Head, Examined: Clarence Darrow's X-Ray Vision of Criminal Responsibility

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 627-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. Weiss

Shortly after Roentgen's discovery of X-rays and their application to human imaging, the legal profession began to use the technology in litigation. Though the use of brain imaging did not find its way into formal arguments about criminal responsibility early in its evolution, such an analysis has been sought. 19th Century attempts to connect “pathological anatomy” to behavior were mostly disappointing. In 1924, the celebrated murder trial of Leopold and Loeb in Chicago became an early example of the use of scientific testimony that included radiographic exhibits. The penalty-phase decision to spare the defendants' lives was not based on scientific arguments. Sixty years later, the trial of John Hinckley included admission of CT scans to aid psychiatric testimony. Using excerpts from the expert reports and testimony, this article examines the nature and purpose of scientific evidence pertaining to blameworthiness. The author concludes that improvements in neuroimaging will continue to force a dialog between science and the law.

Author(s):  
Dipayan Das ◽  
KC Santosh ◽  
Umapada Pal

Abstract Since December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused world-wide turmoil in less than a couple of months, and the infection, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is spreading at an unprecedented rate. AI-driven tools are used to identify Coronavirus outbreaks as well as forecast their nature of spread, where imaging techniques are widely used, such as CT scans and chest X-rays (CXRs). In this paper, motivated by the fact that X-ray imaging systems are more prevalent and cheaper than CT scan systems, a deep learning-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, which we call Truncated Inception Net, is proposed to screen COVID-19 positive CXRs from other non-COVID and/or healthy cases. To validate our proposal, six different types of datasets were employed by taking the following CXRs: COVID-19 positive, Pneumonia positive, Tuberculosis positive, and healthy cases into account. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 99.96% (AUC of 1.0) in classifying COVID- 19 positive cases from combined Pneumonia and healthy cases. Similarly, it achieved an accuracy of 99.92% (AUC of 0.99) in classifying COVID-19 positive cases from combined Pneumonia, Tuberculosis and healthy CXRs. To the best of our knowledge, as of now, the achieved results outperform the existing AI-driven tools for screening COVID-19 using CXRs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0015
Author(s):  
Daniel Bohl ◽  
Blaine Manning ◽  
George Holmes ◽  
Simon Lee ◽  
Johnny Lin ◽  
...  

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Foot and ankle surgeons routinely prescribe diagnostic imaging that exposes patients to potentially harmful ionizing radiation. The purpose of this study is to characterize patients’ knowledge regarding radiation exposure associated with common forms of foot and ankle imaging. Methods: A survey was administered to all new patients prior to their first foot and ankle clinic appointments. Patients were asked to compare the amount of harmful radiation associated with chest x-rays to that associated with various types of foot and ankle imaging. Results were tabulated and compared to actual values of radiation exposure from the published literature. Results: A total of 890 patients were invited to participate, of whom 791 (88.9%) completed the survey. The majority of patients believed that a foot x-ray, an ankle x-ray, a “low dose” CT scan of the foot and ankle (alluding to cone-beam CT), and a traditional CT scan of the foot and ankle all contain similar amounts of harmful ionizing radiation to a chest x-ray (Table 1). This is in contrast to the published literature, which suggests that foot x-rays, ankle x-rays, cone beam CT scans of the foot and ankle, and traditional CT scans of the foot and ankle expose patients to 0.006, 0.006, 0.127, and 0.833 chest x-rays worth of radiation. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that patients greatly over-estimate the amount of harmful ionizing radiation associated with plain film and cone-beam CT scans of the foot and ankle. Interestingly, their estimates of radiation associated with traditional CT scans of the foot and ankle were relatively accurate. Results suggest that patients may benefit from increased counseling by surgeons regarding the relatively low risk of radiation exposure associated with plain film and cone-beam CT imaging of the foot and ankle.


Heritage ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 568-586
Author(s):  
Madalena S. Kozachuk ◽  
Tsun-Kong Sham ◽  
Ronald R. Martin ◽  
Andrew J. Nelson ◽  
Ian Coulthard ◽  
...  

