3D Distance Research Articles

Accuracy of the Application of 3-Dimensional Printing Models in Orbital Blowout Fractures-A Preliminary Study.

Application of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology has grown in the medical field over the past 2 decades. In managing orbital blowout fractures, 3D printed models can be used as intraoperative navigators and could shorten the operational time by facilitating prebending or shaping of the mesh preoperatively. However, a comparison of the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) images and printed 3D models is lacking. This is a single-center retrospective study. Patients with unilateral orbital blowout fracture and signed up for customized 3D printing model were included. Reference points for the 2D distance were defined (intersupraorbital notch distance, transverse horizontal, sagittal vertical, and anteroposterior axes for orbital cavity) and measured directly on 3D printing models and on corresponding CT images. The difference and correlation analysis were conducted. In total, 9 patients were reviewed from June 2017 to December 2020. The mean difference in the intersupraorbital notch measurement between the 2 modules was -0.14 mm (P = 0.67). The mean difference in the distance measured from the modules in the horizontal, vertical, and anteroposterior axes of the traumatic orbits was 0.06 mm (P = 0.85), -0.23 mm (P = 0.47), and 0.51 mm (P = 0.32), whereas that of the unaffected orbits was 0.16 mm (P = 0.44), 0.34 mm (P = 0.24), and 0.1 mm (P = 0.88), respectively. Although 2D parameter differences (<1 mm) between 3D printing models and CT images were discovered, they were not statistically significant. Three-dimensional printing models showed high identity and correlation to CT image. Therefore, personalized models might be a reliable tool of virtual surgery or as a guide in realistic surgical scenarios for orbital blowout fractures.

Optimal Tibial Tunnel Placement for Medial and Lateral Meniscus Root Repair on the Anteromedial Tibia in the Setting of Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction of the Knee

Background: Although the risk of tibial tunnel convergence in the setting of multiligamentous reconstruction has been reported in the literature, the risk of tunnel convergence in the setting of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and medial and lateral meniscus root repair has not been defined. Purpose: To examine the risk of tunnel convergence and to determine optimal tunnel placement for ACL and PCL reconstruction performed in conjunction with posterior medial and lateral meniscus root repairs on the anteromedial proximal tibia. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) tibial models were created using computed tomography scans of 20 cadaveric specimens. After determining optimal tunnel entry and exit points for ACL and PCL reconstructions, and medial and lateral meniscus root reattachment to the anatomic footprints, we used image processing software to create root tunnels over the anteromedial tibia on the tibial models. ACL and PCL tunnels were kept constant. The meniscus root repair tunnels were then reoriented to match the angle of the ACL tunnel, making both tunnels parallel in the sagittal plane. Tunnel convergence risk was analyzed by identifying the shortest 3D distance between tunnel axes and subtracting the radius of each tunnel from this distance for single- and double-tunnel repair techniques in both case scenarios. Results: All specimens demonstrated convergence between the ACL and lateral meniscus root tunnels when the root tunnel’s entry was created proximal to the ACL tunnel’s entry for single- and double-tunnel techniques, but no convergence was seen between these tunnels using the parallel orientation in the sagittal plane. There were no cases of convergence between the ACL and medial meniscus root tunnels in any of the configurations. The greatest distance between the ACL and medial meniscus root tunnels was achieved using the single-tunnel technique in parallel orientation (12.1 ± 2.8 mm). There were no cases of convergence between the PCL and medial meniscus root tunnels in the original orientation; however, 2 of 20 specimens demonstrated convergence using the parallel orientation with the double-tunnel technique, and there were no cases of convergence using the single-tunnel technique. The PCL and lateral meniscus root tunnels did not demonstrate convergence in any configuration. Conclusion: There was a high risk of convergence between ACL and posterior meniscus root tunnels when all the tunnels were created on the anteromedial tibia. Reorienting meniscus root tunnels parallel to ACL tunnels may help reduce this risk. There is increased risk of tunnel convergence with root repairs in cases of bicruciate reconstructions, and therefore a double-tunnel root repair technique should be used with caution. Clinical Relevance: To avoid tibial tunnel convergence when performing ACL and PCL reconstruction with medial and lateral meniscus root repair, surgeons should reorient the meniscus root repair tunnels to be parallel on the sagittal plane to the ACL tunnel to decrease the risk of convergence. In cases of bicruciate ligament reconstruction, use of the double-tunnel technique requires caution to avoid convergence risk with the PCL tunnel.

