Purpose: We have been investigating automatic contour delineation of the target volume using PET/CT images, but there are several problems with the method using the SUV value. We performed a basic study on contour delineation of the target volume with inhomogeneously distributed 18F-FDG. Methods and Materials: We prepared and investigated a simple model (acrylic sphere) of inhomogeneous 18F-FDG distribution. As a tumor model encountered in clinical practice relatively frequently, the layer thickness and 18F-FDG concentration were changed assuming the following conditions, and changes in the SUV value and target volume contour were investigated: 1) A layer without 18F-FDG accumulation (necrotic layer) is present in the center of a sphere assumed to be a tumor and 2) the 18F-FDG concentration distribution is uneven in the sphere. Since the size of each sphere is known, the rate (%) of the SUV to its maximum agreed with the size was determined to evaluate contour delineation. Results: 1) In the model containing a necrotic layer in the center of the sphere, when the necrotic layer was enlarged and the region incorporating 18F-FDG was narrowed, the SUV value was underestimated. The contour could be delineated agreeably with the acrylic sphere size regardless of the thickness of the necrotic layer by setting the SUV value at 30-50% of the maximum. 2) In the model with an uneven 18F-FDG concentration distribution in the sphere, the contour was distorted and different from the actual size and shape of the acrylic sphere. Conclusion: We prepared a phantom model of inhomogeneous 18F-FDG distribution. When a necrotic layer was present in the center of the sphere, the SUV value tended to be underestimated when the region incorporating 18F-FDG was narrowed. The contour could be accurately delineated by setting the SUV value at 30-50% of the maximum when the 18F-FDG concentration in the outer layer was high, but attention should be paid when the 18F-FDG concentration distribution is uneven.

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It is very important to accurately determine the electron density distribution of human tissues for treatment planning in heavy-ion radiotherapy to calculate the patient dose distribution. Currently, to estimate the electron density of body tissues, one-to-one correspondence from CT number to electron density is performed using calibration phantom of known electron densities beforehand. However, because the CT number includes the information of both the effective atomic number and the electron density, electron density is not determined uniquely. The purpose of this study is to examine a direct estimate of the electron density by computer simulation using the method of decomposition to photoelectric data and Compton data from Dual Energy CT in the projection domain. In addition, we report the underlying examination about the cause of the estimated error of the electron density.

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Radiographic technology and the accuracy of mammography equipment have advanced. Diagnostic imaging systems and an awareness of breast cancer as well as the early detection of breast cancer through improvement of the diagnostic accuracy have contributed greatly to the improvement of the quality of life and survival of patients, along with the advancement of therapeutic techniques. In mammography, it is necessary to comply with the guidance on quality control and quality management of breast X-ray imaging devices. In addition, it is important to use the most suitable radiographic techniques. This study examined the difference in the depiction of Milk of Calcium based on radiographic methods and X-ray directions. In order to precisely visualize the calcification, not only the accurate visualization of the mass, it was important to choose appropriate radiographic methods and X-ray directions.

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Lymphoscintigraphy is an effective method for detecting sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). However, the amount and timing of the Tc-99m tin colloid accumulate to the SLN is not uniform, and standard for scintigraphic imaging of SLNs before breast cancer resection have not been established. To evaluate the visualization standard for SLN scintigraphy in breast cancer patients, we determined visualization standard for SLN by phantom study. The visualization standard was over 15 counts from background. We assessed the optimum timing of SLN visualization in 89 breast cancer patients. Tc-99m tin colloid was injected around the tumor on the day before surgery, and SLN scintigraphy was conducted 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 18 hours after injection. Detection rate after 1, 2, 3 and 18 hours were 80.4%, 90.0%, 97.3% and 97.3% respectively. When Tc-99m tin colloid was injected intradermally around the tumor of breast cancer patients, sufficient visualization was obtained in scintigraphy at 3 hours after injection.

