Three-dimensional Image Analysis Research Articles

Evolution of global and local deformation in additively manufactured octet truss lattice structures

• Compressions interrupted with computed tomography scans revealed deformation mechanisms. • Three-dimensional geometrical analysis developed to quantify strut size variation. • Lattice global failure surface quantified using computed tomography analysis. • Failure-initiating struts identified using computed tomography inspections. Additively manufactured lattice truss structures, often referred to as architected cellular materials, present significant advantages over conventional structures due to their unique characteristics such as high strength-to-weight ratios and surface area-to-volume ratios. These geometrically complex structures, however, come with concomitant challenges for qualification and inspection. In this study, compression testing interrupted with micro-computed tomography inspection was conducted to monitor the evolution of global and local deformation throughout the loading process of 304 L stainless steel octet truss lattice structures. Both two- and three-dimensional image analysis techniques were leveraged to characterize geometric heterogeneities resulting from the laser powder bed fusion manufacturing process as well as track the structure throughout deformation. Variations from model-predicted behavior resulting from these heterogeneities are considered relative to the predicted and actual responses of the structures during compression to better understand, model, and predict the octet truss lattice structure compression response.

Does intra-articular injection of adipose-derived stem cells improve cartilage mass? A case report using three-dimensional image analysis software in knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells are currently a research focus because of the possibility of cartilage regeneration through several mechanisms, including mesenchymal stem cell sheets. However, there are no published reports visualizing cartilage in three dimensions. Here, we report a case of improved cartilage volume. We purified and cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and then performed adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy by directly injecting these cells into the articular cartilage. Cartilage was quantitatively evaluated before and after injection using three-dimensional image analysis software based on the magnetic resonance imaging.Case presentationThe patient, a 55-year-old Japanese woman, experienced pain in both knees and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. We performed adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy in both knees at our hospital and quantitatively evaluated cartilage before and after the treatment using the three-dimensional image analysis software “SYNAPSE VINCENT”.ConclusionsPreoperatively, the cartilage defect area was 33.59 mm2 in the femur and 122.31 mm2 in the tibia; however, 12 months postoperatively, it improved to 13.59 mm2 and 51.43 mm2, respectively. Furthermore, the preoperative femur and tibia volumes were 9.58 mL and 3.82 mL, respectively; however, 12 months postoperatively, these values improved to 10.00 mL and 4.17 mL, respectively. For the quantitative analysis of cartilage, SYNAPSE VINCENT visualizes the state of cartilage in a high-definition three-dimensional image, which is excellent for understanding the state of the disease and explaining it to the patient. Although SYNAPSE VINCENT can only analyze the thickness of cartilage, and the reproducibility of the error is debatable, SYNAPSE VINCENT would be useful as a clinical tool for regenerative medicine. We have shown in this case report the promising effects of adipose-derived stem cell intraarticular injections in treating osteoarthritis and the use of new diagnostic instruments.

BMSC-derived extracellular matrix better optimizes the microenvironment to support nerve regeneration

A favorable microenvironment plays an important role in nerve regeneration. Extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from cultured cells or natural tissues can facilitate nerve regeneration in the presence of various microenvironmental cues, including biochemical, spatial, and biomechanical factors. This study, through proteomics and three-dimensional image analysis, determines that the components and spatial organization of the ECM secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) are more similar to acellular nerves than those of the ECMs derived from Schwann cells (SCs), skin-derived precursor Schwann cells (SKP–SCs), or fibroblasts (FBs). ECM-modified nerve grafts (ECM-NGs) are engineered by co-cultivating BMSCs, SCs, FBs, SKP-SCs with well-designed nerve grafts used to bridge nerve defects. BMSC-ECM-NGs exhibit the most promising nerve repair properties based on the histology, neurophysiology, and behavioral analyses. The regeneration microenvironment formed by the ECM-NGs is also characterized by proteomics, and the advantages of BMSC-ECM-NGs are evidenced by the enhanced expression of factors related to neural regeneration and reduced immune response. Together, these findings indicate that BMSC-derived ECMs create a more superior microenvironment for nerve regeneration than that by the other ECMs and may, therefore, represent a potential alternative for the clinical repair of peripheral nerve defects.