Assessment of Genetic Divergence in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out during Kharif season at the Horticulture Research centre of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Meerut, U.P. 2020. The D2 statistics was applied to assess the genetic divergence among 20 genotypes of tomato using Mahalonobis D2 analysis. The experimental materials were planted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters under study. The genotypes were grouped into five different genetic clusters on the basis of genetic affinity or diversity. Cluster III comprised of highest 7 genotypes followed by Cluster I comprised of 4 genotypes, Cluster II also comprised of 4 genotypes, Cluster V comprised of 3 genotypes and Cluster IV comprised lowest number of 2 genotypes. The highest mean value was recorded in Cluster V for number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant (g), fruit yield /ha (q) and 1000 seed weight (g) followed by cluster II for harvest duration (days), average fruit weight (g) and number of seeds per fruits, Cluster III for number of primary branches, plant height (cm), Cluster I for number of clusters per plant and Cluster IV for number of locules per fruit respectively. The maximum intra cluster distance was found in cluster V and minimum intra cluster distance was recorded cluster IV. The highest inter- cluster distance was recorded between Cluster I and Cluster V and the minimum inter cluster D2 distance was recorded between cluster I and Cluster IV. The highest contribution in the manifestation of genetic divergence was exhibited by number of fruits per cluster followed by number of primary branches, fruit yield per hectare, number of locules per fruit, plant height, harvest duration, number of clusters per plant, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, 1000 seeds weight, fruit yield per plant and lowest in number of seeds per fruit. Which could lead to the production of a wide range of beneficial genetic variation for tomato yield improvement.

Chemical reversible crosslinking enables measurement of RNA 3D distances and alternative conformations in cells

Three-dimensional (3D) structures dictate the functions of RNA molecules in a wide variety of biological processes. However, direct determination of RNA 3D structures in vivo is difficult due to their large sizes, conformational heterogeneity, and dynamics. Here we present a method, Spatial 2′-Hydroxyl Acylation Reversible Crosslinking (SHARC), which uses chemical crosslinkers of defined lengths to measure distances between nucleotides in cellular RNA. Integrating crosslinking, exonuclease (exo) trimming, proximity ligation, and high throughput sequencing, SHARC enables transcriptome-wide tertiary structure contact maps at high accuracy and precision, revealing heterogeneous RNA structures and interactions. SHARC data provide constraints that improves Rosetta-based RNA 3D structure modeling at near-nanometer resolution. Integrating SHARC-exo with other crosslinking-based methods, we discover compact folding of the 7SK RNA, a critical regulator of transcriptional elongation. These results establish a strategy for measuring RNA 3D distances and alternative conformations in their native cellular context.

The VISCACHA survey – IV. The SMC West Halo in 8D

ABSTRACT The structure of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) is very complex, in particular in the periphery that suffers more from the interactions with the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). A wealth of observational evidence has been accumulated revealing tidal tails and bridges made up of gas, stars, and star clusters. Nevertheless, a full picture of the SMC outskirts is only recently starting to emerge with a 6D phase-space map plus age and metallicity using star clusters as tracers. In this work, we continue our analysis of another outer region of the SMC, the so-called West Halo, and combined it with the previously analysed Northern Bridge. We use both structures to define the Bridge and Counter-bridge trailing and leading tidal tails. These two structures are moving away from each other, roughly in the SMC–LMC direction. The West Halo form a ring around the SMC inner regions that goes up to the background of the Northern Bridge shaping an extended layer of the Counter-bridge. Four old Bridge clusters were identified at distances larger than 8 kpc from the SMC centre moving towards the LMC, which is consistent with the SMC–LMC closest distance of 7.5 kpc when the Magellanic Bridge was formed about 150Myr ago; this shows that the Magellanic Bridge was not formed only by pulled gas, but it also removed older stars from the SMC during its formation. We also found age and metallicity radial gradients using projected distances on sky, which are vanished when we use the real 3D distances.

New mathematical measures for apprehending complexity of chiral molecules using information entropy.

