Perpendicular Projection Research Articles

A Self-Developed Mobility Augmented Reality System Versus Conventional X-rays for Spine Positioning in Intraspinal Tumor Surgery: A Case-Control Study.

To evaluate the efficacy of a self-developed mobile augmented reality navigation system (MARNS) in guiding spinal level positioning during intraspinal tumor surgery based on a dual-error theory. This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with intraspinal tumors admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital between May and November 2023. The participants were divided into conventional x-rays and self-developed MARNS groups according to the localization methods they received. Position time, length of intraoperative incision variation, and location accuracy were systematically compared. A total of 41 patients (19 males) with intraspinal tumors were included, and MARNS was applied to 21 patients. MARNS achieved successful lesion localization in all patients with an error of 0.38±0.12 cm. Compared to x-rays, MARNS significantly reduced positioning time (129.00±13.03 seconds vs. 365.00±60.43 seconds, p<0.001) and length of intraoperative incision variation (0.14 cm vs. 0.67 cm, p=0.009). The self-developed MARNS, based on augmented reality technology for lesion visualization and perpendicular projection, offers a radiation-free complement to conventional x-rays.

A Novel Method for Spatial Structural Kinematic Analysis

Kinematic analysis is the first task that needs to be solved for further real-life problems such as machine dynamics and durability, machine balancing, and optimization, chemistry, etc. Currently, there are many methods to analyze the kinematic problem, for instance: vector graphics method, vector-analytic method, or Dennavit-Hartenberg-Craig matrix method. Although each method has its advantages, they have mostly encountered difficulties in establishing equations associated with complicated spatial structures. This research proposed a novel method, entitled “'perpendicular projection method” to solve the problem of spatial structural kinematic analysis. This is an approximate solution method that combines the use of generalized coordinates and direction cosine matrices. With this method, the problem of kinematic analysis of spatial structures will be solved simply and easily by establishing connection equations as well as simulating the motion of spatial structures. This method was then applied in conducting the kinematic analysis of a spatial mechanism with 1 rotating joint (R), 1 ball joint (S), 1 translational joint (P), and one cylindrical joint (C). The calculated results, including the velocity, acceleration of generalized coordinates, angular velocity, angular acceleration of the links, velocity, and acceleration of the center of mass of the links, showed the efficiency of the proposed method.

Challenges of Engineering Applications of Descriptive Geometry

Descriptive geometry has indispensable applications in many engineering activities. A summary of these is provided in the first chapter of this paper, preceded by a brief introduction into the methods of representation and mathematical recognition related to our research area, such as projection perpendicular to a single plane, projection images created by perpendicular projection onto two mutually perpendicular image planes, but placed on one plane, including the research of curves and movements, visual representation and perception relying on a mathematical approach, and studies on toothed driving pairs and tool geometry in order to place the development presented here among them. As a result of the continuous variability of the technological environment according to various optimization aspects, the engineering activities must also be continuously adapted to the changes, for which an appropriate approach and formulation are required from the practitioners of descriptive geometry, and can even lead to improvement in the field of descriptive geometry. The imaging procedures are always based on the methods and theorems of descriptive geometry. Our aim was to examine the spatial variation in the wear of the tool edge and the machining of the components of toothed drive pairs using two cameras. Resolving contradictions in spatial geometry reconstruction research is a constant challenge, to which a possible answer in many cases is the searching for the right projection direction, and positioning cameras appropriately. A special method of enumerating the possible infinite viewpoints for the reconstruction of tool surface edge curves is presented in the second part of this paper. In the case of the monitoring the shape geometry, taking into account the interchangeability of the projection directions, i.e., the property of symmetry, all images made from two perpendicular directions were taken into account. The procedure for determining the correct directions in a mathematically exact way is also presented through examples. A new criterion was formulated for the tested tooth edge of the hob to take into account the shading of the tooth next to it. The analysis and some of the results of the Monge mapping, suitable for the solution of a mechanical engineering task to be solved in a specific technical environment, namely defining the conditions for camera placements that ensure reconstructibility are also presented. Taking physical shadowing into account, conclusions can be drawn about the degree of distortion of the machined surface from the spatial deformation of the edge curve of the tool reconstructed with correctly positioned cameras.