A Study on Buoyancy Maintenance Time and Underwater Weight According to Changes in Lying-Down Posture During Coastal Safety Education

Kim, Y.-S.; Ryu, J.-H., and Lee, H.-T, 2021. A study on buoyancy maintenance time and underwater weight according to changes in lying-down posture during coastal safety education. In: Lee, J.L.; Suh, K.-S.; Lee, B.; Shin, S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 619–622. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. In this research, an experiment was performed to calculate body weight data and mass data for the subject's supine position using a three-dimensional image analysis program and an underwater weighing machine. This is to raise people's awareness of maritime safety and to revise the guidelines for maritime safety education by preparing institutional policies. First, the buoyancy retention time according to the change in lying down posture was the longest in P1(head-up), and in the order of P2(horizontal) and P3(attention) with statistically significant difference. Second, the change in body weight (buoyancy) according to the change of the lying down position was found to be the heaviest in P3, followed by P2 and P1 with significant difference. Summarizing the results of this study, the best way to maintain the buoyancy according to the change in lying down position during survival swimming is P1 that allows the body to float on the surface for the longest time. It also showed the heaviest underwater weight at P3, so it was found that incorrect upper body stance during survival swimming could affect buoyancy, survival rate. Lastly, even a person who is proficient in swimming has a very limited survival time at low temperatures, so it is considered that the above-mentioned efficient floating method and continuous swimming and application in education are necessary.

Effect of CoCrMo Addition on Ti6Al4V/xCoCrMo Biomedical Composites Processed by Powder Metallurgy

A detailed experimental and numerical investigation was performed on a Ti6Al4V/xCoCrMo biomedical composite for bone implant applications. The aim was to understand the effect generated by the addition of different volume fractions of CoCrMo particles on a Ti6Al4V matrix composite processed by powder metallurgy. Distribution of CoCrMo particles inside a matrix was observed by computed microtomography. Three-dimensional image analysis allowed for the deduction that the mechanism that permitted percolation within the powder mixture was the cluster formation at 30 vol.% of CoCrMo and at a coordination number of Co–Co contacts of 2.8, which confirms existing models. Densification during powder compaction was driven by larger indentations at the Ti–Co contacts for lower quantities of CoCrMo than for those reaching percolation. Sintering was studied by dilatometry tests at 1130 °C, and results indicated that solid-state sintering generated the formation of a rigid skeleton. This endured the stress generated by the eutectic reaction liquid, which filled the interparticle porosity, resulting in relative densities above 90%. Microstructure was analyzed by SEM and X-ray diffraction, and results showed a Ti6Al4V matrix surrounded by a Ti2Co eutectic phase. In addition, the hardness of composites increased up to three times compared to the Ti6Al4V alloy. It was concluded that the best properties were obtained from 20 vol.% of CoCrMo.

Muscle Flap Reconstruction Based on Muscle Tension Line Groups to Repair the Philtrum of Patients With Microform Cleft Lip or Secondary Cleft Lip.

The muscle flap reconstruction technique was developed based on the concept of muscle tension line groups, which elucidates how nasolabial muscle tension helps maintain the shape of the philtrum. To investigate the operative effect, we reviewed 43 patients with microform cleft lip and 102 patients with secondary cleft lip treated with muscle flap reconstruction between January 2018 and June 2020. The patients were scanned using the digital three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry face system pre- and post-operatively, and comparative analysis of three-dimensional (3D) images was used to highlight variations of the philtrum. Visual analog scales were used to assess surgical outcomes. More than 6 months after the surgery, comparative 3D images of 37 patients (86.04%) with microform cleft lip and 86 patients (84.31%) with secondary cleft lip showed visible improvement in the prominence of the affected column. In addition, visual analog scale scores showed that 38 microform cleft lip patients (88.37%) and 89 secondary cleft lip patients (87.25%) had a good appearance. The postoperative prominence of the philtral column in both groups improved significantly compared to before surgery (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in scores for philtrum prominence pre- and post-operatively between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Muscle flap reconstruction is an effective means to create the 3D configuration of the philtrum. The biomechanical properties of muscles play a vital role in the morphological maintenance of the philtrum.

Tightening and Reduction of Unwanted Submental Fat Using Triple-Layer High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Clinical and 3-Dimensional Imaging Analysis.

