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James T. Dobbins III

Professor Emeritus in Radiology
Radiology
2424 Erwin Road, Suite 302, Durham, NC 27705
2424 Erwin Road, Suite 302, Durham, NC 27705

Selected Publications


Past AAPM President: 2021.

Journal Article Med Phys · June 2023 Full text Link to item Cite

Multi-x-ray source array for stationary tomosynthesis or multi-cone angle cone beam CT

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · January 1, 2019 Field-emission x-ray source arrays have been studied for both tomosynthesis and CT applications, however these arrays tend to have limited output. We propose the use of multi-source x-ray arrays using thermionic cathodes, contained within a single vacuum h ... Full text Cite

Multi-Institutional Evaluation of Digital Tomosynthesis, Dual-Energy Radiography, and Conventional Chest Radiography for the Detection and Management of Pulmonary Nodules.

Journal Article Radiology · January 2017 Purpose To conduct a multi-institutional, multireader study to compare the performance of digital tomosynthesis, dual-energy (DE) imaging, and conventional chest radiography for pulmonary nodule detection and management. Materials and Methods In this binat ... Full text Link to item Cite

Population of 224 realistic human subject-based computational breast phantoms.

Journal Article Med Phys · January 2016 PURPOSE: To create a database of highly realistic and anatomically variable 3D virtual breast phantoms based on dedicated breast computed tomography (bCT) data. METHODS: A tissue classification and segmentation algorithm was used to create realistic and de ... Full text Link to item Cite

Medical imaging safety in the developing world

Chapter · October 1, 2014 Attention to matters of safety is important in any imaging facility. In the context of the developing world, limited resources may complicate the attempt to set up and operate an imaging facility with the highest standards of safety, but it is nonetheless ... Full text Cite

Development and application of a suite of 4-D virtual breast phantoms for optimization and evaluation of breast imaging systems.

Journal Article IEEE Trans Med Imaging · July 2014 Featured Publication Mammography is currently the most widely utilized tool for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. However, in women with dense breast tissue, tissue overlap may obscure lesions. Digital breast tomosynthesis can reduce tissue overlap. Furthermore, imagin ... Full text Link to item Cite

Population of 100 realistic, patient-based computerized breast phantoms for multi-modality imaging research

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · January 1, 2014 Featured Publication Breast imaging is an important area of research with many new Techniques being investigated To further reduce The morbidity and mortality of breast cancer Through early detection. Computerized phantoms can provide an essential Tool To quantitatively compar ... Full text Cite

Dose reduction in CT with correlated-polarity noise reduction: Context-dependent spatial resolution and noise properties demonstrating two-fold dose reduction with minimal artifacts

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · January 1, 2014 Featured Publication Correlated-polarity noise reduction (CPNR) is a novel noise reduction technique that uses a statistical approach to reducing noise while maintaining excellent spatial resolution and a traditional noise appearance. It was demonstrated in application to CT i ... Full text Cite

Frequency response and distortion properties of nonlinear image processing algorithms and the importance of imaging context.

Journal Article Med Phys · September 2013 Featured Publication PURPOSE: The most common metrics for resolution analysis in medical imaging are valid only for (approximately) linear systems. While analogues to these metrics have been used in attempts to describe resolution performance in nonlinear systems, the analysis ... Full text Link to item Cite

Generation of a suite of 3D computer-generated breast phantoms from a limited set of human subject data.

Journal Article Med Phys · April 2013 PURPOSE: The authors previously reported on a three-dimensional computer-generated breast phantom, based on empirical human image data, including a realistic finite-element based compression model that was capable of simulating multimodality imaging data. ... Full text Link to item Cite

The effect of averaging adjacent planes for artifact reduction in matrix inversion tomosynthesis.

Journal Article Med Phys · February 2013 PURPOSE: Matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) uses linear systems theory and knowledge of the imaging geometry to remove tomographic blur that is present in conventional backprojection tomosynthesis reconstructions, leaving in-plane detail rendered clearl ... Full text Link to item Cite

TH‐A‐103‐10: Improved Segmentation of Low‐Contrast Fibroglandular Structures in High‐Noise Breast CT Volumes for XCAT Modeling

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2013 Purpose: This work improves the accuracy and realism of automated breast computed tomography (bCT) tissue segmentation by refining the detection of low‐contrast fibroglandular structures to produce high‐resolution realistic computer‐generated (XCAT) breast ... Full text Cite

Dose reduction in CT with correlated-polarity noise reduction: Comparable image quality at half the dose with projection space processing

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · 2013 Featured Publication Correlated-polarity noise reduction (CPNR) is a novel noise reduction technique that uses a statistical approach to reduce noise while maintaining excellent resolution and a "normal" noise appearance. It is applicable to any type of medical imaging, and we ... Full text Cite

Development of matched virtual and physical breast phantoms based on patient data

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · 2013 Featured Publication Physical phantoms are essential for the development, optimization, and clinical evaluation of x-ray systems. These phantoms are used for various tests such as quality assurance testing, system characterization, reconstruction evaluation, and dosimetry. The ... Full text Cite

Preliminary investigation of the frequency response and distortion properties of nonlinear image processing algorithms

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · 2013 Featured Publication Assessment of the resolution properties of nonlinear imaging systems is a useful but challenging task. While the modulation transfer function (MTF) fully describes contrast resolution as a function of spatial frequency for linear systems, an equivalent met ... Full text Cite

An image-based technique to assess the perceptual quality of clinical chest radiographs.

Journal Article Med Phys · November 2012 Featured Publication PURPOSE: Current clinical image quality assessment techniques mainly analyze image quality for the imaging system in terms of factors such as the capture system modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum, detective quantum efficiency, and the expos ... Full text Link to item Cite

Past AAPM President: 2021.

