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Non-linear attenuation of the Arterial Input Function (AIF) is a major problem in first-pass MR perfusion imaging due to the high concentration of the contrast agent in the blood pool. This paper presents a technique to reconstruct the true AIF using signal intensities in the myocardium and the attenuated AIF based on a Hierarchical Bayesian Model (HBM). With the proposed method, both the AIF and the response function are modeled as smoothed functions by using Bayesian penalty splines (P-Splines). The derived AIF is then used to estimate the impulse response of the myocardium based on deconvolution analysis. The proposed technique is validated both with simulated data using the MMID4 model and ten in vivo data sets for estimating myocardial perfusion reserve rates. The results demonstrate the ability of the proposed technique in accurately reconstructing the desired AIF for myocardial perfusion quantification. The method does not involve any MRI pulse sequence modification, and thus is expected to have wider clinical impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current approaches to quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI with non-linear models involve the convolution of an arterial input function (AIF) with the contrast agent concentration at a voxel or regional level. Full quantification provides meaningful biological parameters but is complicated by the issues related to convergence, (de-)convolution of the AIF, and goodness of fit. To overcome these problems, this paper presents a penalized spline smoothing approach to model the data in a semi-parametric way. With this method, the AIF is convolved with a set of B-splines to produce the design matrix, and modeling of the resulting deconvolved biological parameters is obtained in a way that is similar to the parametric models. Further kinetic parameters are obtained by fitting a non-linear model to the estimated response function and detailed validation of the method, both with simulated and in vivo data is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the estimation of kinetic parameters from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Asymptotic results from likelihood-based nonlinear regression are compared with results derived from the posterior distribution using Bayesian estimation, along with the output from an established software package (MRIW). By using the estimated error from kinetic parameters, it is possible to produce more accurate clinical statistics, such as tumor size, for patients with breast tumors. Further analysis has also shown that Bayesian methods are more accurate and do not suffer from convergence problems, but at a higher computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cars in Europe is increasing, leading to a higher traffic density. The average age of drivers is increasing consistent with demographics of the total European population. Every second accident involving vehicles is related to traffic situations in which faster reaction of the driver could have mitigate crash consequences. So, there is an increased need and appreciation for obstacle detection that operate at day and night. The industry has responded to the European Commission programs and has developed new, efficient 24GHz Short Range Radar (SRR) solutions for Road Safety and Intelligent Transport Systems. Further the new 24GHz Radar system is an essential "building block" of the EU Project RESPONSE. Herein included is a new generation of active safety systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as passive safety. These systems will take into account not only the driver and the vehicle but also the environment of the vehicle. The task to finalize the regulatory issues soon is important to get the technology started. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]