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Scale separation in granular packings: stress plateaus and fluctuations.

It is demonstrated, by numerical simulations of a 2D assembly of polydisperse disks, that there exists a range (plateau) of coarse-graining scales for which the stress tensor field in a granular solid is nearly resolution independent, thereby enabling an "objective" definition of this field. Expectedly, it is not the mere size of the system but the (related) magnitudes of the gradients that determine the widths of the plateaus. Ensemble averaging (even over "small" ensembles) extends the widths of the plateaus to subparticle scales. The fluctuations within the ensemble are studied as well. Both the response to homogeneous forcing and to an external compressive localized load (and gravity) are studied. Implications to small solid systems and constitutive relations are briefly discussed.

Algorithms↗

Application of the u-p finite element method to the study of articular cartilage.

The finite element method using the principle of virtual work was applied to the biphasic theory to establish a numerical routine for analyses of articular cartilage behavior. The matrix equations that resulted contained displacements of the solid matrix (mu) and true fluid pressure (p) as the unknown variables at the element nodes. Both small and large strain conditions were considered. The algorithms and computer code for the analysis of two-dimensional plane strain, plane stress, and axially symmetric cases were developed. The u-p finite element numerical procedure demonstrated excellent agreement with available closed-form and numerical solutions for the configurations of confined compression and unconfined compression under small strains, and for confined compression under large strains. The model was also used to examine the behavior of a repaired articular surface. The differences in material properties between the repair tissue and normal cartilage resulted in significant deformation gradients across the repair interface as well as increased fluid efflux from the tissue.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Automatic classification of EEG segments and extraction of representative ones by dynamic clusters method.

Use of the dynamic clusters method for automatic extraction of compressed information about recorded EEG signal is presented. The computer first divides the record into quasi-stationary segments by means of adaptive segmentation. Second, the extracted segments are classified by a method of dynamic clusters into homogeneous classes. One part of the used clustering algorithm permits to specify and draw the most typical class members, which may represent the whole studied EEG signal and may be used as input for the further phase of the automatic EEG analysis, i.e. for the classification of the whole EEG records. The above procedure was applied to a 75 sec long EEG record of anaesthetized cat intoxicated by CO.

Computers↗

Wavelet-based lossless compression of coronary angiographic images.

The final diagnosis in coronary angiography has to be performed on a large set of original images. Therefore, lossless compression schemes play a key role in medical database management and telediagnosis applications. This paper proposes a wavelet-based compression scheme that is able to operate in the lossless mode. The quantization module implements a new way of coding of the wavelet coefficients that is more effective than the classical zerotree coding. The experimental results obtained on a set of 20 angiograms show that the algorithm outperforms the embedded zerotree coder, combined with the integer wavelet transform, by 0.38 bpp, the set partitioning coder by 0.21 bpp, and the lossless JPEG coder by 0.71 bpp. The scheme is a good candidate for radiological applications such as teleradiology and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS's).

Algorithms↗

Wavelets and imaging informatics: a review of the literature.

Modern medicine is a field that has been revolutionized by the emergence of computer and imaging technology. It is increasingly difficult, however, to manage the ever-growing enormous amount of medical imaging information available in digital formats. Numerous techniques have been developed to make the imaging information more easily accessible and to perform analysis automatically. Among these techniques, wavelet transforms have proven prominently useful not only for biomedical imaging but also for signal and image processing in general. Wavelet transforms decompose a signal into frequency bands, the width of which are determined by a dyadic scheme. This particular way of dividing frequency bands matches the statistical properties of most images very well. During the past decade, there has been active research in applying wavelets to various aspects of imaging informatics, including compression, enhancements, analysis, classification, and retrieval. This review represents a survey of the most significant practical and theoretical advances in the field of wavelet-based imaging informatics.

Algorithms↗

The impact of temporal compression and space selection on SVM analysis of single-subject and multi-subject fMRI data.