Journal Article Med Phys · June 2023 Full text Link to item Cite

Multi-x-ray source array for stationary tomosynthesis or multi-cone angle cone beam CT

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · January 1, 2019 Field-emission x-ray source arrays have been studied for both tomosynthesis and CT applications, however these arrays tend to have limited output. We propose the use of multi-source x-ray arrays using thermionic cathodes, contained within a single vacuum h ... Full text Cite

Multi-Institutional Evaluation of Digital Tomosynthesis, Dual-Energy Radiography, and Conventional Chest Radiography for the Detection and Management of Pulmonary Nodules.

Journal Article Radiology · January 2017 Purpose To conduct a multi-institutional, multireader study to compare the performance of digital tomosynthesis, dual-energy (DE) imaging, and conventional chest radiography for pulmonary nodule detection and management. Materials and Methods In this binat ... Full text Link to item Cite

Population of 224 realistic human subject-based computational breast phantoms.

Journal Article Med Phys · January 2016 PURPOSE: To create a database of highly realistic and anatomically variable 3D virtual breast phantoms based on dedicated breast computed tomography (bCT) data. METHODS: A tissue classification and segmentation algorithm was used to create realistic and de ... Full text Link to item Cite

Medical imaging safety in the developing world

Chapter · October 1, 2014 Attention to matters of safety is important in any imaging facility. In the context of the developing world, limited resources may complicate the attempt to set up and operate an imaging facility with the highest standards of safety, but it is nonetheless ... Full text Cite

Development and application of a suite of 4-D virtual breast phantoms for optimization and evaluation of breast imaging systems.

Journal Article IEEE Trans Med Imaging · July 2014 Featured Publication Mammography is currently the most widely utilized tool for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. However, in women with dense breast tissue, tissue overlap may obscure lesions. Digital breast tomosynthesis can reduce tissue overlap. Furthermore, imagin ... Full text Link to item Cite

Population of 100 realistic, patient-based computerized breast phantoms for multi-modality imaging research

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · January 1, 2014 Featured Publication Breast imaging is an important area of research with many new Techniques being investigated To further reduce The morbidity and mortality of breast cancer Through early detection. Computerized phantoms can provide an essential Tool To quantitatively compar ... Full text Cite

Dose reduction in CT with correlated-polarity noise reduction: Context-dependent spatial resolution and noise properties demonstrating two-fold dose reduction with minimal artifacts

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · January 1, 2014 Featured Publication Correlated-polarity noise reduction (CPNR) is a novel noise reduction technique that uses a statistical approach to reducing noise while maintaining excellent spatial resolution and a traditional noise appearance. It was demonstrated in application to CT i ... Full text Cite

Frequency response and distortion properties of nonlinear image processing algorithms and the importance of imaging context.

Journal Article Med Phys · September 2013 Featured Publication PURPOSE: The most common metrics for resolution analysis in medical imaging are valid only for (approximately) linear systems. While analogues to these metrics have been used in attempts to describe resolution performance in nonlinear systems, the analysis ... Full text Link to item Cite

Generation of a suite of 3D computer-generated breast phantoms from a limited set of human subject data.

Journal Article Med Phys · April 2013 PURPOSE: The authors previously reported on a three-dimensional computer-generated breast phantom, based on empirical human image data, including a realistic finite-element based compression model that was capable of simulating multimodality imaging data. ... Full text Link to item Cite

The effect of averaging adjacent planes for artifact reduction in matrix inversion tomosynthesis.

Journal Article Med Phys · February 2013 PURPOSE: Matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) uses linear systems theory and knowledge of the imaging geometry to remove tomographic blur that is present in conventional backprojection tomosynthesis reconstructions, leaving in-plane detail rendered clearl ... Full text Link to item Cite

TH‐A‐103‐10: Improved Segmentation of Low‐Contrast Fibroglandular Structures in High‐Noise Breast CT Volumes for XCAT Modeling

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2013 Purpose: This work improves the accuracy and realism of automated breast computed tomography (bCT) tissue segmentation by refining the detection of low‐contrast fibroglandular structures to produce high‐resolution realistic computer‐generated (XCAT) breast ... Full text Cite

Dose reduction in CT with correlated-polarity noise reduction: Comparable image quality at half the dose with projection space processing

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · 2013 Featured Publication Correlated-polarity noise reduction (CPNR) is a novel noise reduction technique that uses a statistical approach to reduce noise while maintaining excellent resolution and a "normal" noise appearance. It is applicable to any type of medical imaging, and we ... Full text Cite

Development of matched virtual and physical breast phantoms based on patient data

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · 2013 Featured Publication Physical phantoms are essential for the development, optimization, and clinical evaluation of x-ray systems. These phantoms are used for various tests such as quality assurance testing, system characterization, reconstruction evaluation, and dosimetry. The ... Full text Cite

Preliminary investigation of the frequency response and distortion properties of nonlinear image processing algorithms

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · 2013 Featured Publication Assessment of the resolution properties of nonlinear imaging systems is a useful but challenging task. While the modulation transfer function (MTF) fully describes contrast resolution as a function of spatial frequency for linear systems, an equivalent met ... Full text Cite

An image-based technique to assess the perceptual quality of clinical chest radiographs.

Journal Article Med Phys · November 2012 Featured Publication PURPOSE: Current clinical image quality assessment techniques mainly analyze image quality for the imaging system in terms of factors such as the capture system modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum, detective quantum efficiency, and the expos ... Full text Link to item Cite

Estimation of the two-dimensional presampled modulation transfer function of digital radiography devices using one-dimensional test objects.

