Interactive 3D Models Research Articles

A 3D fluid-solid interaction model of the air puff test in the human cornea

We present a numerical model of a contactless test commonly used to assess the biomechanics of the human cornea. The test, consisting in a rapid air jet applied to the anterior surface of the cornea, is controversial. Although the numerous studies documented in the literature have not been able yet to clarify its relevance as a diagnostic tool, the test has the potential to be combined with inverse analysis procedures to characterize the parameters of numerical models of the cornea. With the final goal of employing the air puff test in advanced material identification algorithms, here we propose to model the cornea with standard finite elements and the fluids filling the anterior chamber of the eye with a meshfree discretization. The interaction between moving fluids and deforming cornea is accounted for by modifying the interface boundary conditions of both fluid and solid. The proposed model represents the first fully 3D example of an aqueous-cornea fluid-solid interaction analysis which uses a robust meshfree approach for the fluid. Although we restrict our scope to isotropic nonlinear materials, numerical results confirm the undeniable importance of including internal fluids in the simulation of the air puff test. Thus the proposed approach stands as a procedural paradigm for the identification of the mechanical parameters of the human cornea.

Be still, my beeping heart

BioDigital and others are mapping the human body such that it can be explored in 3D by everyone from patients needing help visualising their conditions to experienced surgeons keeping abreast of advances in their fields. For instance, an interactive 3D model of the human head and neck built by scientists at the Glasgow School of Simulation and Visualisation using anatomical dissections and expert input is being used to train dental students to apply local anaesthetics. These models promise a more immersive and accessible learning experience than most physical models.In 1993, the International Union of Physiological Sciences Council meeting in Glasgow discussed the possibility of creating quantitative models to describe human physiology. This meeting set forth the `Physiome' project and later the Virtual Physiological Human Institute (VPHi), which supports research and development into digital physiological simulations. Heart models are the main ones created.

A REVIEW OF 3D GIS FOR USE IN CREATING VIRTUAL HISTORIC DUBLIN

Abstract. This paper illustrates how BIM integration with GIS is approached as part of the workflow in creating Virtual Historic Dublin. A design for a WEB based interactive 3D model of historic buildings and centres in Dublin City (Virtual Historic Dublin City) paralleling smart city initiates is now under construction and led by the National Monuments at the Office of Public Works in Ireland. The aim is to facilitate the conservation and maintenance of historic infrastructure and fabric and the dissemination of knowledge for education and cultural tourism using an extensive Historic Building Information Model. Remote sensing data is now processed with greater ease to create 3D intelligent models in Historic BIM. While the use of remote sensing, HBIM and game engine platforms are the main applications used at present, 3D GIS has potential to form part of the workflow for developing the Virtual Historic City. 2D GIS is now being replaced by 3D spatial data allowing more complex analysis to be carried out, 3D GIS can define and depict buildings, urban rural centres in relation to their geometry topological, semantic and visualisation properties. The addition of semantic attributes allows complex analysis and 3D spatial queries for modelling city and urban elements. This analysis includes fabric and structural elements of buildings, relief, vegetation, transportation, water bodies, city furniture and land use.

Interactive virtual 3D models of renal cancer patient anatomies alter partial nephrectomy surgical planning decisions and increase surgeon confidence compared to volume-rendered images

