Development of novel statistical reconstruction algorithms for poly-energetic X-ray computed tomography.

A beam-hardening effect is a common problem affecting the quantitative aspects of X-ray computed tomography (CT). We have developed two statistical reconstruction algorithms for poly-energetic X-ray CT that can effectively reduce the beam-hardening effect. Phantom tests were used to evaluate our approach in comparison with traditional correction methods.

A novel blood-cell-two-compartment model for transferring a whole blood time activity curve to plasma in rodents.

The term input function usually refers to the tracer plasma time activity curve (pTAC), which is necessary for quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) studies. The purpose of this study was to acquire the pTAC by independent component analysis (ICA) estimation from the whole blood time activity curve (wTAC) using a novel method, namely the FDG blood-cell-two-compartment model (BCM). This approach was compared to a number of published models, including linear haematocrit (HCT) correction, non-linear HCT correction and two-exponential correction.

Evaluation of the quantitative capability of a home-made cone-beam micro computed tomography system.

Quantitative computed tomography provides the most accurate form of bone mineral density measurement. It is very useful in several applications when used with micro computed tomography (microCT). The objective of this study is to evaluate the quantitative capability of iterative and analytic reconstruction with and without energy-based beam hardening calibration using a home-made microCT.