Journal Article Med Phys · October 2012 PURPOSE: The modulation transfer function (MTF) of medical imaging devices is commonly reported in the form of orthogonal one-dimensional (1D) measurements made near the vertical and horizontal axes with a slit or edge test device. A more complete descript ... Full text Link to item Cite

Development of a dynamic 4D anthropomorphic breast phantom for contrast-based breast imaging

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · May 4, 2012 Mammography is currently the most widely accepted tool for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. However, the sensitivity of mammography is reduced in women with dense breast tissue due to tissue overlap, which may obscure lesions. Digital breast tomos ... Full text Cite

Plate-specific gain map correction for the improvement of detective quantum efficiency in computed radiography.

Journal Article Med Phys · March 2012 PURPOSE: The purpose of this work is to improve the noise power spectrum (NPS), and thus the detective quantum efficiency (DQE), of computed radiography (CR) images by correcting for spatial gain variations specific to individual imaging plates. CR devices ... Full text Link to item Cite

Biplane correlation imaging: a feasibility study based on phantom and human data.

Journal Article J Digit Imaging · February 2012 Featured Publication The objective of this study was to implement and evaluate the performance of a biplane correlation imaging (BCI) technique aimed to reduce the effect of anatomic noise and improve the detection of lung nodules in chest radiographs. Seventy-one low-dose pos ... Full text Link to item Cite

Automated lung segmentation in digital chest tomosynthesis.

Journal Article Med Phys · February 2012 PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an automated lung segmentation method for computerized detection of lung nodules in digital chest tomosynthesis. METHODS: The authors collected 45 digital tomosynthesis scans and manually segmented referenc ... Full text Link to item Cite

WE‐E‐217BCD‐01: Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Basic Principles and the QMP's Role

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2012 Digital breast tomosynthesis is a form of limited angle tomography, in which section (slice) images are produced from a series of discrete projection images acquired at different angles. Tomosynthesis can be useful in breast imaging by providing potentiall ... Full text Cite

TU‐A‐218‐01: Estimation of the 2‐D Presampled MTF of a Digital Flat Panel Detector Using an Edge Test Device

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2012 Purpose: In this work, we report on the novel application of an opaque edge test device for practical estimation of the 2‐D modulation transfer function (MTF) of a digital flat panel (DFP) detector. Methods: We estimated the 2‐ D MTF of a prototype GE Revo ... Full text Cite

TU‐A‐217A‐02: Radiographic Tomosynthesis: Reconstruction Algorithms

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2012 Digital tomosynthesis is a form of limited angle tomography, in which section (slice) images are produced from a series of discrete projection images acquired at different angles. The simplest form of tomosynthesis reconstruction is the shift‐and‐add techn ... Full text Cite

An analysis of the mechanical parameters used for finite element compression of a high-resolution 3D breast phantom.

Journal Article Med Phys · October 2011 Featured Publication PURPOSE: The authors previously introduced a methodology to generate a realistic three-dimensional (3D), high-resolution, computer-simulated breast phantom based on empirical data. One of the key components of such a phantom is that it provides a means to ... Full text Link to item Cite

Effective dose efficiency: an application-specific metric of quality and dose for digital radiography.

Journal Article Phys Med Biol · August 21, 2011 Featured Publication The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and the effective DQE (eDQE) are relevant metrics of image quality for digital radiography detectors and systems, respectively. The current study further extends the eDQE methodology to technique optimization using a ... Full text Link to item Cite

Correlated-polarity noise reduction: Feasibility of a new statistical approach to reduce image noise

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · May 13, 2011 Reduction of image noise is an important goal in producing the highest quality medical images. A very important benefit of reducing image noise is the ability to reduce patient exposure while maintaining adequate image quality. Various methods have been de ... Full text Cite

Refinement of motion correction strategies for lower-cost CT for under-resourced regions of the world

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · May 13, 2011 This paper describes a recently developed post-acquisition motion correction strategy for application to lower-cost computed tomography (LCCT) for under-resourced regions of the world. Increased awareness regarding global health and its challenges has enco ... Full text Cite

A patient image-based technique to assess the image quality of clinical chest radiographs

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · May 13, 2011 Current clinical image quality assessment techniques mainly analyze image quality for the imaging system in terms of factors such as the capture system DQE and MTF, the exposure technique, and the particular image processing method and processing parameter ... Full text Cite

Initial investigation into lower-cost CT for resource limited regions of the world

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · December 1, 2010 This paper describes an initial investigation into means for producing lower-cost CT scanners for resource limited regions of the world. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, intermediate level medical facilities serving millions have no CT machines, and ... Full text Cite

WE‐E‐201C‐03: Plate‐Specific Gain Map Correction for the Improvement of DQE in Computed Radiography

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2010 Purpose: To improve the NPS, and thus DQE, of CR images by correcting for pixel‐to‐pixel gain variations specific to each plate. Method and Materials: Ten high‐exposure, open field images were taken with an RQA5 spectrum, with a sixth generation CR plate s ... Full text Cite

Chest tomosynthesis: technical principles and clinical update.

Journal Article Eur J Radiol · November 2009 Featured Publication Digital tomosynthesis is a radiographic technique that can produce an arbitrary number of section images of a patient from a single pass of the X-ray tube. It utilizes a conventional X-ray tube, a flat-panel detector, a computer-controlled tube mover, and ... Full text Link to item Cite

Effective DQE (eDQE) and speed of digital radiographic systems: an experimental methodology.

