No / Rationale and Objectives: To determine whether a single source computed tomography (CT) system utilizing fast kV switching and low dose settings can characterize (diameter and chemical composition) renal stones accurately when compared infrared spectroscopy. Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of 15 renal stones was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The stones were inserted into a porcine kidney and placed within a water tank for CT scanning using both fast kV switching dual energy and standard protocols. Effective atomic number of each stone was measured using scanner software. Stone diameter measurements were repeated twice to determine intra-rater variation and compared to actual stone diameter as measured by micro CT. Results: The chemical composition of three stones (one calcium phosphate and two carbonite apatite) could not be determined using the scanner software. The composition of 10/12 remaining stones was correctly identified using dual energy computed tomography (83% absolute agreement; k = 0.69). No statistical difference (p = 0.051) was noted in the mean stone diameter as measured by clinical CT and micro CT. Conclusion: Dual energy computed tomography using fast kV switching may potentially be developed as a low dose clinical tool for identifying and classifying renal stones in vivo supporting clinical decision-making.

Spectral computed tomography (CT) has proven an important development in biomedical imaging, yet there are several limitations to this nascent technology. Near-term implementation of spectral CT imaging can be enhanced using a hybrid architecture that integrates a narrow-beam spectral 'interior' imaging chain integrated with a traditional wide-beam 'global' imaging chain. The first study demonstrates the feasibility of hybrid spectral micro-CT architecture with a first-of-its-kind system implementation and preliminary results showing improved contrast resolution and spatial resolution. The second study seeks to characterize the hybrid spectral micro-CT scan protocol for reduction of radiation exposure. In the third study, the spectral 'interior' imaging chain was optimized for K-edge imaging of high-z elemental contrast agents. In the final study, an open-source, low-cost solution for managing digital content in an academic setting was demonstrated. The results of these studies confirm the merits of a hybrid architecture and warrant further consideration in future pre-clinical and clinical spectral micro-CT and CT scanner design and protocols. / Ph. D.

Ziel der Studie: Vergleich zweier Methoden zur Entfernung der medikamentösen Einlage Kalziumhydroxid aus runden und ovalen Wurzelkanälen mithilfe eines Micro-CTs. Material und Methode: Es wurden 80 extrahierte menschliche Prämolaren und Inzisivi verwendet. Die Wurzelkanäle wurden von koronal auf eine einheitliche Länge von 18 mm gekürzt und mit dem FlexMaster-System (VDW, München) bis zu Größe 40/.04 präpariert. Nach jeder Instrumentengröße wurden die Kanäle mit 2 ml 3%igem Natriumhypochlorit gespült. Die Spülung erfolgte mit einer 2 ml Spritze und einer Nadel der Größe 30 (NaviTip 30 Gauge, Ultradent, München). Die Applikation des Kalziumhydroxidpräparates (UltraCal XS. Ultradent Products Inc., Utah, USA) wurde mit einer Injektionsnadel der Größe 30 durchgeführt. Eine anschließende röntgenologische Kontrolle sicherte die vollständige und homogene Verteilung des Präparates im Wurzelkanal. Alle Probenzähne wurden für sieben Tage bei 37°C Lufttemperatur und 100% Luftfeuchtigkeit gelagert. Nach Anfertigung präoperativer Micro-CT-Scans von jedem Wurzelkanal erfolgte eine Volumenbestimmung der applizierten Kalziumhydroxideinlage. Außerdem konnten die Proben anhand der Bilddaten einer runden oder ovalen Querschnittsform zugeteilt werden. Anschließend erfolgte die Einteilung der Probenzähne in vier Gruppen; Gruppe 1 (n = 10, ovale Querschnittsform), Gruppe 2 (n = 10, ovale Querschnittsform), Gruppe 3 (n = 30, runde Querschnittsform), Gruppe 4 (n = 30, runde Querschnittsform). Die Gruppen 1 und 3 wurden dem Spülprotokoll der Self-Adjusting File (SAF) zugeteilt, die Gruppen 2 und 4 dem der passiven Ultraschallspülung (PUI). Das Spülprotokoll beider Entfernungsmethoden sah eine 4-minütige Anwendung, aufgeteilt in 8 jeweils 30 Sekunden lange Zyklen und eine Gesamtspülmenge von 20 ml 3%igem Natriumhypochlorit vor. Die Auswertung erfolgte durch Anfertigung postoperativer Micro-CT-Scans und erneute Bestimmung des verbliebenen Volumens an medikamentöser Einlage. Zur statistischen Auswertung wurde der Quotient aus Volumen nach der Entfernung zu dem Volumen vor der Entfernung berechnet und eine zweifaktorielle Varianzanalyse (ANOVA) durchgeführt.   Ergebnisse: Keine der verwendeten Methoden konnte eine vollständige Entfernung der medikamentösen Einlage Kalziumhydroxid erreichen. Die SAF-Spülung erreichte signifikant bessere Ergebnisse als die PUI. Es konnte kein signifikanter Einfluss der Kanalform (rund/oval) auf die Reinigungswirkung beider Systeme festgestellt werden. Schlussfolgerung: Das SAF-System entfernt Kalziumhydroxid effektiver aus runden und ovalen Wurzelkanälen als die passive Ultraschallspülung. Mit beiden Systemen konnten relativ saubere, aber keine vollständig von Kalziumhydroxid gereinigten Kanalwände erzielt werden.