PurposeTo determine whether the interactive visualisation of patient-specific virtual 3D models of the renal anatomy influences the pre-operative decision-making process of urological surgeons for complex renal cancer operations.MethodsFive historic renal cancer patient pre-operative computed tomography (CT) datasets were retrospectively selected based on RENAL nephrectomy score and variety of anatomy. Interactive virtual 3D models were generated for each dataset using image segmentation software and were made available for online visualisation and manipulation. Consultant urologists were invited to participate in the survey which consisted of CT and volume-rendered images (VRI) for the control arm, and CT with segmentation overlay and the virtual 3D model for the intervention arm. A questionnaire regarding anatomical structures, surgical approach, and confidence was administered.ResultsTwenty-five participants were recruited (54% response rate), with 19/25 having > 5 years of renal surgery experience. The median anatomical clarity score increased from 3 for the control to 5 for the intervention arm. A change in planned surgical approach was reported in 19% of cases. Virtual 3D models increased surgeon confidence in the surgical decisions in 4/5 patient datasets. There was a statistically significant improvement in surgeon opinion of the potential utility for decision-making purposes of virtual 3D models as compared to VRI at the multidisciplinary team meeting, theatre planning, and intra-operative stages.ConclusionThe use of pre-operative interactive virtual 3D models for surgery planning influences surgical decision-making. Further studies are needed to investigate if the use of these models changes renal cancer surgery outcomes.

Impact of Plaque Erosion on Stress/Strain and Flow Shear Stress Calculation: An OCT-Based FSI Modeling Study

Plaque erosion, one of the primary causes for coronary thrombosis, is responsible for about one third of the patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) [1]. Histological studies characterized the eroded plaque as a plaque with following morphological features: 1) plaque intima having direct contact with intraluminal thrombus due to the absence of endothelium or endothelial injury; 2) without rupture in the fibrous cap; 3) abundance of proteoglycans and smooth muscle cells on the luminal surface under the thrombus [2]. These characteristics has been applied in in vivo diagnosis of plaque erosion using optical coherence tomography (OCT) image technology and specific treatment strategy has also been developed for plaque erosion related ACS [3]. However, The pathogenesis mechanisms that cause plaque erosion are not fully understood [2]. It is postulated that plaque erosion has close association with biomechanical conditions in the coronary vessel [2]. In this work, a patient-specific OCT-based modeling approach was develop 3D fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models to investigate the biomechanical conditions in eroded plaque and investigate the impact of erosion-induced inflammation on plaque stress/strain conditions. Patient-specific OCT data of eroded coronary plaque were acquired from one male patient (age: 64) with frequency-domain OCT C7XR system and the Dragon Fly catheter (Lightlab Imaging/St. Jude Medical). Erosion sites were identified as the luminal surface having direct contact with intraluminal thrombus on the OCT images. Biplane X-ray angiographic data (Allura Xper FD10 System, Philips, Bothel, WA) were also acquired with the information of the location of the coronary artery stenosis and vessel curvature. OCT images were segmented manually with external elastic membrane (EEM) contour assumed to have positive remodeling ratio 1.1 for this plaque. The trailing edge of the lipid-rich necrotic core (lipid) was also assumed since it cannot be seen on the OCT images. Co-registration of OCT and angiographic data were performed to reconstruct the 3D coronary geometry. Our FSI modeling procedures with pre-shrink–stretch process and anisotropic material properties were previously developed. Blood flow was assumed to be laminar, Newtonian and incompressible, with arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations used as the governing equations. The governing equations of the structure models included equations of motion, the nonlinear Cauchy–Green strain–displacement relation and Mooney–Rivlin material properties. To reflect tissue weakening caused by erosion-induced inflammation, the material stiffness of plaque intima at the erosion site was adjust to one tenth of un-eroded fibrous plaque tissue [2]. Three FSI models were constructed to investigate the impacts of erosion-induced inflammation and lipid component on plaque stress/strain conditions: M1, without erosion (this means plaque intima at the erosion sites were not softened) and without inclusion of lipid component; M2, with erosion but no lipid component; M3, with erosion and inclusion of lipid component. Pulsating pressure conditions were prescribed at the inlet and outlet of the vessel segment. Fluid–structure interaction boundary conditions including force balance and no-slip conditions were imposed to the fluid–structure interface between blood flow and vessel lumen surface. Results for plaque wall stress/strain (PWS/PWSn) and flow wall shear stress (WSS) from the FSI models corresponding to peak blood pressure were extracted for analysis. Table 1 summarizes the average values of the biomechanical factors both at erosion sites and fibrous cap overlaying lipid component for 3 models. By comparing M1 and M2 at the erosion sites, Mean PWS value decreases from 49.98 kPa to 18.83 kPa (62.32% decrease) while Mean PWSn value increases from 0.1231 to 0.1384 (12% increase) as the material stiffness becomes 10 times soft. At the fibrous cap, M3 (with inclusion of lipid) will elevates mean PWS and PWSn values by 48.59% and 16.09%, respectively. The impacts of erosion and lipid on flow shear stress were limited (<2%). Table 1: Average values of three biomechanical factors over erosion sites and fibrous cap overlaying lipid core. Average values of biomechanical factors over Erosion sites for 3 Models M1 M2 M3 Mean PWS (kPa) 49.9759 18.8318 18.8298 Mean PWSn 0.1231 0.1384 0.1384 Mean WSS (dyn/cm2) 101.0637 99.9383 99.4303 Average values of biomechanical factors over fibrous cap overlaying lipid for 3 Models M1 M2 M3 Mean PWS (kPa) 68.3209 68.3199 101.5173 Mean PWSn 0.0870 0.0870 0.1010 Mean WSS (dyn/cm2) 18.5260 18.4634 18.1910 To conclude, erosion-induced inflammation on blood vessel would lead to lower stress distribution but larger strain distribution, while lipid component would elevate both stress and strain conditions. This shows the influence of erosion and lipid component has impacts on stress/strain calculations which are closely related to plaque assessment.