Journal Article Med Phys · August 2009 Featured Publication Prior studies on performance evaluation of digital radiographic systems have primarily focused on the assessment of the detector performance alone. However, the clinical performance of such systems is also substantially impacted by magnification, focal spo ... Full text Link to item Cite

Methodology for generating a 3D computerized breast phantom from empirical data.

Journal Article Med Phys · July 2009 Featured Publication The initial process for creating a flexible three-dimensional computer-generated breast phantom based on empirical data is described. Dedicated breast computed-tomography data were processed to suppress noise and scatter artifacts in the reconstructed imag ... Full text Link to item Cite

Extension of DQE to include scatter, grid, magnification, and focal spot blur: A new experimental technique and metric

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · June 15, 2009 In digital radiography, conventional DQE evaluations are performed under idealized conditions that do not reflect typical clinical operating conditions. For this reason, we have developed and evaluated an experimental methodology for measuring the effectiv ... Full text Cite

Computerized 3D breast phantom with enhanced High-Resolution detail

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · June 15, 2009 We previously proposed a three-dimensional computerized breast phantom that combines empirical data with the flexibility of mathematical models1. The goal of this project is to enhance the breast phantom to include a more detailed anatomy than currently vi ... Full text Cite

Tomosynthesis imaging: at a translational crossroads.

Journal Article Med Phys · June 2009 Featured Publication Tomosynthesis is a decades-old technique for section imaging that has seen a recent upsurge in interest due to its promise to provide three-dimensional information at lower dose and potentially lower cost than CT in certain clinical imaging situations. Thi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Stochastic noise characteristics in matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS).

Journal Article Med Phys · May 2009 Featured Publication Matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) uses known imaging geometry and linear systems theory to deterministically separate in-plane detail from residual tomographic blur in a set of conventional tomosynthesis ("shift-and-add") planes. A previous investigati ... Full text Link to item Cite

TU‐C‐211A‐01: Becoming a Better Teacher

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2009 Every medical physicist is a teacher, either formally in the classroom or informally in the clinic. Some physicists skillfully fulfill their educational obligations, while others struggle with their teaching responsibilities. However, everyone can be a goo ... Full text Cite

Detector or system? Extending the concept of detective quantum efficiency to characterize the performance of digital radiographic imaging systems.

Journal Article Radiology · December 2008 Featured Publication PURPOSE: To develop an experimental method for measuring the effective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE) of digital radiographic imaging systems and evaluate its use in select imaging systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A geometric phantom emulating the atte ... Full text Link to item Cite

Digital tomosynthesis of the chest for lung nodule detection: interim sensitivity results from an ongoing NIH-sponsored trial.

Journal Article Med Phys · June 2008 Featured Publication The authors report interim clinical results from an ongoing NIH-sponsored trial to evaluate digital chest tomosynthesis for improving detectability of small lung nodules. Twenty-one patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) to follow up lung nodules wer ... Full text Link to item Cite

Three-dimensional computer generated breast phantom based on empirical data

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · May 14, 2008 The goal of this work is to create a detailed three-dimensional (3D) digital breast phantom based on empirical data and to incorporate it into the four-dimensional (4D) NCAT phantom, a computerized model of the human anatomy widely used in imaging research ... Full text Cite

Digital tomosynthesis of the chest.

Journal Article J Thorac Imaging · May 2008 Featured Publication Digital tomosynthesis is a technique that generates an arbitrary number of section images of a patient from a single pass of the x-ray tube. It is under investigation for application to a number of clinical detection tasks, and has recently been implemente ... Full text Link to item Cite

Impulse response and Modulation Transfer Function analysis for Shift-And-Add and Back Projection image reconstruction algorithms in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT).

Journal Article Int J Funct Inform Personal Med · 2008 Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of non-preventable cancer death in women. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is a promising technique to improve early breast cancer detection. In this paper, we present the impulse response ... Full text Link to item Cite

A comparison between traditional shift-and-add (SAA) and point-by-point back projection (BP) - Relevance to morphology of microcalcifications for isocentric motion in Digital Breast tomosynthesis (DBT)

Journal Article Proceedings of the 7th IEEE International Conference on Bioinformatics and Bioengineering, BIBE · December 1, 2007 Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a three-dimensional imaging technique providing an arbitrary set of reconstruction planes in the breast with limited series of projection images. This paper describes a comparison between traditional shift-and-add (SAA ... Full text Cite

Methodology of NEQ (f) analysis for optimization and comparison of digital breast tomosynthesis acquisition techniques and reconstruction algorithms

Conference Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · October 15, 2007 As a new three-dimensional imaging technique, digital breast tomosynthesis allows the reconstruction of an arbitrary set of planes in the breast from a limited-angle series of projection images. Though several tomosynthesis algorithms have been proposed, n ... Full text Cite

Methodology for determining dose reduction for chest tomosynthesis

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · October 15, 2007 Digital tomosynthesis is an imaging technique that reconstructs tomographic planes in an object from a set of projection images taken over a fixed angle1. Preliminary results show that this technique increases the detectability of lung nodules 2. Current s ... Full text Cite

Importance of point-by-point back projection correction for isocentric motion in digital breast tomosynthesis: relevance to morphology of structures such as microcalcifications.

Journal Article Med Phys · October 2007 Featured Publication Digital breast tomosynthesis is a three-dimensional imaging technique that provides an arbitrary set of reconstruction planes in the breast from a limited-angle series of projection images acquired while the x-ray tube moves. Traditional shift-and-add (SAA ... Full text Link to item Cite

Assessment of detective quantum efficiency: intercomparison of a recently introduced international standard with prior methods.

