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Sensitivity of marine-reserve design to the spatial resolution of socioeconomic data.

Socioeconomic considerations should have an important place in reserve design. Systematic reserve-selection tools allow simultaneous optimization for ecological objectives while minimizing costs but are seldom used to incorporate socioeconomic costs in the reserve-design process. The sensitivity of this process to biodiversity data resolution has been studied widely but the issue of socioeconomic data resolution has not previously been considered. We therefore designed marine reserves for biodiversity conservation with the constraint of minimizing commercial fishing revenue losses and investigated how economic data resolution affected the results. Incorporating coarse-resolution economic data from official statistics generated reserves that were only marginally less costly to the fishery than those designed with no attempt to minimize economic impacts. An intensive survey yielded fine-resolution data that, when incorporated in the design process, substantially reduced predicted fishery losses. Such an approach could help minimize fisher displacement because the least profitable grounds are selected for the reserve. Other work has shown that low-resolution biodiversity data can lead to underestimation of the conservation value of some sites, and a risk of overlooking the most valuable areas, and we have similarly shown that low-resolution economic data can cause underestimation of the profitability of some sites and a risk of inadvertently including these in the reserve. Detailed socioeconomic data are therefore an essential input for the design of cost-effective reserve networks.

Animals↗

Visual resolution of macaque retinal ganglion cells.

1. The visual resolving ability of different types of macaque retinal ganglion cells was estimated at different retinal eccentricities, by measuring the amplitude of modulated responses to black-white gratings of spatial frequencies near the resolution limit for each cell. 2. The resolving ability of tonic, spectrally opponent ganglion cells was usually similar to that of phasic, non-opponent ganglion cells at similar eccentricities, except that at eccentricities greater than 10 deg some tonic ganglion cells with remarkably high resolution (up to ca. 15 cycles/deg) were found. Our cell sample was limited within the central 2 deg of the visual field, however. 3. Only a small proportion of phasic ganglion cells showed an increase of mean firing level to gratings near the resolution limit. The maintained firing of tonic ganglion cells was higher than that of phasic ganglion cells. 4. With red-black or green-black gratings, the resolution of phasic ganglion cells was unaffected. For red or green on-centre ganglion cells, a marked deterioration of resolving ability occurred when the grating was of a colour to which a cell responded poorly (green-black gratings for red on-centre cells, and red-black gratings for green on-centre cells). A slight improvement in resolving ability occurred when the grating was of an excitatory colour. 5. For a sub-sample of cells, we compared resolution limit with centre size as determined from area-threshold curves. For both phasic and tonic ganglion cells, resolution limit (the period length just resolved) was about half the centre diameter, as is the case for cat ganglion cells. This implies that the centre sizes of phasic and tonic monkey ganglion cells are similar at most eccentricities. 6. We attempt to relate these results to primate retinal anatomy and visual resolution, determined behaviourally.

Action Potentials↗

High-resolution three-dimensional-pQCT images can be an adequate basis for in-vivo microFE analysis of bone.

Micro-finite element (microFE) models based on high-resolution images have enabled the calculation of elastic properties of trabecular bone in vitro. Recently, techniques have been developed to image trabecular bone structure in vivo, albeit at a lesser resolution. The present work studies the usefulness of such in-vivo images for microFE analyses, by comparing their microFE results to those of models based on high-resolution micro-CT (microCT) images. Fifteen specimens obtained from human femoral heads were imaged first with a 3D-pQCT scanner at 165 microns resolution and a second time with a microCT scanner at 56 microns resolution. A third set of images with a resolution of 165 microns was created by downscaling the microCT measurements. The microFE models were created directly from these images. Orthotropic elastic properties and the average tissue von Mises stress of the specimens were calculated from six FE-analyses per specimen. The results of the 165 microns models were compared to those of the 56 microns model, which was taken as the reference model. The results calculated from the pQCT-based models, correlated excellent with those calculated from the reference model for both moduli (R2 > 0.95) and for the average tissue von Mises stress (R2 > 0.83). Results calculated from the downscaled micro-CT models correlated even better with those of the reference models (R2 > 0.99 for the moduli and R2 > 0.96 for the average von Mises stress). In the case of the 3D-pQCT based models, however, the slopes of the regression lines were less than one and had to be corrected. The prediction of the Poisson's ratios was less accurate (R2 > 0.45 and R2 > 0.67) for the models based on 3D-pQCT and downscaled microCT images respectively). The fact that the results from the downscaled and original microCT images were nearly identical indicates that the need for a correction in the case of the 3D-pQCT measurements was not due to the voxel size of the images but due to a higher noise level and a lower contrast in these images, in combination with the application of a filtering procedure at 165 micron images. In summary: the results of microFE models based on in-vivo images of the 3D-pQCT can closely resemble those obtained from microFE models based on higher resolution microCT system.