Two-stage deep learning method for sparse-view fluorescence molecular tomography reconstruction.

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) is a preclinical optical tomographic imaging technique that can trace various physiological and pathological processes at the cellular or even molecular level. Reducing the number of FMT projection views can improve the data acquisition speed, which is significant in applications such as dynamic problems. However, a reduction in the number of projection views will dramatically aggravate the ill-posedness of the FMT inverse problem and lead to significant degradation of the reconstructed images. To deal with this problem, we have proposed a deep-learning-based reconstruction method for sparse-view FMT that only uses four perpendicular projection views and divides the image reconstruction into two stages: image restoration and inverse Radon transform. In the first stage, the projection views of the surface fluorescence are restored to eliminate the blur derived from photon diffusion through a fully convolutional neural network. In the second stage, another convolutional neural network is used to implement the inverse Radon transform between the restored projections from the first stage and the reconstructed transverse slices. Numerical simulation and phantom and mouse experiments are carried out. The results show that the proposed method can effectively deal with the image reconstruction problem of sparse-view FMT.

RADIATION DOSE AND ANATOMICAL INFORMATION IN SACRUM BONE EXAMINATION WITH AP AND AXIAL AP PROJECTIONS

The projections for the sacrum are axial anteroposterior with the beam 15 degrees toward the cephalad, and axial posteroanterior in the direction of the beam 15 degrees caudally. Some practitioners take steps to examine the sacrum with AP projections in a perpendicular beam direction. Around the sacrum are reproductive organs that are sensitive to radiation, so it is necessary to select the right projection to reduce the radiation dose and show clear anatomical information. This study aims to determine the projection of an examination that produces clear anatomical information at a minimal dose. This is an experimental study with one shot post-test only. Samples in the form of radiographs were obtained from perpendicular AP and axial AP projections assessed by radiologists regarding the clarity of anatomical information. The radiation dose was measured using TLD on the ovaries and gonads. Data were analyzed by t-test and Wilcoxon test with an error level of 5%. The AP axial projection shows better anatomical information than the perpendicular AP projection. The axial AP projection shows a smaller dose of the ovaries and gonads. There is a difference in anatomical information between AP and axial AP projections with a p-value = 0.017. There was a difference in radiation dose between AP and axial AP projections on the right ovary (p-value = 0.002), left ovary (p-value 0.001) and gonads (p-value = 0.008).

Factors influencing an eruption of teeth associated with a dentigerous cyst: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundA dentigerous cyst (DC) is a pathology embracing the crown of an unerupted tooth at risk of malignant transformation. The causal tooth is usually removed together with the cyst. However, if there are orthodontic contraindications for extraction, two questions arise. (1) Which factors favor spontaneous eruption? (2) Which factors imply the necessity of applying orthodontic traction? This systematic review aimed to identify factors conducive/inconducive to the spontaneous eruption of teeth after dentigerous cyst marsupialization.MethodsIn accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the main research question was defined in the PICO format (P: patients with dentigerous cysts; I: spontaneous tooth eruption after surgical DC treatment; C: lack of a spontaneous tooth eruption after surgical DC treatment; O: determining factors potentially influencing spontaneous tooth eruption). The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for keywords combining dentigerous/odontogenic/follicular cysts with teeth and/or orthodontics, as well as human teeth and eruption patterns/intervals/periods/durations. The following data were extracted from the qualified articles (4 out of 3005 found initially): the rate of tooth eruption after surgical treatment of the cyst, the age and sex of the patients, the perpendicular projection distance between the top of the tooth cusp and the edge of the alveolar process, tooth angulation, the root formation stage, the cyst area, and the eruption space. The articles were subjected to risk of bias and quality analyses with the ROBINS-I protocol and the modified Newcastle–Ottawa QAS, respectively. Meta-analyses were performed with both fixed and random effects models. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO under ID CRD42020189044.ResultsNearly 62% of DC-associated premolars erupted spontaneously after cyst marsupialization/decompression. Young age (mean = 10 years) and root formation not exceeding 1/2 of its fully developed length were the factors likely to favor spontaneous eruption.ConclusionThe small number of published studies, as well as their heterogeneity and the critical risk of bias, did not allow the creation of evidence-based protocols for managing teeth with DC after marsupialization. More high-quality research is needed to draw more reliable conclusions.