Journal Article Radiology · June 2007 Featured Publication PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the recently introduced international standard method for measurement of the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of digital radiography systems, in comparison with representative prior methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rec ... Full text Link to item Cite

Multiprojection correlation imaging for improved detection of pulmonary nodules.

Journal Article AJR Am J Roentgenol · May 2007 Featured Publication OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was the development and preliminary evaluation of multiprojection correlation imaging with 3D computer-aided detection (CAD) on chest radiographs for cost- and dose-effective improvement of early detection of pulmonary ... Full text Link to item Cite

TU‐EE‐A4‐06: Experimental Evaluation of Effective Detective Quantum Efficiency for Digital Radiographic Imaging Systems

Journal Article Medical Physics · January 1, 2007 Purpose: To develop and evaluate an experimental methodology for measuring the effective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE) of digital radiographic systems which reflects the actual signal‐to‐noise performance of the system per unit exposure. Method and M ... Full text Cite

MO‐D‐L100F‐03: New Developments in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2007 Digital tomosynthesis is one of the most exciting recent developments in breast imaging. By modifying existing full field digital mammography systems, one can achieve this type of limited‐angle cone‐beam CT imaging which produces 3D slice images of the bre ... Full text Cite

Recent advances in chest radiography.

Journal Article Radiology · December 2006 Featured Publication There have been many remarkable advances in conventional thoracic imaging over the past decade. Perhaps the most remarkable is the rapid conversion from film-based to digital radiographic systems. Computed radiography is now the preferred imaging modality ... Full text Link to item Cite

Noise power spectrum analysis for several digital breast tomosynthesis reconstruction algorithms

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · June 30, 2006 Digital breast tomosynthesis is a three-dimensional imaging technique that allows the reconstruction of an arbitrary set of planes in the breast from limited-angle series of projection images. Though several tomosynthesis algorithms have been proposed, no ... Full text Cite

Gaussian frequency blending algorithm with Matrix Inversion Tomosynthesis (MITS) and Filtered Back Projection (FBP) for better digital breast tomosynthesis reconstruction

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · June 30, 2006 Breast cancer is a major problem and the most common cancer among women. The nature of conventional mammography makes it very difficult to distinguish a cancer from overlying breast tissues. Digital Tomosynthesis refers to a three-dimensional imaging techn ... Full text Cite

Preliminary assessment of the temporal subtraction of tomosynthesis images for improved detection of pulmonary nodules

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · June 30, 2006 Digital tomosynthesis is an imaging technique which reconstructs tomographic planes in an object from a set of projection images taken over a fixed angle [1]. Results from our initial pilot study show that tomosynthesis increases the detectability of lung ... Full text Cite

Biplane correlation imaging for lung nodule detection: Initial human subject results

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · June 22, 2006 In this paper, we present performance of biplane correlation imaging (BCI) on set of chest x-ray projections of human data. BCI significantly minimizes the number of false positives (FPs) when used in conjunction with computer aided detection (CAD) by elim ... Full text Cite

Intercomparison of methods for image quality characterization. II. Noise power spectrum.

Journal Article Med Phys · May 2006 Featured Publication Second in a two-part series comparing measurement techniques for the assessment of basic image quality metrics in digital radiography, in this paper we focus on the measurement of the image noise power spectrum (NPS). Three methods were considered: (1) a m ... Full text Link to item Cite

Intercomparison of methods for image quality characterization. I. Modulation transfer function.

Journal Article Med Phys · May 2006 Featured Publication The modulation transfer function (MTF) and the noise power spectrum (NPS) are widely recognized as the most relevant metrics of resolution and noise performance in radiographic imaging. These quantities have commonly been measured using various techniques, ... Full text Link to item Cite

Optimization of the matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) impulse response and modulation transfer function characteristics for chest imaging.

Journal Article Med Phys · March 2006 Featured Publication Matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) uses linear systems theory, along with a priori knowledge of the imaging geometry, to deterministically distinguish between true structure and overlying tomographic blur in a set of conventional tomosynthesis planes. I ... Full text Link to item Cite

SU‐FF‐I‐21: Two‐Dimensional Shift‐And‐Add (SAA) Algorithm for Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Reconstruction

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2006 Purpose: To investigate a two‐dimensional Shift‐And‐Add algorithm for three‐dimensional digital breast tomosynthsis reconstruction to correct for defects existing in the traditional Shift‐And‐Add algorithm that calculates only one‐dimensional shift amount ... Full text Cite

SU‐FF‐I‐48: Assessment of Detective Quantum Efficiency: Inter‐Comparison of IEC 62220‐1 with Representative Prior Methods

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2006 Purpose: To evaluate a new international standard method for the measurement of detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of digital radiography systems in comparison with representative prior methods. Methods and Materials: Three DQE evaluation methods were cons ... Full text Cite

Online Digital Tomosynthesis (DTS): A Novel Technique for Improving Target Localization in Radiation Therapy

Conference International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics · October 2005 Full text Cite

Impulse response analysis for several digital tomosynthesis mammography reconstruction algorithms

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · August 25, 2005 Digital tomosynthesis mammography algorithms allow reconstructions of arbitrary planes in the breast from limited-angle series of projection images as the x-ray source moves along an arc above the breast. Though several tomosynthesis algorithms have been p ... Full text Cite

Initial application of digital tomosynthesis with on-board imaging in radiation oncology

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · August 25, 2005 We present preliminary investigations that examine the feasibility of incorporating digital tomosynthesis into radiation oncology practice with the use of kilovoltage on-board imagers (OBI). Modern radiation oncology linear accelerators now include hardwar ... Full text Cite

Measurement of the detective quantum efficiency in digital detectors consistent with the IEC 62220-1 standard: Practical considerations regarding the choice of filter material.

