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Histologic correlation of pig retina radial stratification with ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To compare ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross-sectional images of the pig retina with histology, to evaluate the potential of ultrahigh-resolution OCT for enhanced visualization of intra- and subretinal structures. METHODS: Ultrahigh-resolution OCT images were acquired with 1.4- micro m axial x 3- micro m transverse resolution from in vitro posterior eyecup preparations of the domestic pig. Frozen sections were obtained in precise alignment with OCT tomograms, by using major blood vessels as orientation markers and were counterstained with cresyl violet or unstained and examined by differential interference contrast microscopy. Micrographs from histologic sections were linearly scaled to correct for tissue shrinkage and compared with OCT tomograms. RESULTS: In the proximal retina, ultrahigh-resolution OCT signal bands directly corresponded to the main retinal layers. For the wavelength region used ( approximately 800 nm), axodendritic layers (nerve fiber layer, inner and outer plexiform layers) were more reflective than cell body layers (ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer, outer nuclear layer). In the distal retina, substructures of the photoreceptor layer such as the interface between inner and outer segments were visualized, and the retinal pigment epithelium, the choriocapillaris, and superficial choroid layers were resolved. In addition, the time sequence of a retinal detachment event was monitored by ultrahigh-resolution OCT. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro ophthalmic ultrahigh-resolution OCT imaging reveals retinal morphology with unprecedented detail. The specific assignment of OCT signal patterns to retinal substructures provides a basis for improved interpretation of in vivo ophthalmic OCT tomograms of high clinical relevance.

Animals↗

Resolution of annular-pupil optical systems.

The resolution of optical systems with annular pupil objectives is discussed, particularly with respect to the imaging properties of soft-x-ray imaging optical systems. Images of two dark bars in a bright field and knife-edge responses, which are calculated with partially coherent transfer functions, were used to estimate the resolution. Resolution for two bright points in a dark field, which is conventionally used in Rayleigh's analysis, is also discussed for comparison. It was found that annular systems with obstruction ratios of more than 0.6 show resolution properties different from those of systems with low-obstruction-ratios. The high-obstruction-ratio systems show lower resolution for the two-dark-bar objects and higher resolution for the two-bright-point objects, whereas the low-obstruction-ratio system show almost the same resolution for both objects.

Light↗

Variable-resolution displays: a theoretical, practical, and behavioral evaluation.

Variable-resolution display techniques present visual information in a display using more than one resolution. For example, gaze-contingent variable-resolution displays allocate computational resources for image generation preferentially to the area around the center of gaze, where visual sensitivity to detail is the greatest. Using such displays reduces the amount of computational resources required as compared with traditional uniform-resolution displays. The theoretical benefits, implementational issues, and behavioral consequences of variable-resolution displays are reviewed. A mathematical analysis of computational efficiency for a two-region variable-resolution display is conducted. The results are discussed in relation to applications that are limited by computational resources, such as virtual reality, and applications that are limited by bandwidth, such as internet image transmission. The potential for variable-resolution display techniques as a viable future technology is discussed.

Attention↗

Reconstructed helical CT scans: improvement in z-axis resolution compared with overlapped and nonoverlapped conventional CT scans.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study was designed to assess the z-axis resolving capabilities of reconstructed helical CT scans obtained with various imaging parameters versus those of conventional CT scans and the effect of decreasing slice index on the z-axis resolution of helical CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A z-axis line-pair phantom was imaged using conventional nonoverlapped CT scans, conventional CT scans that overlapped by 50%, and helical CT scans with pitches of 1.0 and 1.5. All helical images were reconstructed at comparable slice indexes (image indexes of 2.0, 1.0, and 0.5 mm for pitch = 1.0, and image indexes of 3.0, 1.5, and 0.75 mm for pitch = 1.5). Midline coronal and sagittal reconstructed images were obtained to allow standardized visualization of line pairs. The reconstructed images were reviewed separately by 10 radiologists. RESULTS: The overall z-axis resolution of reconstructed helical CT scans equaled or exceeded that of nonoverlapped conventional CT scans in all cases and equaled that of 50% overlapped conventional CT scans in 75% of cases. The 1.0-pitch helical sequences showed improved z-axis resolution with decreasing slice index. No statistically significant improvement in z-axis resolution could be determined by the observers for 1.5-pitch sequences with decreasing slice index. CONCLUSION: The use of helical CT with a pitch of 1.0 or 1.5 and an increased slice index can improve the z-axis resolution of reconstructed images when compared with nonoverlapped conventional CT and frequently equals the resolution of 50% overlapped conventional CT. This improvement in z-axis resolution should improve the appearance of reconstructed images (as used in CT angiography and three-dimensional imaging) by reducing partial volume artifacts while affording faster scanning at a reduced skin-surface radiation dose.

