Modern High-resolution Imaging Research Articles

EVALUATION OF CLIMATE-INDUCED EVOLUTION OF THE MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THERMOKARST PLAINS IN THE PERMAFROST ZONE USING REMOTE SENSING DATA

Changing geocryological conditions and the permafrost zone landscape due to climate change is currently an acute issue actively studied by many researchers. However, insufficient attention is paid to the change in the morphological structure and quantitative analysis. The aim of the study was a quantitative analysis of morphological structure of the thermokarst plains with fluvial erosion and lacustrine thermokarst plains. The study was carried out based on satellite imagery, including archival images of Corona with a resolution of 3–12 m/pix, for 1961–1979, and a set of modern high-resolution images of 0.5–2.5 m/pix for 2008–2019. Analysis of changes in the morphological structure of thermokarst plains was carried out in 9 key areas located in the zone of continuous permafrost, in the north of the West Siberian Lowland, at the mouth of the Lena River, in Eastern Siberia, on Baffin Island. Checking statistical differences between samples 1961–1979 and 2013–2019 using the Smirnov criterion revealed statistically significant differences in the distributions of lake areas of the thermokarst plains with fluvial erosion in only two sites. In one of these areas, the changes are of a smooth and integral-exponential form of the distribution of lake areas preserved. Assessment of the significance of statistical differences for 1964–1976 and 2008–2014 for the thermokarst plains revealed a significant difference for only one area. The change in the morphological structure of the thermokarst plains with fluvial erosion due to climatic changes is more intense than that of thermokarst plains; changes affected 22% of key areas versus 12% near thermokarst plains with fluvial erosion. Key areas where changes have been identified are located on the Yamal Peninsula. The resistance of morphological structures to climatic changes is higher than that of individual components of the landscape. Erosion processes are the first to respond to climatic changes, and the change in these processes leads to a change in the distribution of the areas of thermokarst lakes in thermokarst plains with fluvial erosion during the intensification of their descent and transformation into khasyreys.

Оценка эволюции ландшафтов Cамотлорского нефтегазового месторождения

The Samotlor oil and gas field in Western Siberia, one of the largest in the world in terms of oil reserves, has been developed since 1969. Natural forest and marsh landscapes are experiencing the strongest anthropogenic pressure due to the creation of a dense network of cluster drilling sites, roads connecting them with pipelines, enterprises for primary oil refining, lines of communication. Oil production and transportation activities during the development of the Samotlor field are accompanied by pollution of the territory and degradation of vegetation, and a reduction in forest areas. To identify the dynamics of natural forest-bog landscapes, which manifests itself in a change in the ratio of forest and swamp areas, we used a comparison of a survey topographic map at a scale of 1:200 000 in 1980, showing the distribution of forests, as well as passable and impenetrable swamps, with modern high-resolution satellite images, according to which deciphered the boundaries of forests and various types of swamps-raised ridge-hollow, ridge-lake-hollow and lowland. Comparison of materials from different times was carried out on a 7.5×13.5 km site southeast of Lake Samotlor. A comparison of maps compiled in 1980 and 2019 shows that the area of forests here has almost tripled; Herbaceous-shrub communities with small islands of residual forests formed on the site of reduced forest tracts. Among the swamps, a reduction in the areas of lowland fen was revealed, their localization along the shores of lakes, with the expansion of the areas of raised bogs. In place of the impenetrable swamps of 1980, ridge-lake-hollow complexes of raised bogs were formed, with wide distribution of ridge-hollow. It has been shown that, along with the negative processes of anthropogenic deforestation, ecosystem pollution and vegetation degradation, during the development of the deposit there is an increase in the drainage of the territory, accompanied by a local increase in greenery, which is additionally promoted by the tendency to climate warming.

