Phase II Clinical Study of Three-Dimensional Printed Coplanar Template Combined with CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules in Elderly Patients

Background: As the population age structure gradually ages, more and more elderly people were found to have pulmonary nodules during physical examinations. Most elderly people had underlying diseases such as heart, lung, brain and blood vessels and cannot tolerate surgery. Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) was the first choice for pathological diagnosis and subsequent targeted drugs, immune drugs or ablation treatment. CT-guided percutaneous CNB requires clinicians with rich CNB experience to ensure high CNB accuracy, but it was easy to cause complications such as pneumothorax and hemorrhage. Three-dimensional (3D) printing coplanar template (PCT) combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy has been used in clinical practice, but there was no prospective, randomized controlled study. Methods: Elderly patients with lung nodules admitted to the Department of Oncology of our hospital from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected. A total of 225 elderly patients were screened, and 30 patients were included after screening. They were randomly divided into experimental group (Group A: 30 cases) and control group (Group B: 30 cases). Group A was given 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy, Group B underwent CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB. The primary outcome measure of this study was the accuracy of diagnostic CNB, and the secondary outcome measures were CNB time, number of CNB needles, number of pathological tissues and complications. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of group A and group B was 96.67% and 76.67%, respectively (P = 0.026). There were statistical differences between group A and group B in average CNB time (P = 0.001), number of CNB (1 vs more than 1, P = 0.029), and pathological tissue obtained by CNB (3 vs 1, P = 0.040). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous CNB can improve the puncture accuracy of elderly patients, shorten the puncture time, reduce the number of punctures, and increase the amount of puncture pathological tissue, without increasing pneumothorax and hemorrhage complications. We look forward to verifying this in a phase III randomized controlled clinical study. .

Three-dimensional finite element simulation and reconstruction of jointed rock models using CT scanning and photogrammetry

The geometry of joints has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of rocks.To simplify the curved joint shapes in rocks,the joint shape is usually treated as straight lines or planes in most laboratory experiments and numerical simulations.In this study,the computerized tomography (CT) scanning and photogrammetry were employed to obtain the internal and surface joint structures of a limestone sample,respectively.To describe the joint geometry,the edge detection algorithms and a three-dimensional (3D) matrix mapping method were applied to reconstruct CT-based and photogrammetry-based jointed rock models.For comparison tests,the numerical uniaxial compression tests were conducted on an intact rock sample and a sample with a joint simplified to a plane using the parallel computing method.The results indicate that the mechanical characteristics and failure process of jointed rocks are significantly affected by the geometry of joints.The presence of joints reduces the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS),elastic modulus,and released acoustic emission (AE) energy of rocks by 37%–67%,21%–24%,and 52%–90%,respectively.Compared to the simplified joint sample,the proposed photogrammetry-based numerical model makes the most of the limited geometry information of joints.The UCS,accumulative released AE energy,and elastic modulus of the photogrammetry-based sample were found to be very close to those of the CT-based sample.The UCS value of the simplified joint sample (i.e.38.5 MPa) is much lower than that of the CT-based sample (i.e.72.3 MPa).Additionally,the accumulative released AE energy observed in the simplified joint sample is 3.899 times lower than that observed in the CT-based sample.CT scanning provides a reliable means to visualize the joints in rocks,which can be used to verify the reliability of photogrammetry techniques.The application of the photogrammetry-based sample enables detailed analysis for estimating the mechanical properties of jointed rocks.

Three-dimensional Imaging of Multi-slice Spiral CT in Bronchial Artery Correlative Study on Blood Supply of Central Lung Cancer and Its Clinical Significance

Objective: To evaluate three-dimensional bronchial artery imaging charactersin central lung cancer and applied values with multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) to provide theoreticalevidence on blood supply and intervention therapy. Methods: Eighteen patients with central lungcancer underwent MSCT with real time helical thin-slice CT scanning. Three-dimensional bronchialartery reconstruction was done at the console work-station. The space anatomical characters ofbronchial artery were observed through different rotations. Results: For 6 cases, thethree-dimensional images of bronchial artery (33.33%) could exactly show the origins, the routes(lung inner segment and mediatism segment) and the diameters of bronchial arteries. Vision rate ofbronchial arteries was the highest in pulmonary artery stricture and truncation groups, and thevessels' diameter became larger apparently. These characters demonstrated blood supply of this kindof central lung cancer come from bronchial artery. Volume rendering images were the best ones amongthree-dimensional images. Conclusion: Three-dimensional imaging with MSCT in bronchial artery canreveal the anatomical characters of bronchial artery and provide theoretical evidence on bloodsupply and intervention therapy of central lung cancer.