On Fuzzy Soft Projection Operators In Hilbert Space

In this paper, we study and discussion new type of fuzzy soft operator which is fuzzy soft projection operator and fuzzy soft perpendicular projection operator ,and given some properties with characterization of tis operator also theorems related on fuzzy soft projection operator have been given. In addition we introduce the relation between this operator and other types.

Aortic and mitral flow quantification using dynamic valve tracking and machine learning: Prospective study assessing static and dynamic plane repeatability, variability and agreement.

BackgroundBlood flow is a crucial measurement in the assessment of heart valve disease. Time-resolved flow using magnetic resonance imaging (4 D flow MRI) can provide a comprehensive assessment of heart valve hemodynamics but it relies in manual plane analysis. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of automate the detection and tracking of aortic and mitral valve planes to assess blood flow from 4 D flow MRI.MethodsIn this prospective study, a total of n = 106 subjects were enrolled: 19 patients with mitral disease, 65 aortic disease patients and 22 healthy controls. Machine learning was employed to detect aortic and mitral location and motion in a cine three-chamber plane and a perpendicular projection was co-registered to the 4 D flow MRI dataset to quantify flow volume, regurgitant fraction, and a peak velocity. Static and dynamic plane association and agreement were evaluated. Intra- and inter-observer, and scan-rescan reproducibility were also assessed.ResultsAortic regurgitant fraction was elevated in aortic valve disease patients as compared with controls and mitral valve disease patients (p < 0.05). Similarly, mitral regurgitant fraction was higher in mitral valve patients (p < 0.05). Both aortic and mitral total flow were high in aortic patients. Static and dynamic were good (r > 0.6, p < 0.005) for aortic total flow and peak velocity, and mitral peak velocity and regurgitant fraction. All measurements showed good inter- and intra-observer, and scan-rescan reproducibility.ConclusionWe demonstrated that aortic and mitral hemodynamics can efficiently be quantified from 4 D flow MRI using assisted valve detection with machine learning.

Perpendicular space accounting of localized states in a quasicrystal

Quasicrystals can be described as projections of sections of higher dimensional periodic lattices into real space. The image of the lattice points in the projected out dimensions, called the perpendicular space, carries valuable information about the local structure of the real space lattice. In this paper, we show that perpendicular space projection can be used to analyze the elementary excitations of a quasicrystal. In particular, we consider the vertex tight binding model on the two dimensional Penrose lattice and investigate the properties of strictly localized states using perpendicular space images. Our method reproduces the previously reported frequencies for the six types of localized states in this model. We also calculate the overlaps between different localized states and show that the number of type-5 and type-6 localized states which are independent from the four other types is a factor of golden ratio $\tau=(1+\sqrt{5})/2$ higher than previously reported values. Two orientations of the same type-5 or type-6 which are supported around the same site are shown to be linearly dependent with the addition of other types. We also show through exhaustion of all lattice sites in perpendicular space that any point in the Penrose lattice is either in the support of at least one localized state or is forbidden by local geometry to host a strictly localized state.

Target-centric angle variables in pursuit tracking

A method for constructing a dynamic local reference frame centered at the location of a pursuit target is proposed. It uses original fixed reference frame coordinates for three positions: the location of a moving target, the location of a pursuing entity, and a third reference point that defines the instantaneous target trajectory direction. The method involves rigid body geometric operations and creates a consistent local reference frame configuration having its origin at the target location. The local frame also has the target trajectory pointing in the positive x axis direction, and a defined azimuth plane descriptive of the current pursuer location. This plane is determined by a concluding local frame rotation around the set x axis, which specifies a particular y axis direction. If the pursuer position is not on the local frame’s azimuth plane, its perpendicular projection on to that plane serves as an additional position for use in defining angle variables. Three angle variables relevant to the pursuit dynamics (not all mutually independent) are obtained from the three coordinate values of the pursuer position in the local frame: an elevation angle, an azimuth angle, and a bearing angle that basically describes how far off course the pursuer position is from being directly behind the target’s current trajectory path position. To illustrate the method of obtaining these angles and to demonstrate their potential usefulness in characterizing pursuit behavior, example experimental data from a motor control and coordination pursuit task performance are presented and analyzed.