Os bisfosfonatos são medicamentos amplamente e efetivamente utilizados para o tratamento de doenças osteolíticas. Entretanto, na cavidade oral, é de particular relevância, pois possuem como efeito adverso a osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida pelo uso de bisfosfonatos. Sua etiopatogenia ainda não é bem estabelecida, os métodos de detecção são insatisfatórios e as terapias recomendadas são por vezes, medidas paliativas e ineficazes. Pouco ainda é sabido sobre o efeito do Ácido Zoledrônico na microestrutura óssea, portanto, propusemo-nos a realizar um estudo em modelo animal que analisasse o trabeculado ósseo da mandíbula através da Micro-CT. Foram utilizados 24 ratos machos (Rattus novergicus, albinus, Wistar), com 12 semanas de vida, divididos em 2 grupos: grupo controle (cloreto de sódio 0,9%) e grupo ácido zoledrônico (ácido zoledrônico 0,6mg/kg). As substâncias foram administradas via intraperitoneal a cada 28 dias em um total de 5 doses. Após 150 dias do início do experimento, foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais e então as amostras foram preparadas e escaneadas (Skyscan 1174) para análise da microestrutura óssea através da Micro- CT. O teste t-student demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p<0,05) em todos os fatores: volume ósseo, densidade óssea, fator de padrão trabecular, índice de modelo estrutural, espessura trabecular, separação trabecular, porosidade total exceção de número de trabéculas e volume tecidual, demonstrando que há alterações significativas na estrutura trabecular pelo uso de bisfosfonatos. O grupo medicado com ácido zoledrônico comparado ao grupo controle demonstrou trabéculas mais espessas, menos separadas e com menores ligações. / Bisphosphonates are widely and effectively drugs used for the treatment of osteolytic disorders. However, in the oral cavity, this situation is of particular relevance as it can lead to bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Its etiopathogenesis is still not established, detection methods are unsatisfactory and recommended therapies are sometimes palliative and often ineffective. Little is known about the effect of zoledronic acid on the quality of trabecular bone, therefore, we proposed to conduct a study in an animal model to examine the trabecular bone of the jaw through the Micro-CT. 24 male rats were used (Rattus norvegicus, Albinus, Wistar), with 12 weeks old, divided into 2 groups: control group (sodium chloride 0.9%) and group with zoledronic acid (zoledronic acid 0.6 mg / kg). The substances were administered intraperitoneally every 28 days for a total of 5 doses. After 150 days from the beginning of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and then the samples were prepared and scanned (Skyscan 1174) for analysis of the bone microstructure through Micro-CT. The \"t-student\" test demonstrated statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in all factors: bone volume, osseous density, trabecular pattern, structure model index, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, total porosity except trabecular number and tissue volume, demonstrating that there are significant changes in the trabecular structure of the bisphosphonates. Zoledronic Acid compared to control group shows thicker, less separate and lower connected trabeculae.

