How do monkeys view faces?—a study of eye movements

Face perception plays a crucial role in primate social communication. We have investigated the pattern of eye movements produced by rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) as they viewed images of faces. Eye positions were recorded accurately using implanted eye coils, while neutral upright, inverted and scrambled images of monkey and human faces were presented on a computer screen. The monkeys exhibited a similar eye scan pattern while viewing familiar and unfamiliar monkey face images, or while viewing monkey and human face images. No differences were observed in the distribution of viewing times, number of fixations, time into the trial of first saccade to local facial features, and the temporal and spatial characteristics of viewing patterns across the facial images. However, there was a greater probability of re-fixation of the eye region of unfamiliar faces during the first few seconds of the trial suggesting that the eyes are important for the initial encoding of identity. Indeed, the highest fixation density was found in the eye region of all the face images. The viewing duration and the number of fixations per image decreased when inverted or scrambled faces were presented. The eye region in these modified images remained the primary area of fixation. However, the number of fixations directed to the eyes decreased monotonically from the upright images through the inverted versions to the scrambled face images. Nonetheless, the eyes remain the most salient facial substructure regardless of the arrangement of other features, although the extent of salience which they attain may depend both on the low level properties of the eyes and on the global arrangement of facial features. Electronic Publication     

基于贪婪算法的Snake模型

目的：为改善经典活动轮廓模型的缺陷。方法：本文提出一种新的基于贪婪算法的活动轮廓模型,对其内部能量中加入轮廓平均长度项的控制,外部能量中加入梯度方向势能,并提出区域能量在贪婪算法中的快速求解方法。另外采用动态调整蛇点的算法,使蛇点数目能够自适应地变化。结果：通过与传统的GVF算法分割结果比较,本文的分割效果较理想。结论：说明该方法分割准确性高并且对于用户的初始轮廓选择要求不高,具有一定的实用价值。     

运用色度学分析技术对离体乳牙脱矿与再矿化时间的实验研究

目的运用数码照相和色度分析技术观测不同酸蚀时间对离体乳牙釉质脱矿以及再矿化时间的影响,以寻找乳牙合适的脱矿及再矿化时间。方法将60颗离体上颌乳中切牙牙冠唇面开窗包埋。标本随机分为4个处理组,32%的磷酸凝胶分别酸蚀开窗面15s(组1)、30s(组2)、45s(组3)和60s(组4),使开窗面脱矿,再将其置于人工唾液中分别再矿化8h、24h、48h、72h及1周。脱矿后采用2%亚甲基蓝对开窗面进行染色,数码照相,运用图像分析软件对图像进行色度分析,记录色度参数,运用SPSS19.0对实验数据进行统计学分析。结果酸蚀15s后染色,其色度值变化即可被计算机所识别;酸蚀15s再矿化72h、酸蚀30s再矿化48h、酸蚀45s和60s再矿化24h时的色度值与矿化前的色度值相比,差异具有统计学意义,其P值分别为0.01、0.037、0.047和0.011。结论运用色度学技术分析乳牙脱矿与再矿化的时间,提示乳牙釉质最合适的酸蚀时间为15s,再矿化时间为72h。     

Occlusal caries: Evaluation of direct microscopy versus digital imaging used for two histological classification systems

Objective

Histology is frequently used as a gold standard to validate caries detection devices. Poor assessment consistency could lead to apparent changes in diagnostic accuracy. In multi-center, multi-examiner studies electronic transfer of information would be convenient, provided there is no deteriation in quality. This study tested the hypothesis that examiner reproducibility in the assessment of caries lesion depth when viewing photographic images of histological sections on a computer monitor, is comparable with viewing the same sections under a microscope using two histological classification systems.

Methods

166 investigation sites (96 teeth) were selected for visual examination (ICDAS-II) and sections made using a novel technique which reduced risk of section damage and allowed accurate allocation of section to each investigation site. Digital images of the sections were produced and four examiners viewed the sections under a microscope and on a separate occasion corresponding digital images on a computer monitor. Presence and extent of caries was scored according to two histological classification systems (Downer, ERK).

Results

The inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility for both histological classification systems and both examination techniques was substantial to almost perfect (weighted kappa = 0.63–0.90). Comparing the kappa values between microscopy and viewing digital images, there was no effect or only a small effect between both examination techniques (effect size 0.00–0.28). There was also a strong relationship between the two viewing techniques (r_s = 0.748–0.844).

Conclusions

Viewing digital images of tooth sections produces results comparable to viewing images directly under a microscope and therefore has potential benefits for multi-centre studies.     

Multinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumor of the Cerebrum (MVNT): A case series and review of the literature

Background and purposeMultinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumor of the cerebrum (MVNT) is a benign –seizure associated– lesion affecting mostly adults. This new entity has been included in the 2016 World Health Organization classification of tumors of the central nervous system.Its pathologic hallmark consist of a subcortical cluster of nodular lesions located on the subcortical white matter.We aim to report a series of cases of presumed MVNT observed in our institution and review the literature.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, a search was performed on our hospital information system. Sixteen cases were included. Demographic, clinical and radiological features were detailed in a table.All patients had an MRI acquired either on a 1.5 or a 3 Tesla scanner. Sequences performed included T1, T2, GRE/SWI, T2 FLAIR and DWI. Gadolinium enhanced T1-WI wer available in 11 patients and follow-up MRI were available in 7 patients.ResultsPatient ages ranged from 16 to 77 years (mean 42 years). Seizure and non-focal headache were by far the most common neurological complaints for which MRI was requested. All lesions consisted of clusters of multiple, discrete, round or ovoid, intra-axial, FLAIR and T2-WI hyperintense nodules. Follow-up MRI scans showed no changes between studies.ConclusionsMVNT is a benign, stable lesion that exhibits a typical radiological pattern that most of the times sufficed to arrive to a diagnosis, without the need of pathological confirmation. We confirm that our demographic, clinical and radiological findings are in accordance with those published in international literature.     

Rapidly enhancing hepatic hemangiomas at MRI: Distinction from malignancies with T2-weighted images

The purpose of this study is to describe a subset of atypical hepatic hemangiomas that enhance rapidly and diffusely and to determine whether heavily T2-weighted images could distinguish between atypically enhancing liver hemangiomas and hypervascular malignancies. A retrospective search of MR records identified seven patients with liver hemangiomas that demonstrated diffuse early enhancement and 23 patients with biopsy-proven malignant liver lesions that were hypervascular on dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR images. Quantitative analysis of signal intensity measurements was performed on the T2-weighted images, heavily T2-weighted (TE < 140), and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced images. Blinded reader comparison of the T2-weighted images and gadolinium-enhanced images was performed. Hypervascular hemangiomas enhanced to a greater degree than hypervascular malignant liver lesions on the early phase gadolinium-enhanced images. Perilesional parenchymal enhancement was demonstrated in five cases of rapidly enhancing hemangiomas. Signal intensity and contrast-to-noise ratios on the heavily T2-weighted images of the hemangiomas were significantly greater than that of the hypervascular malignant lesions (P < .05). Hemangiomas were differentiated from the hypervascular malignant liver lesions with high accuracy (97–100%) by three blinded readers based on the T2-weighted images. A subset of hemangiomas have atypical rapid diffuse enhancement on dynamic gadolinium-enhanced images. These atypical hemangiomas can be distinguished from hypervascular malignant liver lesions on T2-weighted MR images.     

Value of diffusion weighted MRI in assessment of simple and complicated perianal fistula

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to explore the role of the DWI in assessment of peri-anal fistula and whether it can replace post contrast study.

计算机辅助医学图像三维重建的算法分析

背景：基于三维重建的医学图像可视化技术具有广阔的应用前景,是目前研究的热点内容。目的：为医学图像三维重建时算法的选择提供帮助。方法：分析面绘制重置方法和体绘制重置方法的实现原理、实现复杂度、实时显示情况等方面。结果与结论：在对重建方法分析的基础上,总结出面绘制和体绘制两种方法各自的优势和弱点,分析在不同情况下如何进行算法的选择。     

Subjective and Objective Assessment of Monoenergetic and Polyenergetic Images Acquired by Dual-Energy CT in Breast Cancer

ObjectiveTo objectively and subjectively assess and compare the characteristics of monoenergetic images [MEI (+)] and polyenergetic images (PEI) acquired by dual-energy CT (DECT) of patients with breast cancer.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated the images and data of 42 patients with breast cancer who had undergone dual-phase contrast-enhanced DECT from June to September 2019. One standard PEI, five MEI (+) in 10-kiloelectron volt (keV) intervals (range, 40–80 keV), iodine density (ID) maps, iodine overlay images, and Z effective (Z_eff) maps were reconstructed. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated. Multiple quantitative parameters of the malignant breast lesions were compared between the arterial and the venous phase images. Two readers independently assessed lesion conspicuity and performed a morphology analysis.ResultsLow keV MEI (+) at 40–50 keV showed increased CNR and SNR_{breast lesion} compared with PEI, especially in the venous phase ([CNR: 40 keV, 20.10; 50 keV, 14.45; vs. PEI, 7.27; p < 0.001], [SNR_{breast lesion}: 40 keV, 21.01; 50 keV, 16.28; vs. PEI, 10.77; p < 0.001]). Multiple quantitative DECT parameters of malignant breast lesions were higher in the venous phase images than in the arterial phase images (p < 0.001). MEI (+) at 40 keV, ID, and Z_eff reconstructions yielded the highest Likert scores for lesion conspicuity. The conspicuity of the mass margin and the visual enhancement were significantly better in 40-keV MEI (+) than in the PEI (p = 0.022, p = 0.033, respectively).ConclusionCompared with PEI, MEI (+) reconstructions at low keV in the venous phase acquired by DECT improved the objective and subjective assessment of lesion conspicuity in patients with malignant breast lesions. MEI (+) reconstruction acquired by DECT may be helpful for the preoperative evaluation of breast cancer.     

Inferior vena cava filter fracture with strut migration on CT with volume rendering

We present the computed tomography findings in a patient with a fractured IVC filter and migration of a broken strut to the right lower quadrant. The filter morphology and strut fragment are well demonstrated on volume rendered images confirming the value of volumetric 3D computed tomography imaging to evaluate IVC filter integrity and identify migrated filter fragments.