Search

International audience; While low plasma melatonin, a neuro-hormone synthesized in the pineal gland, has been frequently associated with autism, our understanding of the mechanisms behind it have remained unclear. In this exploratory study, we hypothesized that low melatonin levels in ASD could be linked to a decrease of the pineal gland volume (PGV). PGV estimates with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a voxel-based volumetric measurement method and early morning plasma melatonin levels were evaluated for 215 participants, including 78 individuals with ASD, 90 unaffected relatives, and 47 controls. We first found that both early morning melatonin level and PGV were lower in patients compared to controls. We secondly built a linear model and observed that plasma melatonin was correlated to the group of the participant, but also to the PGV. To further understand the relationship between PGV and melatonin, we generated a normative model of the PGV relationship with melatonin level based on control participant data. We found an effect of PGV on normalized melatonin levels in ASD. Melatonin deficit appeared however more related to the group of the subject. Thus, melatonin variations in ASD could be mainly driven by melatonin pathway dysregulation.

Aim: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the anatomical structure of pulp chamber, measure the volume of the total pulp chambers in mm3 and evaluate the pulp chamber volume changes by age and gender statistically in mandibular and maxillary first molars by means of CBCT. Methodology: In our study, CBCT examinations of patients between the ages of 7-18 years, which were carried out due to different reasons were evaluated retrospectively. The CBCT images of healthy total of 160 lower and upper right permanent first molar teeth were selected randomly and the volumes of the total pulp chamber were measured in mm3 with the 3D Slicer software program. We analyzed the collected data with statistical analysis methods and we evaluated whether there was any difference between the patients grouped according to the age in respect of volume changes in the total pulp chamber and whether there was any difference between the mean volume values and gender of the patients within the same group. Results: Comparison of the volume measurements of the lower and upper first permanent molar teeth between the groups showed that the volume values of the total pulp chamber decreased depending on the age (p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy in volumetric measurements obtained on an experimental model using an intraoral scanner and a gravimetric method. Three identical partial dentate maxillary acrylic models with three fabricated alveolar defects, in anterior and posterior regions, were scanned using an intraoral scanner (20 scans/defects). The defects differed in terms of size and distance of neighbouring teeth. As references, replicas of each defect were created using a dimensional stable silicone impression material. After measuring the mass of each replica, the volume was calculated by dividing the mass of each replica by the density of the impression material. The defects had a volume, according to the gravimetric method, ranging from 40.5 to 143.7 mm3. The scans were imported to metrology software for analyses. Accuracy was determined in terms of trueness and precision. The mean trueness for all defect types was 0.168 mm3 (SD 0.691, range 2.82). There was no statistical significant difference between the mean trueness for all defects measured (p = 0.910). The mean precision for all defect types was 0.147 mm3 (SD 0.524, range 2.86). There were no statistical significant differences between the dental models in regard to mean precision (p = 0.401), however, there were statistical significant differences between defects in position 1 and 2 (p = 0.002) and 1 and 3 (p = 0.001). Based on the findings of this study, the intraoral scanner utilized in the current study presented an acceptable level of accuracy when measuring volume of defects.

Purpose There are increasing demands on professional accountants in practice to generate water accounts for clients using knowledge from other disciplines within and outside their firms. Whilst many professional service firms have a broad range of in-house and consulting expertise, professional groups within and between these organisations may not be generating and sharing the knowledge required for successful water accounting. The purpose of this paper is to explore how additional disciplinary skills for water volumetric measurement, understanding of licensing and allocations can effectively and efficiently be shared between the disciplines required to be involved. Design/methodology/approach Two cross-sectional semi-structured surveys developed using a social network lens were disseminated to Australian accountants operating in professional services firms, and the results were descriptively analysed. Findings The authors find that, whilst accounting and engineering are acknowledged as core disciplines for water accounting, there is a need for more standardised measures and frameworks across diverse scales to fit in with current reporting practices and meet stakeholder needs. These need to be nested in a water accounting regulatory model that includes the accountancy professional bodies as a platform for knowledge generation and sharing. Originality/value The paper provides evidence of perceived barriers to and pathways for interdisciplinary knowledge networks for a new type of accounting. It demonstrates how regulatory frameworks can potentially assist rather than impede accountants in their contribution to solving of complex corporate sustainability problems.

