Компьютерная томография и магнитно-резонансная томография в диагностике опухолей средостения

Резюме. Проанализированы результаты обследования 95 больных с опухолями средостения (ОС) с использованием рентгенологических методов: компьютерной томографии (КТ), магнитно-резонансной томографии (МРТ). Приведена КТ- и МРТ-семиотика ОС, оценена информативность результатов каждого метода в зависимости от локализации опухоли. На основании полученных данных обоснованы показания к применению и последовательность использования неинвазивных лучевых методов в целях диагностики ОС. В частности, МРТ наиболее показана при локализации опухоли в заднем и передневерхнем отделах средостения, тогда как КТ целесообразнее проводить, если опухоль располагается в переднесреднем, передненижнем или среднем отделах средостения. Ключевые слова: опухоли средостения, рентгенологическое исследование, компьютерная томография, магнитно-резонансная томография, диагностическая эффективность.Summary. The paper reports findings of examination of 95 patients with mediastinum tumors (MS) using the following roentgenologic methods: computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT). CR and MRT semeiology of MS is described and the informative value of each method is assessed in dependence on tumor’s localization. Based on these findings, indications for application of non-invasive radiation methods in examination of mediastinum tumors are developed as well as the sequence of their using. In particular, MRT is especially promising in tumors localized in posterior and antero-superior portions of the mediastinum, while CT is more appropriate in tumors localized in antero-medial, antero-lower or medial portions of the mediastinum. Key Words: mediastinum tumors, roentgenologic examination, computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, diagnostic efficiency

A collaborative artefact reconstruction environment

A novel collaborative artefact reconstruction environment design is presented that is informed by experimental task observation and participatory design. The motivation for the design was to enable collaborative human and computer effort in the reconstruction of fragmented cuneiform tablets: millennia-old clay tablets used for written communication in early human civilisation. Thousands of joining cuneiform tablet fragments are distributed within and between worldwide collections. The reconstruction of the tablets poses a complex 3D jigsaw puzzle with no physically tractable solution. In reconstruction experiments, participants collaborated synchronously and asynchronously on virtual and physical reconstruction tasks. Results are presented that demonstrate the difficulties experienced by human reconstructors in virtual tasks compared to physical tasks. Unlike computer counterparts, humans have difficulty identifying joins in virtual environments but, unlike computers, humans are averse to making incorrect joins. A successful reconstruction environment would marry the opposing strengths and weaknesses of humans and computers, and provide tools to support the communications and interactions of successful physical performance, in the virtual setting. The paper presents a taxonomy of the communications and interactions observed in successful physical and synchronous collaborative reconstruction tasks. Tools for the support of these communications and interactions were successfully incorporated in the “i3D” virtual environment design presented