Journal Article Med Phys · July 2005 As part of a larger evaluation we attempted to measure the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of an amorphous silicon flat-panel detector using the method described in the International Electrotechnical Commission standard 62220-1 published in October 2003 ... Full text Link to item Cite

Comparative scatter and dose performance of slot-scan and full-field digital chest radiography systems.

Journal Article Radiology · June 2005 PURPOSE: To evaluate the scatter, dose, and effective detective quantum efficiency (DQE) performance of a slot-scan digital chest radiography system compared with that of a full-field digital radiography system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scatter fraction of a ... Full text Link to item Cite

MO‐D‐I‐6B‐04: Matrix Inversion Tomosynthesis (MITS) Imaging of the Chest

Journal Article Medical Physics · January 1, 2005 Tomosynthesis is a method for reconstructing 3‐dimensional (3‐D) image data from a series of x‐ray projection radiographs, acquired with limited motion of the x‐ray source (typically no more than 40 degrees). Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) is implemented with ... Full text Cite

Digital breast tomosynthesis using an amorphous selenium flat panel detector

Journal Article Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE · 2005 A prototype breast tomosynthesis system* has been developed, allowing a total angular view of ±25°. The detector used in this system is an amorphous selenium direct-conversion digital flat-panel detector suitable for digital tomosynthesis. The s ... Full text Link to item Cite

A framework for optimising the radiographic technique in digital X-ray imaging.

Journal Article Radiat Prot Dosimetry · 2005 The transition to digital radiology has provided new opportunities for improved image quality, made possible by the superior detective quantum efficiency and post-processing capabilities of new imaging systems, and advanced imaging applications, made possi ... Full text Link to item Cite

SU‐FF‐J‐57: Digital Tomosynthesis for Verification of Radiation Therapy Positioning: Preliminary Results From a Kilovoltage On‐Board Imaging System

Conference Medical Physics · January 1, 2005 Purpose: This study introduces a new radiation therapy target localization technique using online digital tomosynthesis (DTS), a method for reconstructing 3‐D slices from 2‐D projection data acquired with limited source motion. By separating the visualizat ... Full text Cite

Fundamental imaging characteristics of a slot-scan digital chest radiographic system.

Journal Article Med Phys · September 2004 Featured Publication Our purpose in this study was to evaluate the fundamental image quality characteristics of a new slot-scan digital chest radiography system (ThoraScan, Delft Imaging Systems/Nucletron, Veenendaal, The Netherlands). The linearity of the system was measured ... Full text Link to item Cite

Digital tomosynthesis rendering of joint margins for arthritis assessment

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · July 5, 2004 Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the hand is a significant healthcare problem. Techniques to accurately quantity the structural changes from RA are crucial for the development and prescription of therapies. Analysis of radiographic joint space width ( ... Full text Cite

Digital x-ray tomosynthesis: current state of the art and clinical potential.

Journal Article Phys Med Biol · October 7, 2003 Featured Publication Digital x-ray tomosynthesis is a technique for producing slice images using conventional x-ray systems. It is a refinement of conventional geometric tomography, which has been known since the 1930s. In conventional geometric tomography, the x-ray tube and ... Full text Link to item Cite

Practical strategies for the clinical implementation of matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS)

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · September 15, 2003 Digital tomosynthesis is a method that enables the retroactive reconstruction of arbitrary tomographic planes in an object from a finite series of digital projection radiographs, acquired with limited angle tube movement. Conventional tomosynthesis suffers ... Full text Cite

Digital tomosynthesis of hand joints for arthritis assessment.

Journal Article Med Phys · March 2003 Featured Publication The two principal forms of hand arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) have large clinical and economic costs. Radiography has been shown to be a useful tool to assess the condition of the disease. A hand radiograph, however, is a two ... Full text Link to item Cite

Quantitative evaluation of noise reduction strategies in dual-energy imaging.

Journal Article Med Phys · February 2003 Featured Publication In this paper we describe a quantitative evaluation of the performance of three dual-energy noise reduction algorithms: Kalender's correlated noise reduction (KCNR), noise clipping (NOC), and edge-predictive adaptive smoothing (EPAS). These algorithms were ... Full text Link to item Cite

Standardization of NPS measurement: Interim report of AAPM TG16

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · January 1, 2003 This article reviews the state of the Noise Power Standard being drafted by Task Group No. 16 for the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. The Standard is intended to represent a consensus on acceptable practices in the measurement and reporting ... Full text Cite

Chest radiography: optimization of X-ray spectrum for cesium iodide-amorphous silicon flat-panel detector.

Journal Article Radiology · January 2003 Featured Publication PURPOSE: To ascertain the optimum x-ray spectrum for chest radiography with a cesium iodide-amorphous silicon flat-panel detector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: End points for optimization included the ratio of tissue contrast to bone contrast and a figure of mer ... Full text Link to item Cite

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering: Introduction

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · January 1, 2002 Cite

Imaging characteristics of an amorphous silicon flat-panel detector for digital chest radiography.

