A Two-Stage Registration Method for Dental Volumetric Data and Mesh Data

Dental computed tomography (CT) images and optical surface scan data are widely used in dental computer-aided design systems. Registration is essential if they are used in software systems. Existing automatic registration methods are either time-consuming or rough, and interactive registration methods are experience-dependent and tedious because of a great deal of purely manual interactions. For overcoming these disadvantages, a two-stage registration method is proposed. In the rough registration stage, the rough translation and rotation matrices are obtained by applying unit quaternion based method on the points interactively selected from the two types of data. In the precise registration stage, the stridden sampling is used to reduce computational complexity and the proposed registration algorithm with scale transformation is used for precise registration. The proposed method offers a good trade-off between precision and time cost. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method provides faster convergence and smaller registration errors than existing methods.

Inside Humans: Creating a Simple Layered Anatomical Model from Human Surface Scans

3D morphable models are widely used to describe the variation of human body shapes. However, these models typically focus on the surface of the human body, since the acquisition of the volumetric interior would require prohibitive medical imaging. In this paper we present a novel approach for creating a volumetric body template and for fitting this template to the surface scan of a person in a just a few seconds. The body model is composed of three surface layers for bones, muscles, and skin, which enclose the volumetric muscle and fat tissue in between them. Our approach includes a data-driven method for estimating the amount of muscle mass and fat mass from a surface scan, which provides more accurate fits to the variety of human body shapes compared to previous approaches. We also show how to efficiently embed fine-scale anatomical details, such as high resolution skeleton and muscle models, into the layered fit of a person. Our model can be used for physical simulation, statistical analysis, and anatomical visualization in computer animation and medical applications, which we demonstrate on several examples.

A new giant sauropod, Australotitan cooperensis gen. et sp. nov., from the mid-Cretaceous of Australia

A new giant sauropod, Australotitan cooperensis gen. et sp. nov., represents the first record of dinosaurs from the southern-central Winton Formation of the Eromanga Basin, Australia. We estimate the type locality to be 270–300 m from the base of the Winton Formation and compare this to the semi-contemporaneous sauropod taxa, Diamantinasaurus matildae Hocknull et al., 2009, Wintonotitan wattsi Hocknull et al., 2009 and Savannasaurus elliottorum Poropat et al., 2016. The new titanosaurian is the largest dinosaur from Australia as represented by osteological remains and based on limb-size comparisons it reached a size similar to that of the giant titanosaurians from South America. Using 3-D surface scan models we compare features of the appendicular skeleton that differentiate Australotitan cooperensis gen. et sp. nov. as a new taxon. A key limitation to the study of sauropods is the inability to easily and directly compare specimens. Therefore, 3-D cybertypes have become a more standard way to undertake direct comparative assessments. Uncoloured, low resolution, and uncharacterized 3-D surface models can lead to misinterpretations, in particular identification of pre-, syn- and post-depositional distortion. We propose a method for identifying, documenting and illustrating these distortions directly onto the 3-D geometric surface of the models using a colour reference scheme. This new method is repeatable for researchers when observing and documenting specimens including taphonomic alterations and geometric differences. A detailed comparative and preliminary computational phylogenetic assessment supports a shared ancestry for all four Winton Formation taxa, albeit with limited statistical support. Palaeobiogeographical interpretations from these resultant phylogenetic hypotheses remain equivocal due to contrary Asian and South American relationships with the Australian taxa. Temporal and palaeoenvironmental differences between the northern and southern-central sauropod locations are considered to explain the taxonomic and morphological diversity of sauropods from the Winton Formation. Interpretations for this diversity are explored, including an eco-morphocline and/or chronocline across newly developed terrestrial environments as the basin fills.

3D Breast Volume Estimation

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Breast volume estimation is considered crucial for breast cancer surgery planning. A single, easy, and reproducible method to estimate breast volume is not available. This study aims to evaluate, in patients proposed for mastectomy, the accuracy of the calculation of breast volume from a low-cost 3D surface scan (Microsoft Kinect) compared to the breast MRI and water displacement technique. <b><i>Material and Methods:</i></b> Patients with a Tis/T1–T3 breast cancer proposed for mastectomy between July 2015 and March 2017 were assessed for inclusion in the study. Breast volume calculations were performed using a 3D surface scan and the breast MRI and water displacement technique. Agreement between volumes obtained with both methods was assessed with the Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighteen patients with invasive breast cancer were included in the study and submitted to mastectomy. The level of agreement of the 3D breast volume compared to surgical specimens and breast MRI volumes was evaluated. For mastectomy specimen volume, an average (standard deviation) of 0.823 (0.027) and 0.875 (0.026) was obtained for the Pearson and Spearman correlations, respectively. With respect to MRI annotation, we obtained 0.828 (0.038) and 0.715 (0.018). <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Although values obtained by both methodologies still differ, the strong linear correlation coefficient suggests that 3D breast volume measurement using a low-cost surface scan device is feasible and can approximate both the MRI breast volume and mastectomy specimen with sufficient accuracy. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> 3D breast volume measurement using a depth-sensor low-cost surface scan device is feasible and can parallel MRI breast and mastectomy specimen volumes with enough accuracy. Differences between methods need further development to reach clinical applicability. A possible approach could be the fusion of breast MRI and the 3D surface scan to harmonize anatomic limits and improve volume delimitation.