Cross-sectional representations of the central nervous system in Pirogov’s “Ice Anatomy”

ABSTRACT Russian surgeon Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov (Pirogoff; 1810–1881) introduced the teaching of applied topographical anatomy in Russia. Pirogov’s monumental four-part atlas, Anatome topographica sectionibus per corporis humanum congelatum triplici directione ductis illustrate (An Illustrated Topographic Anatomy of Saw Cuts Made in Three Dimensions Across the Frozen Human Body), colloquially known as the “Ice Anatomy,” was published in Latin in folio in the 1850s. Pirogov sought to investigate “the normal and pathological positions of different organs and body parts using sections made in the three principal directions [anatomical planes] … throughout all regions.” To accomplish this, he froze cadavers “to the density of the thickest wood” and then cut them into thin plates with a special mechanical saw. His approach was reportedly inspired by his observations of butchers sawing across frozen pig carcasses at the meat market in St. Petersburg during winter. Pirogov systemically obtained full-size representations of more than 1,000 sections. A painter made a representative copy of the cross-sectional contours of each section, using ruled glass overlain on the sections. The final lithographs were of high artistic quality and execution, resembling modern high-resolution medical imaging (i.e., CT or MRI). Moreover, structures were serially sectioned and systematically illustrated along all three anatomical planes, something that had never previously been attempted. This allowed clinicians and anatomists to scrutinize the spatial relationships of structures from multiple perspectives and at a much more detailed level than was previously possible, although the cost, massiveness, and complexity of the completed work precluded wide dissemination.

An Update on Virtopsy- A Modern Forensic Investigation Tool

Virtopsy is a virtual alternative to a traditional autopsy, conducted with scanning and imaging technology. In developed countries Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are now being evaluated as complementary means for determination of cause of death. This paper explores the latest development and implication of virtopsy from ethical, clinical and technical point of view. Published literature in different journals with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were extensively reviewed through use of general and Meta search engines to elucidate the applications and implications of virtual autopsy. The modern high-resolution imaging has been used as a well described aid in the setting of post-mortem investigations. Virtopsy introduces a new era in autopsy examination. It utilizes the technological innovation of modern imaging system to obtain best results and three Dimensional (3D) images of the body in multiple plains without mutilation of the human body. Now a days virtopsy is very much acceptable procedure to the forensic society. In western worlds virtopsy is likely to replace conventional autopsies in future. We can also try to implement this modern system in our country.
 KYAMC Journal.2021;12(1): 48-52

Staging Laparoscopy is Unnecessary in the Pre-surgical Work-up of Patients with Peri-Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma (PH-CCA)

Introduction: The majority of patients with peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma (PH-CCA) are not candidates for surgery either because of co-morbidity or locally advanced/metastatic cancer. Staging laparoscopy is advocated to reduce non-therapeutic laparotomy. However, modern high-resolution cross-sectional imaging can effectively identify patients with metastatic disease or bi-lobar vascular involvement. This series reports outcome in patients evaluated for surgery without staging laparoscopy.

Can acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) accurately diagnose renal masses?: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Renal masses are increasingly being discovered because of the wide accessibility of modern high resolution imaging procedures. Previous clinical studies have reported that acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) is used for diagnosis of renal masses. However, no study has investigated this topic systematically. Therefore, this study will evaluate the diagnostic value of ARFI for the diagnosis of renal masses.Methods:A systematic search using the databases of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Pubmed, WANGFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be performed to identify studies in which patients with renal masses are assessed by ARFI. Two investigators will independently screen the literature and extract the data. Any discrepancies will be resolved via discussion with the senior author. Study quality will be assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool, and pooled sensitivity and specificity of various ARFI findings for the diagnosis of renal masses will be determined. Summary receiver operating characteristic curve will be used to assess the overall performance of ARFI.Results:This study will evaluate the diagnostic value of ARFI for the diagnosis of renal masses through sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio.Conclusion:This study will summarize the most recent evidence that focusing on the diagnosis of ARFI for renal masses.Study registration:INPLASY202060105.