Multi-slice Spiral CT Three-dimensional Portography in Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus of Hepatic Cancer

Objective: To study the clinical significance of multi-slice spiral CT 3-dimensional (3D) portography in portal vein tumor thrombosis of hepatocellular cacinoma.Methods: 57 cases undergoing 3D portography were collected, of which 6 cases were normal, 5 cases were subjected to cirrhosis and hypertension of portal vein, 42 cases had portal tumor thrombus of hepatic cancer, and the remaining 4 cases showed lymph node enlargment in hilar of liver. All data of the patients came from conventional multi-slice spiral CT double phase of liver. Contrast media was 1.5–2 ml/kg with the injection rate being 2.5–3 ml/s. Axis and 3D portography was analyzed and compared in 42 cases of portal tumor thrombus of hepatic cancer.Results: According to portal tumor thrombus position, 42 cases were fallen into three categories: left (13 cases), right (20 cases), main (9 cases) of potal vein. There was no difference between axis and 3D portography in displaying portal tumor thrombus of hepatic cancer (P>0.05), but 3D portography showing collateral branches was better than axis portography after main portal vein thrombus.Conclusion: Multi-slice spiral CT 3D portography can display the position and types of portal tumor thrombus of hepatic cancer. 3D combined with axis portography can better evaluate the portal tumor thrombus of hepatic cancer and guide to select the therapies. Key words portal vein - tumor thrombus - multi-slice CT - 3 dimension imaging

Assessment of Gastric Cancer: Value of Two-phase Multidetector-row Spiral CT Three-dimensional Reconstruction Technique

Abstract Objective： To evaluate the diagnostic value of two-phase multidetector-row spiral CT threedimensional reconstruction technique in TNM staging of gastric cancer. Methods： In 29 patients with gastric carcinoma pathologically conformed, plan scans were done firstly. Two-phase spiral CT was performed within one breathhold each. Distension of the stomach was achieved by intravenous application of anisodamine and effervescent granules. After bolus injection of contrast medium, scanning was performed in the arterial and venous phase, and the source images were thin reconstructed. The stomach to three-dimension analysis was constructed by volume rendering （VR） multiplanaz volume reconstruction （MPVR）, shaded surface display （SSD） and CT virtual gastroscopy （CTVG） technique. In combination with the sources images, gastric tumour invasion and lymph node metastasis was assessed, and TNM staging was performed. Results： In 29 cases of gastric carcinoma, the sensitivity and specificity of two-phase multidetector-row spiral CT three-dimensional reconstruction technique in T1, T2, T3 and Ta staging, the sensitivity and specificity was 50% and 50%, 87.5% and 77.8%, 83.3% and 76.9% and 100% and 80% respectively. For the N staging, the sensitivity and specificity in No, N1, and N2 N3 was 83.3% and 71.4%, 87.5% and 77.8% and 81.8% and 75% respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity for M1 staging was 100%. Conclusion： The reconstruction technique in combination with 16-slices spiral-CT can perform TNM staging well and effectively guide the choice of the surgical procedures for gastric cancer.

Measurement and analysis of defects in high-performance concrete with three-dimensional micro-computer tomography

In order to investigate the effects of two mineral admixtures （i. e., fly ash and ground slag）on initial defects existing in concrete microstructures, a high-resolution X-ray micro-CT（ micro-focus computer tomography）is employed to quantitatively analyze the initial defects in four series of highperformance concrete （HPC）specimens with additions of different mineral admixtures. The nigh-resolution 3D images of microstructures and filtered defects are reconstructed by micro- CT software. The size distribution and volume fractions of initial defects are analyzed based on 3D and 2D micro-CT images. The analysis results are verified by experimental results of watersuction tests. The results show that the additions of mineral admixtures in concrete as cementitious materials greatly change the geometrical properties of the microstructures and the spatial features of defects by physical-chemistry actions of these mineral admixtures. This is the major cause of the differences between the mechanical behaviors of HPC with and without mineral admixtures when the water-to-binder ratio and the size distribution of aggregates are constant.