A Role of Hilbert Space in Sampled Data to Reduced Error Accumulation by Over Sampling Then the Computational and Storage Cost Increase Using Signal Processing On 2-Sphere Dimension”

Hilbert Space has wide usefulness in signal processing research. It is pitched at a graduate student level, but relies only on undergraduate background material. The needs and concerns of the researchers In engineering differ from those of the pure science. It is difficult to put the finger on what distinguishes the engineering approach that we have taken. In the end, if a potential use emerges from any result, however abstract, then an engineer would tend to attach greater value to that result. This may serve to distinguish the emphasis given by a mathematician who may be interested in the proof of a fundamental concept that links deeply with other areas of mathematics or is a part of a long-standing human intellectual endeavor not that engineering, in comparison, concerns less intellectual pursuits. The theory of Hilbert spaces was initiated by David Hilbert (1862-1943), in the early of twentieth century in the context of the study of "Integral equations". Integral equations are a natural complement to differential equations and arise, for example, in the study of existence and uniqueness of function which are solution of partial differential equations such as wave equation. Convolution and Fourier transform equation also belongs to this class. Geometric intuition plays an important role in many aspects of Hilbert space theory. Exact analogs of the Pythagorean theorem and parallelogram law hold in Hilbert space. At a deeper level, perpendicular projection onto a subspace that is the analog of "dropping the altitude" of a triangle plays a significant role in optimization problem and other aspects of the theory. An element of Hilbert space can be uniquely specified by its co-ordinates with respect to a set of coordinate axes that is an orthonormal basis, in analogy with Cartesian coordinates in the plane. When that set of axes is countably infinite, this means that the Hilbert space can also usefully be thought in terms of infinite sequences that are square summable. Linear operators on Hilbert space are ply transformations that stretch the space by different factors in mutually perpendicular directions in a sense that is made precise by the study of their spectral theory. In brief Hilbert spaces are the means by which the ordinary experience of Euclidean concepts can be extended meaningfully into idealized constructions of more complex abstract mathematics. However, in brief, the usual application demand for Hilbert spaces are integral and differential equations, generalized functions and partial differential equations, quantum mechanics, orthogonal polynomials and functions, optimization and approximation theory. In signal processing which is the main objective of the present thesis and engineering. Wavelets and optimization problem that has been dealt in the present thesis, optimal control, filtering and equalization, signal processing on 2- sphere, Shannon information theory, communication theory, linear and non-linear theory and many more is application domain of the Hilbert space.

Zygomatic-Meatal Perpendicular Projection Lines: Bony Landmarks for Early Identification of the Temporal Horn of the Lateral Ventricle

Localization of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle (TH) may be required during temporal lobe and ambient cistern surgery. Most available anatomic landmarks for TH localization are based on adjacent cortical landmarks that are inherently variable or subtle. This study aimed to localize the anterior tip of the TH relative to adjacent bony landmarks. The TH was exposed on 21 sides of 11 cadaveric heads via removal of the middle temporal gyrus. Two lines were defined: (1) a perpendicular line to the zygomatic arch projected from the anterior concavity of the posterior zygomatic root (line A), and (2) a parallel line passing through the anterosuperior corner of the external auditory canal (line B). Sagittal distances from lines A and B to a parallel line passing through the anterior recess of the TH (line H) were measured. Mean (standard deviation) distances from lines A and B to line H were 13.3 (2.5) mm and 11.9 (2.2) mm, respectively. Line H was at 53% (8%) of the line A-line B interval measured from line A. The best way to search for the TH was to start approximately 15 mm posterior to line A and progress posteriorly such that a more posteriorly located TH tip would not be missed. The zygomatic-meatal landmark is a reliable tool to localize TH during various approaches. It is independent from the approach trajectory. This landmark may be used as an ancillary tool in conjunction with other cortical landmarks and image guidance.