In the present study, we compared the effects of temporal compression (averaging across multiple scans) and space selection (i.e. selection of "regions of interest" from the whole brain) on single-subject and multi-subject classification of fMRI data using the support vector machine (SVM). Our aim was to investigate various data transformations that could be applied before training the SVM to retain task discriminatory variance while suppressing irrelevant components of variance. The data were acquired during a blocked experiment design: viewing unpleasant (Class 1), neutral (Class 2) and pleasant pictures (Class 3). In the multi-subject level analysis, we used a "leave-one-subject-out" approach, i.e. in each iteration, we trained the SVM using data from all but one subject and tested its performance in predicting the class label of the this last subject's data. In the single-subject level analysis, we used a "leave-one-block-out" approach, i.e. for each subject, we selected randomly one block per condition to be the test block and trained the SVM using data from the remaining blocks. Our results showed that in a single-subject level both temporal compression and space selection improved the SVM accuracy. However, in a multi-subject level, the temporal compression improved the performance of the SVM, but the space selection had no effect on the classification accuracy.

Adult↗

Exploration of melt granulation technique for the development of coprocessed directly compressible adjuvant containing lactose and microcrystalline cellulose.

The objective of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate lactose and microcrystalline cellulose based, directly compressible adjuvant using melt granulation technique. The percentage of polymer blend (PVP K 30 and PEG 4000; 5, 10, or 15%) and the polymer blend ratio (9:1, 1:1, or 1:9) were selected as independent variables in a 3(2) full factorial design. The lactose and microcrystalline cellulose blend (3:1) was mixed with the meltable binder on a water bath at 90 degrees C. The agglomerates were cooled to 35 degrees C and subsequently passed through 30 mesh. A batch containing 12.5% of the polymer blend containing 1:9 ratio of PVP:PEG was used for further studies. In an another 3(2) full factorial design, disintegrant (crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, or sodium starch glycolate) and mode of addition of disintegrant (intragranular, extragranular, or combination of intragranular and extragranular) were used as independent variables. The agglomerates were evaluated for percentage fines and Carr's index. Tablets were prepared on a single-punch tablet machine, and they were evaluated for tensile strength, friability, and disintegration time. Regression analysis was carried out to evolve full and refined models. Contour plots are presented for graphical expression of the results. The use of composite index is demonstrated for the selection of an appropriate batch. The disintegration time of tablets reduced from 18 min to 6 min when 6% crospovidone was included in the product. The optimized adjuvant was characterized for particle size distribution, granular friability, Kawakita's and Kuno's equation, and dilution potential study. Turmeric, glycyrrhiza, acetaminophen, and metformin HCl were used as model drugs for the preparation of tablets. The present study underlines the fact that melt granulation technique may be adopted for the development of multifunctional directly compressible adjuvant for use in pharmaceuticals. The advantages of melt granulation technique over the classical wet granulation and spray-drying are presented.

Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic↗

Specimen-specific beam models for fast and accurate prediction of human trabecular bone mechanical properties.

Direct assessment of bone competence in vivo is not possible, hence, it is inevitable to predict it using appropriate simulation techniques. Although accurate estimates of bone competence can be obtained from micro-finite element models (muFE), it is at the expense of large computer efforts. In this study, we investigated the application of structural idealizations to represent individual trabeculae by single elements. The objective was to implement and validate this technique. We scanned 42 human vertebral bone samples (10 mm height, 8 mm diameter) with micro-computed tomography using a 20 microm resolution. After scanning, direct mechanical testing was performed. Topological classification and dilation-based algorithms were used to identify individual rods and plates. Two FE models were created for each specimen. In the first one, each rod-like trabecula was modeled with one thickness-matched beam; each plate-like trabecula was modeled with several beams. From a simulated compression test, assuming one isotropic tissue modulus for all elements, the apparent stiffness was calculated. After reducing the voxel size to 40 microm, a second FE model was created using a standard voxel conversion technique. Again, one tissue modulus was assumed for all elements in all models, and a compression test was simulated. Bone volume fraction ranged from 3.7% to 19.5%; Young's moduli from 43 MPa to 649 MPa. Both models predicted measured apparent moduli equally well (R2 = 0.85), and were in excellent agreement with each other (R2 = 0.97). Tissue modulus was estimated at 9.0 GPa and 10.7 GPa for the beam FE and voxel FE models, respectively. On average, the beam models were solved in 219 s, reducing CPU usage up to 1150-fold as compared to 40 microm voxel FE models. Relative to 20 microm voxel models 10,000-fold reductions can be expected. The presented beam FE model is an abstraction of the intricate real trabecular structure using simple cylindrical beam elements. Nevertheless, it enabled an accurate prediction of global mechanical properties of microstructural bone. The strong reduction in CPU time provides the means to increase throughput, to analyze multiple loading configuration and to increase sample size, without increasing computational costs. With upcoming in vivo high-resolution imaging systems, this model has the potential to become a standard for mechanical characterization of bone.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Parameters influencing the accuracy of the point of force application determined with piezoelectric force plates.