Land Use and Environment in a Zone of Uncertainty: A Case of the Sasanian Expansion in Eastern Iraq – Western Iran

ABSTRACT This paper explores diverse patterns of settlement and land use across an environmentally transitional area in eastern Iraq and western Iran during the Sasanian period. Historical and modern high-resolution satellite images in conjunction with field surveys are employed to document archaeological features. Analysis of multispectral satellite imagery creates a historical and traditional land use model that contributes to a spatial understanding of land classes and their relationship with archaeological features. Thereafter, data are interpreted with respect to the environmental and ethnographic records. Results indicate the limitations of our past archaeological knowledge of human-environment interactions during late antiquity. They present multitier land use and subsistence strategy in a region outside of the empire’s political and economic core zones. I discuss intertwined interactions between the sedentary and non-sedentary populations and argue that while intensification occurred in the late Sasanian period, agropastoralism and mobility have been dominant patterns of settlement and land use.

Update on Trigeminal Neuralgia.

To review current treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, with an emphasis on determining which patients may benefit from neurosurgical procedures. A detailed history is the most helpful tool for diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and predicting response to neurosurgical treatments. Patients with classic trigeminal neuralgia will describe severe, unilateral, intermittent facial pain that is triggered by innocuous sensory stimuli. In most cases, pain is caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel near the brainstem. Magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to rule out TN secondary to multiple sclerosis or tumor. Modern high-resolution T2 images may demonstrate neurovascular contact, particularly when analyzed by a neurosurgeon with expertise in TN. Initial management involves a trial of medication, usually carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is safe and effective surgery, for patients with classic TN related to neurovascular compression. For patients with TN secondary to multiple sclerosis, and for patients who are otherwise poor candidates for MVD, neurosurgical options include percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy and radiosurgery. Neurosurgical procedures are less effective in relieving atypical facial pain. In the clinical evaluation of a patient with facial pain, it is important to distinguish classic trigeminal neuralgia from atypical facial pain. A patient with classic trigeminal neuralgia would benefit from neurosurgical consultation. The advent of high-resolution MRI and MRA sequences now allows a neurosurgeon to detect when neurovascular compression is likely, and select the optimal procedure for treatment.

Eponymous "valves" of the nasolacrimal drainage apparatus. I. A historical review.

The nasolacrimal drainage apparatus (NDA) is of interest to anatomists, radiologists, and ophthalmologists alike, owing to its intricate luminal contour, complex surrounding structural morphology, and its clinical relevance. Here, we review the history of anatomical descriptions of so-called luminal "valves" of the NDA, including the numerous historical figures whose eponyms adorn the NDA. By 1908, multiple false "valves" that are likely no more than mounds of mucosa along the NDA had been recorded. In the modern era, these have all been largely considered speculative in nature and function aside from the consistently described true valve of Hasner (plica lacrimalis). Back then, eight so-called "valves" were believed to be identifiable. These were the "valves" of Foltz, Bochdalek, Rosenmüller, Huschke, Aubaret, Béraud or Krause, Taillefer, and Hasner or Cruveilhier or Bianchi. With the advent of detailed characterization through modern high-resolution imaging techniques, such as digital subtraction dacryocystography (DS-DCG), many of these valvular folds have come into question owing to their inconsistent identification. This historical review should be useful for greater understanding and accurate contextual interpretation of "valves" encountered on DS-DCG studies, and in clinical management and therapeutic planning of patients prior to undergoing luminal procedures on the NDA. Clin. Anat., 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Trajectory-guided biopsy of orbital tumor – Technology, principal considerations and clinical implementation

Intraorbital space-occupying lesions always pose a challenge, both in terms of definite surgical removal as well as preoperative sampling for histopathological examination. Despite the use of modern high-resolution imaging techniques, the dignity of orbital lesions can often not be determined with sufficient certainty preoperatively. As the amount and complexity of treatment possibilities continue to increase, detailed diagnostics in advance of treatment choice are essential. Histological classification of orbital lesions can still be considered the gold standard for reliable diagnoses, leading to appropriate treatment.Over recent years minimally invasive surgical approaches have gained more importance in the treatment and diagnosis of cranio-maxillo-facial tumor and trauma.The aim of our study was to adapt and establish a precise procedure for orbital biopsies. 23 patients suffering from space-occupying lesions of unknown dignity were included. Trajectory-guided procedures were pre-planned for all cases. In most cases minimally invasive procedures were suitable for taking biopsies of the orbit. For only two patients a conventional, non-minimally invasive, lateral orbitotomy had to be performed. Further evaluation of the presented procedure demonstrates clearly that trajectory-guided biopsies of the orbit can be performed correctly and effectively, regardless of the suspected lesion's size.