Zinc (Zn) is immersed in different potassium hydroxide concentrations (KOH), aiming to prepare the volumetric measurement of Zn in KOH, which is led by producing hydrogen evolution gas. A 99.9% of Zn purity was used in this study. The Zn characterization includes the hydrogen evolution gas and structural analysis by using is X-ray diffraction (XRD). Based on the XRD evaluation, the Zn determine as ZnO after immersion in KOH.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images in estimating organ sizes and to examine the use of the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR). We included 45 individuals (19 females), who underwent a medico-legal autopsy. Using the computer software program Mimics®, we determined in situ heart and liver volumes derived from linear measurements (width, height and depth) on a whole body PMCT-scan, and compared the volumes with ex vivo volumes derived by CT-scan of the eviscerated heart and liver. The ex vivo volumes were also compared with the organ weights. Further, we compared the CTR with the ex vivo heart volume and a heart weight-ratio (HWR). Intra- and inter-observer analyses were performed. We found no correlation between the in situ and ex vivo volumes of the heart and liver. However, a highly significant correlation was found between the ex vivo volumes and weights of the heart and liver. No correlations between CTR and the ex vivo heart volume nor with HWR was found. Concerning cardiomegaly, we found no agreement between the CTR and HWR. The intra- and inter-observer analyses showed no significant differences. Noninvasive in situ PMCT methods for organ measuring, as performed in this study, are not useful tools in forensic pathology. The best method to estimate organ volume is a CT-scan of the eviscerated organ. PMCT-determined CTR seems to be useless for ascertaining cardiomegaly, as it neither correlated with the ex vivo heart volume nor with the HWR.

This paper suggests a new mathematical method to calculate volumetric machine tool motion errors using rigid body kinematics. Different internal and external heat sources lead to a nonhomogeneous transient temperature distribution within the machine structure. This results in transient tool-center-point deviations during measurement time, directly affecting the measurement uncertainty. Therefore investigations of the volumetric thermo-elastic machine tool behavior are often limited as they imply a stable thermal machine state. In order to still allow a volumetric measurement, an approach is presented which enhances the common evaluation method (using rigid body models) by an interpolation technique.

To compare hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) with filtered back projection (FBP) in the volumetry of artificial pure ground-glass nodules (GGNs) with low-dose computed tomography (CT).Artificial GGNs (10 mm-diameter, 523.6 mm(3), -660 HU) in an anthropomorphic chest phantom were scanned by a 256-row multi-slice CT with three dose levels (10, 30, 100 mAs). Each scan was repeated six times. Each set was reconstructed by FBP and HIR at 0.625-mm thickness. The volumes of artificial GGNs placed at the lung apex and middle lung field of the chest phantom were measured by two observers. Semi-automated measurements were performed by clicking the cursor in the center of GGNs, and manual measurements were performed by tracing GGNs on axial section. Modification of the trace was added on a sagittal or coronal section if necessary. Measurement errors were calculated for both the FBP and HIR at each dose level. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test to identify any significant difference between the measurement errors of the FBP and HIR. Inter-observer, intra-observer, and inter-scan variabilities were evaluated by Bland Altman analysis with limits of agreements given by 95% confidence intervals.There were significant differences in measurement errors only at the lung apex between FBP and HIR with 10 mAs in both the semi-automated (observer 1, -37% vs. 7.2%; observer 2, -39% vs. 1.9%) and manual methods (observer 1, -29% vs. 7.5%; observer 2, -30% vs. 1.1%), respectively (P0.05). HIR provided each variability equal to or less than one half of that of FBP at 10 mAs in both methods. In the semi-automated method, the inter-observer and intra-observer variabilities obtained by HIR at 10 mAs were -11% to 17% and -6.7% to 6.7%, whereas those for FBP at 10 mAs were -29% to 30% and -38% to 20%, respectively. The inter-scan variability for FBP at 100 mAs vs. HIR at 10 mAs was -9.5% to 11%, and that for FBP at 100 mAs vs. FBP at 10 mAs was -73% to 32%. In the manual method, the inter-observer and intra-observer variabilities for HIR at 10 mAs were -14% to 22% and -9.8% to 22%, and those for FBP at 10 mAs were -45% to 36% and -31% to 28%, respectively. The inter-scan variability for FBP at 100 mAs vs. HIR at 10 mAs was -7.4% to 23%, and that for FBP at 100 mAs vs. FBP at 10 mAs was -52% to 26%.HIR is superior to FBP in the volumetry of artificial pure GGNs at lung apex with low-dose CT.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to ascertain whether the 3-dimensional volumetric measurement method could be used for the evaluation of operative treatment results in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: A total of 61 adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were analyzed. Cone-beam computed tomographic images of the paranasal sinuses were examined preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. The results were compared using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and the Lund-Mackay (LM) and Zinreich modified staging systems. Results: The mean change in pneumatized volumes in the maxillary sinuses after operative treatment per patient was 2.0 ± 7.5 cm3 ( P = .146). The median for volumetric change was 0.97 cm3 (range, –11.6 to 33.6 cm3). Both the LM and Zinreich modified LM staging systems showed no change in 32 of 61 patients (53%). The alterations in patients’ maxillary sinuses measured using the volumetric measurement method correlated well with changes in Zinreich’s modified LM staging (−0.77, P < .01). Conclusions: The 3D volumetric method is more sensitive in detecting small alterations in pneumatized volumes of the maxillary sinuses than Zinreich’s modified LM staging and LM staging. The method correlates better with Zinreich’s modified LM staging than with LM staging.