Three-dimensional Finite Element Modeling of a Maxillary Premolar Tooth Based on the Micro-CT Scanning: A Detailed Description

This study describes the details of how to construct a three-dimensional （3D） finite element model of a maxillary first premolar tooth based on micro-CT data acquisition technique, MIMICS soft- ware and ANSYS software. The tooth was scanned by micro-CT, in which 1295 slices were obtained and then 648 slices were selected for modeling. The 3D surface mesh models of enamel and dentin were created by MIMICS （STL file）. The solid mesh model was constructed by ANSYS. After the material properties and boundary conditions were set, a loading analysis was performed to demonstrate the ap- plicableness of the resulting model. The first and third principal stresses were then evaluated. The re- suits showed that the number of nodes and elements of the finite element model were 56 618 and 311801, respectively. The geometric form of the model was highly consistent with that of the true tooth, and the deviation between them was ~）.28%. The loading analysis revealed the typical stress patterns in the contour map. The maximum compressive stress existed in the contact points and the maximum tensile stress existed in the deep fissure between the two cusps. It is concluded that by using the micro-CT and highly integrated software, construction of the 3D finite element model with high quality will not be difficult for clinical researchers.

基于CT影像儿童枢椎正常发育与变异的解剖特征

背景:枢椎发育演变过程复杂,研究报道较少。CT成像可以显示枢椎的正常发育过程、解剖结构、发育变异与畸形,明确枢椎骨化中心出现与骺板闭合时间及其演变过程和规律具有重要的临床价值。目的:基于CT影像展示儿童枢椎正常发育与变异的解剖结构。方法:回顾性分析2016年6月至2019年11月行颈部扫描的732例0-15岁儿童CT图像。观察指标包括枢椎齿状突、双侧椎弓、椎体骨化中心,齿突尖部二次骨化中心,椎弓、齿突基底部及后正中骺板,以及枢椎发育变异或畸形。分析与比较各项指标在不同年龄下的变化情况,并利用SPSS 17.0统计学软件包进行数据分类处理及统计学分析。结果与结论:(1)732例研究对象包括枢椎正常发育718例(98.1%),畸形或发育异常14例(1.9%);(2)枢椎5个骨化中心,其中双侧椎弓及齿突、椎体骨化中心在出生时已出现;齿突尖部二次骨化中心出现的中位年龄是5.7岁,年龄四分位差(IQR)是4.1-7岁,最早出现的为8个月22 d,最迟未出现的为12岁10个月;(3)齿突尖骺板融合的中位年龄是6岁,IQR是5-8岁,未融合最大年龄是8岁9个月,融合的最小年龄是4岁3个月;(4)双侧椎弓骺板闭合的中位年龄约3.8岁,IQR约2.9-4.6岁,闭合的最小年龄是2岁3个月,未闭合的最大年龄是6岁;(5)齿突基底部骺板闭合的中位数5.2岁,IQR为3.5-6.8岁,闭合最小年龄是2岁6个月,最晚未闭合年龄是9岁6个月;(6)后正中骺板闭合年龄中位数为1.5岁,IQR为1.0-2.1岁,最晚未闭合2例分别为2岁5个月、14岁,最早闭合为6个月20 d;(7)枢椎畸形或发育异常,包括出现副骨化中心及副骺板7例、枢椎游离骨化小骨3例、后正中骺板不闭合2例、无齿突尖部二次骨化中心2例及枢椎齿突骨化中心未出现1例;(8)提示多层螺旋CT扫描、结合多平面重组技术可以完整显示枢椎的解剖结构,评估其正常发育变异及畸形。

Three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Two-phase Flow in a Structured Packing Column

Characterizing the complex two-phase hydrodynamics in structured packed columns requires a power- ful modeling tool. The traditional two-dimensional model exhibits limitations when one attempts to model the de- tailed two-phase flow inside the columns. The present paper presents a three-dimensional computational fluid dy- namics （CFD） model to simulate the two-phase flow in a representative unit of the column. The unit consists of an CFD calculations on column packed with Flexipak 1Y were implemented within the volume of fluid （VOF） mathe- matical framework. The CFD model was validated by comparing the calculated thickness of liquid film with the available experimental data. Special attention was given to quantitative analysis of the effects of gravity on the hy- drodynamics. Fluctuations in the liquid mass flow rate and the calculated pressure drop loss were found to be quali- tatively in agreement with the experimental observations.