Background derivation and image flattening: getimages

Modern high-resolution images obtained with space observatories display extremely strong intensity variations across images on all spatial scales. Source extraction in such images with methods based on global thresholding may bring unacceptably large numbers of spurious sources in bright areas while failing to detect sources in low-background or low-noise areas. It would be highly beneficial to subtract background and equalize the levels of small-scale fluctuations in the images before extracting sources or filaments. This paper describes getimages, a new method of background derivation and image flattening. It is based on median filtering with sliding windows that correspond to a range of spatial scales from the observational beam size up to a maximum structure width $X_{\lambda}$. The latter is a single free parameter of getimages that can be evaluated manually from the observed image $\mathcal{I}_{\lambda}$. The median filtering algorithm provides a background image $\tilde{\mathcal{B}}_{\lambda}$ for structures of all widths below $X_{\lambda}$. The same median filtering procedure applied to an image of standard deviations $\mathcal{D}_{\lambda}$ derived from a background-subtracted image $\tilde{\mathcal{S}}_{\lambda}$ results in a flattening image $\tilde{\mathcal{F}}_{\lambda}$. Finally, a flattened detection image $\mathcal{I}_{{\lambda}\mathrm{D}}{\,=\,}\tilde{\mathcal{S}}_{\lambda}{/}\tilde{\mathcal{F}}_{\lambda}$ is computed, whose standard deviations are uniform outside sources and filaments. Detecting sources in such greatly simplified images results in much cleaner extractions that are more complete and reliable. As a bonus, getimages reduces various observational and map-making artifacts and equalizes noise levels between independent tiles of mosaicked images.

Crossing the line: Brainstem lesion in a patient with glioblastoma

A 62-year-old man without significant past medical history presented a progressive right hemiparesis. Physical examination revealed spastic rigidity in the right upper and lower limb as well as increased deep tendon reflexes on the same side. Sensory testing was normal. Brain MRI was performed and the patient was diagnosed with diffuse glioblastoma. Six months later, a follow-up MR revealed T2-FLAIR (Fluid-attenuated Inversion-recovery) linear hyperintensity within the brainstemand bulbo-medullar junction with notable crossing of the midline (Fig. 1, Fig. 2).Fig. 2MRI FLAIR weighted axial images. (A) Hyperintensity of the corticospinal tract at the mid-brain level (arrow). (B) Hyperintensity of the corticospinal tract at the pons level (arrow).View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) A.Wallerian degenerationB.Brainstem strokeC.Glial infiltrationD.Hemorrhage Answer on page 176. None. Clément Cholet – Reports no disclosures. Delphine Leclercq – Reports no disclosures. Bruno Law-ye – Reports no disclosures. The authors state that the subject has given their informed consent. This study was approved by our local Ethics Committee. Crossing the line: Brainstem lesion in a patient with glioblastomaJournal of Clinical NeuroscienceVol. 46PreviewThis case illustrates the precise radio-anatomic correlation made possible by modern high-resolution 3D imaging as it unequivocally evidences in vivo the corticospinal tract decussation. To our knowledge, no prior case with such precise anatomic detail was previously published. Our patient presented diffuse infiltrative glioblastoma, visualized as large areas of FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery) hyperintensities (Fig. 1A). Among the several lesions observed, one was located on the medial aspect of the primary motor cortex, before the central sulcus (Fig. Full-Text PDF

Comparison of two protocols for the management of asymptomatic postmenopausal women with adnexal tumours \u2013 a randomised controlled trial of RMI/RCOG vs Simple Rules

