scholarly journals Cats use hollow papillae to wick saliva into fur

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (49) ◽  
pp. 12377-12382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis C. Noel ◽  
David L. Hu
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Theoretical Study ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Force Measurements ◽  
High Speed Film ◽  
Unique Shape ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Hollow Cavity

The cat tongue is covered in sharp, rear-facing spines called papillae, the precise function of which is a mystery. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we use high-speed film, grooming force measurements, and computed tomography (CT) scanning to elucidate the mechanism by which papillae are used to groom fur. We examine the tongues of six species of cats from domestic cat to lion, spanning 30-fold in body weight. The papillae of these cats each feature a hollow cavity at the tip that spontaneously wicks saliva from the mouth and then releases it onto hairs. The unique shape of the cat’s papillae may inspire ways to clean complex hairy surfaces. We demonstrate one such application with the tongue-inspired grooming (TIGR) brush, which incorporates 3D-printed cat papillae into a silicone substrate. The TIGR brush experiences lower grooming forces than a normal hairbrush and is easier to clean.

scholarly journals Effect of Three-Dimensional Printed Personalized Moisture Chamber Spectacles on the Periocular Humidity

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Chan Hee Moon ◽  
Jae Yong Kim ◽  
Myoung Joon Kim ◽  
Hungwon Tchah ◽  
Byeong Gak Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Low Humidity ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Humidity Environment

Purpose.To assess the effect of three-dimensional (3D) printed personalized moisture chamber spectacles (PMCS) on the periocular humidity.Methods.Facial computed tomography (CT) scanning was conducted on 10 normal subjects. PMCS was designed based on volume rendered CT images and produced using a 3D printer. Periocular humidity of PMCS and commercially available uniformed moisture chamber spectacles (UMCS) were measured for 30 minutes via microhydrometer.Results.The mean ambient humidity was15.76±1.18%. The mean periocular humidity was52.14±3.00% in PMCS and37.67±8.97% in UMCS. The difference was significant (P<0.001). Additionally, PMCS always demonstrated lower humidity than dew points.Conclusion.PMCS made by 3D printer provides appropriate fitness for the semiclosed humid chamber. PMCS showed higher performance than UMCS. The wearing of PMCS would be an effective method to provide high enough periocular humidity in low humidity environment.

Morphology and Affinities of Ampelocissites Seeds (Vitaceae: Ampelopsis clade) from the Paleogene of Texas, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-482
Author(s):  
Steven R. Manchester
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Seed Morphology ◽  
Early Eocene ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fossil Seeds ◽  
Fossil Genus

Abstract—The type material on which the fossil genus name Ampelocissites was established in 1929 has been reexamined with the aid of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) scanning and compared with seeds of extant taxa to assess the relationships of these fossils within the grape family, Vitaceae. The specimens were collected from a sandstone of late Paleocene or early Eocene age. Although originally inferred by Berry to be intermediate in morphology between Ampelocissus and Vitis, the newly revealed details of seed morphology indicate that these seeds represent instead the Ampelopsis clade. Digital cross sections show that the seed coat maintains its thickness over the external surfaces, but diminishes quickly in the ventral infolds. This feature, along with the elliptical chalaza and lack of an apical groove, indicate that Ampelocissites lytlensis Berry probably represents Ampelopsis or Nekemias (rather than Ampelocissus or Vitis) and that the generic name Ampelocissites may be useful for fossil seeds with morphology consistent with the Ampelopsis clade that lack sufficient characters to specify placement within one of these extant genera.

Use of Three-dimensional Printing in the Development of Optimal Cardiac CT Scanning Protocols

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 967-977
Author(s):  
Zhonghua Sun
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiac Computed Tomography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Aortic Diseases ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Doctor Patient Communication ◽  
Medical Education And Training ◽  
3D Printed

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used in medical applications with most of the studies focusing on its applications in medical education and training, pre-surgical planning and simulation, and doctor-patient communication. An emerging area of utilising 3D printed models lies in the development of cardiac computed tomography (CT) protocols for visualisation and detection of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, 3D printed heart and cardiovascular models have shown potential value in the evaluation of coronary plaques and coronary stents, aortic diseases and detection of pulmonary embolism. This review article provides an overview of the clinical value of 3D printed models in these areas with regard to the development of optimal CT scanning protocols for both diagnostic evaluation of cardiovascular disease and reduction of radiation dose. The expected outcomes are to encourage further research towards this direction.

scholarly journals A deep-learning method using computed tomography scout images for estimating patient body weight

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shota Ichikawa ◽  
Misaki Hamada ◽  
Hiroyuki Sugimori
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
Contrast Medium ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Drug Dosing ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Dose Management ◽  
Medium Dose