Objective Wound dimensional assessments are important in determining the progress of a wound and the effect of interventions on wound healing. The FastSCAN (FS; Polhemus Inc, Colchester, Vermont) and Silhouette Mobile (SM; ARANZ Medical, Christchurch, New Zealand) are portable devices that quantify surface area, depth, and volume of wounds. This study evaluated their reliability in producing accurate wound measurements. Design and setting This study was conducted at the Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. Patients and intervention Eleven vascular patients with a combined total of 16 wounds underwent simultaneous wound measurements using three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) reconstruction, FS, and SM. Main outcome measure The validity of FS and SM was tested against CT. Additionally, the interoperator reliability and intraoperator reliability of FS and SM were determined. Main results The intraoperator reliability and interoperator reliability for volume recordings of the SM were 0.97 and 0.97, respectively, and for the FS were 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. The FS and SM measurements were not significantly different from CT. The SM consistently produced smaller wound volume and depth measurements compared with CT. In contrast, overestimation was observed for FS when compared with CT. However, the volume measurements in one wound were anomalous, being 10 times larger than CT measurements. Excluding this wound, there were strong correlations in wound volumes for SM and CT (r = 0.81; P ≤ .0001), for FS and CT (r = 0.99; P ≤ .001), and for SM and FS (r = 0.99; P ≤ .0001). Conclusions Measurements from FS and SM were comparable to CT. Therefore, SM and FS devices both offer the benefit of being noncontact portable devices that produce reproducible and reliable readings.