CT衍生的血流储备分数对梗阻性冠状动脉疾病患者主要不良心血管事件的预测价值研究

背景目前,血流储备分数(FFR)是评估冠状动脉血流的功能和生理学的金标准,与之相比,CT衍生的血流储备分数(CT-FFR)反映冠状动脉病变处血流动力学改变,以及在区分病变特异性缺血方面,均有较高的诊断性能和鉴别能力。目的评价CT-FFR对冠状动脉梗阻性稳定性胸痛患者发生MACE的预测价值。方法本研究纳入2017年1月—2021年6月在宁夏医科大学总医院因稳定性胸痛行冠状动脉CT血管造影(CCTA)检查的患者116例为研究对象,中位随访时间2(0,25)个月。按照随访期内是否发生主要不良心血管事件(MACE)将研究对象分为MACE组(55例)和非MACE组(61例)。比较两组间冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度和CT-FFR之间差异性;再分别根据狭窄程度及CT-FFR中位数将患者分类,比较不同分类患者MACE总发生率和随访<3个月、3~6个月、>6个月MACE的发生率。采用Spearman秩相关分析探讨冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度与CT-FFR之间的相关性;采用多因素Logistic回归分析探讨患者发生MACE的影响因素;绘制狭窄程度、CT-FFR及二者结合后预测冠状动脉梗阻性稳定性胸痛患者发生MACE的受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,并依据ROC曲线下面积(AUC)比较不同指标的预测性能。结果116例患者冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度中位数为70%(60%,80%),中位CT-FFR为0.79(0.74,0.85)。MACE组患者冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度高于非MACE组(Z=-4.41,P<0.001),CT-FFR低于非MACE组(Z=-5.54,P<0.001)。冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度70%~90%患者MACE发生率高于50%~69%患者(χ^(2)=19.221,P<0.001);CTFFR≤0.8患者MACE发生率高于CT-FFR>0.8患者(χ^(2)=30.025,P<0.001);不同冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度联合不同CT-FFR患者MACE发生率比较,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=37.789,P<0.001)。冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度70%~90%患者随访时间<3个月MACE发生率高于50%~69%患者,CT-FFR≤0.8患者随访时间<3个月MACE发生率高于CT-FFR>0.8患者,狭窄程度70%~90%+CT-FFR≤0.8的患者随访时间<3个月MACE发生率高于其他分类(P<0.05)。Spearman秩相关分析结果显示,冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度与CT-FFR呈负相关(rs=-0.5326,P<0.001)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度70%~90%(OR=3.085,95%CI=1.147~8.298,P=0.026)、CT-FFR≤0.8(OR=6.527,95%CI=2.560~16.641,P<0.001)是患者发生MACE的危险因素。冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度联合CT-FFR预测患者发生MACE的价值更高(AUC=0.812,95%CI=0.731~0.892,P<0.001)。结论冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度70%~90%、CT-FFR≤0.8可能是患者发生MACE的危险因素。与狭窄程度相比,CT-FFR对预测冠状动脉阻塞性稳定性胸痛患者发生MACE具有增益价值,狭窄程度与CT-FFR结合后的预测性能更佳。

Three-dimensional MR and axial CT colonography versus conventional colonoscopy for detection of colon pathologies

AIM： To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MR colonography （MRC） and CT performance in detecting colon lesions, and to compare their sensitivity and specificity with that of conventional colonoscopy. METHODS： Forty-two patients suspected of having colonic lesions, because of rectal bleeding, positive fecal occult blood test results or altered bowel habits, underwent the examinations. After insertion of a rectal tube, the colon was filled with 1000-1500 mL of a mixture of 9 g/L NaCI solution, 15-20 mL of 0.5 mmol/L gadopentetate dimeglumine and 100 mL of iodinized contrast material. Once colonic distension was achieved, three-dimensional gradient-echo （3D-GRE） sequences for MR colonography and complementary MR images were taken in all cases. Immediately after MR colonography, abdominal CT images were taken by spiral CT in the axial and supine position. Then all patients were examined by conventional colonoscopy （CC）. RESULTS： The sensitivity and specificity of MRC for colon pathologies were 96.4% and 100%, respectively. The percentage of correct diagnosis by MRC was 97.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of CT for colon pathologies were 92.8%, 100%, respectively. The percentage of correct diagnosis by CT was 95.2%. CONCLUSION： In detecting colon lesions, MRC achieved a diagnostic accuracy similar to CC. However, MRC is minimally invasive, with no need for sedation or analgesics during investigation. There is a lower percentage of perforation risk, and all colon segments can be evaluated due to multi-sectional imaging availability; intramural, extra-intestinal components of colonic lesions, metastasis and any additional lesions can be evaluated easily. MRC and CT colonography are new radiological techniques that promise to be highly sensitive in the detection of colorectal mass and inflammatory bowel lesions.