Unwanted submental fat (SMF) is aesthetically unappealing, but methods of reduction are either invasive or lack evidence of their use. The authors sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel triple-layer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) regimen for SMF reduction. Forty Korean subjects with moderate/severe SMF were evaluated after receiving a session of triple-layer HIFU treatments (using 3.0-, 4.5-, and 6.0-mm focusing transducers). The objective evaluation based on the 5-point Clinician-Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale (CR-SMFRS) and patients' satisfaction based on the 7-point Subject Self-Rating Scale (SSRS) were determined 8 weeks after treatment. Three-dimensional image analysis was also performed. At the follow-up visit, the proportion of treatment responders defined as subjects with ≥1-point improvement in CR-SMFRS was 62.5%, and the proportion of patients satisfied with appearance of their face and chin (score ≥4 on the SSRS) was 67.5% of the total patients. The results of 3-dimensional analysis were consistent with clinical observations. Only mild and transient side effects were observed for some patients with no serious adverse effects. The triple-layer HIFU regimen including the novel 6.0-mm transducer has benefits for tightening and rejuvenation of the area with unwanted SMF, showing reasonable safety profiles.

Analysis of Tomographic Images of the Soil Pore Space Structure by Integral Geometry Methods

The technique of numerical analysis of three-dimensional tomographic images of the pore space of soil objects has been used in this paper. It applies methods of integral geometry, topology and morphological analysis. To characterize quantitatively the transformation of the pore space structure, tomographic images of four undisturbed soils were analyzed, i.e., heavy loamy agro-gray soil (Retic Phaeozem), agromineral (Sapric Rheic Mineralic Histosols), and hypnum (brown moss Sapric Rheic Histosols) peat soils in dry and wet conditions. For samples of the subplow horizon in agro-gray soil, a decrease in both Betty numbers was observed on wetting, where the zero number (b0) stands for the amount of topologically simple closed pores, and the first number (b1) indicates a decrease in pore connectivity, which varies in a narrower range of pore sizes as compared to b0. When a sample of agromineral peat soil is moistened, the Euler–Poincaré characteristic is negative ​in the pore range of 0.1–0.16 mm, which points to the predominating complicated branched structure of the pore space and high pore connectivity. When hypnum moss is saturated, a lot of tunnel pores get narrower (“collapse”), and the connectivity decreases due to the structural specifics of long-stemmed plant residues. The number of pores and connections between them in peat soils is an order of magnitude higher than those in the subplow horizon A of the agro-gray soil. The provided quantitative changes in the considered parameters of tomographic images of the soil pore space confirm the possibility of applying them for estimating the transformation of the pore space in soils.

Matrix Composition Modulates Vitamin D3's Effects on 3D Collagen Fiber Organization by MCF10A Cells.

Vitamin D3 (vitD3) has been implicated in various cellular functions affecting multiple tissue types. Epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest that vitD3 may be effective as a preventive or therapeutic option for breast cancer. However, randomized clinical trials have yet to confirm these suggestions. Breast neoplasias can arise from developmental alterations; based on this evidence, we seek to understand vitD3's role in normal breast development, particularly its role in epithelial morphogenetic processes such as ductal elongation, branching, and alveolar formation. These processes require extensive changes in the extracellular microenvironment, such as collagen fiber organization, and are largely influenced by hormones. Here, we build upon our past work to shed light on calcitriol's effects on collagen fiber organization by breast epithelial cells, and how such effects are modulated by extracellular matrix composition. We embedded MCF10A normal human breast epithelial cells in two different matrices-collagen type I and collagen type I + 10% Matrigel; treatment with calcitriol resulted in flatter epithelial structures. Next, using two-photon microscopy, we examined changes in collagen fiber organization and corresponding changes in epithelial structures. Applying a novel three-dimensional (3D) image analysis method, we show that increasing doses of calcitriol result in denser collagen fiber bundles in the localized area surrounding the epithelial structures, and that these bundles are aligned in a more parallel direction to epithelial structures when exposed to the highest vitD3 dose. Changed patterns in fiber organization may explain the flattening of epithelial structures; in turn, changes in biophysical forces in the matrix abutting these structures may be responsible for changes in the referred patterns. Addition of 10% Matrigel dampened the effects of calcitriol on both epithelial morphogenesis and fiber organization. Overall, we report novel functions of calcitriol in the breast epithelium and add to the growing body of evidence documenting how hormones affect biophysical processes. Impact statement In this study, we report novel functions of calcitriol in the breast epithelium and use a novel quantitative metric to parse the effects of calcitriol on collagen fiber organization that cannot be detected through conventional histological procedures. Despite the large body of literature on vitamin D3 (vitD3) and calcitriol's effects on cellular functions across tissue types, little is known about how they affect collagen fiber organization, an early critical step for breast epithelial development. This work provides further evidence that hormones affect morphogenesis by means of biophysical forces, with implications for a comprehensive view on vitD3's effects in breast development and neoplasia.