Os bisfosfonatos são medicamentos amplamente e efetivamente utilizados para o tratamento de doenças osteolíticas. Entretanto, na cavidade oral, é de particular relevância, pois possuem como efeito adverso a osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida pelo uso de bisfosfonatos. Sua etiopatogenia ainda não é bem estabelecida, os métodos de detecção são insatisfatórios e as terapias recomendadas são por vezes, medidas paliativas e ineficazes. Pouco ainda é sabido sobre o efeito do Ácido Zoledrônico na microestrutura óssea, portanto, propusemo-nos a realizar um estudo em modelo animal que analisasse o trabeculado ósseo da mandíbula através da Micro-CT. Foram utilizados 24 ratos machos (Rattus novergicus, albinus, Wistar), com 12 semanas de vida, divididos em 2 grupos: grupo controle (cloreto de sódio 0,9%) e grupo ácido zoledrônico (ácido zoledrônico 0,6mg/kg). As substâncias foram administradas via intraperitoneal a cada 28 dias em um total de 5 doses. Após 150 dias do início do experimento, foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais e então as amostras foram preparadas e escaneadas (Skyscan 1174) para análise da microestrutura óssea através da Micro- CT. O teste t-student demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p<0,05) em todos os fatores: volume ósseo, densidade óssea, fator de padrão trabecular, índice de modelo estrutural, espessura trabecular, separação trabecular, porosidade total exceção de número de trabéculas e volume tecidual, demonstrando que há alterações significativas na estrutura trabecular pelo uso de bisfosfonatos. O grupo medicado com ácido zoledrônico comparado ao grupo controle demonstrou trabéculas mais espessas, menos separadas e com menores ligações. / Bisphosphonates are widely and effectively drugs used for the treatment of osteolytic disorders. However, in the oral cavity, this situation is of particular relevance as it can lead to bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Its etiopathogenesis is still not established, detection methods are unsatisfactory and recommended therapies are sometimes palliative and often ineffective. Little is known about the effect of zoledronic acid on the quality of trabecular bone, therefore, we proposed to conduct a study in an animal model to examine the trabecular bone of the jaw through the Micro-CT. 24 male rats were used (Rattus norvegicus, Albinus, Wistar), with 12 weeks old, divided into 2 groups: control group (sodium chloride 0.9%) and group with zoledronic acid (zoledronic acid 0.6 mg / kg). The substances were administered intraperitoneally every 28 days for a total of 5 doses. After 150 days from the beginning of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and then the samples were prepared and scanned (Skyscan 1174) for analysis of the bone microstructure through Micro-CT. The \"t-student\" test demonstrated statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in all factors: bone volume, osseous density, trabecular pattern, structure model index, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, total porosity except trabecular number and tissue volume, demonstrating that there are significant changes in the trabecular structure of the bisphosphonates. Zoledronic Acid compared to control group shows thicker, less separate and lower connected trabeculae.

Le but de cette étude est de comparer le respect de la morphologie canalaire après instrumentation à l’aide de trois systèmes de mise en forme canalaire différents : le One Shape NEW Generation®, le Wave One® et le Revo-S® grâce à une étude en Micro-tomographie assistée par ordinateur ou micro-CT (Computed Tomography). La mise en place d’une chaîne méthodologique totalement tridimensionnelle (3D) comprenant la reconstruction, le recalage et la segmentation a permis de traiter les images acquises et d’extraire les images recalées des canaux dentaires avant et après instrumentation. Les artéfacts de segmentation dus aux calcifications et aux débris dentinaires ont été traités. Une méthode d’estimation des zones non instrumentées a également été décrite.Le transport canalaire a été calculé pour chaque coupe de chaque tiers radiculaire, en comparant la position du centroïde avant et après instrumentation. La comparaison des moyennes de transport canalaire ne montre pas de différence significative entre les 3 systèmes d’instrumentation.Cette approche méthodologique en 4 parties a permis de valider un protocole d’imagerie 3D reproductible, qui pourra être appliqué in vitro en recherche endodontique dans l’analyse des effets instrumentaux. / The aim of this study is to compare the respect of the root canal morphology after instrumentation with different shaping systems (One Shape NEW Generation®, Wave One® and Revo-S®), by using Micro-Computed Tomography.We used a fully three-dimensional (3D) methodological process which involved the reconstruction, registration and segmentation. By this methodological process, images have been acquired and processed in order to extract registered canals images before and after the instrumentation. The segmentation artifacts like calcifications and debris have been taken into account. A method to estimate the non-instrumented zones is also described.The canal transportation was calculated for each slice of each root-third by comparing the position of the centroids before and after instrumentation. No significant difference was found between the three instrumentation systems when canal transport means were done.This 4-part methodological approach has enabled the validation of a reproducible 3D imaging protocol. This can be applied in vitro in endodontic research for analysis of the instrumental effects.

No description available.