Background Acetabular fracture surgery is directed toward anatomical reduction and stable fixation to allow for the early functional rehabilitation of an injured hip joint. Recent biomechanical investigations have shown the superiority of using an additional screw in the infraacetabular (IA) region, thereby transfixing the separated columns to strengthen the construct by closing the periacetabular fixation frame. However, the inter-individual existence and variance concerning secure IA screw corridors are poorly understood. Methods This computer-aided 3-D radiomorphometric study examined 124 CT Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) datasets of intact human pelves (248 acetabula) to visualize the spatial IA corridors as the sum of all intraosseous screw positions. DICOM files were pre-processed using the Amira® 4.2 visualization software. Final corridor computation was accomplished using a custom-made software algorithm. The volumetric measurement data of each corridor were calculated for further statistical analyses. Correlations between the volumetric values and the biometric data were investigated. Furthermore, the influence of hip dysplasia on the IA corridor configuration was analyzed. Results The IA corridors consistently showed a double-cone shape with the isthmus located at the acetabular fovea. In 97% of male and 91% of female acetabula, a corridor for a 3.5-mm screw could be found. The number of IA corridors was significantly lower in females for screw diameters ≥ 4.5 mm. The mean 3.5-mm screw corridor volume was 16 cm3 in males and 9.2 cm3 in female pelves. Corridor volumes were significantly positively correlated with body height and weight and with the diameter of Köhler’s teardrop on standard AP pelvic X-rays. No correlation was observed between hip dysplasia and the IA corridor extent. Conclusion IA corridors are consistently smaller in females. However, 3.5-mm small fragment screws may still be used as the standard implant because sex-specific differences are significant only with screw diameters ≥ 4.5 mm. Congenital hip dysplasia does not affect secure IA screw insertion. The described method allows 3-D shape analyses with highly reliable results. The visualization of secure IA corridors may support the spatial awareness of surgeons. Volumetric data allow the reliable assessment of individual IA corridors using standard AP X-ray views, which aids preoperative planning.

Reaction kinetic behaviour and cycling stability of the 2LiBH4-MgH2 reactive hydride composite (Li-RHC) are experimentally determined and analysed as a basis for the design and development of hydrogen storage tanks. In addition to the determination and discussion about the properties; different measurement methods are applied and compared. The activation energies for both hydrogenation and dehydrogenation are determined by the Kissinger method and via the fitting of solid-state reaction kinetic models to isothermal volumetric measurements. Furthermore, the hydrogen absorption-desorption cycling stability is assessed by titration measurements. Finally, the kinetic behaviour and the reversible hydrogen storage capacity of the Li-RHC are discussed. Fil: Jepsen, Julian. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung; Alemania Fil: Milanese, Chiara. Università degli Studi di Pavia; Italia Fil: Puszkiel, Julián Atilio. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung; Alemania. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentina Fil: Girella, Alessandro. Università degli Studi di Pavia; Italia Fil: Schiavo, Benedetto. Università degli Studi di Palermo; Italia Fil: Lozano, Gustavo A.. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung; Alemania Fil: Capurso, Giovanni. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung; Alemania Fil: Von Colbe, José M. Bellosta. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung; Alemania Fil: Marini, Amedeo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Kabelac, Stephan. Leibniz Universität Hannover; Alemania Fil: Dornheim, Martin. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung; Alemania Fil: Klassen, Thomas. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung; Alemania

Background:. The utility and efficacy of 3-dimensional representation have been proven in bony reconstruction; however, its role in soft-tissue reconstruction remains limited. There is currently no reliable gold standard to objectively measure flap volume. This systematic review aims to summarize the available techniques used to objectively measure flap volume in reconstructive surgery. Methods:. A systematic literature search was performed to identify all relevant articles describing objective techniques to quantify flap volume. The search included published articles in 3 electronic databases—Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed. Results:. A total of 16 studies were included. Flap volume was calculated using the following techniques: magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, 3-dimensional imaging and modeling, material templates, ultrasound, and weighing scales. Techniques and results of the included studies are summarized. Conclusions:. This systematic review provides a summary of various published techniques for objective pre- or intraoperative quantification of flap volume in reconstructive surgery. The preliminary results from this review are promising, and we believe that 3-dimensional representation and objective quantification is the future of reconstructive flap surgery. More studies are needed to study the clinical relevancy and impact of the various imaging modalities reviewed and to develop automated volumetric measurement technology with improved accuracy, efficacy, and reproducibility.

BACKGROUND: Current methods for tracking the progress of people with obesity towards a weight loss goal appear simple and potentially misleading. A technique to quantify change in body shape whilst visualising areas of the body where weight loss occurs would be advantageous, and has the potential to be used as a motivational tool. Three-dimensional (3D) surface-imaging would serve as a good basis for such a technique, however current systems are prohibitively expensive.\ud OBJECTIVE: Highlight the use of a cheaper alternative 3D surface-imaging system for volumetric measurement in people with obesity.\ud METHODS: A recently developed low-cost 3D surface-imaging system was used, having previously being validated in a healthy population. A total of 61 people with obesity, enrolled on a weight-loss programme, were surface-imaged using the system.\ud RESULTS: The findings suggest the low-cost system can obtain 3D surface-images of an obese human body, from which numerical parameters could be calculated and further analysis conducted. \ud CONCLUSIONS: Further studies will focus on the validity and reliability of such analyses and the potential of the system to be considered as a long-term instalment in primary healthcare settings as a weight loss aid.