Background:Adnexal tumours are frequently diagnosed in asymptomatic postmenopausal women due to more liberal use of modern high-resolution imaging. This study’s objective was to determine if there would be a difference in the intervention rates when using the Simple Rules Management Protocol (SRMP) as compared to the Risk of Malignancy Index in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guideline (RMI/RCOG).Methods:This was a prospective randomised controlled trial with the participants and the researchers non-blinded, and the surgeons and pathologists blinded. We recruited pain-free postmenopausal women who were diagnosed with an adnexal tumour on ultrasound scan. Women were randomised to either of the two protocols, which then determined if they were offered conservative or surgical management. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. The primary outcome measure was rate of surgical interventions for ovarian cysts up to 12 months after randomisation. The secondary outcome measures were the number of staging surgical procedures, surgical complications and number of delayed diagnoses of ovarian cancer.Results:A total of 148 women were randomised over 39 months with 73 in the RMI/RCOG arm and 75 in the SRMP arm with outcome data for 136 at 12 months. The two groups were balanced in terms of age, length of time since menopause and use of hormone replacement therapy. There were 18 out of 68 (28.1%) women in the RMI/RCOG arm who had surgery vs 7 out of 68 (10.3%) women in the SRMP arm (P=0.015, χ2-test). The difference in these proportions was 16.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.4–28.9%) and the relative risk was 2.57 (95% CI: 1.15–5.76). There were no significant differences in the number of staging surgical procedures and the surgical complications between the two groups and there were no delayed diagnoses of ovarian cancer at 12 months.Conclusions:Surgical intervention rates in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with an ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal tumours are significantly lower when the novel SRMP protocol is used for triaging compared to the standard RMI/RCOG protocol without an increase in delayed malignant diagnoses.

Bilateral Endolymphatic Hydrops in a Patient With Migraine Variant Without Vertigo: A Case Report

To use modern high-resolution inner ear imaging modalities to evaluate for endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in a patient with migraine-associated fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo spells or dizziness. EH has been well described in patients with Meniere's disease on both human temporal bone studies and modern high-resolution imaging; however, there is no study to date, to our knowledge, that examines the presence of EH in a patient with migraine and bilateral hearing loss. We present the MRI findings using a sequence for detecting EH in a unique case of a patient experiencing migraine headaches accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo. Magnetic resonance imaging sequences included "cisternographic" three-dimensional T2, and delayed intravenous-enhanced three-dimensional fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (DIVE-3D-FLAIR) sequences, performed with 2350 ms (bright perilymph) and 2050 ms (bright endolymph) inversion times. The bright endolymph images were subtracted from bright perilymph images to create a composite image with bright perilymph, dark endolymph, and intermediate bone signals. A 40-year-old female presented with a left-sided sensorineural hearing loss and severe migraine headaches that began at age 12. For the past year, she experienced severe migraines with right-sided fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Audiometry confirmed a drop of right-sided hearing at times of migraines and increased symptom severity. Vestibular testing was within normal limits. MRI demonstrated the presence of severe bilateral vestibular and cochlear EH. EH of both the cochlea and vestibule can be present in patients without Meniere's disease or vertigo. The relationship between migraine and Meniere's disease may be complex, as demonstrated in this patient with migraine-associated bilateral hearing loss with MRI documentation of severe bilateral EH. The fact that migraine can be associated with EH is important and demonstrates a potential relationship between the pathophysiology of migraine and that of EH. Given this patient's previous association of migraine and hearing loss at age 12, it appears that migrainous attacks occur simultaneously with the hearing loss, and may be potentially causative of the fluctuating hearing loss, mediated possibly through the development of EH. New imaging modalities allow for studies into the field of inner ear pathology, with significant implications for future research.

3D printing in medicine of congenital heart diseases.