Setup Management for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Treated via the Breath-Hold Technique

PurposeActive Breathing Coordinator (Elekta AB, Crawley, UK) is a motion management strategy for radiation treatment. During setup, aligning the patient to the bony spine alone does not necessarily lead to an accurate alignment to soft tissue targets, and further adjustment is necessary. Determining a safe range of values for such adjustments is an important quality assurance measure and was the purpose of this study, with focus on stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods and MaterialsThe retrospective study included 19 previously treated patients. For each fraction, a free-breathing cone beam computed tomography scan was registered to a reference breath-hold computed tomography for alignment to the spine. Two perpendicular breath-hold kV projection images were then acquired and compared with corresponding reference digitally reconstructed radiographs for additional alignment with a surrogate fiducial marker. By comparing the breath-hold kV projection images from subsequent treatment fractions with those from the first fraction, we derived the 3-dimensional variability of the fiducial position with respect to the reference image. ResultsWe observed intrafraction setup error to be within 2.0 mm. For interfraction, we observed average reproducibility of 1.7 ± 0.8 mm, 2.0 ± 1.4 mm, and 3.2 ± 2.5 mm in the left–right (LR), anterior–posterior (AP), and superior–inferior (SI) directions, respectively. The average excursion values from free breathing spine to breath-hold fiducial alignment were 1.5 ± 1.4 mm, 2.0 ± 1.9 mm, and 3.0 ± 2.0 mm in the LR, AP and SI directions, respectively. The observed ranges of average excursions among all patients were 0.2 to 5.1 mm, 0.1 to 5. 9 mm, and 0.6 to 7.8 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that intrafraction targeting errors can be within 2 mm, and interfraction shifts from free-breathing spine to Active Breathing Coordinator breath-hold target can be as high as 8 mm. Values that deviate significantly would need further investigation to rule out factors such as local progression, bowel gas, or fiducial shift before treatment.

Effect of joint line preservation on mobile-type bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: finite element analysis.

In this study, we performed a virtual mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) on the contact pressure in the tibial insert and articular cartilage by using finite element (FE) analysis to understand clinical observations and elaborate on the potential risks associated with a joint line preservation such as wear on tibial insert and osteoarthritis on other compartment. Neutral position of the knee joint was defined in 0mm joint line, and contact pressure between tibial insert and articular cartilage varies with respect to changes of joint line. Therefore, evaluation of contact pressure may provide the degree of joint line preservation. The FE model for the joint line was developed using a perpendicular projection line from the medial tibial plateau to the anatomical axis. Seven FE models for joint lines in cases corresponding to ± 6, ± 4, ± 2, and 0mm were modeled and analyzed in normal level walking conditions. The maximum contact pressure on the superior and inferior surfaces of the polyethylene insert increased when the joint line became positive while the maximum contact pressure on the articular cartilage increased when the joint line became negative. The increase in the maximum contact pressure in the positive joint line exceeded that in the negative joint line, and this lead to an unsymmetrical maximum contact pressure distribution with respect to the joint line from a 0 reference. The joint line elevation was sensitive to increases or decreases in maximum contact pressures in the mobile-bearing UKA. The findings of the study determined that postoperative joint line preservation is important in mobile-type bearing UKA.

In vivo three-dimensional kinematics of normal knees during different high-flexion activities.

AimsIn Asia and the Middle-East, people often flex their knees deeply in order to perform activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3D kinematics of normal knees during high-flexion activities. Our hypothesis was that the femorotibial rotation, varus-valgus angle, translations, and kinematic pathway of normal knees during high-flexion activities, varied according to activity.Materials and MethodsWe investigated the in vivo kinematics of eight normal knees in four male volunteers (mean age 41.8 years; 37 to 53) using 2D and 3D registration technique, and modelled the knees with a computer aided design program. Each subject squatted, kneeled, and sat cross-legged. We evaluated the femoral rotation and varus-valgus angle relative to the tibia and anteroposterior translation of the medial and lateral side, using the transepicodylar axis as our femoral reference relative to the perpendicular projection on to the tibial plateau. This method evaluates the femur medially from what has elsewhere been described as the extension facet centre, and differs from the method classically applied. ResultsDuring squatting and kneeling, the knees displayed femoral external rotation. When sitting cross-legged, femurs displayed internal rotation from 10° to 100°. From 100°, femoral external rotation was observed. No significant difference in varus-valgus angle was seen between squatting and kneeling, whereas a varus position was observed from 140° when sitting cross-legged. The measure kinematic pathway using our methodology found during squatting a medial pivoting pattern from 0° to 40° and bicondylar rollback from 40° to 150°. During kneeling, a medial pivot pattern was evident. When sitting cross-legged, a lateral pivot pattern was seen from 0° to 100°, and a medial pivot pattern beyond 100°.ConclusionThe kinematics of normal knees during high flexion are variable according to activity. Nevertheless, our study was limited to a small number of male patients using a different technique to report the kinematics than previous publications. Accordingly, caution should be observed in generalizing our findings.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:50–5.