The set of criteria called Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) is used to evaluate the remedial effects of lung cancer, whereby the size of a lesion can be measured in one dimension (diameter). Volumetric evaluation is desirable for estimating the size of a lesion accurately, but there are several constraints and limitations to calculating the volume in clinical trials. In this study, we developed a method to detect lesions automatically, with minimal intervention by the user, and calculate their volume. Our proposed method, called a spherical region-growing method (SPRG), uses segmentation that starts from a seed point set by the user. SPRG is a modification of an existing region-growing method that is based on a sphere instead of pixels. The SPRG method detects lesions while preventing leakage to neighboring tissues, because the sphere is grown, i.e., neighboring voxels are added, only when all the voxels meet the required conditions. In this study, two radiologists segmented lung tumors using a manual method and the proposed method, and the results of both methods were compared. The proposed method showed a high sensitivity of 81.68–84.81% and a high dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.86–0.88 compared with the manual method. In addition, the SPRG intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.998 (CI 0.997–0.999, p

An improvised Zirconia-Dolerite ball plate artefact is manufactured, which computes different geometric errors of CMM in three different plane positions (XY, YZ and ZX). Uncertainty measurement of this artefact will affect calibration of CMM. CMM undergoing periodic interim checks by ball plate measurement needs to compute uncertainty analysis over a calibration period. This requires repetitive measurements of artefact, involving great measurement cost. An attempt has been made in this research work to devise Monte Carlo framework (MCF) for analyzing the uncertainty of ball plate measurement. The presented MCF requires less repetitive measurement at actual. This work also made possible to find preferable zones of measuring areas of CMM including volumetric measurement, explaining novelty of the research work. In the present test specific CMM, demonstrated MCF recommends seldom use of lower left corner of CMM.

In this paper, we present a MOSFET-based (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) microfluidic gate to characterize the translocation of red blood cells (RBCs) through a gate. In the microfluidic system, the bias voltage modulated by the particles or biological cells is connected to the gate of MOSFET. The particles or cells can be detected by monitoring the MOSFET drain current instead of DC/AC-gating method across the electronic gate. Polystyrene particles with various standard sizes are utilized to calibrate the proposed device. Furthermore, RBCs from both adults and newborn blood sample are used to characterize the performance of the device in distinguishing the two types of RBCs. As compared to conventional DC/AC current modulation method, the proposed device demonstrates a higher sensitivity and is capable of being a promising platform for bioassay analysis.

Although the clinical importance of large colorectal polyps and the benign nature of diminutive polyps are generally accepted, elucidating the clinical significance of small polyps (6-9 mm) could have an enormous impact on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Serial volumetric measurement via CTC may be a valuable method for assessing changes in polyp size. With the recognition of alternative CRC pathways, a more precise understanding of the natural history of small colorectal polyps is needed and data such as those reported by Nolthenius contribute to that knowledge.