Three-Dimensional and Cross-sectional Characteristics of Normal Grain Growth Based on Monte Carlo Simulation

An appropriate Monte Carlo method was developed to simulate the three-dimensional normal grain growth more completely. Comparative investigation on the three-dimensional and the cross-sectional characteristics of normal grain growth was done. It was found that the time exponent of grain growth determined from cross-section exhibits the same rule of increasing slowly with time and approaching the theoretical value n = 0.5 of steadygrain growth as the three-dimensional (3-D) system. From change of the number of grains per unit area with timemeasured in cross-section, the state of 3-D normal grain growth may be predicted. The gtain size distribution incross-section is different from that in 3-D system and can not express the evolution characteristic of the 3-D distribution. Furthermore, there exists statistical connection between the topological parameters in cross-section and thosein three-dimensions.

Three-Dimensional Architecture of the Tongue Muscles by Micro-CT with a Focus on the Longitudinal Muscle

The purpose of this study was to show the benefit of visualizing a tree-dimensional (3D) image of the tongue’s muscle structure, which until now has been regarded as fully understood. Until now, no suitable 3D observation methods have been developed for soft tissue, such as the tongue, using?histological magnification. For this purpose, this study used a micro-computed tomographic method (micro-CT) and image processing after the fixation, decalcification, and dehydration of a mouse tongue. Results: 3D rendered images of tongue muscles obtained by micro-CT showed every muscle and their relationships to each other. The superior longitudinal and the hyoglossus muscles of the tongue made up one group, while the inferior longitudinal and the styloglossus muscles of the tongue made up another. The boundary of the two muscles in each group was difficult to distinguish. On the other hand, what appear to be newly described muscles were identified. These results indicate that our micro-CT method is beneficial and that classical knowledge of tongue muscles derived from two-dimensional (2D) images does not fully describe the actual complexity of the tongue muscles. In our opinion, 3D rendered images mixed with raw structure can provide a more in-depth picture of the tongue from an integrated as well as an analytical perspective.

High-Quality Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography of Abdominal Viscera with Small Focal Spot, Low Tube Voltage, and Iterative Model Reconstruction Technique

Purpose: To evaluate the quality of three-dimensional (3D) CT angiography images of the abdominal viscera with small focal spot, low tube voltage, and iterative model reconstruction technique (IMR). Materials and Methods: Seven patients with suspected disease of the pancreatobiliary system had undergone CT with high-quality CTA protocol in the present study. There were 5 men and 2 women, ranging in age from 52 to 80 years (mean: 64 years). Results: Depiction of abdominal small artery, small portal vein was possible in all cases. In two cases that we were able to compare, it was superior to standard CTA in small vascular depiction in CTA made clearly in high quality protocol. Conclusions: Although the use of small focal spot, low tube voltage, and IMR can produce higher-quality images of abdominal vessels than standard CTA, this improvement is not significant at elevated radiation doses.

Dynamic Characteristic Mechanism of Atrial Septal Defect Using Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Functions