Estudo da Abertura Externa do Aqueduto Vestibular como Referência na Preservação do labirinto pelo acesso suboccipital retrossigmóide transmeatal

A abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular foi avaliada como uma referência para ajudar na preservação do labirinto por meio do acesso suboccipital retrossigmóideo transmeatal. Foram estudados ossos temporais, segmentos cefálicos, pacientes portadores de neurinomas do acústico e exames por tomografia computadorizada dos ossos temporais. As correlações existentes entre a abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular, poro acústico interno e crista transversa foram observadas, e realizadas medidas entre essas estruturas. Dissecações foram efetuadas nas partes anatômicas para a exposição da abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular junto à saída do saco endolinfático. A parede posterior do meato acústico interno foi aberta, sem atingir, porém, a abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular, que foi usada como referência para o limite lateral da brocagem. Finalmente, o aqueduto vestibular, a cruz commune e o canal semicircular posterior foram abertos para certificar-se de que eles não haviam sido lesados anteriormente, e para comprovar que ainda existia um limite ósseo entre a extremidade lateral do meato acústico interno e o labirinto. A mesma referência foi utilizada em 24 pacientes portadores de neurinomas do acústico, com o propósito de preservar as partes óssea e membranosa do labirinto, e foi estudada por tomografia computadorizada dos ossos temporais. Existia sempre uma correlação entre a abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular, a extremidade lateral do meato t o labirinto. A distância entre o poro acústico interno e a abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular nunca foi menor que a distância entre esse mesmo poro e a crista transversa. A abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular estava, em geral, lateral à projeção perpendicular da extremidade meatal lateral na superfície petrosa posterior, e, quando sob linha direta da visão, fornecia um ângulo apropriado para que pudessem ser evitadas lesões na porção mais póstero-medial do labirinto. Se a parede posterior do meato não fosse brocada até a abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular, o labirinto poderia ser preservado. Os resultados dos casos cirúrgicos mostraram que o labirinto pôde ser mantido intacto em todos os pacientes, e que os tumores foram completamente removidos. Por meio de exames de tomografia computadorizada dos ossos temporais pode-se avaliar o grau de afastamento do hemisfério cerebelar, necessário para a obtenção de um ângulo seguro de exposição da parede meatal posterior, e a extensão dessa parede que pode ser aberta sem causar danos ao labirinto. O estudo anátomo-topográfico, as observações tomográficas e os resultados obtidos na presente casuística comprovam que a abertura externa do aqueduto vestibular pode auxiliar na preservação do labirinto durante a brocagem da parede posterior do meato acústico interno, pelo acesso suboccipital retrossigmóideo.

Variables affecting the accuracy of MDCT in prediction of the proper prosthesis deployment projection for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

ObjectiveWe evaluated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) accuracy for the prediction of the optimal prosthetic aortic valve deployment angle in trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the different variables. MethodsSixty-six patients underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT before TAVI. From the three-dimensional aortic root reconstructions, we get the appropriate perpendicular aortic valve projection at which the bases of the aortic valve cusps were on a straight line. The predicted angles by MDCT were compared to the perpendicular fluoroscopic angles of the prosthetic valve. The degree of MDCT accuracy was defined as accurate, suitable or inaccurate according to the difference between the predicted angles and the perpendicular prosthetic valve projections. The degree of aortic cusp calcification, annular ellipticity, the type of aortic valve (to be tricuspid or bicuspid), were compared in patients with accurate, suitable and inaccurate prediction. The radiation exposure and volume of the used contrast agent were also considered in the comparison. ResultsMDCT prediction was accurate in 84.8% of cases, suitable in 9.1% and inaccurate in 6.1% of cases. There was a significant association between MDCT accuracy and the valve type with higher rates of accurate prediction with tricuspid aortic valves than bicuspid valves (93.1% versus 25%, respectively). The mean number of aortograms and the volume of contrast agent used for TAVI procedure were significantly less in patients with accurate CT prediction (p<0.001). ConclusionMDCT allows accurate prediction of the proper deployment angle for TAVI. Bicuspid aortic valve is significantly associated with fewer rates of accurate prediction.