Interactive 3D learning module for vascular anatomical variations in HPB surgery

Background: Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) vascular anatomic variations are seen in nearly half of humans. These variations can sometimes be difficult to imagine three dimensionally by trainees. We developed a computer module that contains 3D interactive models of main vascular anatomical variations of HPB system a surgeon may encounter in daily practice. Methods: We used 3D modeling and illustration softwares including Maya®, Blender® and MS Powerpoint®. Variations of celiac trunk, portal vein and hepatic veins were created in conformity with three reference articles on vascular anatomical variations. Finally, some interactive futures were added to the software. The module was made available to Turkish General Surgeons in DVD format. Results: The software contains the usual anatomy and 36 variations of the celiac trunk and its branches, the usual anatomy and 4 variations of portal venous system and hepatic veins of each. Every 3D model of anatomical structures such as segments of the liver or a vessel can be made invisible or transparent. This feature allows the user to figure out how posteriorly situated organs or vessels are positioned three dimensionally. Furthermore, the whole package or every single structure can be rotated, panned and zoomed in and out. This feature allows the user to understand how regional anatomy or a structure is seen from the back, the top or the bottom. Conclusion: This interactive 3D software will help surgeons imagine and better understand vascular anatomical variations of HPB system.

Using Interactive 3D Visualisations in Neuropsychiatric Education.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder with a global prevalence of 2-3%. OCD can have an enormous impact on the lives of those with the disorder, with some studies suggesting suicidal ideation is present in over 50% of individuals with OCD, and other data showing a significant number of individuals attempt suicide. It is therefore important that individuals with OCD receive the best possible treatment. A greater understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders among professionals and future clinicians can lead to improved treatment. However, data suggests that many students and clinicians experience "neurophobia", a lack of knowledge or confidence in cases involving the nervous system. In addition, research suggests that the relationship many students have with neurological conditions deteriorates over time, and can persist into practice.If individuals living with conditions such as OCD are to receive the best possible treatment, it is crucial that those administering care are equipped with a thorough understanding of such disorders. While research has shown that the use of interactive 3D models can improve anatomy education and more specifically neurology education, the efficacy of using of such models to engage with neuropsychiatric conditions, specifically OCD, has not been assessed. This study seeks to address this gap.In this study an interactive application for Android devices was designed using standardised software engineering methods in order to improve neuropsychiatry literacy by empowering self-pace learning through interactive 3D visualisations and animations of the neural circuitry involved in OCD. A pilot test and a usability assessment were conducted among five postgraduate life science students. Findings relating to user experience were promising, and pre-test vs. post-test evaluation suggested encouraging outcomes regarding the effectiveness of the application in improving the knowledge and understanding of OCD. In short, this study suggests that interactive 3D visualisations can improve neuropsychiatry education. For this reason, more efforts should be made to construct similar applications in order to ensure patients always receive the best possible care. Fig. 2.1 A diagrammatic representation of the CSTC circuit, based on a similar diagram by Robertson et al. (2017).