In this paper, we present several new theoretical measures based on information entropy that can be used to analyze the information content of a chiral molecule. Starting from a differentiation between "chiral" and "achiral" portions in a chiral molecule, we define a new concept that allows us to quantify the complexity of chiral constitutional 2D-isomers of C10 to C20 alkanes. Various new chiral and achiral information measures founded on joint entropy, mutual information, and conditional entropy are presented providing an access to a set of regression equations. Then, introducing a case-based measure of entropy, we demonstrate that the distribution of the chiral complexity in these molecules is mostly skewed-right: 60% of the chiral isomers follow a 60/40 distribution rule, which indicates a concentration of chiral complexity in a small number of topological features. Furthermore, by replacing 2D topological distances by 3D distances, the application of these new information measures goes from conformational to racemization and deracemization studies. Interestingly, when the geometrical distances between atoms and the chiral center(s) are taken into account when determining the chiral information entropy, one can observe a significative Pearson correlation coefficient (R= 0.70) between the chiral entropy of 3D molecules and the continuous chirality measure. Finally, we show that our approach is applicable to almost any type of chiral organic chemical structures if in the entropy equation, atoms are represented by their electrotopological state (E-state) index instead of connectivity.

An integrated mixed reality system for safety-aware human-robot collaboration using deep learning and digital twin generation

For human-robot collaboration (HRC), one of the most practical methods to ensure human safety with a vision-based system is establishing a minimum safe distance. This study proposes a novel integrated mixed reality (MR) system for safety-aware HRC using deep learning and digital twin generation. The proposed approach can accurately measure the minimum safe distance in real-time and provide MR-based task assistance to the human operator. The approach integrates MR with safety-related monitoring by tracking the shared workplace and providing user-centric visualization through smart MR glasses for safe and effective HRC. Two RGB-D sensors are used to reconstruct and track the working environment. One sensor scans one area of the physical environment through 3D point cloud data. The other also scans another area of the environment and tracks the user's 3D skeletal information. In addition, the two partially scanned environments are registered together by applying a fast global registration method to two sets of the 3D point cloud. Furthermore, deep learning-based instance segmentation is applied to the target object's 3D point cloud to increase the registration between the real robot and its virtual robot, the digital twin of the real robot. While only 3D point cloud data are widely used in previous studies, this study proposes a simple yet effective 3D offset-based safety distance calculation method based on the robot's digital twin and the human skeleton. The 3D offset-based method allows for real-time applicability without sacrificing the accuracy of safety distance calculation for HRI. In addition, two comparative evaluations were conducted to confirm the originality and advantage of the proposed MR-based HRC.

Predicting dose-volume histogram of organ-at-risk using spatial geometric-encoding network for esophageal treatment planning

Dose-volume histogram (DVH) is an important tool to evaluate the radiation treatment plan quality, which could be predicted based on the distance-volume spatial relationship between planning target volumes (PTV) and organs-at-risks (OARs). However, the prediction accuracy is still limited due to the complicated calculation process and the omission of detailed spatial geometric features. In this paper, we propose a spatial geometric-encoding network (SGEN) to incorporate 3D spatial information with an efficient 2D convolutional neural networks (CNN) for accurate prediction of DVH for esophageal radiation treatments. 3D computed tomography (CT) scans, 3D PTV scans and 3D distance images are used as the multi-view input of the proposed model. The dilation convolution based Multi-scale concurrent Spatial and Channel Squeeze &amp; Excitation (msc-SE) structure in the proposed model not only can maintain comprehensive spatial information with less computation cost, but also can extract the features of organs at different scales effectively. Five-fold cross-validation on 200 intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) esophageal radiation treatment plans were used in this paper. The mean absolute error (MAE) of DVH focusing on the left lung can achieve 2.73 ± 2.36, while the MAE was 7.73 ± 3.81 using traditional machine learning prediction model. In addition, extensive ablation studies have been conducted and the quantitative results demonstrate the effectiveness of different components in the proposed method.