[pt] Nesta tese foi desenvolvida uma metodologia para caracterização tridimensional de espumas de poliuretano (PU) produzidas a partir de polióis de origem vegetal. Espumas obtidas a partir do caule e da folha da bananeira foram analisadas. Foi utilizada a microtomografia computarizada de raios x (μCT) associada a ensaios mecânicos in-situ e processamento e análise digital de imagens (PADI). Utilizou-se uma câmara de ensaios in-situ comercial e também foi desenvolvida uma câmara específica para esta tese. As imagens tridimensionais obtidas foram avaliadas por técnicas tradicionais de ADI e pela técnica de Correlação Volumétrica de Imagens (DVC). A sequência padrão envolveu a redução de ruídos e o método de watersheds para segmentar as células individuais que formam a estrutura das espumas. Assim, foi possível quantificar diferentes parâmetros de tamanho (volume, diâmetro médio) e forma (razão de aspectos, esfericidade) de cada célula em 3D e comparar estatisticamente as amostras. A técnica de DVC permitiu correlacionar sub volumes das espumas em diferentes estágios do processo de compressão, revelando alguns aspectos do mecanismo microscópico de concentração de tensões. Um ensaio de compressão tradicional permitiu escolher as duas amostras com maiores limites de resistência (CB8 e FB6). Estas amostras foram submetidas ao ensaio de compressão in-situ e analisadas para diferentes valores de deformação. A amostra FB6 apresentou cerca de 5 vezes mais células do que a amostra CB8, com diâmetro médio cerca de 2X menor. Considerando os primeiros estágios de deformação (0, 0,5 e 1 mm), que foram idênticos para as duas amostras, o número de células aumentou 5,9 porcento para CB8 e 1,7 porcento para FB6, enquanto o volume médio diminuiu 2,6 porcento e 1,9 porcento, respectivamente. As medidas de forma apontaram para células não equiaxiais (razão de aspectos e esfericidade próximos a 0,4), sem mudanças expressivas ao longo dos ensaios. / [en] In this thesis, a methodology was developed for the three-dimensional characterization of polyurethane (PU) foams produced from polyols of vegetable origin. Foams obtained from the banana stem and leaf were analyzed. X ray microtomography (μCT) associated with in-situ mechanical tests and digital image processing and analysis (PADI) was used. A commercial in situ test chamber was used and a specific chamber was also developed for this thesis. The three-dimensional images obtained were evaluated by traditional ADI techniques and by the Volumetric Image Correlation (CVD) technique. The standard sequence involved noise reduction and the watersheds method to segment the individual cells that make up the foam structure. Thus, it was possible to quantify different parameters of size (volume, average diameter) and shape (aspect ratio, sphericity) of each cell in 3D and to statistically compare the samples. The CVD technique made it possible to correlate subvolumes of the foams at different stages of the compression process, revealing some aspects of the microscopic stress concentration mechanism. A traditional compression test made it possible to choose the two samples with the highest strength limits (CB8 and FB6). These samples were submitted to the compression test in situ and analyzed for different strain values. The FB6 sample had about 5 times more cells than the CB8 sample, with an average diameter about 2X smaller. Considering the first deformation stages (0, 0,5 and 1 mm), which were identical for both samples, the number of cells increased 5,9 percent for CB8 and 1,7 percent for FB6, while the average volume decreased 2,6 percent and 1,9 percent, respectively. The shape measurements pointed to non-equiaxial cells (aspect ratio and sphericity close to 0,4), with no significant changes during the tests.

Carbon fabric-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive and construction structures thanks to their high specific strength and stiffness. They can also be used in various products in sports industry. Such products can be exposed to different in-service conditions such as large bending deformations caused by quasi-static and dynamic loading. Composite materials subjected to such bending loads can demonstrate various damage modes - matrix cracking, delamination and, ultimately, fabric fracture. Damage evolution in composites affects both their in-service properties and performance that can deteriorate with time. Such damage modes need adequate means of analysis and investigation, the major approaches being experimental characterisation and numerical simulations. This work deals with a deformation behaviour and damage in carbon fabric-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates caused by quasi-static and dynamic bending. Experimental tests are carried out first to characterise the behaviour of a CFRP material under tension, in-plane shear and large-deflection bending in quasi-static conditions. The dynamic behaviour of these materials under large-deflection bending is characterised by Izod-type impact tests employing a pendulum-type impactor. A series of impact tests is performed on the material at various impact energy levels up to its fracture, to obtain a transient response of the woven CFRP laminate. Microstructural examination of damage is carried out by optical microscopy and X-ray micro computed tomography (Micro-CT). The damage analysis revealed that through thickness matrix cracking, inter-ply delaminations, intra-ply delamination such as tow debonding, and fabric fracture was the prominent damage modes. These mechanical tests and microstructural studies are accompanied by advanced numerical models developed in a commercial code Abaqus. Among those models are (i) 2D FE models to simulate experimentally observed inter-ply delamination, intra-ply fabric fracture and their subsequent interaction under quasi-static bending conditions and (ii) 3D FE models based on multi-body dynamics used to analyse interacting damage mechanisms in CFRP under large-deflection dynamic bending conditions. In these models, multiple layers of bilinear cohesive-zone elements are placed at the damage locations identified in the Micro CT study. Initiation and progression of inter-laminar delamination and intra-laminar ply fracture are studied by employing cohesive elements. Stress-based criteria are used for damage initiation while fracture-mechanics techniques are employed to capture its progression in composite laminates. The developed numerical models are capable to simulate the studied damage mechanisms as well as their subsequent interaction observed in the tests and microstructural damage analysis. In this study, a novel damage modelling technique based on the cohesive-zone method is proposed for analysis of interaction of various damage modes, which is more efficient than the continuum damage mechanics approach for coupling between failure modes. It was observed that the damage formation in the specimens was from the front to the back at the impact location in the large-deflection impact tests, unlike the back-to-front one in drop-weight tests. The obtained results of simulations showed a good agreement with experimental data, thus demonstrating that the proposed methodology can be used for simulations of discrete damage mechanisms and their interaction during the ultimate fracture of composites in bending. The main outcome of this thesis is a comprehensive experimental and numerical analysis of the deformation and fracture behaviours of CFRP composites under large-deflection bending caused by quasi-static and dynamic loadings. Recommendations on further research developments are also suggested.