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE (DOCUMENTATION AND PRESERVATION) – CASE STUDY: CITADEL OF QAITBAY

The research aims to study, document and record heritage buildings. It is considered a step to preserve the heritage environments for their durability by introducing a 3D interactive models that include all data and details of the building. This can be achieved by using computer software to produce the virtual heritage to present the architectural heritage with the lowest possible costs, in addition to the following goals: Documentation the historical building as an initial step in the process of preserving the building and its durability. Moreover, Developing the search base and the historical analysis of the building. The research studies the modern methods of architectural documentation of the historical sites in Alexandria; (Citadel of Qaitbay) as a case study, which uses modern, simple and low-cost techniques. The documentation process exceeds preservation to provide all the building’s online information to serve researchers, architects and visitors.

Cerebrovascular Operative Anatomy: An Immersive 3D and Virtual Reality Description.

The innate detail of the cerebrovasculature is a demonstration of the structural complexity exhibited within the nervous system and highlights the challenges intrinsic to surgically influencing this system. Bridging the knowledge gap between the 2-dimentional learning environment and the 3-dimensional (3D) clinical setting is a challenge requiring experience. Computer graphic technology provides an opportunity for the learner to step into a new era of learning via the use of interactive 3D models and virtual reality. To create virtually anatomically accurate cerebrovascular models with superior detail and visual appeal. High-resolution angiographic radiological studies were utilized to create virtual 3D models which were edited for anatomical accuracy and artistry post-processing. We have created anatomically realistic and detailed 3D virtual models of the cerebrovascular structures including the arterial and venous systems. The relevant surgical anatomy of the bony and brain structures was also included. In addition, these models were used to illustrate the pathoanatomy of a deep vascular malformation to demonstrate the potential of this technology. These models allow user interactivity in the 3D environment for improved understanding of anatomical relationships. Advances in computer graphics have invited a new era of education and experiential learning. The authors have created an immersive virtual 3D model of the cerebrovasculature to augment education, research, and clinical applications.

Semantically Enhanced 3D: A Web-based Platform for Spatial Integration of Excavation Documentation at Alken Enge, Denmark

ABSTRACTThe photorealistic and geometrically accurate 3-dimensional representation of excavations, provided by image-based modeling, has the potential to transform the process of excavation documentation, making it easier to share observations with other researchers. Paradoxically, however, spatial representation lacks the ability to convey archaeological interpretations. By example of excavations in Alken Enge, Denmark, this paper explores how a web-based 3D platform is able to facilitate the collaborative exchange of 3D excavation content and how the integration of spatial and attribute data into one common event-based data model may be advantageous. This includes enhancing the semantic value of field-recorded 3D models by segmenting the geometry using various techniques, such as 3D projections and machine learning. Accordingly, the paper demonstrates a framework for interactive 3D models, which includes attributed classification based on segmented 3D content correlated with traditional raster, vector, and textual data, delivering a spatially integrated platform for collaborative research.

QM/MM Approach to Isomerization of Ruthenium(II) Sulfur Dioxide Complex in Crystal; Comparison with Solution and Gas Phases

The theoretical study of chemical reactions in molecular crystals is a challenging research target. To optimize the transition state in a crystal, we have improved the crystal model and modified the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) method based on the periodic MM crystal model. We applied this method to the ruthenium(II) sulfur dioxide complex [RuII(NH3)4(SO2)Py]2+ 1Py which is potentially useful for optical data storage systems in crystal because this Ru complex has two isolable metastable structures, η1-O-bound MS1 and η2-S,O-bound MS2, in addition to η1-S-bound ground state GS in crystal. MS2 and MS1 are formed from GS by photoirradiation at low temperature (10–100 K) and thermal isomerization occurs from MS2 to MS1 and from MS2 to GS by raising the temperature. For comparison, the thermal isomerization of [RuII(NH3)4(SO2)L]n+ (L = Cl–, W, and Py) was investigated in gas and aqueous phases, where the three-regions 3D reference site interaction model self-consistent field (RISM-SCF) method ...