Congenital heart diseases causing significant hemodynamic and functional consequences require surgical repair. Understanding of the precise surgical anatomy is often challenging and can be inadequate or wrong. Modern high resolution imaging techniques and 3D printing technology allow 3D printing of the replicas of the patient’s heart for precise understanding of the complex anatomy, hands-on simulation of surgical and interventional procedures, and morphology teaching of the medical professionals and patients. CT or MR images obtained with ECG-gating and breath-holding or respiration navigation are best suited for 3D printing. 3D echocardiograms are not ideal but can be used for printing limited areas of interest such as cardiac valves and ventricular septum. Although the print materials still require optimization for representation of cardiovascular tissues and valves, the surgeons find the models suitable for practicing closure of the septal defects, application of the baffles within the ventricles, reconstructing the aortic arch, and arterial switch procedure. Hands-on surgical training (HOST) on models may soon become a mandatory component of congenital heart disease surgery program. 3D printing will expand its utilization with further improvement of the use of echocardiographic data and image fusion algorithm across multiple imaging modalities and development of new printing materials. Bioprinting of implants such as stents, patches and artificial valves and tissue engineering of a part of or whole heart using the patient’s own cells will open the door to a new era of personalized medicine.

In utero development of the fetal intestine: Sonographic evaluation and correlation with gestational age and fetal maturity in dogs

Modern high-resolution ultrasound images enable earlier assessment of measures of fetal development, including identification of the bowel. The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic development of fetal bowel and correlate this with gestational age; define whether ultrasonographic visualization of fetal intestinal peristalsis in utero is associated with fetal maturation and determine whether there is a difference in fetal intestinal peristalsis detection time between fetuses delivered by normal delivery and cesarean. A cohort study was conducted in pregnant bitches presented to a veterinary hospital, to assess fetal bowel development. Statistical analysis was used to establish the correlation of the stage of fetal bowel development, as recorded by ultrasound, with outcomes of normal delivery and cesarean section. The study was broken down into three stages: the first stage was a descriptive analysis of fetal bowel development by ultrasound; the second stage compared time (in days) of bowel development between groups (normal delivery vs. cesarean); and the third stage was correlated survival probability for fetuses born on any day after detection of intestinal peristalsis with fetal maturity. All statistical analyses were significant. It is possible to monitor pregnancy progression using ultrasonographic evaluation of bowel development and this can reliably identify the end of fetal organogenesis. However, ultrasonographic detection of bowel segments with visualization of wall layers and associated peristalsis should not be used as the sole indicator for cesarean section planning because it is not possible to determine ultrasonographically whether the bowel is functional (mature).

Virtual autopsy: a new trend in forensic investigation

Introduction: The modern high-resolution imaging has been used as a well described aid in the setting of post-mortem investigations. In developed countries Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are now being evaluated as complementary means for cause-of-death determination. Objective: This paper explores the implication of virtual autopsy from ethical and technical point of view. Methods: Published literature with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were extensively reviewed through use of general and Meta search engines to elucidate the applications and implications of virtual autopsy. Discussion: Virtual autopsy introduces a new era in autopsy examination. It utilizes the technological innovation of modern imaging system to obtain high quality 3 Dimensional images of the body in multiple plains without mutilation of the human body. The Virtual Autopsy can be applied in a broad number of forensic situations, such as thanatological investigations; carbonized and putrefied body identifications; mass disaster cases; age estimation; anthropological examinations and skin lesion analyses, determining cause of death determination; decedent gender, identification in 001 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 difficult forensic cases; body length and Individual decedent feature identification; identifying distinct foreign bodies – retained bullets, blades, etc.; identification of injuries and forensic reconstructions – three dimensional reconstructions, bullet tract identification; education and clinical performance improvement process; and research. Conclusion: Due to its minimal invasive procedure, virtual autopsy is very much acceptable to the society. In USA and European countries virtual autopsy is likely to replace conventional autopsies in future. We can also utilize this modern technology to upgrade the century old investigation system in our country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21848 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013