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Advantages of breast X-ray CT include a relatively short examination time, wide availability and high resolution images compared with MR imaging and safely perfomed in patients with contraindications to MR imaging such as a cardiac pacemaker or claustrophobia. On the other hand, an important disadvantage includes exposure dose. Focusing on the reduction of exposure dose that is the problem of X-ray CT, we performed a phantom study by changing the X-ray dose from 150 to 45mAs (150, 100, 75, 50, 40 mAs). After scanning, evaluated a visual assessment and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of Maximum intensity Projection (MIP) and multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) images. The effect of noise increases as the dose decreases, but an equivalent detectability was achieved even when the X-ray dose was decreased to 50% of 150mAs. Further consideration on other scan conditions (e.g. pitch factor and X-ray tube voltage) and other reconstruction kernel to suppress image noise will enable acquisition of high-quality image as well as reduction of exposure dose even in the X-ray CT.

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To do so not only "public help" by medical insurance and care insurance system but also "mutual aid" organized by volunteer activities and community-based and "self-help" by the self-help efforts, we must construct a system these services are comprehensively needed. In the medical and nursing fields of the elderly, construction of community-based integrated care system, that medical and care services are continually provided in accordance with the mental and physical state of the individual is urgently needed. The author makes a report on outreach whose purpose is to expand walkable neighbourhoods of elderly People in New-Town that provides various community services; and that the experts of this field analyse the condition of the community, being actively involved in the community to empower both "self-help" and "mutual aid".

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Because Digit Ratio (2D:4D) is a simple and effective index for investigating the gender differences in the field of physiological anthropology, this study was designed to examine the relation between 2D:4D and BMI (Body Mass Index), the latter being regarded as a useful biomarker. The 95 Japanese college students who were being studied medically related subjects were participants of this study. Their age ranges were 21.87±3.32 years old in 75 males and 21.50±5.22 years old in 20 females. The lengths of both the index and ring fingers of the right hand from their striations of the metacarpophalangeal joints to their finger-tips, respectively, were measured by a fibre caliper. The BMI was then calculated with the participant's weights and lengths, and the Digit Ratio was calculated through a formula (=2D/4D). Finally, the calculated Digit Ratios were analyzed statistically to find the correlation between Digit Ratio and BMI in accordance with the age group. On the 2D:4D of the male group, the significant difference was observed (p < 0.01), but not seen in female group. Both groups of male and female did not exhibit any correlation between 2D:4D and BMI, but, a moderately strong negative correlation and a significant difference were observed for the BMI value in group of 20 or less who lost weight (r = -0.5076, two-tailed p = 0.0005406). It is suggested that when performing research on the relationship between Digit Ratio and BMI, the participants have to be subdivided according to BMI values.

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This paper discussed the origin of the anatomical bone term, "Syakkotsu (ulna)". The "Syakkotsu (ulna)" is an anatomical term coined by CHOUTEI KAITAI SHINSHO ( RENEWED NEW TEXT ON ANATOMY ) during Japan's Edo period. Firstly, the source of "Syaku (scale)" as a Chinese character, was inspected, and the means of determining of "scale" and the real distance of one scale were confirmed by the ancient classical documents published during the main Chinese dynasties. Then, the meanings of Body Ruler and Measure Approach, equated to a System of Weight and Measures, were extensively studied. Finally, the anatomical data of the digestive tract, which were listed by the LING SHU ( SPIRITUAL PIVOT ) "Chapter 31 Chang Wei (The Intestine and Stomach)" and which are regarded as the historical records of China's Yin-Zhou dynasties, were summarized.

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Why do people communicate with one another? It is because they wish to interact and share meaning with others and to express abstract thoughts that occur within themselves. In other words, communication, which is essential for living in society as human beings, can be said to result from realization of one's own kansei and thoughts. In the present manuscript, as opposed to classes in which the focus is on specific communication skills, we introduce a number of classes in which the psychological aspect of "realization of one's inner self" was regarded as basic education for expression ability. We also report on a questionnaire survey conducted before and after classes on the communication awareness and skills of students.

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It is a big problem as training school, and it is the measures to survive the inside of the training school which flooded, and, as a result of short term concentration lesson between 1.5 months, results improve by leaps and bounds, and a teacher of alone reports whether you let you touch force letting you pass a graduation examination and a national examination under the present conditions that cannot but accept a student of low scholarship by influence of space education during three years after entrance to school how for this time, a student of low scholarship a point because a subject was able to achieve national examination pass coefficient of 100%.

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