Learning Optimal Multicolor PSF Design for 3D Pairwise Distance Estimation

Measuring the 3-dimensional (3D) distance between 2 spots is a common task in microscopy, because it holds information on the degree of colocalization in a variety of biological systems. Often, the 2 spots are labeled with 2 different colors, as each spot represents a different labeled entity. In computational microscopy, neural networks have been employed together with point spread function (PSF) engineering for various imaging challenges, specifically for localization microscopy. This combination enables “end-to-end” design of the optical system’s hardware and software, which is learned simultaneously, optimizing both the image acquisition and reconstruction together. In this work, we employ such a strategy for the task of direct measurement of the 3D distance between 2 emitters, labeled with differently colored fluorescent labels, in a single shot, on a single optical channel. Specifically, we use end-to-end learning to design an optimal wavelength-dependent phase mask that yields an image that is most informative with regards to the 3D distance between the 2 spots, followed by an analyzing net to decode this distance. We utilize the fact that only the distance between the 2 spots is of interest, rather than their absolute positions; importantly, the use of 2 colors, instead of 1, inherently enables subdiffraction distance estimation. We demonstrate our approach experimentally by distance measurement between pairs of fluorescent beads, as well as between 2 fluorescently tagged DNA loci in yeast cells. Our results represent an appealing demonstration of the usefulness of neural nets in task-specific microscopy design and in optical system optimization in general.

A Fast Bow Shock Location Predictor-Estimator From 2D and 3D Analytical Models: Application to Mars and the MAVEN Mission.

We present fast algorithms to automatically estimate the statistical position of the bow shock from spacecraft data, using existing analytical two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) models of the shock surface. We derive expressions of the standoff distances in 2D and 3D and of the normal to the bow shock at any given point on it. Two simple bow shock detection algorithms are constructed, one solely based on a geometrical predictor from existing models, the other using this predicted position to further refine it with the help of magnetometer data, an instrument flown on many planetary missions. Both empirical techniques are applicable to any planetary environment with a defined shock structure. Applied to the Martian environment and the NASA/MAVEN mission, the predicted shock position is on average within 0.15 planetary radius R p of the bow shock crossing. Using the predictor‐corrector algorithm, this estimate is further refined to within a few minutes of the true crossing (≈0.05R p). Between 2014 and 2021, we detect 14,929 clear bow shock crossings, predominantly quasi‐perpendicular. Thanks to 2D conic and 3D quadratic fits, we investigate the variability of the shock surface with respect to Mars Years (MY), solar longitude (Ls), and solar EUV flux levels. Although asymmetry in Y and Z Mars Solar Orbital coordinates is on average small, we show that for MY32 and MY35, Ls = [135°−225°] and high solar flux, it can become particularly noticeable, and is superimposed to the usual North‐South asymmetry due in part to the presence of crustal magnetic fields.

Surgical Correction of Peritalar Subluxation and Patient Reported Outcomes: A Prospective Comparative Outcome Study in Flexible Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Category:Ankle; Hindfoot; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Peritalar subluxation (PTS) of the hindfoot is a critical finding in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). Subluxation of the middle facet and sinus tarsi impingement have recently been shown to represent essential markers of pronounced and potentially progressive deformity. Weightbearing CT (WBCT) imaging and three-dimensional (3D) distance (DM) and coverage maps (CM) allow a complete and accurate assessment of PTS markers across the entire peritalar surface. This prospective comparative study aimed to assess the effectiveness of joint-sparing realignment surgical treatment for flexible PCFD in reducing PTS and to correlate the improvement with patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We hypothesized that surgical treatment would significantly improve PTS markers, mainly decreasing sinus tarsi coverage/impingement and middle facet subluxation, and that this improvement would correlate with increased PROs.Methods:In this IRB-approved prospective and comparative study, we enrolled patients with flexible PCFD, no prior surgeries, and failed conservative treatment. Included patients (n=10, 7 females/3 males, mean age 57.2, range 37-74) underwent joint-sparing surgical realignment procedure by a single surgeon. Standing weightbearing CT (WBCT) was completed preoperatively and 3- months postoperatively. Following automatic bone segmentation, 3D distance maps (DMs) of the entire peritalar surface were generated, and coverage of the subtalar joint articular facets (anterior, middle, and posterior) and sinus tarsi were assessed as markers of PTS. Joint coverage was defined as the percentage of articular space where DMs were <5 mm. Coverage Maps (CM) were built highlighting areas of adequate joint interaction (blue), joint subluxation (pink), and impingement (red). PROs were evaluated preoperatively and at the latest follow-up. Differences between preop/postop measurements and PROs were assessed by independent t-tests/Wilcoxon and bivariate analysis. P-values <.05 were considered significant.Results:The overall follow-up was 8.2 months (6-13 months). Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomies, lateral column lengthening, and first ray realignment procedures (either Cotton osteotomy or Lapidus) were performed in all patients. Foot and Ankle Offset significantly improved from 10.6% preoperatively to 3.1% postoperatively (p=0.0005), on average. Significant averaged improvement was also observed in anterior facet joint coverage (61.6%), as well as a reduction in sinus tarsi coverage/impingement (-43.2%) (both p<0.001). Middle (19.5%, p=0.08) and posterior facet joint coverage (3.5%, p=0.06) also demonstrated improvements, however not significant. PROs improved significantly on average postoperatively, with the European Foot and Ankle Surgery (EFAS) Score increasing from 3.1 to 7.3 (p=0.02) and the Foot Function Index (FFI) improving from 71.5 to 48.7 (p=0.01). Improvements in EFAS scores and FFI significantly correlated with improvements in middle facet coverage (R2 0.89, p=0.0154) and anterior facet coverage (R2 0.80, p=0.04), respectively.Conclusion:Our study was the first to evaluate WBCT 3D distance mapping's role in the assessment of surgical correction of PTS in patients with PCFD. We found significant improvements in subtalar joint anterior facet coverage and sinus tarsi impingement following surgical reconstruction, with a trend to significant improvements in middle and posterior facet joint coverage. More importantly, improvements in middle and anterior facet coverage correlated significantly with improved PROs (EFAS score and FFI, respectively). Based on our study results, optimization of subtalar joint coverage and reduction of PTS should be goals of surgical treatment of PCFD patients.

