Mesh-to-raster based non-rigid registration of multi-modal images

Region of interest (ROI) alignment in medical images plays a crucial role in diagnostics, procedure planning, treatment, and follow-up. Frequently, a model is represented as triangulated mesh while the patient data is provided from CAT scanners as pixel or voxel data. Previously, we presented a 2D method for curve-to-pixel registration. This paper contributes (i) a general mesh-to-raster (M2R) framework to register ROIs in multi-modal images; (ii) a 3D surface-to-voxel application, and (iii) a comprehensive quantitative evaluation in 2D using ground truth provided by the simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE) method. The registration is formulated as a minimization problem where the objective consists of a data term, which involves the signed distance function of the ROI from the reference image, and a higher order elastic regularizer for the deformation. The evaluation is based on quantitative light-induced fluoroscopy (QLF) and digital photography (DP) of decalcified teeth. STAPLE is computed on 150 image pairs from 32 subjects, each showing one corresponding tooth in both modalities. The ROI in each image is manually marked by three experts (900 curves in total). In the QLF-DP setting, our approach significantly outperforms the mutual information-based registration algorithm implemented with the Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit (ITK) and Elastix

An evaluation of computer-based radiographic methods in estimating dental caries and periodontal diseases

Reductions in dental diseases have resulted in a need for more accurate diagnostic and monitoring methods. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify the best diagnostic technique, 2) investigate the main factors which limit its validity and reliabilty and 3) devise methods to improve its reliability and 4) investigate ways of automating its use for general dental practice. From the literature review radiography was identified as the best current method with regard to validity, reliability, production of stable objective data and ease of use. However, irradiation geometry variations between serial films and subjective measurement errors were its principle limitations. Although an accurate semi-automatic caries measuring system exists, it is unsuitable for general practice due to lengthy operator interaction. A series of computer-based experiments were devised to evaluate further the digital subtraction radiography technique (DSR); develop a new method using stored regions of interest (ROI) to reduce subjective measurement errors; investigate the feasibility of completely automatic image analysis. In addition, an in vitro caries experiment was designed to demonstrate the effects of irradiation geometry variation on lesion size and caries scores. The results demonstrated that small variations in irradiation geometry can change radiographic scores. Misalignment of subsequent films beneath a video camera can cause significant errors in the DSR technique. The stored ROI method reduced cement-enamel junction to alveolar crest measurement errors to standard deviation 0.15mm. A fully automatic method for recognising teeth and bone crests was demonstrated. It was concluded that 1) radiography is currently the technique of choice, 2) a new significant methodological error for DSR has been demonstrated, 3) the subjective ROI method produced lower intra- and inter-examiner measurement errors compared to similar methods, 4) routine use of automatic methods may be feasible and should be investigated further and 5) standardised irradiation geometry is essential

New Trends in 3D Printing

A quarter century period of the 3D printing technology development affords ground for speaking about new realities or the formation of a new technological system of digital manufacture and partnership. The up-to-date 3D printing is at the top of its own overrated expectations. So the development of scalable, high-speed methods of the material 3D printing aimed to increase the productivity and operating volume of the 3D printing machines requires new original decisions. It is necessary to study the 3D printing applicability for manufacturing of the materials with multilevel hierarchical functionality on nano-, micro- and meso-scales that can find applications for medical, aerospace and/or automotive industries. Some of the above-mentioned problems and new trends are considered in this book

Issues in Contemporary Orthodontics

Issues in Contemporary Orthodontics is a contribution to the ongoing debate in orthodontics, a discipline of continuous evolution, drawing from new technology and collective experience, to better meet the needs of students, residents, and practitioners of orthodontics. The book provides a comprehensive view of the major issues in orthodontics that have featured in recent debates. Abroad variety of topics is covered, including the impact of malocclusion, risk management and treatment, and innovation in orthodontics

Management of bone defects with Bio-oss

Introduction: The defects in the alveolar bone might appear as a result of congenital malformations, traumatic injuries, periodontal disease, surgical traumas, chronic periapical changes and tumors from benign or malignant origin. The aim of this study was to provide solid and healthy area with application of Bio-Oss in the defect. Materials and methods: Based on the clinical diagnosisestablished by previously taken history, clinical examination and radiographic images oral-surgery interventions was made. To realize the aim of this work, augmentative material was implicated in the bone defects made in the patients after removal of follicular cyst, chronic periapical lesion, and parodontopathia. During the first and seventh day of the interventions, the patients have been followed through from aspect of possible development of local and general complications after the oral-surgery intervention. After period of one, three and six mount control x-ray was made. Results: Obtained results confirmed that: volume of the socket and defect of the bone was kept, fast revascularization was achieved, bone formation and slow resorption of the augmentative material was achieved, and period of normal healing without infection was also achieved. Conclusions: The augmentative materials used for treatment of bone defects besides their basic chemical and physical characteristics referring to their solubility in the body fluids, the transformation, modulation and resorption must be completely safe or secure, i.e. not to bring any risk of infection, immunological risk, physiological intolerance or inhibition of the process of restitutio ad integrum. In our study Bio-Oss was confirmed as augmentative material who had this characteristics. Keywords: bone defect, resorption of the bone, augmentative material, Bio-Os

11th International Coral Reef Symposium Proceedings

A defining theme of the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium was that the news for coral reef ecosystems are far from encouraging. Climate change happens now much faster than in an ice-age transition, and coral reefs continue to suffer fever-high temperatures as well as sour ocean conditions. Corals may be falling behind, and there appears to be no special silver bullet remedy. Nevertheless, there are hopeful signs that we should not despair. Reef ecosystems respond vigorously to protective measures and alleviation of stress. For concerned scientists, managers, conservationists, stakeholders, students, and citizens, there is a great role to play in continuing to report on the extreme threat that climate change represents to earth’s natural systems. Urgent action is needed to reduce CO2 emissions. In the interim, we can and must buy time for coral reefs through increased protection from sewage, sediment, pollutants, overfishing, development, and other stressors, all of which we know can damage coral health. The time to act is now. The canary in the coral-coal mine is dead, but we still have time to save the miners. We need effective management rooted in solid interdisciplinary science and coupled with stakeholder buy in, working at local, regional, and international scales alongside global efforts to give reefs a chance.https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_icrs/1000/thumbnail.jp

Life Sciences Program Tasks and Bibliography for FY 1996

This document includes information on all peer reviewed projects funded by the Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications, Life Sciences Division during fiscal year 1996. This document will be published annually and made available to scientists in the space life sciences field both as a hard copy and as an interactive Internet web page