Errors up to +/- 30 mm in determining the point of force application with piezoelectric force plates have been reported in the literature (Kistler, 1984. Multicomponent Measuring Force Plate for Biomechanics and Industry. Kistler, Switzerland; Bobbert and Schamhardt, 1990. Journal of Biomechanics 23, 705-710; Sommer et al., 1997. Proceedings of the XVI th I.S.B. Congress). To explain the main factors influencing the systematic errors the force plate system is modeled as a two-dimensional beam structure. By this model it is strongly indicated that the cause for the errors in determining the point of force application are bending moments in the measurement posts. The main parameters influencing the shape and magnitude of the error function are the ratios between the bending stiffness of the plate and the bending and compressive stiffnesses of the measurement posts. In the current design it is therefore not possible to eliminate the cause for the errors by changing the constructive parameters. By comparing the error functions derived with the beam model to the correction formulas given in the literature an improved algorithm is proposed. This paper shall help biomechanists in understanding the basic concepts of determining the point of force application with force plates and in constructing custom-made force plates for specific applications.

Algorithms↗

Idiopathic edema.

Idiopathic edema is a syndrome of real or perceived excessive weight gain. This article reviews what is known about the possible causes, evaluation, and treatment. Although the cause is unknown but often thought to be due to secondary hyperaldosteronism, primary abnormalities of the hypothalamus, thyroid, dopaminergic release or renal dopaminergic metabolism, vascular basement membrane, or capillary sphincter control could perhaps contribute in some patients. The diagnosis requires careful attention to possible abnormalities of the liver, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, and pancreas. The history must include an evaluation for risks of bulimia and purging; diuretic and laxative screening should be performed. Specific records of daily weights, urinary outputs, and menstral cycle dates are useful. Treatment may include dietary counseling to provide weight control and a constant carbohydrate intake, treatments for depression, compression stockings, spironolactone, amiloride, angiotensin II inhibitors, or sympathomimetic agents, depending on the severity and timing of the patient's symptoms. Unfortunately, idiopathic edema may be a multifactorial disorder that has not been completely delineated. Further research into possible causative mechanisms is required before a more useful algorithm for evaluation and treatment is available.

Capillary Permeability↗

The role of radiological imaging in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Several strategies have been employed to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of appendicitis and to reduce the associated perforation rate. Because clinical algorithms have been disappointing, many physicians resort to radiological modalities. Plain abdominal x-rays are nonspecific, barium enema examination has relatively low accuracy, scintigraphy scans require considerable time and are difficult to interpret, and magnetic resonance imaging is relatively unstudied. The most promising modalities are graded compression sonography and computed tomography. In expert hands, these techniques can achieve a high degree of accuracy. Nevertheless, most published studies have been marred by methodological difficulties. Moreover, ultrasound is more useful in detecting than in ruling out appendicitis. The radiological criteria for acute appendicitis, the accuracy of various imaging modalities and the limitations of the available research are described.

Acute Disease↗

Interpenetrating network formation in gellan--agarose gel composites.

