IUPUI Imaging Research Initiative

poster abstractImaging has become an essential research tool in several scientific disciplines. The IUPUI Imaging Research Initiative (IRI) has been established within the IUPUI Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) to provide the environment, infrastructure, and resources necessary for facilitating the development of new, innovative imaging-related technologies, the utilization of imaging technologies as quantitative tools for scientific research, and the dissemination of imaging technologies into the broader research and applied imaging communities. The goals of the IUPUI Imaging Research Initiative include: To develop and implement a strategic plan that will enable IUPUI to become nationally and internationally recognized as a leading institution for imaging research and its applications. To encourage and coordinate collaboration among IUPUI researchers from different disciplines in the development of new, innovative imaging technologies and the utilization of imaging resources in support of research needs. To provide advice and guidance in the realization of highly competitive large grant proposals that will support and grow the IUPUI imaging efforts into major nationally and internationally recognized programs. To determine strategic areas of strength and growth, available and needed resources, and strategic external partnerships to foster imaging research and its implementation. Imaging Research Funding Programs: In order to facilitate imaging research and its application within IUPUI, the OVCR, through the Imaging Research Initiative, has established two new programs designed to aid in the development and implementation of new, innovative imaging-related technologies: the IUPUI Graduate Student Imaging Research Fellowship (GSIRF) program and the IUPUI Imaging Technology Development Program (ITDP). The objective of the GSIRF program is to provide a source of funding for IUPUI graduate students pursuing a doctoral degree focused on imaging technology development within an interdisciplinary, collaborative, research environment. It is anticipated that this program will serve as a means to enhance multidisciplinary research activities among investigators and provide the foundation for securing additional external funding to further the new imaging technology and its utilization. The aim of the ITDP is to fund pilot projects for the development of imaging-related technologies that enhance broader, multidisciplinary, research programs. It is anticipated that these pilot projects will provide the preliminary studies needed to demonstrate the feasibility of developing and implementing the new imaging-related technology and serve as the basis for securing additional external funding sources to further the new imaging technology and its utilization. For further information regarding the IUPUI Imaging Research Initiative and its programs please visit the IRI website at http://www.imaging.iupui.edu/ or contact the IRI Council Members at [email protected]

2016 Advances in Renal Imaging Symposium

The primary objective of the “Advances in Renal Imaging” symposium is to provide a forum for nephrology researchers and imaging scientists to come together and discuss needed kidney imaging biomarkers and explore the development of imaging technologies designed to address specific renal imaging needs. The Symposium includes three sessions of oral presentations with invited speakers addressing the following general themes: 1) Need for advances in renal imaging and the identification of potential imaging biomarker targets; 2) Advances in renal microscopy methods for basic science renal research; 3) Advances in molecular, perfusion, and structural renal imaging.International Society of Nephrology; Indiana CTSI; IUPU

Research Center for Quantitative Renal Imaging

poster abstractMission: The overall mission of the Research Center for Quantitative Renal Imaging is to provide a focused research environment and resource for the development, implementation, and dissemination of innovative, quantitative imaging methods designed to assess the status of and mechanisms associated with acute and chronic kidney disease and evaluate efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Nature of the Center: IUPUI has several established research programs focused on understanding the fundamental mechanisms associated with kidney diseases along with established groups of investigators dedicated to the development of advanced imaging methods and quantitative analyses. This Research Center provides a formal mechanism to link these independently successful research efforts into a focused effort dedicated toward the development and implementation of quantitative renal imaging methods. The goals of the IUPUI Research Center for Quantitative Renal Imaging are to: Identify, develop, and implement innovative imaging methods that provide quantitative imaging biomarkers for assessing and inter-relating renal structure, function, hemodynamics and underlying tissue micro-environmental factors contributing to kidney disease. Establish an environment that facilitates and encourages interdisciplinary collaborations among investigators and offers research support to investigators focused on developing and utilizing innovative quantitative imaging methods in support of kidney disease research. Provide a resource to inform the greater research and healthcare communities of advances in quantitative renal imaging and its potential for enhanced patient management and care. Offer an imaging research resource to companies engaged in product development associated with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Further Information: For further information regarding the IUPUI Research Center for Quantitative Renal Imaging and its funding programs please visit http://www.renalimaging.iupui.edu/ or contact the Center at [email protected]. Acknowledgments: The IUPUI Research Center for Quantitative Renal Imaging is supported by contributions from the IUPUI Signature Center Initiative, the Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences; the Division of Nephrology, the IUPUI School of Science, the IUPUI School of Engineering & Technology, and the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI)

Hyperspectral imaging applied to end-of-life (EOL) concrete recycling

The recovery of materials from DW is an important target of the recycling industry and it is important to know which materials are presents in order to set up efficient sorting and/or quality control actions. The implementation of an automatic recognition system of recovered products from End-Of-Life (EOL) concrete materials can be an useful way to maximize DW conversion into secondary raw materials. In this paper a new approach, based on HyperSpectral Imaging (HSI) sensors, is investigated in order to develop suitable and low cost strategies finalized to the preliminary detection and characterization of materials constituting Demolition Waste (DW) flow stream. The described HSI quality control approach is based on the utilization of a device working in the near infrared range (1000-1700 nm). Acquired hyperspectral images were analyzed. Different chemometric methods were applied. Results showed that it is possible to recognize DW materials and to distinguish the recycled aggregates from the investigated contaminants (brick, gypsum, plastic, wood and foam)