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of liver tumor volumetry by manual contouring on computed tomography (CT) compared to pathological tumor volume determined from surgical specimen that served as a reference method.Thirty-eight patients with planned liver surgery and a total of 41 liver tumors were included. There were 24 men and 14 women (mean age: 57 years; range: 32-85 years). Two readers calculated tumor volume by manual contouring on axial CT images. The reference tumor volume was calculated by manual contouring with dedicated software applied to the liver specimen slice. CT and pathology volumes were compared and the percentage of error (PE%) was calculated. Intraobserver and interobserver variabilities were calculated using Bland and Altman plots, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).A strong correlation was found between CT tumor volumes and pathology tumor volumes (r=0.994; P0.001 for both readers). The mean (±SD) and median (range) PE% were 19%±12% and 16% (1%, +42%) and 19%±15% and 17% (0%, +55%) for readers 1 and 2, respectively. Readers 1 and 2 significantly overestimated tumor volume (i.e., PE%40%) in 3 (7%) and 2 (5%) tumors on CT, respectively. Tumor volume was not significantly underestimated in any of the patients (i.e. PE%33%). Tumor size, CT attenuation, time between imaging and surgery, contours and margin definition did not influence the results of PE% values (all P values0.05 for both readers). The bias and limits of agreement between the two readers were +4.6% and (-24%, +33%) with an ICC of 0.997.There was a strong correlation between tumor volume measured on CT and that assessed with surgical specimen. Tumor size, visibility of contours and tumor margins and the time between CT and surgery did not influence the results.

The purpose of this study was to compare visual assessments of mammographic breast density by radiologists using BI-RADS 4th and 5th editions in correlation with automated volumetric breast density measurements.A total of 337 consecutive full-field digital mammographic examinations with standard views were retrospectively assessed by two radiologists for mammographic breast density according to BI-RADS 4th and 5th editions. Fully automated measurement of the volume of fibroglandular tissue and total breast and percentage breast density was performed with a commercially available software program. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was assessed with kappa statistics. The distributions of breast density categories for both editions of BI-RADS were compared and correlated with volumetric data.Interobserver agreement on breast density category was moderate to substantial (κ = 0.58-0.63) with use of BI-RADS 4th edition and substantial (κ = 0.63-0.66) with use of the 5th edition but without significant difference between the two editions. For intraobserver agreement between the two editions, the distributions of density category were significantly different (p0.0001), the proportions of dense breast increased, and the proportion of fatty breast decreased with use of the 5th edition compared with the 4th edition (p0.0001). All volumetric breast density data, including percentage breast density, were significantly different among density categories (p0.0001) and had significant correlation with visual assessment for both editions of BI-RADS (p0.01).Assessment using BI-RADS 5th edition revealed a higher proportion of dense breast than assessment using BI-RADS 4th edition. Nevertheless, automated volumetric density assessment had good correlation with visual assessment for both editions of BI-RADS.

Although radiologists easily recognize lung nodules in CT volume data, and then judge their benign or malignant based on the type of lung nodules, some lung nodules also are difficult to be detected because of their size or shape and so on such as ground-glass opacity nodules (GGO). Some features of GGO nodules are necessary because they can help radiologists to recognize benign or malignant of GGO nodules such as to find the boundaries in order to obtain the volume of GGO nodules. However, different radiologists can give different boundaries of GGO nodules depended on radiologists’ personal habits. It was difficult to obtain the boundaries of GGO nodules which were satisfied with all radiologists. This study is to develop an interface to obtain the boundaries of GGO nodules by using expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm (US Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States cancer statistics: 19992012. Incidence and mortality Web-based report. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Cancer Institute, 2015, [1]) and the histogram method as radiologists’ personal habits because the parameters of the EM algorithm and the threshold values of the histogram method can be adjusted. Experimental results showed the proposed interface can obtain the boundaries of GGO nodules as radiologists’ personal habits. This study can reduce the burden of radiologists effectively.

International audience; Whereas well-log data are dense recordings, i.e. low sampling rate, there is a high depth uncertainty. The depth uncertainty originates from the volumetric nature of well-logging that each record belongs to a volume of investigation, around the logging tool. The developed algorithm in this work consists of two parts: (i) uncertainty assessment using Dempster-Shafer Theory (DST). The lower (upper) uncertainty boundary of each well-log is calculated by belief (plausibility) function. (ii) Four simulators are designed for scanning the uncertainty range in order to enhance the vertical resolution of well-logs (~60 cm) by generating simulated-logs (vertical resolution of ~15 cm). Shoulder-bed effect is reduced simultaneously with resolution improvement, resulting in more accurate thin-bed characterization. In order to validate functionality of the simulators, two error criteria are considered: ideal- and constraint-based errors. Ideal-based error is applicable in synthetic-logs where the rock specifications are completely known through ideal-logs. However, constraint-based error does not need ideal-log. It measures the error due to the volumetric nature of the well-logs, hence applicable in the real cases. The high correlation (R2=0.89) between both the errors indicates that the second criterion is precise for validation. Step-by-step procedure of the algorithm is shown in detail on synthetic and real data (a cored interval). Finally, DST-based algorithm is not only automated but also more accurate than geometry-based thin-bed characterization method. The error bars of characterizing gamma, density and neutron porosity of thin-beds are lower in DST-based algorithm by 100%, 71% and 66%, respectively.