Humans↗

High-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in 38 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the high-resolution CT features of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and determine the useful findings in differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution CT scans of 38 patients with pathologically proven diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma were reviewed. Sequential CT scans were obtained in 15 patients. The high-resolution CT findings were compared with those of eosinophilic pneumonia (n = 22), multiple pulmonary metastases (n = 12), and tuberculosis (bronchogenic: n = 22; miliary: n = 12). RESULTS: High-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma included ground-glass opacity (n = 29), consolidation (n = 29), nodules (n = 28), centrilobular nodules (n = 26), peripheral distribution (n = 19), and air bronchogram (n = 18). According to the major features, high-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma could be classified into three patterns: predominantly ground-glass (n = 4), consolidative (n = 22), and multinodular (n = 12). Most patients with diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma had a mixture of these findings. The frequency of findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma on high-resolution CT was not different from that of tuberculosis, but the predominant distribution of the nodules and areas of ground-glass attenuation differed between the two. Difference in distribution between bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and bronchogenic tuberculosis included ground-glass opacity remote from the consolidation and a lower lung predominance. CONCLUSION: Although these high-resolution CT findings are not specific, the combination of consolidation and nodules and the coexistence of centrilobular nodules and remote areas of ground-glass attenuation are characteristic of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar↗

Frequency selectivity and temporal resolution in patients with various inner ear disorders.

Both frequency selectivity and temporal resolution were examined in patients with various inner ear disorders. These included noise-induced hearing loss (n = 24), Menière's disease (n = 16), sudden deafness (n = 25), toxic inner ear damage (n = 14), presbyacusis (n = 38) and degenerative progressive inner ear hearing loss (n = 8). To facilitate quantitative comparison, various factors were introduced, namely, frequency resolution factor (FRF), temporal resolution factor (TRF) and a combined resolution factor (FTRF). The FRF of normal-hearing subjects in background noise conditions was found to be approximately 20% less than in comparative test conditions without noise, whereas the TRF of normal-hearing persons tested under background noise conditions showed a remarkable increase (factor 3). The frequency resolution performance and/or the temporal resolution performance were found to be impaired in all patient groups with inner ear hearing loss. This is particularly noticeable for temporal resolution in test conditions involving the addition of background noise. It can be concluded that in such cases, speech discrimination can be seriously jeopardized.

Hearing↗

High-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization: a new approach in genome mapping.

Mapping of the human genome has been a global effort utilizing both genetic and physical mapping techniques. One approach which has greatly facilitated the physical mapping of the human genome is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Although FISH is by now a well-established technology, new recently developed modifications have enabled an easier use and higher resolution. The high-resolution FISH techniques have given a special impact in positional cloning: searching the functional gene from a chromosomal area where the gene has been genetically localized. New high-resolution FISH techniques include hybridization of probes to free chromatin, DNA fibres or mechanically stretched chromosomes. These targets have widened the resolution of FISH to detect distances from the traditional cytogenetic resolution level down to a resolution of a few kilobases. They also have significantly speeded up high-resolution physical mapping and thus made the search of new disease genes easier.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Chromosome preparation and high resolution banding techniques. A review.