The first commercially viable photographic image, the daguerreotype, captured imagesfor a span of approximately 20 years (1839–1860). Deterioration now disfigures many of thesevaluable images. One proposed restoration method is an electrochemical process. However, itssafety and effectiveness are still under debate within the conservation community as the effects ofthis treatment, and its physical and chemical impact on the daguerreotype image, have not yet beenanalyzed in depth. This study used synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence to map theelemental distribution pre- and post-electrocleaning on 19th century daguerreotypes using both softand hard incident X-rays. X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to probe local chemistry beforeand after cleaning. Two different electro-treatment methods were compared: the original methodproposed by Barger and a second put forward by Wei. When used correctly, both processessignificantly reduced the S and Cl surface contamination without dulling the surface. However,both electrochemical methods used in this study resulted in a loss of Hg and Au from the surface.In all cases, the Hg distribution tracks with image particle density allowing the retrieval of fullportraits from entirely corroded daguerreotypes, suggesting that Hg concentration may be a usefulproxy for the original image.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsa Khalid ◽  
Muzammil Hussain ◽  
Mohammed A. Al Ghamdi ◽  
Tayyaba Khalid ◽  
Khadija Khalid ◽  
...  

The purpose of this research was to provide a “systematic literature review” of knee bone reports that are obtained by MRI, CT scans, and X-rays by using deep learning and machine learning techniques by comparing different approaches—to perform a comprehensive study on the deep learning and machine learning methodologies to diagnose knee bone diseases by detecting symptoms from X-ray, CT scan, and MRI images. This study will help those researchers who want to conduct research in the knee bone field. A comparative systematic literature review was conducted for the accomplishment of our work. A total of 32 papers were reviewed in this research. Six papers consist of X-rays of knee bone with deep learning methodologies, five papers cover the MRI of knee bone using deep learning approaches, and another five papers cover CT scans of knee bone with deep learning techniques. Another 16 papers cover the machine learning techniques for evaluating CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs of knee bone. This research compares the deep learning methodologies for CT scan, MRI, and X-ray reports on knee bone, comparing the accuracy of each technique, which can be used for future development. In the future, this research will be enhanced by comparing X-ray, CT-scan, and MRI reports of knee bone with information retrieval and big data techniques. The results show that deep learning techniques are best for X-ray, MRI, and CT scan images of the knee bone to diagnose diseases.


Author(s):  
Max Prost ◽  
Joachim Windolf ◽  
Markus Rafael Konieczny

Abstract Purpose There is no data that show if it is possible to determine if a curve is structural or non-structural or to assess flexibility of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by recumbent images like a CT scan (CTS) instead of bending radiographs (BR). We investigated if the results of BR may be compared to those of CTS. Methods We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of patients with AIS in whom a selective spinal fusion was performed and in whom a CTS, BR, and full spine x-rays were made preoperatively. We measured the Cobb angles of the main and the minor curve in full spine x-ray, BR, and CTS. Results After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 patients were included. We found a strong correlation (r = 0.806, p < 0.01) between the Cobb angle of the main curve in BR and the Cobb angle of the main curve in the CTS and between the Cobb angle of the minor curve in BR and the Cobb angle of the minor curve in the CTS (r = 0.601, p < 0.01). All patients with a minor curve of less than 25 degrees in the BR had a Cobb angle of less than 35 degrees in the CTS. Conclusion Spinal curves showed a significant correlation between bending radiographs and recumbent images (CTS). In our group of patients, a Cobb angle of the minor curve of less than 35 degrees in the CTS indicated that this minor curve was non-structural.


Author(s):  
Suzanne Amador Kane ◽  
Boris A. Gelman
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scans ◽  
X Rays ◽  

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (04) ◽  
pp. 384-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Jason X. Nie ◽  
C. Shawn Tracy ◽  
Rahim Moineddin ◽  
Ross E. G. Upshur