Thermal, mechanical, turbidity, and microscope evidence is provided which strongly suggests molecular interpenetrating network (IPN) formation by mixtures of the bacterial and seaweed polysaccharides gellan and agarose. There is no evidence for synergistic coupling of the networks, and simple phase separation (demixing) can definitely be ruled out. Some changes in the gellan gelling behavior are suggested, however, by the increased gellan effective concentrations implicit in cure curve data. The dependence of this effect on the agarose nominal concentration seems consistent with a previous model that focused on gelling parameters, and changes in these rather than real concentration effects. In large deformation mechanical tests, the influence of agarose added to gellan is to re-enforce the network (higher compression and shear moduli, higher stresses-to-break) without significantly changing the strain to break, or the gellan brittle failure mechanism.

Algorithms↗

Multichannel ECG compression using multichannel adaptive vector quantization.

Adaptive vector quantization (AVQ) is a recently proposed approach for electrocardiogram (ECG) compression. The adaptability of the approach can be used to control the quality of reconstructed signals. However, like most of other ECG compression methods, AVQ only deals with the single-channel ECG, and for the multichannel (MC) ECG, coding ECG signals on a channel by channel basis is not efficient, because the correlation across channels is not exploited. To exploit this correlation, an MC version of AVQ is proposed. In the proposed approach, the AVQ index from each channel is collected to form a new input vector. The vector is then vector quantized adaptively using one additional codebook called index codebook. Both the MIT/BIH database and a clinical Holter database are tested. The experimental results show that, for exactly the same quality of reconstructed signals, the MC-AVQ performs better than single-channel AVQ in terms of bit rate. A theoretical analysis supporting this result is also demonstrated in this paper. For the same and relatively good visual quality, the average compressed data rate/channel is reduced from 293.5 b/s using the single-channel AVQ to 238.2 b/s using the MC-AVQ in the MIT/BIH case.

Algorithms↗

Preference judgments of artificial processed and hearing-aid transduced speech.

In order to assess the relative importance of various signal processing algorithms and distortions on hearing-aid preference, male and female speech was manipulated in a number of ways and subsequently presented to normal-hearing and hearing-impaired subjects (the latter having a mild sensorineural high-frequency hearing loss). Signal manipulations were artificial (e.g., filtering, compression, peak clipping, or adding noise) or were actual dummy-head recordings of five different hearing aids. Listeners judged the sounds in a pairwise-comparison format. Their task was to indicate the "hearing aid" they would prefer assuming they had to wear it all day. The data were analyzed with multidimensional scaling techniques; Principal Components Analysis revealed that the first two dimensions on which preference judgments were based, can be interpreted as (1) intelligibility or clarity, and (2) distinction between signal distortion and added background distortion. Furthermore, the results showed that normal-hearing subjects generally preferred the original signal, whereas hearing-impaired subjects were inclined to choose the signals with a high-frequency emphasis. Severe band-pass filtering or low-frequency emphasis were disliked, as was to be expected. Surprisingly, however, a soft background noise (S/N ratio of 25 dB) was often among the least preferred of all signals. The differences in preference between the five hearing aids were small, but consistent. For hearing-impaired subjects, hearing-aid ordering could be accounted for by the amount of low-frequency cutoff; for normal-hearing subjects both high- and low-frequency cutoff played a role. Results of a retest experiment with normal-hearing subjects, about one year later, showed that subjects' criteria remain remarkably stable.

Adolescent↗

JPEG quality transcoding using neural networks trained with a perceptual error measure.

A JPEG Quality Transcoder (JQT) converts a JPEG image file that was encoded with low image quality to a larger JPEG image file with reduced visual artifacts, without access to the original uncompressed image. In this article, we describe technology for JQT design that takes a pattern recognition approach to the problem, using a database of images to train statistical models of the artifacts introduced through JPEG compression. In the training procedure for these models, we use a model of human visual perception as an error measure. Our current prototype system removes 32.2% of the artifacts introduced by moderate compression, as measured on an independent test database of linearly coded images using a perceptual error metric. This improvement results in an average PSNR reduction of 0.634 dB.

Algorithms↗

A functional hierarchical organization of the protein sequence space.