Adult↗

Ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography.

In the past two decades, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been established as an adjunct diagnostic technique for noninvasive, high-resolution, cross-sectional imaging in a variety of medical fields. The rapid development of ultrabroad bandwidth light sources has recently enabled a significant improvement in OCT imaging resolution, demonstrating the potential of OCT to accomplish its original goal of performing noninvasive optical biopsies, i.e., the in vivo visualization of microstructural morphology in situ, which had previously only been possible with histopathology. In addition, these novel light sources might also enable the use of spectroscopic OCT, an extension of ultrahigh-resolution OCT, for enhancing image contrast as well as detecting spatially resolved functional, biochemical tissue information. State-of-the-art-light sources that now permit ultrahigh-resolution OCT covering the whole wavelength region from 500 to 1600 nm are reviewed and fundamental limitations of OCT image resolution are discussed. Ex vivo ultrahigh-resolution OCT tomograms are compared with histological results; first clinical in vivo ultrahigh-resolution OCT and preliminary spectroscopic OCT results are presented and their impact for future clinical and research applications is discussed.

Equipment Design↗

Image filtering for improved dose resolution in CT polymer gel dosimetry.

X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been established as a feasible method of performing dosimetry using polyacrylamide gels (PAGs). A small density change occurs in PAG upon irradiation that provides contrast in PAG CT images. However, low dose resolution limits the clinical usefulness of the technique. This work investigates the potential of using image filtering techniques on PAG CT images in order to reduce image noise and improve dose resolution. CT image noise for the scanner and protocol used for the gel images is analyzed and found to be Gaussian distributed and independent of the contrast level in the images. As a result, several filters for reducing spatially invariant noise are investigated: mean, median, midpoint, adaptive mean, alpha-trimmed mean, sigma mean, and a relatively new filter called SUSAN (smallest univalue segment assimilating nucleus). All filters are applied, using 3x3, 5x5, and 7x7 pixel masks, to a CT image of a PAG irradiated with a stereotactic radiosurgery dose distribution. The dose resolution within 95% confidence (D(delta)95%) is calculated and compared for each filtered image, as well the unfiltered image. In addition, the ability of the filters to maintain the spatial integrity of the dose distribution is evaluated and compared. Results clearly indicate that the filters are not equal in their ability to improve D(delta)95% or in their effect on the spatial integrity of the dose distribution. In general, increasing mask size improves D(delta)95% but simultaneously degrades spatial dose information. The mean filter provides the greatest improvement in D(delta)95%, but also the greatest loss of spatial dose information. The SUSAN, mean adaptive, and alpha-trimmed mean filters all provide comparable, but slightly poorer dose resolution. In addition, the SUSAN and adaptive filters both excel at maintaining the spatial distribution of dose and overall are the best performing filters for this application. The midpoint filter, normally useful for Gaussian noise, is poor all-round, dramatically distorting the dose distribution for masks greater than 3x3. The median filter, a common edge preserving noise reduction filter, performs moderately well, but artificially increases high dose gradients. The sigma filter preserves the spatial distribution of dose very well but is least effective at improving dose resolution. In summary, dose resolution can be significantly improved in CT PAG dosimetry through postprocessing of CT images using spatial noise reduction filters. However, such filters are not equal in their ability to improve dose resolution or to maintain the spatial integrity of the dose distribution and an appropriate filter must be chosen depending on clinical demands of the application.

Acrylic Resins↗

Comparison of full-field digital mammography to screen-film mammography with respect to contrast and spatial resolution in tissue equivalent breast phantoms.