Multimodality Imaging in TAVI Procedure: A Comparison of C-Arm Angulation Forecast using HeartNavigator and 3Mensio

Objectives: The exact perpendicular projection of the aortic annulus is essential to facilitate a safe and accurate placement of the TAVI prostheses. Software is able to predict the perpendicular line of the aortic annulus and to indicate the corresponding c-arm angulation. The aim of this analysis was to compare the accuracy of c-arm angulation forecast provided by 3Mensio (3M, manually operated) and HeartNavigator (HN, automated operated, prototype version).

Pull-Out Behavior of Adhesive Connections in Unreinforced Masonry Walls

The connections between walls of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings and flexible timber diaphragms are critical building components that must perform adequately before desirable earthquake response of URM buildings may be achieved. Field observations made during the initial reconnaissance and the subsequent damage surveys of clay brick URM buildings following the 2010/2011 Canterbury, New Zealand, earthquakes revealed numerous cases where anchor connections joining masonry walls or parapets with roof or floor diaphragms appeared to have failed prematurely. These observations were more frequent for adhesive anchor connections than for through-bolt connections (i.e., anchorages having plates on the exterior facade of the masonry walls). Subsequently, an in-field test program was undertaken in an attempt to evaluate the performance of adhesive anchor connections between unreinforced clay brick URM walls and roof or floor diaphragm. The study consisted of a total of almost 400 anchor tests conducted in eleven existing URM buildings located in Christchurch, Whanganui and Auckland. Specific objectives of the study included the identification of failure modes of adhesive anchors in existing URM walls and the influence of the following variables on anchor load-displacement response: adhesive type, strength of the masonry materials (brick and mortar), anchor embedment depth, anchor rod diameter, overburden level, anchor rod type, quality of installation, and the use of metal mesh sleeves. In addition, the comparative performance of bent anchors (installed at an angle of minimum 22.5° to the perpendicular projection from the wall surface) and anchors positioned horizontally was investigated. Observations on the performance of wall-to-diaphragm connections in the 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquakes, a summary of the performed experimental program and test results, and a proposed pull-out capacity relationship for adhesive anchors installed into multi-leaf clay brick masonry are presented herein.

Vector tomography for reconstructing electric fields with non-zero divergence in bounded domains

In vector tomography (VT), the aim is to reconstruct an unknown multi-dimensional vector field using line integral data. In the case of a 2-dimensional VT, two types of line integral data are usually required. These data correspond to integration of the parallel and perpendicular projection of the vector field along the integration lines and are called the longitudinal and transverse measurements, respectively. In most cases, however, the transverse measurements cannot be physically acquired. Therefore, the VT methods are typically used to reconstruct divergence-free (or source-free) velocity and flow fields that can be reconstructed solely from the longitudinal measurements. In this paper, we show how vector fields with non-zero divergence in a bounded domain can also be reconstructed from the longitudinal measurements without the need of explicitly evaluating the transverse measurements. To the best of our knowledge, VT has not previously been used for this purpose. In particular, we study low-frequency, time-harmonic electric fields generated by dipole sources in convex bounded domains which arise, for example, in electroencephalography (EEG) source imaging. We explain in detail the theoretical background, the derivation of the electric field inverse problem and the numerical approximation of the line integrals. We show that fields with non-zero divergence can be reconstructed from the longitudinal measurements with the help of two sparsity constraints that are constructed from the transverse measurements and the vector Laplace operator. As a comparison to EEG source imaging, we note that VT does not require mathematical modeling of the sources. By numerical simulations, we show that the pattern of the electric field can be correctly estimated using VT and the location of the source activity can be determined accurately from the reconstructed magnitudes of the field.