BACKGROUND: It is a major challenge of computational biology to provide a comprehensive functional classification of all known proteins. Most existing methods seek recurrent patterns in known proteins based on manually-validated alignments of known protein families. Such methods can achieve high sensitivity, but are limited by the necessary manual labor. This makes our current view of the protein world incomplete and biased. This paper concerns ProtoNet, a automatic unsupervised global clustering system that generates a hierarchical tree of over 1,000,000 proteins, based solely on sequence similarity. RESULTS: In this paper we show that ProtoNet correctly captures functional and structural aspects of the protein world. Furthermore, a novel feature is an automatic procedure that reduces the tree to 12% its original size. This procedure utilizes only parameters intrinsic to the clustering process. Despite the substantial reduction in size, the system's predictive power concerning biological functions is hardly affected. We then carry out an automatic comparison with existing functional protein annotations. Consequently, 78% of the clusters in the compressed tree (5,300 clusters) get assigned a biological function with a high confidence. The clustering and compression processes are unsupervised, and robust. CONCLUSIONS: We present an automatically generated unbiased method that provides a hierarchical classification of all currently known proteins.

Algorithms↗

Image processing for improved eye-tracking accuracy.

Video cameras provide a simple, noninvasive method for monitoring a subject's eye movements. An important concept is that of the resolution of the system, which is the smallest eye movement that can be reliably detected. While hardware systems are available that estimate direction of gaze in real-time from a video image of the pupil, such systems must limit image processing to attain real-time performance and are limited to a resolution of about 10 arc minutes. Two ways to improve resolution are discussed. The first is to improve the image processing algorithms that are used to derive an estimate. Off-line analysis of the data can improve resolution by at least one order of magnitude for images of the pupil. A second avenue by which to improve resolution is to increase the optical gain of the imaging setup (i.e., the amount of image motion produced by a given eye rotation). Ophthalmoscopic imaging of retinal blood vessels provides increased optical gain and improved immunity to small head movements but requires a highly sensitive camera. The large number of images involved in a typical experiment imposes great demands on the storage, handling, and processing of data. A major bottleneck had been the real-time digitization and storage of large amounts of video imagery, but recent developments in video compression hardware have made this problem tractable at a reasonable cost. Images of both the retina and the pupil can be analyzed successfully using a basic toolbox of image-processing routines (filtering, correlation, thresholding, etc.), which are, for the most part, well suited to implementation on vectorizing supercomputers.

Algorithms↗

Computational simulations of stress shielding and bone resorption around existing and computer-designed orthopaedic screws.

Failure of an orthopaedic fixation due to stress shielding and consequent screw loosening is a major concern among surgeons: the loosened screws could not only interfere with the healing process but also endanger adjacent anatomical structures. In this study, the effect of the screw's engineering design (dimensions, profile shape and material properties) on the load sharing with adjacent bone and consequent bone resorption was tested, using a set of two-dimensional computational (finite element) models. An algorithm simulating local bone adaptation to strain energy density (SED) mechanical stimuli was developed and used to evaluate the biomechanical performances of different commercial screws. Two new designs, a 'graded-stiffness' composite screw, with a reduced-stiffness titanium core and outer polymeric threads, and an active-compression hollow screw that generates compressive stresses on the surrounding bone, were also evaluated. A dimensionless set of stress transfer parameters (STPs) were utilised for ranking the performances of the different screws according to the expected screw-bone load sharing and its evolution with adaptation of the surrounding tissue. The results indicated that commercial wide (6 mm thread diameter) trapezoidal and rectangular screw profiles have superior biomechanical compatibility with bone (i.e. predicted to be stable after 2 years). The graded-stiffness and active-compression screws provided the best biomechanical performances: bone loading around them was predicted to decrease by no more than 15% after 3 years, compared with a decrease of 55-70% in bone loading around commercially available screws. Computer simulations of bone adaptation around orthopaedic screws are demonstrated to be effective means for objective and quantitative evaluation of the biomechanical aspects of implant-tissue compatibility.

Bone Resorption↗