Journal Article Radiology · March 2001 Featured Publication PURPOSE: To evaluate the imaging characteristics of an amorphous silicon flat-panel detector (FPD) for digital chest radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 41 x 41-cm digital FPD is constructed on a single monolithic glass substrate with a structured cesi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Application of digital tomosynthesis to hand radiography for arthritis assessment

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE- The International Society for Optical Engineering · January 1, 2001 Joint space width (JSW) is an important arthritis outcome measure, However, a single radiographic image is a 2D projection of a 3D structure and diseased areas can be obscured. To quantify the JSW in three dimensions, a tomosynthesis algorithm was modified ... Full text Cite

DQE of direct and indirect digital radiographic systems

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE- The International Society for Optical Engineering · January 1, 2001 Current flat-panel detectors either directly convert x-ray energy to electronic charge or use indirect conversion with an intermediate optical process. The purpose of this work was to compare direct and indirect detectors in terms of their modulation trans ... Full text Cite

The development and characterization of a dual-energy subtraction imaging system for chest radiography based on CsI:Tl amorphous silicon flat-panel technology

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE- The International Society for Optical Engineering · January 1, 2001 Dual-energy subtraction imaging increases the sensitivity and specificity of pulmonary nodule detection in chest radiography by reducing the contrast of overlying bone structures. A prototype dual-energy system which enables rapid, dual-exposure imaging of ... Full text Cite

Optimization of matrix inverse tomosynthesis

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · January 1, 2001 Digital tomosynthesis is a method for reconstructing arbitrary planes in an object from a series of projection radiographs, acquired with limited angle tube movement. Conventional 'shift and add' tomosynthesis suffers from the presence of blurring artifact ... Full text Cite

Applications of matrix inverse tomosynthesis

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · January 1, 2000 The improved image quality and characteristics of new flat-panel x-ray detectors have renewed interest in advanced algorithms such as tomosynthesis. Digital tomosynthesis is a method of acquiring and reconstructing a three-dimensional data set with limited ... Cite

Performance characteristics of a Kodak computed radiography system.

Journal Article Med Phys · January 1999 Featured Publication The performance characteristics of a photostimulable phosphor based computed radiographic (CR) system were studied. The modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectra (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of the Kodak Digital Science compu ... Full text Link to item Cite

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optics: Introduction

Conference Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · December 1, 1998 Cite

Erratum: (Medical Imaging 1998 - Physics of Medical Imaging (22-24 February 1998))

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · December 1, 1998 Cite

A rapid and automatic image registration algorithm with subpixel accuracy.

Journal Article IEEE Trans Med Imaging · June 1997 Featured Publication A number of digital imaging techniques in medicine require the combination of multiple images. Using these techniques, it is essential that the images be adequately aligned and registered prior to addition, subtraction, or any other combination of the imag ... Full text Link to item Cite

Plate scatter correction for improved performance in dual-energy imaging.

Journal Article Med Phys · June 1996 Featured Publication We have developed a method for correcting for the scatter produced by the computed radiography plates in single-shot dual-energy imaging. In our technique, which uses a series of four computed radiography plates (the middle two plates act as a filter), the ... Full text Link to item Cite

Recent progress in noise reduction and scatter correction in dual-energy imaging

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · December 1, 1995 We report on several new techniques which we are developing for scatter correction and noise suppression in single-shot dual-energy chest radiography. For scatter, we use a deconvolution technique to correct for the scatter produced within the dual-energy ... Cite

DQE(f) of four generations of computed radiography acquisition devices.

Journal Article Med Phys · October 1995 Featured Publication Measurements were made of the MTF(f), NPS(f), and DQE(f) of four generations of computed radiography (CR) imaging plates and three generations of CR image readers. The MTF generally showed only a minor change between generations of plates and readers, but ... Full text Link to item Cite

Effects of undersampling on the proper interpretation of modulation transfer function, noise power spectra, and noise equivalent quanta of digital imaging systems.

Journal Article Med Phys · February 1995 Featured Publication The proper understanding of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectra (NPS), and noise equivalent quanta (NEQ) in digital systems is significantly hampered when the systems are undersampled. Undersampling leads to three significant complicati ... Full text Link to item Cite

Dual-energy computed radiography: Improvements in processing

Conference Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · May 11, 1994 We have reported on a single-exposure dual-energy system based on computed radiography (CR) technology. In a clinical study conducted over a two year period, the dual-energy system proved to be highly successful in improving the detection (p=0.0005) and ch ... Full text Cite

Dr Chotas and colleagues respond

Journal Article Radiology · October 1993 Full text Cite

Variable compensation chest radiography performed with a computed radiography system: design considerations and initial clinical experience.

Journal Article Radiology · April 1993 Featured Publication The authors describe a variable compensation (VC) technique in which an x-ray equalizer and a computed radiography system are used. The VC technique allows retrospective alteration of equalized chest appearance with maintenance of improved signal-to-noise ... Full text Link to item Cite

Digital chest radiography with photostimulable storage phosphors: signal-to-noise ratio as a function of kilovoltage with matched exposure risk.

Journal Article Radiology · February 1993 Featured Publication A photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) digital radiography system was evaluated regarding the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) on chest images acquired at differing peak kilovoltage settings but with matched risk from radiation exposure. Images of two chest p ... Full text Link to item Cite

Threshold perception performance with computed and screen-film radiography: implications for chest radiography.

Journal Article Radiology · April 1992 Featured Publication Images of a phantom obtained with computed radiography and standard screen-film imaging were compared to evaluate observer threshold perception performance with a modified contrast-detail technique. Optimum exposure necessary for performance with the imagi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Direct digitization of optical images using a photostimulable phosphor system.

Journal Article Med Phys · 1992 Featured Publication The authors describe a method for directly digitizing optical images with a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) system. A PSP plate is initially charged with an exposure to a uniform x-ray field, and is then exposed to an optical image which discharges the plat ... Full text Link to item Cite

Single-exposure conventional and computed radiography image acquisition.

Journal Article Invest Radiol · May 1991 Featured Publication A technique for simultaneously acquiring a conventional film-screen radiographic image and a digital computed radiography (CR) image with a single x-ray exposure is described. Measurements of image contrast, spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratios d ... Full text Link to item Cite

Scatter fractions in AMBER imaging.