Can surgical repair for pectus excavatum contribute to lung growth?

This study investigates whether the surgical correction of chest deformity is associated with the growth of the lung parenchyma after surgery for pectus excavatum. Ten patients with pectus excavatum who were treated by the Nuss procedure were examined. The preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (2.5 ± 1.2 years after surgery) scans were performed, and the Haller index, lung volume and lung density were analyzed using a three-dimensional image analysis system (SYNAPSE VINCENT, Fujifilm, Japan). The radiological lung weight was calculated as follows: lung volume (ml) × lung density (g/ml). The average age of the 10 patients (men 8; women 2) was 13.8 years (range: 6-26 years). The Haller index was significantly improved from the preoperative value of 5.18 ± 2.20 to the postoperative value of 3.68 ± 1.38 (P = 0.0025). Both the lung volume and weight had significantly increased by 107.1 ± 19.6% and 121.6 ± 11.3%, respectively, after surgery. A significant increase in the weight of the lung after surgical correction suggests that the growth of the lung parenchyma is associated with the correction of chest deformity in younger patients with pectus excavatum.

Label-Free Quantitative Phase Imaging Reveals Spatial Heterogeneity of Extracellular Vesicles in Select Colon Disorders

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging and quantitative analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) remain largely unexplored, mainly because of limitations in detection techniques. In this study, EVs from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) and ulcerative colitis were examined. To investigate the spatial heterogeneity and 3D refractive index (RI) distribution of single EVs, a label-free digital holographic tomography technique was used at a submicrometer spatial resolution. The presented image-processing algorithms were used in quantitative analysis with digital staining and 3D visualization, the determination of the EV size distribution and extraction of fractions with different RIs. Reconstructed 3D RI distributions revealed variations in the spatial heterogeneity of EVs related to tissue specificity, such as CRC, normal colonic mucosa, and ulcerative colitis, as well as the isolation procedures used. The RI values of EVs isolated from solid tissues of frozen CRC samples were also dependent on the tumor grade and cancer cell proliferation. The simultaneous examination of cell culture models confirmed the association of the RI of EVs with the tumor grade. 3D-RI data analysis generates new perspectives with the optical, contact-free, label-free examination of the individual EVs. Depending on the specific tissue and isolation method, EVs exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. The optical parameters of single EVs enabled their classification into two unique subgroups with different RI values.

Quantitative three-dimensional image analysis of the superior canal after surgical plugging to treat superior semicircular canal dehiscence

Surgical plugging to treat superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) has been proven to impede the effect of the third mobile window, abating cochleovestibular symptoms. Knowledge of superior semicircular canal (SC)-plugging status has been proposed to serve as a guide for adjuvant treatment. Here, we investigated disturbances in the inner ear fluid space following SC plugging using a novel three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction-based method. This approach used a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm and a direct volume rendering method derived from conventional magnetic resonance images. The variable extents of filling defects at the sites of SC plugging and the positional relation of the defect to the ampulla and common crus were identified. The success group exhibited markedly reduced volumes following surgery, whereas the failure group displayed no changes in volume. These results indicate that the success or failure of SC plugging was related to 3D volume changes in the labyrinth fluid signal. Collectively, this study presents individualized SC-plugging statuses using a novel 3D reconstruction-based method and it facilitates future work regarding easy-to-measure 3D volume changes. This current technology also aids in the exploration of pathologic changes in various targets of interest.

APPLICATION OF 3D ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY OF VISION SYSTEM IMAGE IN SPORTS MEDICINE

ABSTRACT Background: Objective: The study of sports biomechanics in sports medicine usually requires a special image analysis system (software) to obtain 3D kinematics data. Taking the swimming project in sports medicine as an example, 3D water images in water have always been relatively complicated and difficult. As light travels in different media, it will refract and reflect. When testing underwater movements, if only a land camera or an underwater camera is used for testing, the error caused by light refraction will be larger, which will affect the accuracy of the test data even more. Methods: Taking breaststroke movement as an example, a three-dimensional measurement method based on the Kwon3D movement analysis system is introduced. This method is different from the simple underwater camera test. It is a three-dimensional test method combining a land camera and an underwater camera. Two underwater cameras and two land cameras were used to simultaneously calibrate the water and underwater space with the same calibration frame in the experiment after analyzing and verifying the accuracy of 3D reconstruction. Results: The comprehensive reconstruction error is small, and the average relative error is less than 1%. Conclusions: The application of three-dimensional image analysis technology of vision systems in sports medicine is reasonable and worth promoting. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Tracking changes in body composition: comparison of methods and influence of pre-assessment standardisation.