Accuracy between intraoral and extraoral scanning: Three-dimensional deviation and effect of distance between implants from two scanning methods.

Evaluate the accuracy between the intraoral and extraoral scanning regarding the three dimensional (3D) deviation and distances between the implants, through 2 scanning methods. An in vitro study. An edentulous mandibular model was used to install four implants and abutments, recommending 6 distances between the implants. Scans were performed using an intraoral (SI) and extraoral (SE) scanner for each studied group: Scanning with the scan bodies (SB) and device (SD) (n = 10). The files were imported into a surface evaluation program to assess 3D deviations and measure distances between implants. Precision was assessed as the difference between files (Kruskal-Wallis test), while trueness was assessed from the difference between scans, applying the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test. As for the 3D deviations, SI showed accuracy, for the faces and positions of the implants in relation to the SE, in both scanning methods (P < 0.05). Regarding the capture of distances between implants, the SD scan obtained better trueness than the SB group (P < 0.05). We concluded that the type and scanning methods used did not influence the 3D deviations, while for distances, scanning with the device had better trueness.

Weightbearing CT Assessment of Foot and Ankle Joints in Pes Planovalgus Using Distance Mapping

Category:Hindfoot; Ankle; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:The goal of this study was to describe the abnormal joint surface interaction at the ankle, hindfoot and midfoot joints in patients presenting with Pes Planovalgus (PP) using three-dimensional (3D) distance mapping on weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) images by comparing a series of PPs to a series of normally-aligned feet. We hypothesized that in PPs joint interactions would reveal significantly increased spaces in the medial side of the ankle, hindfoot and midfoot joints.Methods:In this case-control study, ten feet (10 patients) with asymptomatic PP (cases; N=10) were compared to 10 matched- paired (by age, gender and body mass index) normally-aligned feet (10 patients) (controls; N=10). Three-dimensional models were produced from the images and distance maps representing joint surface configuration were generated for the ankle, hindfoot and midfoot joints. The distance maps for each joint were then compared between the two groups and between regions in the same group.Results:In PP patients there was a significantly increased surface-to-surface distance anteromedially at the ankle joint (+46.3%, p<0.001) along with an increased distance on the anterior halves of both the medial (+21.3%, p=0.098) and lateral malleoli (+22.7%, p=0.038). At the posterolateral corner of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint we found an increased surface-to- surface distance (by 57.1%, p< 0.001), while at the talonavicular joint there was a reduction of the distance at the superomedial corner (-20%, p=0.097) along with a significant increase in the upper central (+20%, p=0.039) and lateral (+30.7%, p=0.015) zones. A reduction of the surface-to-surface distance was also observed in three of the four zones of the calcaneocuboid joint. Finally, a statistically significant increase in the mean distance was observed at the naviculocuneiform and tarsometatarsal joints in a range between 38% and 93.4% (p<0.001 in all cases).Conclusion:We found significant differences in surface-to-surface interaction at the foot and ankle joints between Pes Planovalgus and normally-aligned controls. Distance mapping on WBCT images could be used in clinical practice as a diagnostic support to gauge the morphological changes of articular spaces occurring in Pes Planovalgus.

