Ernest J. Sternglass

Determinants of bone mass in menopause

Abstract Osteoporosis, one of the most prevalent diseases of the aged, is characterized by a reduced bone mass which increases the risk for skeletal fracture. The current research was designed to examine determinants of bone mass in 59 postmenopausal women. Information was obtained at baseline concerning anthropometric, nutritional, and physical activity factors. Bone mass in the arm and leg was measured by a computerized tomography (CT) scanner at baseline and 8 months later. The study revealed that the CT scanner is an effective, precise instrument for measuring bone mass, and significant bone loss was found over the 8-month period. The cross-sectional results indicated that the primary determinants of bone mass were age and physical activity.

Computer Electronic Radiography For Early Detection Of Vascular Disease

A computerized electronic radiography system is being developed for early non-invasive detection, characterization and quantification of atherosclerotic lesions. The method uses a conventional x-ray source combined with a solid state detector system which is coupled to a digital computer for processing and display of the radiographic information. The computer stores and optimizes the image for improved interpretation of the image detail. The computer assisted image enhancement, vessel localization and pattern analysis is an integral part of the instrumentation system. The system has been evaluated in preliminary studies to determine contrast sensitivity, radiation exposure, resolution and diagnostic quality. Even at this early developmental stage of this technique, very low contrasts have been visualized. The arterial images obtained with intravenous injections in dogs have demonstrated the potential of this method for the non-invasive detection and quantification of atherosclerotic disease.

Digital Radiography of the Chest by Self-Scanning Linear Diode Arrays

Diode array digital radiography DADR is a method of radiographic imaging that combines the advantages of computer technology with self-scanning linear diode arrays. These digital images are superior to those obtained by film in recording and displaying information in the lightest and the darkest areas of the film, resulting in a balanced image of the entire thorax without compromising detail, and at reduced radiation dose. This is a direct result of the wide dynamic range, high contrast sensitivity, fiber optic coupling, small diode size, short exposure time, and rejection of scattered x-rays of the system coupled with digital post-processing enhancement of the image displayed at 1024 X 1024 pixels.

Fiber Optically Coupled Diode Array Digital Radiography System

A new type of digital radiography system of very high contrast sensitivity and spatial resolution is described which is based on the use of six linear arrays of self-scanning diodes fiber-optically coupled to a phosphor screen. The high detail of the system results from the fact that 6144 discrete diodes, 1024 per array, scan a field of view of 6 inches wide. A contrast sensitivity five times greater than film is achieved due to the high dynamic range of the diodes combined with the scatter rejection associated with the slit geometry. The entrance radiation exposure per image is 100 mR but could be reduced well below that in the future. Initial clinical experience has demonstrated the advantage of being able to display a single image over a wide range of window levels and window widths at the same time having a high contrast sensitivity in both the dark and light areas of the image. The complete digital radiograph is taken in a second, however the motion unsharpness is held to a minimum by virtue of an effective exposure time of 8 milliseconds. Applications to digital chest radiography and digital intravenous subtraction angiography in over 30 patients have shown the clinical value of this new form of radiography.

Electronic Radiography for Spot-Filming in Gastrointestinal Fluoroscopy

A system of electronic radiography for spot-filming in gastrointestinal fluoroscopy is described. This technique involves the coupling of a magnetic disc recorder to a standard television fluoroscopic chain. A high resolution electronic radiograph is instantly obtained using radiation exposure of about 1∕100 that of the standard film technique. Further advantages of electronic radiography are lower kVp, smaller focal spot, less air gap between the patient and the image intensifier tube, and less radiation exposure to both patient and radiologist.

The Relativistic Electron Pair Theory of Matter and its Implications for Cosmology

Although atomic and nuclear physics have made enormous advances during the last century, there has been an increasing crisis in fundamental physical theory with regard to the nature of the ultimate constituents of matter which appear to have both particle and wave-like properties and occur in a bewildering variety of types and masses. Since there is now overwhelming evidence that the universe is expanding from a highly compact state that appears to have had the dimensions of a single proton or less, further progress in understanding the origin of the universe and its structure cannot be made until the problem of the nature of the fundamental particles is resolved.

Preliminary Clinical Studies Using A Self Scanning Lineak Diode Array To Obtain 1024 X 1024 Digital Radiographs

A digital radiography system using self scanning linear diode arrays is being developed for improved diagnosis at reduced radiation dose. Our technique is based on the use of solid state sensors with 1024 diodes per inch and with very high dynamic range. The slit geometry of our method results in image improvement and dose reduction by efficiently rejecting scattered x-rays in the patient. In our present configuration the images have a field of view of six inches by six inches or 6 inches by 12 inches and are digitized to 1024 x 1024 pixels with 12 bits. This digital system differs from the conventional digital radiography in that no image intensifier TV fluoroscopy chain is required. Preliminary clinical studies have demonstrated the high detail of our system at low radiation levels. In dog studies the system has clearly visualized very small coronary arteries following aortic root injection of contrast material. Even with intravenous injections some of the coronary arteries could be seen.

Video Techniques In Diagnostic Radiology

The development of high resolution image intensifier tubes, television cameras and electronic storage devices has opened up the possibility of significant advances in the techniques of diagnostic radiology. Systems incorporating these components can increase diagnostic information, reduce procedure time, decrease patient trauma, reduce radiation dose and permit new types of procedures to be undertaken that were previously not possible. These new electronic recording techniques have now been used in gastro-intestinal examinations, selective catheterization, pelvimetry, repair of intra cranial aneurysms and arterio-venous malformations as well as in the high-resolution transmission of radiographic film images from the emergency room to the diagnostic reading room.

Improved Diagnostic Radiography and Reduced Radiation Exposure Using a 1024 × 1024 Pixels Linear Diode Array Imaging System

Publisher Summary A new type of digital radiography system is developed based on a series of self-scanning linear photodiode arrays. The system has the ability to detect contrast approximately five times smaller than film at a spatial resolution compared to standard film-screen systems. The system is sufficiently versatile to permit serial digital subtraction angiography as well as planar low-contrast images of very wide dynamic range. In early clinical studies, it was found that the images can be displayed over a broad range of window levels and window widths, depicting detail both in the lightest and darkest areas and bringing out features that cannot be seen on a single standard film. In effect, it is possible to achieve wide latitude while retaining high-contrast sensitivity in all parts of the image. The initial clinical experience indicates that the self-scanning diode array system allows achieving an electronic form of radiography that has the potential for replacing X-ray film in most clinical applications.