AbstractBody weight is an indispensable parameter for determination of contrast medium dose, appropriate drug dosing, or management of radiation dose. However, we cannot always determine the accurate patient body weight at the time of computed tomography (CT) scanning, especially in emergency care. Time-efficient methods to estimate body weight with high accuracy before diagnostic CT scans currently do not exist. In this study, on the basis of 1831 chest and 519 abdominal CT scout images with the corresponding body weights, we developed and evaluated deep-learning models capable of automatically predicting body weight from CT scout images. In the model performance assessment, there were strong correlations between the actual and predicted body weights in both chest (ρ = 0.947, p < 0.001) and abdominal datasets (ρ = 0.869, p < 0.001). The mean absolute errors were 2.75 kg and 4.77 kg for the chest and abdominal datasets, respectively. Our proposed method with deep learning is useful for estimating body weights from CT scout images with clinically acceptable accuracy and potentially could be useful for determining the contrast medium dose and CT dose management in adult patients with unknown body weight.

scholarly journals Quantitative dual contrast photon-counting computed tomography for assessment of articular cartilage health

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petri Paakkari ◽  
Satu I. Inkinen ◽  
Miitu K. M. Honkanen ◽  
Mithilesh Prakash ◽  
Rubina Shaikh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Contrast Agent ◽  
Contrast Agents ◽  
Photon Counting ◽  
Spectral Imaging ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Photon Counting Detector ◽  
Tissue Contrast ◽  
Reference Parameters

AbstractPhoton-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is a modern spectral imaging technique utilizing photon-counting detectors (PCDs). PCDs detect individual photons and classify them into fixed energy bins, thus enabling energy selective imaging, contrary to energy integrating detectors that detects and sums the total energy from all photons during acquisition. The structure and composition of the articular cartilage cannot be detected with native CT imaging but can be assessed using contrast-enhancement. Spectral imaging allows simultaneous decomposition of multiple contrast agents, which can be used to target and highlight discrete cartilage properties. Here we report, for the first time, the use of PCD-CT to quantify a cationic iodinated CA4+ (targeting proteoglycans) and a non-ionic gadolinium-based gadoteridol (reflecting water content) contrast agents inside human osteochondral tissue (n = 53). We performed PCD-CT scanning at diffusion equilibrium and compared the results against reference data of biomechanical and optical density measurements, and Mankin scoring. PCD-CT enables simultaneous quantification of the two contrast agent concentrations inside cartilage and the results correlate with the structural and functional reference parameters. With improved soft tissue contrast and assessment of proteoglycan and water contents, PCD-CT with the dual contrast agent method is of potential use for the detection and monitoring of osteoarthritis.

Design, Fabrication, and Accuracy of a Novel Noncovering Lock-Mechanism Bilateral Patient-Specific Drill Guide Template for Nondeformed and Deformed Thoracic Spines

2021 ◽  
pp. 155633162199633
Author(s):  
Mehran Ashouri-Sanjani ◽  
Shima Mohammadi-Moghadam ◽  
Parisa Azimi ◽  
Navid Arjmand
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Entry Point ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Plane Angle ◽  
Severe Scoliosis ◽  
3D Printed

Background: Pedicle screw (PS) placement has been widely used in fusion surgeries on the thoracic spine. Achieving cost-effective yet accurate placements through nonradiation techniques remains challenging. Questions/Purposes: Novel noncovering lock-mechanism bilateral vertebra-specific drill guides for PS placement were designed/fabricated, and their accuracy for both nondeformed and deformed thoracic spines was tested. Methods: One nondeformed and 1 severe scoliosis human thoracic spine underwent computed tomographic (CT) scanning, and 2 identical proportions of each were 3-dimensional (3D) printed. Pedicle-specific optimal (no perforation) drilling trajectories were determined on the CT images based on the entry point/orientation/diameter/length of each PS. Vertebra-specific templates were designed and 3D printed, assuring minimal yet firm contacts with the vertebrae through a noncovering lock mechanism. One model of each patient was drilled using the freehand and one using the template guides (96 pedicle drillings). Postoperative CT scans from the models with the inserted PSs were obtained and superimposed on the preoperative planned models to evaluate deviations of the PSs. Results: All templates fitted their corresponding vertebra during the simulated operations. As compared with the freehand approach, PS placement deviations from their preplanned positions were significantly reduced: for the nonscoliosis model, from 2.4 to 0.9 mm for the entry point, 5.0° to 3.3° for the transverse plane angle, 7.1° to 2.2° for the sagittal plane angle, and 8.5° to 4.1° for the 3D angle, improving the success rate from 71.7% to 93.5%. Conclusions: These guides are valuable, as the accurate PS trajectory could be customized preoperatively to match the patients’ unique anatomy. In vivo studies will be required to validate this approach.