To determine if the improved contrast resolution of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) with reduced spatial resolution allows for superior or equal phantom object detection compared with screen-film mammography (SFM). Tissue equivalent breast phantoms simulating an adipose to glandular ratio of 50/50,30/70, and 20/80 were imaged according to each manufacturers' recommendation with four full-field digital mammography units (Fuji, Sectra, Fischer, and General Electric) and a screen-film mammography unit (MammoMatII 2000, Siemens, Munich, Germany). A total of 20 images were obtained in both hard- and soft-copy formats. For the purpose of soft-copy display, the screen-film hard-copy images were digitized with a 50 microm micron scanner. Six radiologists, experts in breast imaging, and three physicists, experts in scoring mammography phantoms, participated in a reader study where each reader scored each phantom for visibility of line-pairs and for 24 objects (fibers, clusters of specks, and masses). The data were recorded, entered into a database, and analyzed by a mixed-effect model. The limiting spatial resolution in line-pairs per millimeter visible with the digital units was less, regardless of display modality used, than that provided by the screen-film unit. The difference was statistically significant for the General Electric (p < 0.01) and Fuji digital mammography units (p = 0.03). With respect to the number of visible objects, a statistically significant higher number could be detected with the screen-film unit as compared to the Fischer (p < 0.01) and Sectra (p < 0.01) digital mammography units, but there was no significant difference between the other digital units and screen film. Overall, there was significantly better performance on the 50/50 phantom than with the 30/70 and 20/80 phantoms (p = 0.01, p < 0.01) for object visibility. For the digital mammography units, soft-copy display performed better than hard-copy display for the Fischer and Sectra images, but worse for Fuji and General Electric. In addition, soft-copy display of digitized screen-film images was significantly better than hard-copy display (p =0.02) of the original screen films for object visibility, but worse for spatial resolution. The higher contrast resolution of the FFDM units tested did not result in improved detection of line-pair resolution or objects in the phantoms tested versus screen-film mammography. The phantom performance of a digital mammography unit seems to be influenced by the type of detection task (line-pair resolution versus object visibility), the display modality (soft-copy versus hard-copy) chosen to score the phantoms, and the parenchymal pattern composition of the phantom.

Breast Neoplasms↗

A modified x-ray image intensifier with continuously variable field of view: resolution considerations.

A conventional x-ray image intensifier (XRII) has been modified to enable the field of view (FOV) to be varied continuously, by adjusting the potentials at the focusing electrodes. The benefit, to system resolution, from decreasing the FOV has been characterized by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the XRII coupled to a high-resolution photo-diode array (PDA), at a number of different FOVs achieved either by electronic or optical zooming. Electronic zooming of the XRII from FOV = 24 cm to FOV = 10 cm led to an increase in f0.1 (the frequency at which MTF = 0.1) from 1.41 to 3.05 mm-1, while optical zooming increased f0.1 from 1.41 mm-1 only to 1.88 mm-1. It is proposed that the advantage, with respect to resolution gain, of electronic zooming over optical zooming was realized only when the XRII limits system resolution. The MTF of the XRII coupled to a video camera, with lower resolving power than the PDA, was measured at different FOVs to show that using electronic zooming is only marginally beneficial when the optical detector and the XRII contribute equally to the resolution degradation. However, when a higher-resolution optical detector is used, electronic zooming always yields a greater gain in resolution.

Fluoroscopy↗

Effect of energy resolution on scatter fraction in scintigraphic imaging: Monte Carlo study.

The effect of energy resolution in detector systems on scatter fractions in scintigraphic imaging through Monte Carlo simulation is investigated. A 10-cm Tc-99m line source within a cylindrical water phantom 20 cm in diameter and 20 cm in length was modeled and energy spectra were calculated at three different line source positions. The energy resolution was changed from 8% to 16% FWHM at 140 keV and a symmetrical energy window width was varied from 8% to 23% on the photopeak of 140 keV in energy spectra corresponding to each energy resolution. The relationship between the scatter fraction and the symmetrical energy window width, and the relationship between the scatter fraction and the primary counts were presented for all energy resolutions investigated. Furthermore, the effect of the asymmetrical energy window on reducing the scatter fraction was also studied and compared with the narrow symmetrical energy window. The results quantitatively showed that improved energy resolution can considerably decrease the scatter fraction with a narrow symmetrical energy window or an asymmetrical energy window without significant primary count-loss compared to that obtained with lower quality energy resolution. The asymmetrical energy window could reduce scatter fraction as compared with the narrow symmetrical energy window when the same number of primary counts was required for both energy windows. Knowing the relationship between the scatter fraction and the primary counts is important in scintigraphic imaging to select the optimum energy window corresponding to the energy resolution.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Spectral peak resolution and speech recognition in quiet: normal hearing, hearing impaired, and cochlear implant listeners.