Real-time terahertz imaging with a single-pixel detector

Terahertz (THz) radiation is poised to have an essential role in many imaging applications, from industrial inspections to medical diagnosis. However, commercialization is prevented by impractical and expensive THz instrumentation. Single-pixel cameras have emerged as alternatives to multi-pixel cameras due to reduced costs and superior durability. Here, by optimizing the modulation geometry and post-processing algorithms, we demonstrate the acquisition of a THz-video (32 × 32 pixels at 6 frames-per-second), shown in real-time, using a single-pixel fiber-coupled photoconductive THz detector. A laser diode with a digital micromirror device shining visible light onto silicon acts as the spatial THz modulator. We mathematically account for the temporal response of the system, reduce noise with a lock-in free carrier-wave modulation and realize quick, noise-robust image undersampling. Since our modifications do not impose intricate manufacturing, require long post-processing, nor sacrifice the time-resolving capabilities of THz-spectrometers, their greatest asset, this work has the potential to serve as a foundation for all future single-pixel THz imaging systems

Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Diffuse Weighted Imaging and Computed Tomography with Intravenous Contrast in Staging of Disseminated Ovarian, Stomach, Colorectal Cancer

The aim of the research. Development and implementation of new methods for pre-operative staging of advanced ovarian, gastric and colorectal cancer to improve patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and increase its radicality.Materials and methods. Data from 120 patients with advanced ovarian cancer, 28 with advanced gastric cancer and 119 with advanced colorectal cancer were analyzed. Preoperative detection of the incidence of peritoneal carcinoma and the possibility of surgery in radical or cytoreductive volume performed by CT with intravenous contrast (72 patients with ovarian cancer, 17 patients with gastric cancer, and 69 patients with colorectal cancer), and MR T1 and T2, contrast-enhanced T1, and diffuse-weighted sequences (48 patients with ovarian cancer, 11 patients with gastric cancer, and 50 patients with colorectal cancer). Subsequently, preoperative and intraoperative assessment of the prevalence of the tumour process with peritoneal carcinoma index (PCI) by Sugarbaker was performed.Results. A statistically significant increase in the informativeness of the preoperative assessment of the incidence of tumour process in peritoneum and the presence of distant metastases using DWI / MRI compared with CT with intravenous contrast was determined. Patients from all groups were categorized according to the completeness index of cytoreduction achieved by preoperative staging and patient selection using DWI / MRI and CT. The use of DWI / MRI allowed to significantly reduce the number of suboptimal and non-optimal cytoreductive interventions.Conclusions. DWI / MRI has made it possible to significantly improve the preoperative incidence of advanced ovarian, gastric, and colorectal cancer compared to CT, predict the radicality of future surgery, and detect inoperable cases

Speckle filtering techniques for different quality level of healthy kidney ultrasound images

The increasing reliance of modern medicine on diagnostic techniques such as computerized tomography, histopathology, magnetic resonance imaging, radiology and ultrasound imaging shows the importance of medical images [1]. Ultrasound (US) imaging is an imaging technique that is far the least expensive and most portable comparing to other standard medical imaging modalities. US imaging is a safe technique, easy to use, noninvasive nature and provides real time imaging, hence it is used extensively. But on the downside, ultrasound imaging has a poor resolution of image compared with other medical imaging instrument like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). US has wide spread application as a primary diagnostic aid of obstetrics and gynecology, due to the lack of ionizing radiation or strong magnetic fields. General US imaging applications include soft tissue organ and carotid arter

Imaging complications of assisted reproductive procedures

The incidence of assisted conception has increased dramatically in Europe, doubling over the past decade. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is involved in approximately 1 % of births in the developed world. With the increasing use of ART, doctors and radiologists are more likely to encounter associated complications that are sometimes life-threatening. These complications include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), ovarian torsion, and ectopic and heterotopic pregnancy. Awareness of these entities and their imaging features will facilitate accurate and timely diagnosis and help avoid potentially fatal consequences.peer-reviewe

Imaging groin hernias

Clinical differentiation of direct inguinal hernias, indirect inguinal hernias, femoral and Spigelian hernias can be difficult particularly with small hernias and in obese patients. Diagnostic imaging can detect and characterize hernias more reliably, allow better surgical planning and possibly even prevent unnecessary surgery. Detection of complications occurring in groin hernias is also of importance. Hernial incarceration is particularly evident on ultrasound (US) performed during rest and abdomimal straining (Valsalva maneuver) in both the supine and erect postures. Hernial strangulation is visible both with US and with computed tomography (CT) with fluid appearing around the hernial sac contents.peer-reviewe