High resolution banding techniques enable detection of chromosome rearrangements even within major bands. Banded chromosomes prepared for light microscopic studies of intact metaphase plates are, however, highly modified structures compared with native chromosomes, and the high resolution banding techniques only seem possible because the following methods were standardized and combined. The use of colcemid, which prevents formation of the spindle and thereby collects cells at the metaphase-anaphase border, is routinely used for chromosome preparations. For high resolution banding studies, short exposure time and concentrations near the threshold value have been recommended by several authors. Several agents interfere with chromosome contraction processes, but only a few have had a lasting influence on high resolution banding studies. The most used agents are ethidium bromide, actinomycin D, and Hoechst 33258, which all partially inhibit chromosome contraction. Treatment with hypotonic solutions induces swelling of animal cells, and the methanol in the fixative denatures and precipitates protein by dehydration. The acetic acid coagulates nucleoproteins and causes swelling of the cells. The fixative penetrates the cells rapidly and preserves the chromosome structure. To obtain long segmented chromosomes suitable for high resolution banding hypotonic treatment with .075 M KCl, frequent changes of fixative and overnight fixation at 4 degrees C have been recommended. The use of cell synchronization, 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into DNA, and fluorochrome-photolysis Giemsa (FPG)-staining have improved the quality of high resolution banding. Synchronization techniques, which select for lymphocyte populations in early divisions, provide excellent materials for chromosome preparations and induction of high resolution banding. The banding techniques seem to enhance differences already present in the chromosomes, and the differential Giemsa staining has recently been explained by interactions between the hydrophobic dye complex, the supercoiled DNA helix, and the denaturated histone core of the nucleosomes.

Animals↗

Vertical meridian asymmetry in spatial resolution: visual and attentional factors.

We investigated whether spatial resolution would be the same in the lower and upper halves of the vertical meridian (VM) of our visual field and whether attention would affect them differentially. It has been reported that (1) attending to the target's location improves performance in a texture segregation task when the observer's spatial resolution is too low (peripheral locations) but impairs it when resolution is already too high (central locations) for the task. This finding indicates an enhanced spatial resolution at the attended location (Yeshurun & Carrasco, 1998,2000), (2) observers' contrast sensitivity is higher in the lower than in the upper VM, a phenomenon known as vertical meridian asymmetry (VMA), an asymmetry determined by visual rather than by attentional factors (Carrasco, Talgar, & Cameron, 2001). In the present texture segregation task, performance was assessed under neutral- and peripheral-cue conditions. Transient covert attention was systematically manipulated by using a peripheral cue that indicated the target's location and its onset. Observers reported the interval containing a target patch appearing at one of a number of eccentricities in a large texture pattern along the VM. We found that (1) performance peaked at farther eccentricities in the lower than in the upper visual VM, indicating that resolution was higher in the lower half, and (2) the peripheral cue affected performance along the VM uniformly, indicating that the degree of enhanced resolution brought about by transient attention was constant along the VM. Thus, we conclude that the VMA for spatial resolution is determined by visual, not transient covert attentional, constraints.

Adult↗

Thyroid palpation versus high-resolution thyroid ultrasonography in the detection of nodules.

Detection of thyroid nodules by physical examination and high-resolution ultrasonography was compared using small groups of blinded, experienced physician examiners working with a sample of 2441 persons from Estonia, most of whom were Chernobyl nuclear reactor clean-up workers. A random subsample of 113 (5%) persons was subjected to triple control examinations with both physical examination and high-resolution ultrasonography. Positive high-resolution ultrasonographic findings were considerably more reproducible among different observers than were positive physical examination findings. Agreement between methods was poor. Nodules were found in 169 (6.9%) subjects by physical examination and in 249 (10.2%) subjects by high-resolution ultrasonography. Physical examination found only 53 (21%) of the 249 nodules found by high-resolution ultrasonography. High-resolution ultrasonography did not confirm the existence of 115 (68%) of the 169 nodules found by physical examination. Only 6.4% of nodules less than 0.5 cm in diameter, as based on high-resolution ultrasonographic results, were detected by physical examination. Physical examination detection improved with increasing nodule size but was still only 48.2% for nodules larger than 2 cm. Physical examination was relatively effective in detecting nodules in the isthmus of the thyroid gland but much less so for nodules in the upper pole of the gland. Clinical evaluation and epidemiologic studies of nodular thyroid disease stand to benefit from the greater sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonographic examinations.

