Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving, by a computer, a data access request; sending, by the computer, a recall request to a remote storage location for data which corresponds to the data access request; and receiving, by the computer, a copy of an existing object which includes blocks. The data which corresponds to the data access request is stored in at least one of the blocks. The data access request is satisfied, by the computer, by providing the copy of the existing object. Moreover, a sparse object, which only includes ones of the blocks which contain data that has been modified, is received by the computer. The sparse object is sent, by the computer, to the remote storage location; and one or more instructions to use the blocks included in the sparse object to update the existing object are also sent by the computer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving, by a computer, a data access request; sending, by the computer, a recall request to a remote storage location for data which corresponds to the data access request; and receiving, by the computer, a copy of an existing object which includes blocks. The data which corresponds to the data access request is stored in at least one of the blocks. The data access request is satisfied, by the computer, by providing the copy of the existing object. Moreover, a sparse object, which only includes ones of the blocks which contain data that has been modified, is received by the computer. The sparse object is sent, by the computer, to the remote storage location; and one or more instructions to use the blocks included in the sparse object to update the existing object are also sent by the computer.

Abstract: A mobile x-ray imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield is disclosed. The mobile x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column structure extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the column structure, and an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm, with the x-ray source configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image. The mobile x-ray imaging unit also includes an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source that is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.

Abstract: A mobile x-ray imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield is disclosed. The mobile x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column structure extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the column structure, and an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm, with the x-ray source configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image. The mobile x-ray imaging unit also includes an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source that is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.