In this paper, we use a glass microsphere incorporated into a digital holographic microscope to increase the effective resolution of the system, aiming at precise cell identification. A Mirau interferometric objective is employed in the experiments, which can be used for a common-path digital holographic microscopy (DHMicroscopy) arrangement. High-magnification Mirau objectives are expensive and suffer from low working distances, yet the commonly used low-magnification Mirau objectives do not have high lateral resolutions. We show that by placing a glass microsphere within the working distance of a low-magnification Mirau objective, its effective numerical aperture can be increased, leading to super-resolved three-dimensional images. The improvement in the lateral resolution depends on the size and vertical position of microsphere, and by varying these parameters, the lateral resolution and magnification may be adjusted. We used the information from the super-resolution DHMicroscopy to identify thalassemia minor red blood cells (tRBCs). Identification is done by comparing the volumetric measurements with those of healthy RBCs. Our results show that microsphere-assisted super-resolved Mirau DHMicroscopy, being common path and off-axis in nature, has the potential to serve as a benchtop device for cell identification and biomedical measurements.

Objective This study aims to determine the clinical utility of visual ratings and volumetric measurements of medial temporal atrophy among subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neurorimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. Methods A sample of 189 subjects from the ADNI, Phase 1 (ADNI-1), was chosen as follows: 49 cognitively normal (CN), 89 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 50 with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Structural MRI images were downloaded from the ADNI website, and a visual rating system (VRS) was used to obtain semi-quantitative ratings of the hippocampus (HPC) and entorhinal cortex (ERC). VRS ratings and FreeSurfer measures of the HPC and ERC were used to predict (i) baseline diagnosis and (ii) progression to AD among subjects with MCI at baseline. Results VRS and FreeSurfer measures of ERC were equivalent in classifying subjects at baseline, but FreeSurfer measures of HPC were superior to VRS measures for classifying CN versus MCI subjects. VRS and FreeSurfer measures of both HPC and ERC were significant predictors of progression from MCI to AD. However, VRS ratings of ERC were superior to other MRI measures. MCI subjects with minimal ERC atrophy by VRS had a threefold lower progression rate to AD at 3.2 years compared with those with mild, moderate, or severe atrophy (23% vs 63%, 69%, and 87%, respectively). Conclusions Visual ratings of HPC and ERC provide useful information to a physician in a clinical setting. Visual ratings of ERC may be especially useful in following patients with MCI. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cancer, like any disease, is a pathologic biological process. Drugs are designed to interfere with the pathologic process and should therefore also be validated using a functional screening method directed at these processes. Screening for cancers at an appropriate time and also evaluating results is also very important. Volumetric measurement helps in better screening and evaluation of tumors. Volumetry is a process of quantification of the tumors by identification (pre-cancerous or target lesion) and measurement. Volumetric image analysis allows an accurate, precise, sensitive, and medically valuable assessment of tumor response. It also helps in identifying possible outcomes such disease progression (PD) or complete response as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).

Breast surgery currently remains very subjective and each intervention depends on the ability and experience of the operator. To date, no objective measurement of this anatomical region can codify surgery. In this light, we wanted to compare and validate a new technique for 3D scanning (LifeViz 3D) and its clinical application. We tested the use of the 3D LifeViz system (Quantificare) to perform volumetric calculations in various settings (in situ in cadaveric dissection, of control prostheses, and in clinical patients) and we compared this system to other techniques (CT scanning and Archimedes’ principle) under the same conditions. We were able to identify the benefits (feasibility, safety, portability, and low patient stress) and limitations (underestimation of the in situ volume, subjectivity of contouring, and patient selection) of the LifeViz 3D system, concluding that the results are comparable with other measurement techniques. The prospects of this technology seem promising in numerous applications in clinical practice to limit the subjectivity of breast surgery.