Adolescent↗

Performance evaluation of microPET: a high-resolution lutetium oxyorthosilicate PET scanner for animal imaging.

UNLABELLED: A new dedicated PET scanner, microPET, was designed and developed at the University of California, Los Angeles, for imaging small laboratory animals. The goal was to provide a compact system with superior spatial resolution at a fraction of the cost of a clinical PET scanner. METHODS: The system uses fiberoptic readout of individually cut lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystals to achieve high spatial resolution. Each microPET detector consists of an 8 x 8 array of 2 x 2 x 10-mm LSO scintillation crystals that are coupled to a 64-channel photomultiplier tube by optical fibers. The tomograph consists of 30 detectors in a continuous ring with a 17.2-cm diameter and fields of view (FOVs) of 11.25 cm in the transaxial direction and 1.8 cm in the axial direction. The system has eight crystal rings and no interplane septa. It operates exclusively in the three-dimensional mode and has an electronically controlled bed that is capable of wobbling with a radius of 300 microm. We describe the performance of the tomograph in terms of its spatial, energy and timing resolution, as well as its sensitivity and counting-rate performance. We also illustrate its overall imaging performance with phantom and animal studies that demonstrate the potential applications of this device to biomedical research. RESULTS: Images reconstructed with three-dimensional filtered backprojection show a spatial resolution of 1.8 mm at the center of the FOV (CFOV), which remains <2.5 mm for the central 5 cm of the transaxial FOV. The resulting volumetric resolution of the system is <8 microL. The absolute system sensitivity measured with a 0.74 MBq (20 microCi) 68Ge point source at the CFOV is 5.62 Hz/kBq. The maximum noise equivalent counting rate obtained with a 6.4-cm diameter cylinder spanning the central 56% of the FOV is 10 kcps, whereas the scatter fraction is 37% at the CFOV for an energy window of 250-650 keV and the same diameter cylinder. CONCLUSION: This is the first PET scanner to use the new scintillator LSO and uses a novel detector design to achieve high volumetric spatial resolution. The combination of imaging characteristics of this prototype system (resolution, sensitivity, counting-rate performance and scatter fraction) opens up new possibilities in the study of animal models with PET.

Animals↗

Relative impact of scatter, collimator response, attenuation, and finite spatial resolution corrections in cardiac SPECT.

UNLABELLED: We determined the relative effect of corrections for scatter, depth-dependent collimator response, attenuation, and finite spatial resolution on various image characteristics in cardiac SPECT. METHODS: Monte Carlo simulations and real acquisition of a 99mTc cardiac phantom were performed under comparable conditions. Simulated and acquired data were reconstructed using several correction schemes that combined different methods for scatter correction (3 methods), depth-dependent collimator response correction (frequency-distance principle), attenuation correction (nonuniform Chang correction or within an iterative reconstruction algorithm), and finite spatial resolution correction (use of recovery coefficients). Five criteia were considered to assess the effect of the processing schemes: bull's-eye map (BEM) uniformity, contrast between the left ventricle (LV) wall and the LV cavity, spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and percent errors with respect to the known LV wall and liver activities. RESULTS: Similar results were obtained for the simulated and acquired data. Scatter correction significantly improved contrast and absolute quantitation but did not have noticeable effects on BEM uniformity or on spatial resolution and reduced the SNR. Correction for the depth-dependent collimator response improved spatial resolution from 13.3 to 9.5 mm in the LV region, improved absolute quantitation and contrast, but reduced the SNR. Correcting for attenuation was essential for restoring BEM uniformity (78% and 89% without and with attenuation correction, respectively [ideal value being 100%]) and accurate absolute activity quantitation (errors in estimated LV wall and liver activity decreased from 90% without attenuation correction to approximately20% with attenuation correction only). Although accurate absolute activity quantitation was achieved in the liver using scatter and attenuation corrections only, correction for finite spatial resolution was needed to estimate LV wall activity within 10%. CONCLUSION: The respective effects of corrections for scatter, depth-dependent collimator response, attenuation, and finite spatial resolution on different image features in cardiac SPECT were quantified for a specific acquisition configuration. These results give indications regarding the improvements to be expected when using a specific processing scheme involving some or all corrections.