Analysis of tensor approximation for compression-domain volume visualization

As modern high-resolution imaging devices allow to acquire increasingly large and complex volume data sets, their effective and compact representation for visualization becomes a challenging task. The Tucker decomposition has already confirmed higher-order tensor approximation (TA) as a viable technique for compressed volume representation; however, alternative decomposition approaches exist. In this work, we review the main TA models proposed in the literature on multiway data analysis and study their application in a visualization context, where reconstruction performance is emphasized along with reduced data representation costs. Progressive and selective detail reconstruction is a main goal for such representations and can efficiently be achieved by truncating an existing decomposition. To this end, we explore alternative incremental variations of the CANDECOMP/PARAFAC and Tucker models. We give theoretical time and space complexity estimates for every discussed approach and variant. Additionally, their empirical decomposition and reconstruction times and approximation quality are tested in both C++ and MATLAB implementations. Several scanned real-life exemplar volumes are used varying data sizes, initialization methods, degree of compression and truncation. As a result of this, we demonstrate the superiority of the Tucker model for most visualization purposes, while canonical-based models offer benefits only in limited situations.

A computational platform for robotized fluorescence microscopy (I): High‐content image‐based cell‐cycle analysis

Hardware automation and software development have allowed a dramatic increase of throughput in both acquisition and analysis of images by associating an optimized statistical significance with fluorescence microscopy. Despite the numerous common points between fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry (FCM), the enormous amount of applications developed for the latter have found relatively low space among the modern high-resolution imaging techniques. With the aim to fulfill this gap, we developed a novel computational platform named A.M.I.CO. (Automated Microscopy for Image-Cytometry) for the quantitative analysis of images from widefield and confocal robotized microscopes. Thanks to the setting up of both staining protocols and analysis procedures, we were able to recapitulate many FCM assays. In particular, we focused on the measurement of DNA content and the reconstruction of cell-cycle profiles with optimal parameters. Standard automated microscopes were employed at the highest optical resolution (200 nm), and white-light sources made it possible to perform an efficient multiparameter analysis. DNA- and protein-content measurements were complemented with image-derived information on their intracellular spatial distribution. Notably, the developed tools create a direct link between image-analysis and acquisition. It is therefore possible to isolate target populations according to a definite quantitative profile, and to relocate physically them for diffraction-limited data acquisition. Thanks to its flexibility and analysis-driven acquisition, A.M.I.CO. can integrate flow, image-stream and laser-scanning cytometry analysis, providing high-resolution intracellular analysis with a previously unreached statistical relevance.

Long term and short term coastal line changes of the Eastern Gulf of Finland. Problems of coastal erosion

Traditionally the coastal zone of the easternmost (Russian) part of the Gulf of Finland has not been considered as an area of active litho- and morphodynamics, but a recent study has shown that the easternmost part of the coastal zone suffers from erosion. Within some coastal segments the shoreline recession rate reaches 2 – 2.5 m/year. As well as determining the hydrodynamic reasons for recent erosion acceleration, important geological and geomorphic features of coastal zone which influenced the lithodynamics were established. The Kurortny District of St.Petersburg is located along the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland to the west of the St. Petersburg Flood Protection Facility. It has special importance as a unique recreation zone of the North-West of Russia. Coastal erosion is one of the most serious problems of the area. The analysis of historical materials, archive aerial photographs and modern high-resolution satellite images have shown that advancing parts of coast are almost non-existant with most sections of the coast being eroded and further retreating. Field monitoring between 2004 and 2007 showed intense damage to sandy beaches during autumn and winter storms and progressive erosion of the dunes system. Among the most important natural reasons for the erosion processes are that the coastline is open to storm waves induced by westerly and south-westerly winds, the geological structure of coastal area (easily eroded Quaternary deposits) and a sediment deficit. In some areas sediment loss was the result of the submarine coastal slope morphology (a steep slope of a narrow submarine terrace within the area of sediment drift discharge), with erosion of an alongshore submarine sandy terrace and erosion runnels at the depth 8–12 m. The situation becomes worse due to anthropogenic impact. The southern coastal zone dynamics are also very active. According to an aerial and satellite photos analysis from 1975–1976 to 1989–1990, sandy beaches to the west of Lebyazhye village were eroded up to 30 m, and near Bolshaya Izora village up to 70 m. The comparison of coastine GPSsurvey with old nautical and topographic charts published in the 1980s shows the considerable change.