Volumetric measurement of polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) is useful for surgical planning. It is not only a significant factor in the preoperative evaluation of breast augmentation, but may also directly affect the postoperative shape of the breast. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to provide precise calculations of injected PAHG volumes. MRI scans of ten randomly selected patients were imported to Mimics software. The volumes of PAHG were obtained following the reconstruction of the injected PAHG. In order to assess the precision and observer independency of the technique, the volumes of PAHG were estimated by three plastic surgeons using this method. No significant differences were identified among the PAHG injection volumes calculated by the three observers (P=0.173). The intra-observer correlation coefficient was 0.964, which indicates the precision and feasibility of this method for calculating the volume of PAHG. The use of MRI in combination with Mimics software to calculate PAHG volumes is likely to be of significant clinical benefit in preoperative surgical planning.

Foram avaliados, por meio da tomografia computadorizada, 19 cães com mastocitomas tratados com quimioterapia. Aspectos como contorno, atenuação, realce pós-contraste e presença de clivagem com estruturas adjacentes foram avaliados. Aplicaram-se os critérios RECIST e a mensuração volumétrica das lesões para se avaliar a resposta ao tratamento. Quanto à atenuação, os mastocitomas se mostraram como lesões homogêneas ou heterogêneas, com tendência a limites definidos e contornos regulares e apresentaram realce moderado após administração do contraste iodado intravenoso. Os métodos RECIST e a mensuração volumétrica apresentaram uma excelente concordância na classificação da resposta terapêutica, fornecendo um bom parâmetro da resposta ao tratamento instituído. O exame de tomografia computadorizada se mostrou útil na delimitação do tumor e importante ferramenta no planejamento das margens cirúrgicas. Nineteen dogs with mast cell tumors treated with chemotherapy were evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Were evaluated aspects related to contours, attenuation, post-contrast enhancement and presence of cleavage with adjacent structures. The RECIST criteria and volumetric measurement of lesions were performed to assess the response to treatment. The mast cell tumors presented a homogeneous or heterogeneous attenuation, presented more frequently a well delineated and regular contours and moderate enhancement after intravenous administration of the iodinated contrast media. The methods RECIST and volumetric measurements showed an excellent agreement to the classification of therapeutic response, providing a good parameter of the response to treatment. The CT examination proved to be useful in the delimitation of the tumor and an important tool for planning of surgical margins.

To compare different three-dimensional volumetric algorithms (3D-algorithms) and RECIST for size measurement and response assessment in liver metastases from colorectal and pancreatic cancer.The volumes of a total of 102 liver metastases in 45 patients (pancreatic cancer, n=22; colon cancer, n=23) were estimated using three volumetric methods (seeded region growing method, slice-based segmentation, threshold-based segmentation) and the RECIST 1.1 method with volume calculation based on the largest axial diameter. Each measurement was performed three times by one observer. All four methods were applied to follow-up on 55 liver metastases in 29 patients undergoing systemic treatment (median follow-up, 3.5 months; range, 1-10 months). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests was performed to analyze intraobserver variability and intermethod differences.ANOVA showed significant higher volumes calculated according to the RECIST guideline compared to the other measurement methods (p0.001) with relative differences ranging from 0.4% to 41.1%. Intraobserver variability was significantly higher (p0.001) for RECIST and threshold based segmentation (3.6-32.8%) compared with slice segmentation (0.4-13.7%) and seeded region growing method (0.6-10.8%). In the follow-up study, the 3D-algorithms and the assessment following RECIST 1.1 showed a discordant classification of treatment response in 10-21% of the patients.This study supports the use of volumetric measurement methods due to significant higher intraobserver reproducibility compared to RECIST. Substantial discrepancies in tumor response classification between RECIST and volumetric methods depending on applied thresholds confirm the requirement of a consensus concerning volumetric criteria for response assessment.