Object detection and tracking using a high-performance artificial intelligence-based 3D depth camera: towards early detection of African swine fever.

BackgroundInspection of livestock farms using surveillance cameras is emerging as a means of early detection of transboundary animal disease such as African swine fever (ASF). Object tracking, a developing technology derived from object detection aims to the consistent identification of individual objects in farms.ObjectivesThis study was conducted as a preliminary investigation for practical application to livestock farms. With the use of a high-performance artificial intelligence (AI)-based 3D depth camera, the aim is to establish a pathway for utilizing AI models to perform advanced object tracking.MethodsMultiple crossovers by two humans will be simulated to investigate the potential of object tracking. Inspection of consistent identification will be the evidence of object tracking after crossing over. Two AI models, a fast model and an accurate model, were tested and compared with regard to their object tracking performance in 3D. Finally, the recording of pig pen was also processed with aforementioned AI model to test the possibility of 3D object detection.ResultsBoth AI successfully processed and provided a 3D bounding box, identification number, and distance away from camera for each individual human. The accurate detection model had better evidence than the fast detection model on 3D object tracking and showed the potential application onto pigs as a livestock.ConclusionsPreparing a custom dataset to train AI models in an appropriate farm is required for proper 3D object detection to operate object tracking for pigs at an ideal level. This will allow the farm to smoothly transit traditional methods to ASF-preventing precision livestock farming.

High-Throughput DNA FISH (hiFISH).

High-throughput DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (hiFISH) combines multicolor combinatorial DNA FISH staining with automated image acquisition and analysis to visualize and localize tens to hundreds of genomic loci in up to millions of cells. hiFISH can be used to measure physical distances between pairs of genomic loci, radial distances from genomic loci to the nuclear edge or center, and distances between genomic loci and nuclear structures defined by protein or RNA markers. The resulting large datasets of 3D spatial distances can be used to study cellular heterogeneity in genome architecture and the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in a variety of cellular systems. In this chapter we provide detailed protocols for hiFISH to measure distances between genomic loci, including all steps involved in DNA FISH probe design and preparation, cell culture, DNA FISH staining in 384-well imaging plates, automated image acquisition and analysis, and, finally, statistical analysis.

Optimal thickness selection for corrugated free edge design

This paper investigates the effects of sheet thicknesses in a typical riveted metallic lap joint on the corrugated free edges. Three variations of rivet lengths were used to cover the optimum thickness range. A simplified representation of the riveted joint was analysed using the solver Optistruct, a Finite Element (FE) software. At the beginning of this study, the stresses in the free edges were calculated to determine the optimal thickness range. Four rivets in a row of a metallic lap joint are considered as a typical case for the whole study. The free edge distance of 2D on both plates is analysed with other unchanged joint parameters for different plate thicknesses. The maximum possible weight savings per joint by using Corrugated Free Edge Design (CFED) over a range of thicknesses has also been given. The main objective of this study is to determine the influence of optimum plate thicknesses on CFED.

Genetic Diversity with Cluster Analysis of Maize Genotypes (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Zea mays&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.)