The present study reports the validity of multiple assessment methods for tracking changes in body composition over time and quantifies the influence of unstandardised pre-assessment procedures. Resistance-trained males underwent 6 weeks of structured resistance training alongside a hyperenergetic diet, with four total body composition evaluations. Pre-intervention, body composition was estimated in standardised (i.e. overnight fasted and rested) and unstandardised (i.e. no control over pre-assessment activities) conditions within a single day. The same assessments were repeated post-intervention, and body composition changes were estimated from all possible combinations of pre-intervention and post-intervention data. Assessment methods included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography, three-dimensional optical imaging, single- and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, bioimpedance spectroscopy and multi-component models. Data were analysed using equivalence testing, Bland-Altman analysis, Friedman tests and validity metrics. Most methods demonstrated meaningful errors when unstandardised conditions were present pre- and/or post-intervention, resulting in blunted or exaggerated changes relative to true body composition changes. However, some methods - particularly DXA and select digital anthropometry techniques - were more robust to a lack of standardisation. In standardised conditions, methods exhibiting the highest overall agreement with the four-component model were other multi-component models, select bioimpedance technologies, DXA and select digital anthropometry techniques. Although specific methods varied, the present study broadly demonstrates the importance of controlling and documenting standardisation procedures prior to body composition assessments across distinct assessment technologies, particularly for longitudinal investigations. Additionally, there are meaningful differences in the ability of common methods to track longitudinal body composition changes.

Comparison of parenchymal volume loss assessed by three-dimensional computed tomography volumetry and renal functional recovery between conventional and robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

We retrospectively investigated if robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) contributes to a decrease in resected parenchymal volume (RPV), an increase in postoperative parenchymal volume (PPV), and an improvement of postoperative renal function when compared with conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) using a three-dimensional image analysis system. Patients who underwent LPN (n=37) and RAPN (n=66) from November 2013 to November 2018 were included in this study. All patients had a tumor diameter of 4cm or less. Patients with an anatomical or functional single kidney were excluded. RPV and PPV were measured using SYNAPSE VINCENT®. The surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Warm ischemic time in the RAPN group was significantly shorter than that in the LPN group (p < 0.001). The ratio of RPV to tumor volume (RPV/TV) in the RAPN group was significantly lower than that in the LPN group (p = 0.016). PPV in the RAPN group was significantly higher than that in the LPN group (p = 0.049). The decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in the RAPN group was significantly lower than that in the LPN group on days 1, 7, 30, 90, and 180 after surgery. Postoperative renal function in the RAPN group was significantly better than that in the LPN group in both the short and long term. In addition to a short warm ischemia time, the decreased RPV/TV and increased PPV may have contributed to the improvement of postoperative renal function.

Development of a novel test method for the measurement of fuzz in nonwovens

Quantitative evaluation of fuzz in nonwovens is of significant interest as nonwoven products are typically subjected to abrasion during service. In this work, the initial level of fuzz and its growth were quantified for polypropylene (PP) spunbond thermally point-bonded nonwovens in three different basis weights representing the range of nonwovens used in most disposable products. We used noncontact confocal laser microscopy coupled with three-dimensional image analysis to quantify the volume of fuzz. Fuzz data generated by using this novel test set-up was verified by statistical analysis, resulting in repeatable and reproducible results. This represents the first in a series of publications dedicated to the study of fuzz.

The Automatic Quantification of Morphological Features of Pectus Excavatum Based on Three-Dimensional Images