Review of the main surgical and angiographic-oriented classifications of the course of the internal carotid artery through a novel interactive 3D model

The course of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and its segment classifications were reviewed by means of a new and freely available 3D interactive model of the artery and the skull base, based on human neuroimages, that can be freely downloaded at the Public Repository of the University of Barcelona (http://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/handle/2445/112442) and runs under Acrobat Reader in Mac and Windows computers and Windows 10 tablets. The 3D-PDF allows zoom, rotation, selective visualization of structures, and a predefined sequence view. Illustrative images of the different classifications were obtained. Fischer (Zentralbl Neurochir 3:300-313, 1938) described five segments in the opposite direction to the blood flow. Gibo-Rothon (J Neurosurg 55:560-574, 1981) follow the blood flow, incorporated the cervical and petrous portions, and divided the subarachnoid course-supraclinoid-in ophthalmic, communicating, and choroidal segments, enhancing transcranial microscopic approaches. Bouthillier (Neurosurgery 38:425-433, 1996) divided the petrous portion describing the lacerum segment (exposed in transfacial procedures and exploration of Meckel's cave) and added the clinoid segment between the proximal and distal dural rings, of interest in cavernous sinus surgery. The Kassam's group (2014), with an endoscopic endonasal perspective, introduces the "paraclival segment," including the "lacerum segment" and part of the intracavernous ICA, and details surgical landmarks to minimize the risk of injury. Other classifications are also analyzed. This review through an interactive 3D tool provides virtual views of the ICA and becomes an innovative perspective to the segment classifications and neuroanatomy of the ICA and surrounding structures.

Forward modeling of gravity anomalies based on cell mergence and parallel computing

Forward modeling is a requisite for many geophysical applications; for instance, forward modeling is used to compute the gravity anomalies in local- or regional-scale geological models. In this study, we develop a simple and efficient approach for the 3D interactive and fast modeling. The subsurface is divided into rectangular cells with constant density. Then, the cells are merged into a series of cell groups to reduce the storage overhead. Finally, the gravity anomalies at survey locations are computed using these cell groups. All the implementations presented in this paper are developed in MATLAB and executed in parallel. For synthetic models exceeding 107 cells with 4096 survey locations, the computation time of the proposed approach on a single GPU achieves an acceleration of 13 times compared to the “summation” approach on a single GPU, and 681 times compared to the “summation” approach on a single CPU core. The gravity anomalies calculated from the proposed approach and analytical solution are consistent, the RMS error is 1.4 × 10−12 mGal. For SEG/EAGE salt model, the proposed approach achieves a compression ratio of 855 for the model and takes 5.06 min to obtain gravity anomalies.

3D Numerical Model of Soil-Tunnel Interaction Induced by Segment Joint Parameter

In a shallow tunnel, tunnel construction will triggers a chain of ground movements, resulting in settlements at the ground surface, which become more significant with the decrease in tunnel depth. Therefore, by considering behaviour of the segment tunnel joints (can affect the integrity of tunnel in both circumference and longitudinal directions), the surface settlement trough were investigated. Initial model of dual segmental tunnel lining was model and validated with laboratory test to gain nonlinear response of segment joint. Then, a soil-tunnel simulation model was developed with various segment joint parametric models for Singapore Circle Line Stage 3 (C852) project. Results showed that with the use of flexible segment joints that allow movement (hinge-nonlinear model) in staggered ring tunnel model, the ground deformation depicted higher resemblance of surface settlement pattern to the field data. Steady state settlement was observed after 10m of cutter head distance.

