White matter fiber-based analysis of T1w/T2w ratio map

Purpose: To develop, test, evaluate and apply a novel tool for the white matter fiber-based analysis of T1w/T2w ratio maps quantifying myelin content. Background: The cerebral white matter in the human brain develops from a mostly non-myelinated state to a nearly fully mature white matter myelination within the first few years of life. High resolution T1w/T2w ratio maps are believed to be effective in quantitatively estimating myelin content on a voxel-wise basis. We propose the use of a fiber-tract-based analysis of such T1w/T2w ratio data, as it allows us to separate fiber bundles that a common regional analysis imprecisely groups together, and to associate effects to specific tracts rather than large, broad regions. Methods: We developed an intuitive, open source tool to facilitate such fiber-based studies of T1w/T2w ratio maps. Via its Graphical User Interface (GUI) the tool is accessible to non-technical users. The framework uses calibrated T1w/T2w ratio maps and a prior fiber atlas as an input to generate profiles of T1w/T2w values. The resulting fiber profiles are used in a statistical analysis that performs along-tract functional statistical analysis. We applied this approach to a preliminary study of early brain development in neonates. Results: We developed an open-source tool for the fiber based analysis of T1w/T2w ratio maps and tested it in a study of brain development

Incorporating 3-dimensional models in online articles

Introduction The aims of this article are to introduce the capability to view and interact with 3-dimensional (3D) surface models in online publications, and to describe how to prepare surface models for such online 3D visualizations. Methods Three-dimensional image analysis methods include image acquisition, construction of surface models, registration in a common coordinate system, visualization of overlays, and quantification of changes. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were acquired as volumetric images that can be visualized as 3D projected images or used to construct polygonal meshes or surfaces of specific anatomic structures of interest. The anatomic structures of interest in the scans can be labeled with color (3D volumetric label maps), and then the scans are registered in a common coordinate system using a target region as the reference. The registered 3D volumetric label maps can be saved in.obj,.ply,.stl, or.vtk file formats and used for overlays, quantification of differences in each of the 3 planes of space, or color-coded graphic displays of 3D surface distances. Results All registered 3D surface models in this study were saved in.vtk file format and loaded in the Elsevier 3D viewer. In this study, we describe possible ways to visualize the surface models constructed from cone-beam computed tomography images using 2D and 3D figures. The 3D surface models are available in the article's online version for viewing and downloading using the reader's software of choice. These 3D graphic displays are represented in the print version as 2D snapshots. Overlays and color-coded distance maps can be displayed using the reader's software of choice, allowing graphic assessment of the location and direction of changes or morphologic differences relative to the structure of reference. The interpretation of 3D overlays and quantitative color-coded maps requires basic knowledge of 3D image analysis. Conclusions When submitting manuscripts, authors can now upload 3D models that will allow readers to interact with or download them. Such interaction with 3D models in online articles now will give readers and authors better understanding and visualization of the results

Rayleigh fiber optics gyroscope

A novel kind of fiber-optic gyroscope based on Rayleigh backscattering in a fiber-ring resonator is presented in this letter. Information on the rotation rate is obtained from the composed response of the fiber ring to an optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) instrument. The developed model based on the coherence properties of the Rayleigh scattering yields a polarization-insensitive and low-cost gyroscop

DataSHIELD:An Ethically Robust Solution to Multiple-Site Individual-Level Data Analysis

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; DataSHIELD (Data Aggregation Through Anonymous Summary-statistics from Harmonised Individual levEL Databases) has been proposed to facilitate the co-analysis of individual-level data from multiple studies without physically sharing the data. In a previous paper, we investigated whether DataSHIELD could protect participant confidentiality in accordance with UK law. In this follow-up paper, we investigate whether DataSHIELD addresses a broader range of ethics-related data-sharing concerns. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Ethics-related data-sharing concerns of Institutional Review Boards, ethics experts, international research consortia and research participants were identified through a literature search and systematically examined at a multidisciplinary workshop to determine whether DataSHIELD proposes mechanisms which can address these concerns. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; DataSHIELD addresses several ethics-related data-sharing concerns related to privacy, confidentiality, and the protection of the research participant's rights while sharing data and after the data have been shared. The data remain entirely under the direct management of the study that collected them. Data processing commands are strictly supervised, and the data are queried in a protected environment. Issues related to the return of individual research results when data are shared are eliminated; the responsibility for return remains at the study of origin. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; DataSHIELD can provide an innovative and robust solution for addressing commonly encountered ethics-related data-sharing concerns.</jats:p