3D-surface scan based validated new measurement technique of femoral joint line reconstruction in total knee arthroplasty

Purpose This study aimed to validate a new joint line measurement technique in total knee arthroplasty for separated assessment of the medial and lateral femoral joint line alteration with 3D-surface scan technology. Separate assessment of the medial and lateral joint line alteration may improve TKA alignment assessment regarding to joint line restoration in kinematic alignment and use of robotic-assisted TKA surgery. Methods The medial and lateral joint line difference after TKA implantation on an artificial bone model was analyzed and compared with a 3D-scan and full femoral radiographs pre- and postoperatively. Radiographic analysis included the perpendicular distance between the most distal point of the medial and lateral condyle and the reproduced preoperative lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA). For evaluation of validity and reliability, radiographs were captured initially with true anteroposterior view and subsequently with combined flexion and rotation malpositioning. Reliability of the introduced measurement technique in between three observers was tested with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Radiographic measurement showed a mean difference of 0.9 mm on the medial side and 0.6 mm on the lateral side when compared to the 3D-surface scan measurement. The reliability of measurement accuracy was ≤ 1 mm in x-rays with < 10° flexion error regardless to malrotation in these images. The ICC test showed very good reliability for the medial joint line evaluation and good reliability for lateral joint line evaluation (ICC 0.92, ICC 0.86 respectively). Conclusion The new introduced joint line measurement method showed a sufficient reliability, accuracy and precision. It provides separated information about medial and lateral joint line alteration in TKA surgery in absolute values. Level of evidence V - Experimental Study

Observation of memory effects associated with degradation of rechargeable lithium-ion cells using ultrafast surface-scan magnetic resonance imaging

Batteries share their “health problems” and “memories” of hazardous life-cycle events via DC-induced magnetic field patterns revealed by MRI.

Guided endodontic treatment of multiple teeth with dentin dysplasia: a case report

Background To report the outcome of guided endodontic treatment (GET) of a case of dentin dysplasia with pulp canal calcification (PCC) and apical periodontitis based on the use of a 3D-printed template designed by merging cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and surface scan data. Case presentation A 12-year old female with radicular dentin dysplasia type I (DD-1) presented for endodontic treatment. Radiography revealed PCC in all teeth and apical radiolucency in seven teeth (12, 15, 26, 31, 32, 36 and 46). Tooth 36 had the most acute symptoms and was thus treated first by conventional access cavity preparation and root canal detection. Despite meticulous technique, the distal and mesiolingual canals were perforated. The perforations were immediately repaired with mineral trioxide aggregate, and the decision was made to switch to guided endodontic treatment for the remaining 6 teeth. CBCT and intraoral surface scans were acquired and matched using coDiagnostix planning software (Dental Wings Inc.), the respective drill positions for root canal location were determined, and templates were virtually designed and 3D-printed. The template was positioned on the respective tooth, and a customized drill was used to penetrate the calcified part of the root canal and perform minimally invasive access cavity preparation up to the apical region. All root canals were rapidly and successfully located with the templates. At 1-year follow-up, clear signs of apical healing were present in all treated teeth. Conclusions In patients with dentin dysplasia, conventional endodontic therapy is challenging. GET considerably facilitates the root canal treatment of teeth affected by dentin dysplasia.

Synthesis, Conformational Analysis, Infrared, Raman and UV-Visible Spectra of Novel Schiff Bases compiled with DFT Calculations

Objective: Two novel Schiff bases named, 2-((2-Hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-4,5,6,7- tetrahydrobenzo[b] thiophene-3-carbonitrile (BESB1) and 2-((Furan-2-ylmethylene)amino)-4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-benzo[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile (BESB2) were synthesized. Methods: The structures were characterized based on CHN elemental analysis, mid-infrared (400– 4000 cm-1), Raman (100-4000 cm-1), 1H NMR, mass and UV-Vis spectroscopic measurements. In addition, quantum mechanical calculations using DFT-B3LYP method at 6-31G(d) basis set were carried out for both Schiff bases. Initially, we have carried out complete geometry optimizations followed by frequency calculations for the proposed conformational isomers; BESB1 (A–E) and BESB2 (F–J) based on the orientations of both CN and OH groups against the azomethine lonepair (NLP) in addition to the 3D assumption. Results: The computational outcomes favor conformer A for BESB1 in which the C≡N and OH moieties are cis towards the NLP while conformer G is preferred for BESB2 (the C≡N/furan-O are cis/trans towards the NLP) which was found consistent with the results of relaxed potential energy surface scan. Aided by normal coordinate analysis of the Cartesian coordinate displacements, we have suggested reliable vibrational assignments for all observed IR and Raman bands. Moreover, the electronic absorption spectra for the favored conformers were predicted in DMSO solution using TD-B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations. Similarly, the 1H NMR chemical shifts were also estimated using GIAO approach implementing PCM including solvent effects (DMSO-d6). Conclusion: Proper interpretations of the observed electronic transition, chemical shifts, IR and Raman bands were presented in this study.