Silencing NIK potentiates anti-VEGF therapy in a novel 3D model of colorectal cancer angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is essential for colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, as demonstrated by the beneficial clinical effects of therapeutics inhibiting VEGF signaling. However, alternative mechanisms of neovascularization can develop, resulting in treatment failure. Previously we demonstrated NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) contributes to pathological angiogenesis. Here, we investigate NIK as a therapeutic target in endothelial cells (EC) in CRC. To determine NIK expression levels in CRC tissues, we immunostained both primary colorectal tumors and tumors metastasized to the liver. Additionally, a 3D tumor-stromal cell interaction model was developed including EC, fibroblasts and CRC cells to study tumor angiogenesis. This model tested efficacy of NIK-targeting siRNA (siNIK) in EC alone or in combination with the anti-VEGF antibody, bevacizumab. Both primary CRC and liver metastases contained blood vessels expressing NIK. In patients receiving chemotherapy plus bevacizumab, immature NIK+ vessels (p < 0.05) were increased as compared to chemotherapy alone. Activation of NIK by lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTβR) induced increases in pro-angiogenic mediators, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)1 and CXCL5 in EC and fibroblasts, accompanied by sprouting in the 3D model, which was blocked by siNIK in EC. Treatment with bevacizumab plus siNIK in EC resulted in a synergistic effect and reduced VEGF and bFGF-induced sprouting (p < 0.05). Here, we demonstrate a role for NIK in CRC-associated angiogenesis. Targeting NIK in EC in combination with anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab may hold therapeutic potential to increase efficiency in blocking tumor neovascularization, either to prevent treatment failure due to activation of accessory pathways such as NF-κB signaling or as a rescue treatment.

Smart Cultural Site: an Interactive 3d Model Accessible to People with Visual Impairment

In our study, we proposed a prototype of “Piazza dei Miracoli” (Pisa, Italy) as an intelligent 3D interface system aimed at improving the accessibility and usability of cultural sites for all, including people with vision impairment. We combine tactile information with audio tracks in order to enable potential users to explore the artifact autonomously. Low-cost and partially open-source technologies are two important features leading our approach, creating a system easily replicable. First, we designed some 3D source-based models to be printed with an additive manufacturing technology. Next, the 3D prototype has been linked to a Raspberry for handling a set of detailed audio tracks to enrich the tactile exploration with an interactive audio guide. A preliminary evaluation was conducted to test the proposed system in order to better refine its design.

Sections and Shadows of Four-Dimensional Objects

Methods of constructions of sections and shadows of four-dimensional objects are explained. We visualize images of an object and its section or shadow at the same time in a double orthogonal projection on two perpendicular three-dimensional spaces. Our techniques are similar to the methods used in Monge’s projection of the three-dimensional space. Constructions are created in the interactive 3D modeling software GeoGebra 5, in which the user can freely move some input elements. We focus on a synthetic approach to description of the four-dimensional space with the use of descriptive geometry tools.

3D multicellular model of shock wave-cell interaction

Understanding the interaction between shock waves and tissue is critical for advancing the use of shock waves for medical applications, such as cancer therapy. This work aims to study shock wave-cell interaction in a more realistic environment, relevant to in vitro and in vivo studies, by using 3D computational models of healthy and cancerous cells. The results indicate that for a single cell embedded in an extracellular environment, the cellular geometry does not influence significantly the membrane strain but does influence the von Mises stress. On the contrary, the presence of neighbouring cells has a strong effect on the cell response, by increasing fourfold both quantities. The membrane strain response of a cell converges with more than three neighbouring cell layers, indicating that a cluster of four layers of cells is sufficient to model the membrane strain in a large domain of tissue. However, a full 3D tissue model is needed if the stress evaluation is of main interest. A tumour mimicking multicellular spheroid model is also proposed to study mutual interaction between healthy and cancer cells and shows that cancer cells can be specifically targeted in an early stage tumour-mimicking environment. Statement of SignificanceThis work presents 3D computational models of shock-wave/cell interaction in a biophysically realistic environment using real cell morphology in tissue-mimicking phantoms and multicellular spheroids. Results show that cell morphology does not strongly influence the membrane strain but influences the von Mises stress. While the presence of neighbouring cells significantly increases the cell response, four cell layers are enough to capture the membrane strain change in tissue. However, a full tissue model is necessary if accurate stress analysis is needed. The work also shows that cancer cells can be specifically targeted in early stage tumour mimicking environment. This work is a step towards realistic modelling of shock-wave/cell interactions in tissues and provides insight on the use of 3D models for different scenarios.