Diagnostic index: An open-source tool to classify TMJ OA condyles

Osteoarthritis (OA) of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) occurs in about 40% of the patients who present TMJ disorders. Despite its prevalence, OA diagnosis and treatment remain controversial since there are no clear symptoms of the disease, especially in early stages. Quantitative tools based on 3D imaging of the TMJ condyle have the potential to help characterize TMJ OA changes. The goals of the tools proposed in this study are to ultimately develop robust imaging markers for diagnosis and assessment of treatment efficacy. This work proposes to identify differences among asymptomatic controls and different clinical phenotypes of TMJ OA by means of Statistical Shape Modeling (SSM), obtained via clinical expert consensus. From three different grouping schemes (with 3, 5 and 7 groups), our best results reveal that that the majority (74.5%) of the classifications occur in agreement with the groups assigned by consensus between our clinical experts. Our findings suggest the existence of different disease-based phenotypic morphologies in TMJ OA. Our preliminary findings with statistical shape modeling based biomarkers may provide a quantitative staging of the disease. The methodology used in this study is included in an open source image analysis toolbox, to ensure reproducibility and appropriate distribution and dissemination of the solution proposed

Experimental Stand for Investigations of Insulator Degradation and Electrode Erosion in High-current Breaker

An experimental stand for studies of electric arc, electrode erosion and insulator degradation processes in high-current circuit breakers and some preliminary experimental data is described. The setup includes a discharge chamber, a capacitive energy storage with capacitance of 0.11 F, voltage up to 10 kV, and all necessary diagnostic techniques. The stand is designed for modeling current pulse with amplitude of 3–150 kA and duration of the first half period of 1.0–3.0  ms during the process of disconnecting the ring and the pin contacts. The arc is cooled by transverse gas blowing at pressure in the chamber of 0.5–3 MPa. Acquired experimental data can be used for verification of the modelling results of the heat transfer processes in the discharge chamber. At the stand, advanced composite materials based on carbon and iron-copper pseudoalloy are studied

Distribution and Abundance of Marine Debris on Intertidal Zone at Three Selected Small Islands, Sabah

The issue of marine debris has become worldwide attention since it occurs almost everywhere globally Thus, it is crucial to focus on this area to sustain the life below the water as stated by United Nations (SDG 14). This study evaluated the distribution, abundance, and composition of marine debris in three selected islands at Sabah namely Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi Islands. Marine debris was identified according to its categories as stated by the Department of Environment (DOE). The study was carried out to compare the waste abundance of three islands since the different beach types represent various activities that produce debris. The sampling design was conducted with two plot areas plotted and observed on each island for three consecutive weeks. Based on the assessment done, Mamutik Island recorded the most abundance of marine debris with 12.185 kg (66.2%) of debris found followed by Manukan Island with 5.487 kg (29.8%) of debris and Sapi Island with 0.746 kg (4.1%). It was observed that plastic debris especially plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic straws, general plastics, polystyrene, and plastic cups were the main contributors to marine debris pollution. While among all the three islands studied, Sapi Island is considered the cleanest and smallest Island compared to others since the location of this island is quite far from the mainland. The solid and waste management on each island has been identified in order to formulate a new strategy to reduce the impact of marine debris on the intertidal zone especially on human health and the environment. These studies have provided a clear understanding of the distribution of marine debris in these islands. Several recommendations and suggestions have been listed to reduce and prevent marine debris pollution

a potential solution to some of the challenges of modern biomedical research

Background Innovations in technology have contributed to rapid changes in the way that modern biomedical research is carried out. Researchers are increasingly required to endorse adaptive and flexible approaches to accommodate these innovations and comply with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements. This paper explores how Dynamic Consent may provide solutions to address challenges encountered when researchers invite individuals to participate in research and follow them up over time in a continuously changing environment. Methods An interdisciplinary workshop jointly organised by the University of Oxford and the COST Action CHIP ME gathered clinicians, researchers, ethicists, lawyers, research participants and patient representatives to discuss experiences of using Dynamic Consent, and how such use may facilitate the conduct of specific research tasks. The data collected during the workshop were analysed using a content analysis approach. Results Dynamic Consent can provide practical, sustainable and future-proof solutions to challenges related to participant recruitment, the attainment of informed consent, participant retention and consent management, and may bring economic efficiencies. Conclusions Dynamic Consent offers opportunities for ongoing communication between researchers and research participants that can positively impact research. Dynamic Consent supports inter-sector, cross- border approaches and large scale data-sharing. Whilst it is relatively easy to set up and maintain, its implementation will require that researchers re- consider their relationship with research participants and adopt new procedures