Visual examination and quantification of severity are essential for clinical decision making in patients with pectus excavatum. Yet, visual assessment is prone to inter- and intra-observer variability and current quantitative methods are inadequate. This study aims to develop and evaluate a novel, automatic and non-invasive method to objectively quantify pectus excavatum morphology based on three-dimensional images. Key steps of the automatic analysis are normalization of image orientation, slicing, and computation of the morphological features encompassing pectus depth, width, length, volume, position, steepness, flaring, asymmetry and mean cross-sectional area. A digital phantom mimicking a patient with pectus excavatum was used to verify the analysis method. Prospective three-dimensional imaging and subsequent surface analysis in patients with pectus excavatum was performed to assess clinical feasibility. Verification of the developed analysis tool demonstrated 100% reproducibility of all morphological feature values. Calculated parameters compared to the predetermined phantom dimensions were accurate for all but four features. The pectus width, length, volume and steepness showed an error of 4 mm (4%), 2 mm (2%), 12 mL (5%) and 1 degree (3%), respectively. Prospective imaging of 52 patients (88% males) demonstrated the feasibility of the developed tool to quantify morphological features of pectus excavatum in the clinical setting. Mean duration to calculate all features in one patient was 7.6 seconds. We have developed and presented a non-invasive pectus excavatum surface analysis tool, that is feasible to automatically quantify morphological features based on three-dimensional images with promising accuracy and reproducibility.

Alumina abrasive grains mediated grinding induced glass surface and fractal analysis of SiO2 glass

Fabrication of optical components such as passive optics (mirrors, prisms, lenses) or active optics (polarizer’s, laser gain media, adaptive optics) starts from a bulk material and reaches to the required size and shape. To achieve the required specification of the component, a series of process has to be followed from grinding to polishing stage. Initially, in grinding stage, material removal is faster, with more surface damage and less geometric control. During polishing stage, material removal is slower, with no surface damage but with greater geometric control. Hence, to achieve good surface quality, the component or work piece has to be controlled from grinding stage. We present an advanced surface and fractal analysis study on fused silica samples processed with different grit sizes such as 3, 5, 12, and 25 μm aluminium oxide (Al2O3) abrasives. The maximum sub surface damage (SSD) with respect to size of the abrasive grain ranged between 30 μm to 5 μm in empirical module. In theoretical module it varied from 45 μm to 5.4 μm for fused silica glass, mediated with loose abrasive aluminium oxide powder of 25 μm and 3 μm respectively. An experimental investigation is reported on the increasing effect of Al2O3 grit sizes on the surface topography such as average roughness (Ra), which varied from 57 nm to 847 nm for 3 μm and 25 μm Al2O3 abrasives respectively. Three-dimensional image analysis was captured through Phase Shift Interferometry (PSI) and Coherence Correlation Interferometer (CCI) technique. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) technique was utilized to characterize the Al2O3 powders and the processed fused silica samples. Later, the images have been analysed using two-dimensional multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (2D-MFDFA) to understand and confirm the multiple fractal nature on fused silica samples caused by varying grit size of Al2O3 abrasives.

Deep learning integral imaging for three-dimensional visualization, object detection, and segmentation

A depth slice image that is computationally reconstructed from an integral imaging system consists of focused and out of focus areas. The unfocused areas affect three-dimensional (3D) image analyses and visualization including 3D object detection, extraction, and tracking. In this work, we present a deep learning integral imaging system that can reconstruct a 3D image without the out of focus areas and can accomplish target detection and segmentation at the same time. A Mask-Regional Convolutional Neural Network (Mask-RCNN) deep learning algorithm was trained using a public dataset and applied to detect and segment multiple targets in two-dimensional (2D) elemental images in the integral imaging system. The 3D images were then reconstructed using segmented elemental images with the target detected. The proposed method works well in the presence of partial occlusions. Experimental results show the performance of the proposed scheme.

Anatomic and diagnostic considerations of facial mobility for understanding the effectiveness of facial massage: A pilot study.

The effectiveness of facial massage is often explained by the resulting increases in the blood and lymphatic flow. However, it is difficult to explain the lifting effect on the cheeks. The aim of this study was to analyze facial mobility to further current understanding of the effectiveness of facial massage. Two kinds of analytical methods were designed using a cadaveric head as well as advanced computed tomography (CT). The cadaveric face was divided into three sections, and three different colors of ink were injected into each section. It was kept in a supine position for 24hours, and the ink distribution was observed. Upright and supine CT examinations were performed on six healthy adult volunteers. The images of both were superimposed by a three-dimensional image analysis system, and changes in facial contours were analyzed. The three colors of ink spread craniocaudally and were distributed differently from the gravitational vector. When both CT images were superimposed, two distinct lines were formed, which represented overlapping of the facial contours due to the two different CT images. These lines were found to correspond to the border of each color of the ink. Focusing on the mobility of the face, the soft tissue of the face had vertical mobility, and it was speculated that this mobility is involved in the effectiveness of facial massage. Our results could provide useful information for cosmetic treatment and contribute to the collection of scientific knowledge for anti-aging medicine.