Objectives:Due to the aging baby boom population, utilization rates of diagnostic imaging (i.e., X-ray, CT, and MRI scanning) have risen rapidly relative to other health services. The aim of this study is to investigate the utilization patterns of outpatient diagnostic imaging services (X-ray, CT, and MRI) across the late life course (65 years and older).Methods:A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted for the period April 1, 2005, to March 31, 2006. All Ontario residents aged 65+ and eligible for government health insurance were included in the analysis.Results:Utilization of diagnostic imaging followed an inverted U-pattern: increasing with advancing age, peaking in the 80–84 age group for CT scans and in the 70–74 age group for MRI and X-rays, and then declining in the later years. Overall, females received significantly more X-rays than males (p&lt; .01), but males received significantly more CT and MRI scans (p&lt; .01). A small proportion of high-users of radiology services accounted for a large proportion of overall utilization. Finally, our analysis revealed that a disproportionately large proportion of high-users of MRI services were in the highest SES quintile. No SES differences were observed for X-ray or CT scans.Conclusions:Population aging will lead to increased demand for healthcare services. Utilization of outpatient diagnostic imaging services is associated with age, gender, and SES. Given the increasing demand and the limited resources available, there may be a need for programs to target underserved populations to reduce remediable inequities. Whereas patient-level decisions regarding the use of diagnostic imaging are rightfully determined on the basis of clinical factors, allocation decisions should also be informed by the ethical principles of equity and fairness.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A Osorio ◽  
Griffin R Baum ◽  
Simon Morr ◽  
Richard P Menger ◽  
Patrick Reid ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION Moderate/severe cervical spondylosis, and the presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) are contraindications to anterior cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDA). Although computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for identifying these conditions, some surgeons proceed with ACDA surgery with only an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and plain radiographs. We sought to determine if an X-ray and MRI alone were adequate for assessing bridging osteophytes and OPLL, when considering ACDA candidates. METHODS A total of 121 cervical levels in 86 consecutive anterior cervical surgery candidates were included. None had prior cervical surgery, all were being considered for ADCA prior to obtaining a CT scan, and all were being considered for 1 to 2 levels of pathology. A total of 10 spine surgeons rated X-rays and MRIs to determine if the patients were suitable candidates for ACDA. Analysis was performed using Fleiss’ Kappa and sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS A total of 86 patients were included, CT scans changed the initial planned arthroplasty (ACDA) to fusion (ACDF) in 17% of cases (15 of 86) because of contraindications that included significant bridging osteophytes and/or OPLL. A total of 10 surgeons rated scans from 86 patients over 2 separate sessions using X-ray and MRIs. Intrarater reliability (k = 0.44), and inter-rater reliability (k = 0.24) demonstrated weak predictability in identifying which patients would be found on CT to have significant bridging osteophytes and/or OPLL. Raters were found to have diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 69.59% and 52.51% respectively. An ACDA candidate was rated by a majority of surgeon raters for ACDA, although the CT scan found OPLL vs retrovertebral osteophyte, making this a contraindication to ACDA. CONCLUSION CT scans changed operative management in 17% of ACDA-planned cases. Spine surgeon assessments of X-ray and MRIs alone for ACDA were highly unreliable with significantly weak intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, further emphasizing the need for obtaining CT scans on all ACDA candidates.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 35-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack N. Williams ◽  
Joseph J. Bevitt ◽  
Virginia G. Toy

Abstract. It is now commonplace for non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans to be taken of core recovered during a drilling project. However, other forms of tomographic scanning are available, and these may be particularly useful for core that does not possess significant contrasts in density and/or atomic number to which X-rays are sensitive. Here, we compare CT and neutron tomography (NT) scans of 85 mm diameter core recovered during the first phase of the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP-1) through New Zealand's Alpine Fault. For the instruments used in this study, the highest resolution images were collected in the NT scans. This allows clearer imaging of some rock features than in the CT scans. However, we observe that the highly neutron beam attenuating properties of DFDP-1 core diminish the quality of images towards the interior of the core. A comparison is also made of the suitability of these two scanning techniques for a drilling project. We conclude that CT scanning is far more favourable in most circumstances. Nevertheless, it could still be beneficial to take NT scans over limited intervals of suitable core, where varying contrast is desired.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly I. M. van den Ende ◽  
Renée Keijsers ◽  
Michel P. J. van den Bekerom ◽  
Denise Eygendaal

Background Diagnosing capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can be difficult, causing delay in treating young athletes. The main aim of this retrospective diagnostic study was to determine which radiological technique is preferred to identify and classify elbow OCD. Methods We identified young patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy because of symptomatic OCD. We included all patients who had pre-operative radiographs, a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) available. We assessed whether the osteochondral lesion could be identified using the various imaging modalities. All lesions were classified according to previous classifications for X-ray, CT and MRI, respectively. These results were compared with findings at arthroscopy. Results Twenty-five patients had pre-operative radiographs as well as CT scans and MRI. In six patients, the lesion was not visible on standard X-ray. In 20 patients, one or two loose bodies were found during surgery, consistent with an unstable lesion. Pre-operatively, this was seen on 11 X-rays, 13 MRIs and 18 CT scans. Conclusions Capitellar OCD lesions are not always visible on standard X-rays. A CT appears to be the preferred imaging technique to confirm diagnosis of OCD. Loose bodies are often missed, especially on standard X-rays and MRIs.


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