Heart↗

Effect of positron range on spatial resolution.

The effect of beta+ range on spatial resolution of imaging systems employing the detection of 511-keV annihilation radiation was determined by measuring the variation in the line-spread functions (LSFs) of positron-emitting radionuclides of 64Cu, 11C, and 15O as compared with the 514-keV gamma-ray emitter 85Sr. These radionuclides have maximum beta+ energies of 0.656, 0.960, and 1.72 MeV, respectively. The LSFs were measured in a tissue-equivalent phantom with high-resolution (approximately 2.4 mm FWHM) and low-resolution (approximately 8.8 mm FWHM) straightbore collimators coupled to a NaI(Tl) detector. Theoretical LSFs for the beta+ ranges were also calculated and convolved with the 85Sr LSF to yield the predicted LSFs for 11C and 15O. The high-resolution study showed a 0% and 2.3% increase in the full-width half-maximum (FWHM) and full-width tenth-maximum (FWO.1M) for the low-energy beta+ of 64Cu and a 37% (FWHM) and 52% (FWO.1M) increase for the high energy beta+ of 15O as compared with 85Sr. However, when the system resolution was decreased to 8.8 mm FWHM, the 64Cu showed no change at FWHM or FWO.1M and the 15O showed a 2.3% (FWHM) and 7.8% (FWO.1M) relative to 85Sr. The predicted LSFs were in good agreement with the experimental. These data indicate that the effect of beta+ range on spatial resolution is minimal unless the beta+ energy is larger than or equal to 1.5 MeV and the system resolution is on the order of a few millimeters.

Carbon Radioisotopes↗

[The spatial resolution of the digital storage phosphor system. The monitor and film compared].

The physical characteristics of radiographic images, namely spatial resolution and contrast, have obvious effects upon diagnostic image usefulness. We investigated the spatial resolution of both radiographs and magnified digital obtained with a storage phosphor system, in comparison with a film-screen combination. This study was carried out on the conventional radiographs of a phantom grid 0.5 mm thick, with resolution ranging from 0.5 to 10 lp/mm. Each examination was compared at naked eye and with the electronic evaluation of a region of interest on both standard and magnified views or by digitization with a charge coupled detector (CCD) television camera followed by the computing of the modulation transfer function curve. Our results demonstrate a higher spatial resolution of direct magnification, on both digital and film-screen pictures (over 5 lp/mm). On the contrary, the electronic magnification on the monitor yields the same spatial resolution as non-magnified digital images (up to 4.3 lp/mm). By selecting appropriate regions of interest, we could demonstrate the compression of the non-magnified images on the monitor. The modulation transfer curves show that direct magnification yields higher spatial resolution than electronic magnification and non-magnified views. Viewing electronically magnified images on the monitor yields the same resolution as contact radiographs: the monitor offers the advantage of an easier study of the regions of interest.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Near-field confocal optical spectroscopy (NCOS): subdiffraction optical resolution for biological systems.