Journal Article Radiology · December 1990 Featured Publication Images of two phantoms were obtained with use of an advanced multiple-beam equalization radiography system, and scatter fractions were estimated with use of a photostimulable phosphor imaging system. Scatter fractions in the equalized images were lower in ... Full text Link to item Cite

Quantitative radiographic imaging using a photostimulable phosphor system.

Journal Article Med Phys · 1990 Featured Publication We have evaluated a photostimulable phosphor x-ray imaging system [Philips Computed Radiography (PCR) system] for use in quantification of x-ray exposure in diagnostic radiography. An exponential function was fitted to data yielding quantitative x-ray expo ... Full text Link to item Cite

Variable compensation technique for digital radiography of the chest.

Journal Article Radiology · November 1989 Featured Publication The authors describe a new technique, variable compensation (VC) radiography, for digital radiography of the chest. It permits retrospective adjustment of image display while maintaining improved mediastinal signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) from aggressive x-ra ... Full text Link to item Cite

Geometrical properties of a digital beam attenuator system.

Journal Article Med Phys · 1987 Featured Publication A digital beam attenuator system has been developed to automatically generate patient-specific compensating filters for chest radiography. An initial low-dose test image is used to generate the attenuator, which is fabricated by overprinting multiple layer ... Full text Link to item Cite

Digital beam attenuator technique for compensated chest radiography.

Journal Article Radiology · May 1986 Featured Publication The feasibility of producing patient-specific beam attenuators for chest radiography has been investigated using an anthropomorphic phantom and a human volunteer. A low-dose test exposure is digitized, processed, and used to print a small cerium filter, wh ... Full text Link to item Cite

Chest radiography using patient-specific digitally-prepared compensating filters

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · September 19, 1985 We have used a prototype digital beam attenuator (DBA) system to generate patient-specific digitally-prepared compensating filters for chest radiography of a human subject. The compensated radiographs demonstrate substantially more information in areas suc ... Full text Cite

Design of a digital beam attenuator system for chest radiography

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · June 11, 1985 We have been testing a digital beam attenuator (DBA) system for fabricating patient- specific compensating filters to improve image quality in chest radiography. At present, the technique is limited by a 2 hour attenuator fabrication time and a 20 mR expos ... Full text Cite

Adaptive processing algorithms for intravenous digital subtraction coronary angiography

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · June 11, 1985 Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is commonly used in conjunction with intravenous contrast injection for detection of atherosclerotic disease in arteries outside of the heart. Images of coronary arteries obtained with intravenous DSA have been limited ... Full text Cite

DIGITAL BEAM ATTENUATOR FOR DSA AND CHEST RADIOGRAPHY.

Journal Article · December 1, 1984 During the past year our group has investigated an extension of the concept of beam compensating filters. Our approach involves the acquisition of a low dose patient positioning image which is digitized and used to drive a mechanism which places attenuatin ... Cite

Application of a digital beam attenuator to chest radiography

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · August 28, 1984 Although image quality in chest radiography can be improved dramatically with compensat-ing attenuators, it is difficult to match attenuator geometry to that of the patient and to properly position the filter in the x-ray beam. We are developing a system w ... Full text Cite

Feasibility of selective exposure radiography

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · June 15, 1984 The concept of selective exposure radiography encompasses those techniques which spatially modulate the incident x-ray field to produce a more uniform exit field arising from the patient. The resulting reduction in the dynamic range of the exposure field o ... Full text Cite

A scanning-slit x-ray videoabsorptiometric technique for bone mineral measurement.

Journal Article Med Phys · 1984 Featured Publication An x-ray videoabsorptiometric technique was developed for measurement of bone mineral content (BMC) in vivo. The principle utility of this technique is the precise measurement of commonly fractured bones, such as the femoral neck, that are difficult to mea ... Full text Link to item Cite

Spatial frequency filtering in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by real-time digital video convolution

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · December 13, 1983 A circuit has been constructed to perform spatial frequency filtration on DSA images at real-time video rates. The 10-bit device performs low-pass or high-pass filtering, and with external memory can perform bandpass and more sophisticated filtering. Pixel ... Full text Cite

SELECTIVE EXPOSURE RADIOGRAPHY USING DIGITALLY-FORMED X-RAY BEAM ATTENUATORS.

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · December 1, 1983 Cite

Recent advances in digital radiography.

Journal Article Ann Radiol (Paris) · November 1983 Link to item Cite

Videodensitometric quantitation of mean blood flow.

Journal Article J Surg Res · June 1983 Featured Publication Standard angiography demonstrates the anatomy of arterial occlusive disease but does not define its physiological significance. However, measurement of flow in a compromised vessel at rest and following peripheral dilatation provides important physiologica ... Full text Link to item Cite

Work in progress: hybrid temporal-energy subtraction in digital fluoroscopy.

Journal Article Radiology · June 1983 Featured Publication Initial clinical results using a digital fluoroscopic implementation of the combined time-energy ("hybrid") subtraction technique are described, with emphasis on carotid and renal imaging. Where patient motion artifacts are due to soft-tissue motion alone, ... Full text Link to item Cite

Digitally controlled beam attenuator

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · December 29, 1982 In digital fluorographic techniques the video camera must accommodate a wide dynamic range due to the large variation in the infject thickness within the field of view. Typically exposure factors and the optical aperture are selected such that the maximum ... Full text Cite

REAL-TIME DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDING SYSTEM.

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · December 1, 1981 Cite

QUANTITATION TECHNIQUES IN DIGITAL SUBTRACTION VIDEOANGIOGRAPHY.

Journal Article Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · 1981 Featured Publication Cite