The research investigation was carried out in the experimental area of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural university, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, during the late Rabi season Mid December to May 2018 to study the genetic diversity with cluster analysis for the 35 maize genotypes as experimental materials that were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The research work was oriented to calculate and estimate the yield factor through analyzing genetic diversity involving the yield contributing characters. The maximum yield per plant (117.51 g) was estimated in the genotype G12 (Pacific) and the minimum yield per plant (51.89 g) was recorded in the genotype G17 (Dekalb Super). Due to the crossing among the 35 maize genotypes, a wide range of divergence was observed in this experiment. The highest genotypes were included in cluster number V with 12 genotypes: BHM-5, PAC-60, Pacific-98, HP-222, Khai Bhutta, AS-999, Pioneer, Duranta, Kaveri 218, Chamak-07 and Golden-984. Here, the intra cluster distance was observed in cluster I (1.23), II (0.00), III (0.76), IV (2.08) and V (1.89) respectively. The highest intra cluster was recorded in cluster IV (2.08) and the lowest in cluster III (0.76) that showed that the genotypes within the intra cluster distances were closely related and inter cluster distances were recorded higher and larger than intra cluster distances. Between inter and intra cluster mean values, inter cluster distances were recorded higher than the intra cluster distances which indicated wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups involved. The maximum value for the cluster distance D2 was recorded in cluster III (18.740) followed by cluster II (15.470, 13.032). The farthest cluster distance was recorded in cluster III that means it represented the highest diversified genotypes than other clusters. The nearest cluster distance was recorded in cluster IV and cluster V with 3.441 values which denoted the less diversified genotypes. In this case, days to male flowering, number of rows per cob, number of seeds per cob and 100-seed weight contributed towards cluster mean performance, the maximum in cluster number V.

Three-Dimensional Distance and Coverage Maps in the Assessment of Peritalar Subluxation in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Category:Ankle; Basic Sciences/Biologics; Hindfoot; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), formerly termed Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (AAFD), is a complex 3-dimensional (3D) deformity characterized by peritalar subluxation (PTS) of the hindfoot through the triple joint complex. PTS severity is typically measured at the posterior facet of te subtalar joint, but recent studies have called this into question and presented the middle facet as a more accurate marker of deformity. The objective of this study was to use 3D distance mapping (DM) from weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) images to assess PTS in PCFD patients and controls across the entire peritalar suface. We hypothesized that 3D DMs would identify the middle facet as a superior marker for PTS, as well as indicate increased extra-articular sinus tarsi and subfibular inpingements in PCFD patients.Methods:In this case control study, we analyzed WBCT data of 20 consecutive patients with flexible PCFD and 10 controls. Novel 3D distance mapping (DM) technique was used to objectively characterize joint coverage across the entire peritalar surface, including both articular (anterior, middle and posterior facets of the subtalar joint) and nonarticular regions (sisus tarsi and subfibular areas). Distance maps were measured in millimeters, and colored to highlight regions of interest. Distances from 1-4mm were shown in blue to indicate expected joint interaction/extra-articular proximity, while distances under 1mm were highlighted in yellow/red indicating close bone proximity consistent with joint space narrowing (articular) or impingement (extra-articular). Joint coverage was defined as percentage of articular area with DMs <4 mm. Coverage Maps (CM) were built highlighting areas of adequate joint interaction (blue), joint subluxation (pink), and impingement (red). Comparisons were performed with independent t-tests or Wilcoxon tests. P values <.05 were considered significant.Results:Overall, coverage was decreased in articular regions and impingement was increased in nonarticular regions of PCFD patients. Objectively, a significant 46.6% average increase in the uncoverage of the middle facet of the subtalar joint was observed in PCFD patients (p<.001), consistent with signifcant middle facet subluxation when compared to controls. No significant similar uncoverage was identified in the anterior or posterior facets. Extra-articularly, an overall 98% increase in sinus tarsi coverage was identified in PCFD patients (p<.007) with direct sinus tarsi impingement in 6 of 20 patients with PCFD, and one of the controls. Direct subfibular impingement was noted in only 1 of 20 PCFD patients, but subfibular space narrowing greater than 2 standard deviations was noted in 17 of 20 PCFD patients. Attached figures demonstrate examples of distance and coverage maps, as well as a comparative averaged assessment of peritalar surface coverage in PCFD and controls.Conclusion:Our study results revealed that when compared to controls PCFD patients demonstrated that a significant decrease in 3D measures of subtalar joint coverage was only identified in the middle facet, but not at the anterior or posterior facets. We also determined significantly decreased inter-bone distances in the sinus tarsi and subfibular regions of PCFD patients, confirming the occurrence of extra-articular impingement in those areas. We hope that the use of these 3D accurate and objective measures of distance (DM) and coverage maps (CM) of middle facet subluxation will support early detection of PCFD patients at high risk for progressive collapse.