Optical resolution is limited by diffraction. However, in near-field microscopes sample illumination is provided through a subwavelength aperture to increase optical resolution. In this study we have evaluated the usefulness of this technique for living biological systems and report two significant improvements in this form of microscopy to enhance optical resolution for biological studies. We report a unique feedback method, photon-density feedback, which is used to monitor the registration of a near-field illumination probe with living cell membranes. In this method, the fluorescence intensity of a uniformly distributed fluorochrome is monitored while the sample is moved in the z-axis towards the probe. Upon contact between the cell membrane and the near-field probe a maximum intensity is detected. A problem with near-field microscopy is that enhanced optical resolution is only achieved within the near-field of the illuminating aperture. Thick biological specimens also fluoresce in the far-field reducing optical resolution. To reduce this problem we incorporated a confocal pinhole together with the near-field probe to enhance the resolution of this form of near-field microscopy. Finally, we demonstrate that near-field confocal optical spectroscopy does not impair physiological properties of neurons, astrocytes or mast cells, indicating that this high-resolution optical methodology will permit a new approach to the study of molecular distribution and action within living specimens.

Aniline Compounds↗

Effects of refractive error on detection acuity and resolution acuity in peripheral vision.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of refractive error on detection acuity and resolution acuity in peripheral vision. METHODS: Detection acuity, defined as the highest spatial frequency for which luminance gratings can be discriminated from a uniform field, and resolution acuity, defined as the highest spatial frequency for which spatial patterns are perceived veridically, was determined for vertical and horizontal gratings located at 20 degrees, 30 degrees, and 40 degrees of eccentricity. Resolution was also measured for tumbling-E discrimination at these locations. Refractive state of the eye for test targets was manipulated by introducing an ophthalmic trial lens into the line of sight for the stimulus while holding accommodative state fixed. RESULTS: Detection acuity in the periphery varied significantly with the amount of optical defocus, whereas acuity for grating resolution or letter discrimination was unaffected by defocus over a large range (up to 6 D). These results are consistent with the working hypothesis that detection acuity in the periphery is limited by contrast insufficiency under normal viewing conditions, but resolution is limited by ambiguity because of neural undersampling. CONCLUSIONS: The large depth of focus for resolution acuity measured for peripheral vision indicates that spatial resolution is likely to remain sampling-limited even when peripheral refractive errors are not fully corrected, thus relaxing the methodologic requirements for obtaining noninvasive estimates of neural sampling density of the living eye in a clinical setting.

Contrast Sensitivity↗

Influence of human model resolution on computed currents induced in organs by 60-Hz magnetic fields.

The effects of human body model resolution on computed electric fields induced by 60 Hz uniform magnetic fields are investigated. A recently-developed scalar potential finite difference code for low-frequency electromagnetic computations is used to model induction in two anatomically realistic human body models. The first model consists of 204290 cubic voxels with 7.2-mm edges, while the second comprises 1639146 cubic voxels with 3.6-mm edges. Calculations on the lower-resolution model using, for example, the finite difference time domain or impedance methods, push the capabilities of workstations. The scalar method, in contrast, can handle the higher-resolution model using comparable resources. The results are given in terms of average and maximum electric field intensities and current density magnitudes in selected tissues and organs. Although the lower-resolution model provides generally acceptable results, there are important differences that make the added computational burden of the higher-resolution calculations worthwhile. In particular, the higher-resolution modelling generally predicts peak electric fields intensities and current density magnitudes that are slightly higher than those computed using the lower-resolution modelling. The differences can be quite large for small organs such as glands.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗

[Spiral CT. Better resolution by increased pitch?].

The longitudinal resolution of spiral CT has been investigated in dependence on table increment and beam collimation by use of a phantom. The results show clearly that the pitch (ratio of table increment per tube rotation to beam collimation) alone does not allow one to draw any conclusions about the resolution. Thus, a large pitch can yield a better resolution than the pitch of 1. The individual parameters table increment and beam collimation are more relevant with regard to the resolution than the rate of pitch. An alteration of the pitch can be achieved in two different ways. An increase of the pitch by a decreased beam collimation improves the resolution. In contrast, an increase of the pitch by an increased table increment decreases the resolution. A good spatial resolution of objects with high contrast (bone, lung, enhanced vessels) needs a narrow beam collimation, even if a pitch as high as 2 is necessary for a given scanning coverage. A large pitch does not cause gaps in the data set. Moreover, the patient's radiation dose decreases.

Humans↗