The dynamic characteristics of the area of the atrial septal defect（ASD） were evaluated using the technique of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography（RT 3DE）, the potential factors responsible for the dynamic characteristics of the area of ASD were observed, and the overall and local volume and functions of the patients with ASD were measured. RT 3DE was performed on the 27 normal controls and 28 patients with ASD. Based on the three-dimensional data workstations, the area of ASD was measured at P wave vertex, R wave vertex, T wave starting point, and T wave terminal point and in the T-P section. The right atrial volume in the same time phase of the cardiac cycle and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus in the corresponding period were measured. The measured value of the area of ASD was analyzed. The changes in the right atrial volume and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus in the normal control group and the ASD group were compared. The right ventricular ejection fractions in the normal control group and the ASD group were compared using the RT 3DE long-axis eight-plane（LA 8-plane） method. Real-time three-dimensional volume imaging was performed in the normal control group and ASD group（n=30）. The right ventricular inflow tract, outflow tract, cardiac apex muscular trabecula dilatation, end-systolic volume, overall dilatation, end-systolic volume, and appropriate local and overall ejection fractions in both two groups were measured with the four-dimensional right ventricular quantitative analysis method（4D RVQ） and compared. The overall right ventricular volume and the ejection fraction measured by the LA 8-plane method and 4D RVQ were subjected to a related analysis. Dynamic changes occurred to the area of ASD in the cardiac cycle. The rules for dynamic changes in the area of ASD and the rules for changes in the right atrial volume in the cardiac cycle were consistent. The maximum value of the changes in the right atrial volume occurred in the end-systolic period when the peak of the curve appeared. The minimum value of the changes occurred in the end-systolic period and was located at the lowest point of the volume variation curve. The area variation curve for ASD and the motion variation curve for the tricuspid annulus in the cardiac cycle were the same. The displacement of the tricuspid annulus exhibited directionality. The measured values of the area of ASD at P wave vertex, R wave vertex, T wave starting point, T wave terminal point and in the T-P section were properly correlated with the right atrial volume（P〈0.001）. The area of ASD and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus were negatively correlated（P〈0.05）. The right atrial volumes in the ASD group in the cardiac cycle in various time phases increased significantly as compared with those in the normal control group（P=0.0001）. The motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus decreased significantly in the ASD group as compared with that in the normal control group（P=0.043）. The right ventricular ejection fraction in the ASD group was lower than that in the normal control group（P=0.032）. The ejection fraction of the cardiac apex trabecula of the ASD patients was significantly lower than the ejection fractions of the right ventricular outflow tract and inflow tract and overall ejection fraction. The difference was statistically significant（P=0.005）. The right ventricular local and overall dilatation and end-systolic volumes in the ASD group increased significantly as compared with those in the normal control group（P=0.031）. The a RVEF and the overall ejection fraction decreased in the ASD group as compared with those in the normal control group（P=0.0005）. The dynamic changes in the area of ASD and the motion curves for the right atrial volume and tricuspid annulus have the same dynamic characteristics. RT 3DE can be used to accurately evaluate the local and overall volume and functions of the right ventricle. The local and overall volume loads of the right ventricle in the ASD patients increase significantly as compared with those of the normal people. The right ventricular cardiac apex and the overall systolic function decrease.

Clinical Value of Stereoscopic Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Atrial Septal Defects: Feasibility and Efficiency

Stereoscopic three-dimensional echocardiography（S-3DE） is a novel displaying technol-ogy based on real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography （RT-3DE）. Our study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of S-3DE in the diagnosis of atrial septal defect （ASD） and its use in the guidance for transcatheter ASD occlusion. Twelve patients with secundum ASD underwent RT-3DE examination and 9 of the 12 were subjected to transcatheter closure of ASD. Stereoscopic vision was generated with a high-performance volume renderer with red-green stereoscopic glasses. S-3DE was compared with standard RT-3D display for the assessment of the shape, size, and the surrounding tis-sues of ASD and for the guidance of ASD occlusion. The appearance rate of coronary sinus and the mean formation time of the IVC, SVC were compared. Our results showed that S-3DE could measure the diameter of ASD accurately and there was no significant difference in the measurements between S-3DE and standard 3D display （2.89±0.73 cm vs 2.85±0.72 cm, P〉0.05; r=0.96, P〈0.05）. The appearance of coronary sinus for S-3DE was higher as compared with the standard 3D display （93.3% vs 100%）. The mean time of the IVC, SVC for S-3DE monitor was slightly shorter than that of the standard 3D display （11.0±3.8 s vs 10.3±3.6 s, P〉0.05）. The mean completion time of interven-tional procedure was shortened with S-3DE display as compared with standard 3D display （17.3±3.1 min vs 23.0±3.9 min, P〈0.05）. Stereoscopic three-dimensional echocardiography could improve the visualization of three-dimensional echocardiography, facilitate the identification of the adjacent structures, decrease the time required for interventional manipulation. It may be a feasible, safe, and efficient tool for guiding transcatheter septal occlusion or the surgical interventions.

Three-Dimensional Measurement and Reconstruction of Fabric Drape Shape

This paper introduces a new method of measuring the three-dimensional drape shape of fabrics with structural light. First, we apply parallel annular structural light to form light and shade alternating contour stripes on the surface of fabrics. We then collect the images of contour stripes using Charge Coupled Device (CCD). Subsequently, we process the images to identify the contour stripes and edges of fabrics, and obtain the fabric contour lines of curved surfaces. Finally, we apply three-dimensional curved surface modeling method based on a network of polar coordinates, and reconstruct the three-dimensional drape shape of fabrics. Experiments show that our method is effective in testing and reconstructing three-dimensional drape shape of fabrics.