scholarly journals Dual-Energy Computed Tomography of the Liver: Uses in Clinical Practices and Applications

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Masakatsu Tsurusaki ◽  
Keitaro Sofue ◽  
Masatoshi Hori ◽  
Kosuke Sasaki ◽  
Kazunari Ishii ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Liver Tumors ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Dual Energy ◽  
Liver Imaging ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Dual Energy Computed Tomography ◽  
Noise Ratio

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an imaging technique based on data acquisition at two different energy settings. Recent advances in CT have allowed data acquisitions and simultaneous analyses of X-rays at two energy levels, and have resulted in novel developments in the field of abdominal imaging. The use of low and high X-ray tube voltages in DECT provide fused images that improve the detection of liver tumors owing to the higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the tumor compared with the liver. The use of contrast agents in CT scanning improves image quality by enhancing the CNR and signal-to-noise ratio while reducing beam-hardening artifacts. DECT can improve detection and characterization of hepatic abnormalities, including mass lesions. The technique can also be used for the diagnosis of steatosis and iron overload. This article reviews and illustrates the different applications of DECT in liver imaging.

scholarly journals Additively Manufactured Parts Made of a Polymer Material Used for the Experimental Verification of a Component of a High-Speed Machine with an Optimised Geometry—Preliminary Research

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Artur Andrearczyk ◽  
Bartlomiej Konieczny ◽  
Jerzy Sokołowski
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Material ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Strength Analysis ◽  
Compressor Wheel ◽  
Operational Characteristics ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Novel Method

This paper describes a novel method for the experimental validation of numerically optimised turbomachinery components. In the field of additive manufacturing, numerical models still need to be improved, especially with the experimental data. The paper presents the operational characteristics of a compressor wheel, measured during experimental research. The validation process included conducting a computational flow analysis and experimental tests of two compressor wheels: The aluminium wheel and the 3D printed wheel (made of a polymer material). The chosen manufacturing technology and the results obtained made it possible to determine the speed range in which the operation of the tested machine is stable. In addition, dynamic destructive tests were performed on the polymer disc and their results were compared with the results of the strength analysis. The tests were carried out at high rotational speeds (up to 120,000 rpm). The results of the research described above have proven the utility of this technology in the research and development of high-speed turbomachines operating at speeds up to 90,000 rpm. The research results obtained show that the technology used is suitable for multi-variant optimization of the tested machine part. This work has also contributed to the further development of numerical models.

scholarly journals Manual kidney stone size measurements in computed tomography are most accurate using multiplanar image reformatations and bone window settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Peter Reimer ◽  
Konstantin Klein ◽  
Miriam Rinneburger ◽  
David Zopfs ◽  
Simon Lennartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithm ◽  
Slice Thickness ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithms ◽  
Stone Size ◽  
Bone Window ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Measurement Strategies ◽  
Digital Caliper

AbstractComputed tomography in suspected urolithiasis provides information about the presence, location and size of stones. Particularly stone size is a key parameter in treatment decision; however, data on impact of reformatation and measurement strategies is sparse. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different image reformatations, slice thicknesses and window settings on stone size measurements. Reference stone sizes of 47 kidney stones representative for clinically encountered compositions were measured manually using a digital caliper (Man-M). Afterwards stones were placed in a 3D-printed, semi-anthropomorphic phantom, and scanned using a low dose protocol (CTDIvol 2 mGy). Images were reconstructed using hybrid-iterative and model-based iterative reconstruction algorithms (HIR, MBIR) with different slice thicknesses. Two independent readers measured largest stone diameter on axial (2 mm and 5 mm) and multiplanar reformatations (based upon 0.67 mm reconstructions) using different window settings (soft-tissue and bone). Statistics were conducted using ANOVA ± correction for multiple comparisons. Overall stone size in CT was underestimated compared to Man-M (8.8 ± 2.9 vs. 7.7 ± 2.7 mm, p < 0.05), yet closely correlated (r = 0.70). Reconstruction algorithm and slice thickness did not significantly impact measurements (p > 0.05), while image reformatations and window settings did (p < 0.05). CT measurements using multiplanar reformatation with a bone window setting showed closest agreement with Man-M (8.7 ± 3.1 vs. 8.8 ± 2.9 mm, p < 0.05, r = 0.83). Manual CT-based stone size measurements are most accurate using multiplanar image reformatation with a bone window setting, while measurements on axial planes with different slice thicknesses underestimate true stone size. Therefore, this procedure is recommended when impacting treatment decision.

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