostic quality multi-parametric MRI scan used to identify areas of interest, and the subsequent use of those diagnostic quality images in combination with real-time images of the prostate during the biopsy procedure. The three techniques are: visual registration of the MRI images with a real-time ultrasound image; software-assisted fusion of the MRI images and the real-time ultrasound images, and in-bore biopsy, which requires registration of a diagnostic quality MRI scan with a real time interventional MRI image. In this paper we compare the three techniques and evaluate those studies where there is a direct comparison of more than one MRI-targeting technique. PubMed was searched from inception to November 2016 using the search terms (cognitive registration OR visual registration OR fusion biopsy OR in-bore biopsy OR targeted biopsy) AND (prostate cancer OR prostate adenocarcinoma OR prostate carcinoma OR prostatic carcinoma OR prostatic adenocarcinoma) AND (MRI OR NMR OR magnetic resonance imaging OR mpMRI OR multiparametric MRI). The initial search included 731 abstracts. Eleven full text papers directly compared two or more techniques of MRI-targeting, and were selected for inclusion. The detection of clinically significant prostate cancer varied from 0% to 93.3% for visual registration, 23.2% to 100% for software-assisted registration and 29% to 80% for in-bore biopsy. Detection rates for clinically significant cancer are dependent on the prevalence of cancer within the population biopsied, which in turn is determined by the selection criteria [biopsy naïve, previous negative biopsy, prostate specific antigen (PSA) selection criteria, presence of a lesion on MRI]. Cancer detection rates varied more between study populations than between biopsy approaches. Currently there is no consensus on which type of MRI-targeted biopsy performs better in a given setting. Although there have been studies supporting each of the three techniques, substantial differences in methodology and reporting the findings make it difficult to reliably compare their outcomes

Magnetic resonance imaging in active surveillance-a modern approach

In recent years, active surveillance has been increasingly adopted as a conservative management approach to low and sometimes intermediate risk prostate cancer, to avoid or delay treatment until there is evidence of higher risk disease. A number of studies have investigated the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in this setting. MpMRI refers to the use of multiple MRI sequences (T2- weighted anatomical and functional imaging which can include diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced imaging, spectroscopy). Each of the parameters investigates different aspects of the prostate gland (anatomy, cellularity, vascularity, etc.). In addition to a qualitative assessment, the radiologist can also extrapolate quantitative imaging biomarkers from these sequences, for example the apparent diffusion coefficient from diffusion-weighted imaging. There are many different types of articles (e.g., reviews, commentaries, consensus meetings, etc.) that address the use of mpMRI in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer. In this paper, we compare original articles that investigate the role of the different mpMRI sequences in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer, in order to discuss the relative utility of the different sequences, and combinations of sequences. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed for manuscripts published from inception to 1st December 2017. The search terms used were (prostate cancer or prostate adenocarcinoma or prostatic carcinoma or prostate carcinoma or prostatic adenocarcinoma) and (MRI or NMR or magnetic resonance imaging or mpMRI or multiparametric MRI) and active surveillance. Overall, 425 publications were found. All abstracts were reviewed to identify papers with original data. Twenty-five papers were analysed and summarised. Some papers based their analysis only on one mpMRI sequence, while others assessed two or more. The evidence from this review suggests that qualitative assessments and quantitative data from different mpMRI sequences hold promise in the management of men on active surveillance for prostate cancer. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches should be considered when assessing mpMRI of the prostate. There is a need for robust studies assessing the relative utility of different combinations of sequences in a systematic manner to determine the most efficient use of mpMRI in men on active surveillance