Inversion of source mechanism of 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake by three-dimensional FEM Green's function

Based on three-dimensional joint finite element, this paper discusses the theory and methodology about inversionof geodetic data. The FEM and inversion formula is given in detail; also a related code is developed. By use of theGreen's function about 3-D FEM, we invert geodetic measurementS of coseismic deformation of the 1989 Ms=7. 1Loma Prieta earthquake to datermine itS source mechanism. The result indicates that the slip on the fault plane isvery heterogeneous. The maximum slip and shear stress are located about 10 kin to northwest of the eathquakesource, the stress drop is about more than 1 MPa.

Extraction of yarn positional information from three-dimensional CT image of textile fabric using a yarn model for its structure analysis

This paper proposes a novel method for analyzing a textile fabric structure to extract positional information regarding each yarn using three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography(3D CT) image.Positional relationship among the yarns can be reconstructed using the extracted yarn positional information.In this paper,a sequence of points on the center line of each yarn of the sample is defined as the yarn positional information,since the sequence can be regarded as the representative position of the yarn.The sequence is extracted by tracing the yarn.The yarn is traced by estimating the yarn center and direction and correlating the yarn part of the 3D CT image with a 3D yarn model,which is moved along the estimated yarn direction.The trajectory of the center of the yarn model corresponds to the positional information of the yarn.The application of the proposed method is shown by experimentally applying the proposed method to a 3D CT image of a double-layered woven fabric.Furthermore,the experimental results for a plain knitted fabric show that this method can be applied to even knitted fabrics.

Diameters and form of skull base foramen ovale measured by three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan in healthy adults

BACKGROUND： The accurate measurements of various data of the bone diameters of foramen ovale of living person can change the methods of puncturing trigeminal gasserian ganglion via foramen ovale for treating trifacial neuralgia from the experience of puncture operator only to puncture by taking the objective data of measurement as the evidence, which is good for improving the accuracy of puncturing trigeminal ganglion and reducing side effects. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the forms of foramen ovales in healthy adults displayed by volume rendering and multi-planar reconstruction after three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan of skull base, and measure the longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter. DESIGN ： A repetitive observation and measurement SETTINGS ： Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Medical Imaging, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. PARTICIPANTS： Fifty healthy adults （100 sides）, who were examined with three-dimensional spiral CT scan, were randomly selected from the Department of Medical Imaging, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2005 to January 2006, including 26 males and 24 females, aged 25-68 years with an average of 48 years old. They were all informed and agreed with the examination. METHODS ： The subjects were examined with the Philips 16-slice spiral CT-Mx 8000 IDT CT apparatus （Philips Company, Holland）, the scanning ranged from 2 cm below the canthomeatal line to the level of suprasellar cistem. The width of collimator was 0.75 mm, pitch was 0.663; tube current was 350 mA, voltage was 120 kV, resolution was 512×512 matrix; slice thickness of reconstruction was 1 mm, and interval was 0.5 mm. After the three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan of skull base, the image post-processing techniques including volume rendering and multi-planar reconstruction were applied to observe the forms of foramen ovales, and measure the size, longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter of the foramen ovales. The figures of the foramen ovales were drawn with mouse along the boundary of bone porous margin and soft tissue. According to the indications, the diameters were measured with computer to observe the forms of foramen ovales. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： The longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter and form of foramen ovales were observed. RESULTS： All the 50 healthy adults （100 sides） were involved in the analysis of results. （1） It was observed in the volume rendering images that foramen ovales had four forms of oval shape （77 sides）, kidney shape （12 sides）, round shape （7 sides）, ribbon shape （4 sides）. （2） The longitudinal diameters of left and right foramen ovales were （7.67±1.32） and （7.98±1.45） mm, and the transverse diameters were （4.04±0.83）, （4.09±1.07） mm; There was no obvious difference between left and right longitudinal diameters （t = 1.63, P = 0.11 ）, and left and right transverse diameters were close （t = 0.45, P= 0.65）. CONCLUSION ： The non-invasive techniques of volume rendering and multi-planar reconstruction after three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan can clearly display the formand size of foramen ovale in healthy adults.