Inferring Kilonova Population Properties with a Hierarchical Bayesian Framework. I. Nondetection Methodology and Single-event Analyses

Abstract We present nimbus: a hierarchical Bayesian framework to infer the intrinsic luminosity parameters of kilonovae (KNe) associated with gravitational-wave (GW) events, based purely on nondetections. This framework makes use of GW 3D distance information and electromagnetic upper limits from multiple surveys for multiple events and self-consistently accounts for the finite sky coverage and probability of astrophysical origin. The framework is agnostic to the brightness evolution assumed and can account for multiple electromagnetic passbands simultaneously. Our analyses highlight the importance of accounting for model selection effects, especially in the context of nondetections. We show our methodology using a simple, two-parameter linear brightness model, taking the follow-up of GW190425 with the Zwicky Transient Facility as a single-event test case for two different prior choices of model parameters: (i) uniform/uninformative priors and (ii) astrophysical priors based on surrogate models of Monte Carlo radiative-transfer simulations of KNe. We present results under the assumption that the KN is within the searched region to demonstrate functionality and the importance of prior choice. Our results show consistency with simsurvey—an astronomical survey simulation tool used previously in the literature to constrain the population of KNe. While our results based on uniform priors strongly constrain the parameter space, those based on astrophysical priors are largely uninformative, highlighting the need for deeper constraints. Future studies with multiple events having electromagnetic follow-up from multiple surveys should make it possible to constrain the KN population further.

Three-Dimensional Coverage Maps in the Assessment of Chopart Subluxation in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Category:Basic Sciences/Biologics; Hindfoot; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), formerly termed Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (AAFD), is a complex 3D deformity characterized by peritalar subluxation (PTS) of the hindfoot through the triple joint complex. In this context, adjacent structures may adopt different positions and boney relations can change, producing areas increased contact or subluxation. The objective of this study was to use 3D distance maps (DMs) and coverage maps (CMs) from weightbearing CT (WBCT) images to assess subluxation across the Chopart joint in PCFD patients. We hypothesized that CMs would show decreased coverage indicative of subluxation through certain regions of the Chopart joint in PCFD patients when compared to the controls.Methods:In this IRB-approved, retrospective case-control study, we analyzed WBCT data of 18 consecutive patients with flexible PCFD and 10 controls. Using principle component analysis, candidate coverage area was divided into nine regions on the talar head and 4 regions on the calcaneal-cuboid (CC) articular surface. Novel 3D distance mapping (DM) technique was used to objectively characterize joint coverage across the entire Chopart joint surface on both the talus and calcaneus. Distance maps were measured in millimeters and colored to highlight covered areas. Areas with distances less than 4mm were defined to be covered, while areas with distances greater than 4mm were considered to be uncovered. Joint coverage was defined as percentage of articular area with DMs lower than 4 mm. Coverage Maps (CM) were created to highlight areas of coverage (teal) versus non- coverage (pink). Comparisons were performed with independent t-tests, assuming unequal variances. P values <.05 were considered significant.Results:Changes in coverage percentages of PCFD cases relative to controls are indicated in attached figure 1. The middle lateral region of the talar head was found to have a 9% increase in coverage in PCFD cases relative to the controls (p = 0.011). The plantar region of the calcaneal-cuboid joint was found to have a 18% decrease in coverage compared to the controls. Except for the dorsal medial regions, the medial side of the talar head saw overall decreases in coverage. However, these values were not statistically significant. On the calcaneus, the plantar region of the calcaneal-cuboid joint was found to have a significant coverage decrease of 18% relative to the controls (p = 0.017). There was also a decrease in coverage observed in the medial region of the calcaneal-cuboid joint and an increase in the dorsal and lateral areas.Conclusion:Our results support the occurrence of significant Chopart joint changes in early flexible PCFD. Increased lateral and decreased medial/plantar talar head coverage point to internal rotation and plantarflexion of the talus. Associated dorsal migration of the cuboid where plantar and medial areas have decreased coverage indicate subluxation through the entirety of the Chopart joint. Novel 3D coverage mapping enabled objective quantification of subluxation though the Chopart joint in early stage PCFD. These findings may assist clinical decision making regarding the restoration of normal joint alignment during PCFD corrections. Further studies are needed to establish thresholds of change associated with degeneration.