Die Struktur des Knochenmaterials wird während des gesamten Lebens durch dynamische Prozessen verändert. Diese sind der Umbauprozess, bei dem existierendes Material entfernt und durch neues, vorerst weiches ersetzt wird. In dieses weiche Material wird im sog. Mineralisierungsprozess Mineral eingelagert und somit die Steifigkeit erhöht. Diese zwei Prozesse führen zu einem heterogenen Knochenmaterial. Das komplexe Zusammenspiel kann durch Knochenkrankheiten beeinflusst werden und zu einem mechanischen Versagen des Materials führen. Wie viel Einfluss dabei allein dem Umbauprozess und dem Mineralisierungsprozess zuzuschreiben sind, konnte bislang nicht geklärt werden. An diese Fragestellungen wird in der vorliegenden Dissertation mit physikalischen und numerischen Methoden herangegangen. Das heterogene Material ist das Ergebnis des Mineralisierungs- und Umbauprozesses und wird abkürzend BMDD (für bone mineralization density distribution) genannt, die für alle gesunden Menschen gleich ist und bei Knochenkrankheiten davon abweicht. Mittels Modellierung wird eine Störung in der Mineralisierung simuliert, die zu Verschiebungen in der BMDD führt. Diese Verschiebungen können verglichen werden mit einem veränderten Umbauprozess. Der unterschiedliche Einfluss der beiden Prozesse liegt im zeitlichen Verlauf. Die Mineralisierungskinetik im Knochen konnte durch die neuartige Auswertung von 3D in vivo micro-CT-Bildern von Mäusen erstmals quantifiziert werden. Die Auswertung bestätigte, die schnellere Mineralisierung im neugeformten und die langsamere in bereits vorhandenem Knochen. Wie der Umbauprozess im kompakten Knochen gesteuert sein kann, wurde mittels Anordnungsmechanismen der Osteone beschrieben. Für einen solchen Knochenbaustein war es verboten innerhalb einer definierten Zone eines anderen Bausteins gebildet zu werden. Diese Zone ließ sich am besten durch einen normalverteilten Radius, mit einer dazugehörigen Variabilität beschreiben. / The structure of the bone material is continuously changed during the life by dynamic processes. These are the remodeling process during which the existing material is replaced by new, initially soft material. In this soft material mineral is incorporated during the so called mineralization process, thus increasing the stiffness. These two processes lead to a heterogeneous bone material. Their interplay can be perturbed by bone diseases, which can lead to material failure. It remains unclear to which degree each of these two processes contributes during diseases. Yet, while the remodeling process is known to be mechanically controlled, it is unclear how mechanical stimuli affect the mineralization process. The heterogeneous mineral distribution in trabecular bone is the result of the complex interplay between the mineralization and the remodeling process and is called bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD). The BMDD is similar for all healthy adult humans. A deviation from this healthy distribution is indicative of bone diseases. With a mathematical model the influence of changed mineralization kinetics on the BMDD is investigated and compared to a remodeling change. The different influences lie in the time development. With a novel 3D analysis of in vivo micro-CT of the vertebra in a mouse tail the mineralization kinetics could be quantified for the first time. It could be e.g. shown that the bone is demineralized before it is completely resorbed. An algorithm was developed to understand how the remodeling process can be regulated. The arrangement of the building blocks could be described when such a block could only be placed within a defined zone of another building block. This zone could be best quantified when its radius was normally distributed with a corresponding standard deviation.