Abstract 646: A Simple Multi-Risk-Factor Decision-Making Strategy for Improved Coronary Plaque Burden Increase Prediction: a Patient-Specific 3D FSI Study Using IVUS Follow-up

Plaque progression and vulnerability are influenced by many risk factors. Our goal is to find simple methods to combine multiple risk factors for better plaque development predictions. A sample size of 374 intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) slices with matched follow-up was obtained from 9 patients (Mean age 59, 7 m) with informed consent obtained. 3D fluid-structure interaction models were constructed to obtain plaque stress/strain conditions. Four morphological and biomechanical factors (plaque burden (PB), cap thickness (CT), lipid percent (LP) and average plaque wall stress (PWS)) were chosen to predict plaque burden increase defined as PBI = (PB at follow-up) - (PB at baseline). For a given slice Si, the ground truth Y PBI is define as Y PBI (Si)=1 if PBI(Si)&gt;0; Y PBI =0 if PBI(Si)≤0. For a single predictor W, a threshold value Wc was used to assign the binary prediction outcome: Y W (Si)=1 if W&gt;Wc; Y W (Si)=0 if W≤Wc. Wc was chosen to get optimal agreement between Y W and Y PBI . To use multiple predictors (say, W1, W2, W3) to PBI, a new predictor Combo(W1,W2,W3) was created with its values defined as Combo(W1,W2,W3)=Y W1 +Y W2 +Y W3 , where Y W1 , Y W2 and Y W3 were evaluated the same way as before. Combo was then treated as a single predictor and a threshold value was determined to achieve best agreement with Y PBI . Table 1 summarizes the optimal thresholds and agreement rates for all 15 strategies. Agreement rate using PB alone was 57.5%. PWS was the best single predictor for PBI with agreement rate 62.6%. Combining CT and PWS achieved 66.5% agreement rate, 9% better over PB, which was also obtained by combining 4 risk factors. The method presented here could be used to combine predictors from different sources (stenosis, cap, lipid, inflammation, macrophage, hemorrhage, stress, strain, flow shear stress, FFR, smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, alcohol, hypertension, pro-rupture genes, etc.) to improve prediction accuracy and help decision-making in clinical practice.

Proof of concept of a workflow methodology for the creation of basic canine head anatomy veterinary education tool using augmented reality.

Neuroanatomy can be challenging to both teach and learn within the undergraduate veterinary medicine and surgery curriculum. Traditional techniques have been used for many years, but there has now been a progression to move towards alternative digital models and interactive 3D models to engage the learner. However, digital innovations in the curriculum have typically involved the medical curriculum rather than the veterinary curriculum. Therefore, we aimed to create a simple workflow methodology to highlight the simplicity there is in creating a mobile augmented reality application of basic canine head anatomy. Using canine CT and MRI scans and widely available software programs, we demonstrate how to create an interactive model of head anatomy. This was applied to augmented reality for a popular Android mobile device to demonstrate the user-friendly interface. Here we present the processes, challenges and resolutions for the creation of a highly accurate, data based anatomical model that could potentially be used in the veterinary curriculum. This proof of concept study provides an excellent framework for the creation of augmented reality training products for veterinary education. The lack of similar resources within this field provides the ideal platform to extend this into other areas of veterinary education and beyond.