Spectral peak resolution was investigated in normal hearing (NH), hearing impaired (HI), and cochlear implant (CI) listeners. The task involved discriminating between two rippled noise stimuli in which the frequency positions of the log-spaced peaks and valleys were interchanged. The ripple spacing was varied adaptively from 0.13 to 11.31 ripples/octave, and the minimum ripple spacing at which a reversal in peak and trough positions could be detected was determined as the spectral peak resolution threshold for each listener. Spectral peak resolution was best, on average, in NH listeners, poorest in CI listeners, and intermediate for HI listeners. There was a significant relationship between spectral peak resolution and both vowel and consonant recognition in quiet across the three listener groups. The results indicate that the degree of spectral peak resolution required for accurate vowel and consonant recognition in quiet backgrounds is around 4 ripples/octave, and that spectral peak resolution poorer than around 1-2 ripples/octave may result in highly degraded speech recognition. These results suggest that efforts to improve spectral peak resolution for HI and CI users may lead to improved speech recognition.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Intensity and frequency resolution: masking of absolute identification and fixed and roving discrimination.

Auditory intensity and frequency resolution were studied in three paradigms under masking conditions. Absolute identifications of single stimuli (one-interval paradigm) and 2IFC judgments of fixed- and roving-level pairs of stimuli (two-interval paradigm) were obtained from the same experienced observers. Judgments were made under optimal (no mask) conditions, in the presence of a broadband noise mask (simultaneous mask), and when the stimulus(i) to be judged were either preceded (forward mask) or followed (backward mask) by a broadband noise mask. Substantial masking of intensity resolution was found in all mask conditions. Only a simultaneous mask affected frequency resolution. In the no mask condition, performance was best for fixed-level (or frequency) 2IFC discrimination, followed by roving-level (frequency) 2IFC, and finally absolute identification. These differences were maintained under masking for frequency resolution, but not for intensity resolution. The results are discussed in terms of the Braida and Durlach (1988) model of intensity resolution. A similar model is suggested for frequency resolution with differences suggested by the differences in neural coding of sound intensity and frequency.

Auditory Perception↗

Wave space resolution in ultrasonic scattering measurements.

The spatial-frequency spectra of the spatial properties of a scattering medium can be determined from measurements of scattering over a number of angles or frequencies. In such measurements, the spatial localization associated with transducer beam patterns and time gates causes an uncertainty in the measured spatial-frequency domain properties of the scatterer. This uncertainty is analyzed using an analytic and computational model in which system effects are represented by a spatial-frequency domain function. Wave space resolution in a particular direction is shown to be inversely proportional to the spatial-frequency spread of the system function in that direction. In the backscatter case, wave space resolution is limited in the direction of the scattering vector by a convolution of the emitted pulse and the detector time gate, and resolution in the lateral direction depends mainly on the transducer aperture, increasing approximately in proportion to the aperture diameter. In the case of backscatter measurements, smooth aperture apodization improves lateral resolution somewhat but has little effect on resolution in the direction of the scattering vector. For angular scattering measurements, resolution in all directions depends on both the aperture size and (for sufficiently short time gates) on the time gates employed. Illustration of the practical importance of wave space resolution is provided using analysis of two previously published tissue characterization experiments.

Acoustics↗

Efficient resolution of replicated poxvirus telomeres to native hairpin structures requires two inverted symmetrical copies of a core target DNA sequence.

The terminal hairpin sequences of the linear double-stranded DNA genome of the leporipoxvirus Shope fibroma virus (SFV) has been cloned in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in recombination-deficient Escherichia coli as a palindromic insert within circular plasmid vectors. This sequence configuration is equivalent to the inverted repeat structure detected as a telomeric replicative intermediate during poxvirus replication in vivo. Previously, it has been shown that when circular plasmids containing this palindromic insert were transfected into SFV-infected cells, efficient replication and resolution generated linear minichromosomes with bona fide viral hairpin termini (A. M. DeLange, M. Reddy, D. Scraba, C. Upton, and G. McFadden, J. Virol. 59:249-259, 1986). To localize the minimal target DNA sequence required for efficient resolution, a series of staggered unidirectional deletions were constructed at both ends of the inverted repeat. Analyses of the resolution efficiencies of the various clones indicate that up to 240 base pairs (bp) centered at the symmetry axis were required for maximal resolution to minichromosomes. To investigate the role of the AT-rich central axis sequences, which in SFV include 8 nonpalindromic bp, a unique AflII site at the symmetry axis was exploited. Bidirectional deletions extending from this AflII site and insertions of synthetic oligonucleotides into one of the deletion derivatives were constructed and tested in vivo. The efficiency with which these plasmids resolved to linear minichromosomes with hairpin termini has enabled us to define the minimal target DNA sequence as two inverted copies of an identical DNA sequence between 58 and 76 bp in length. The nonpalindromic nucleotides, which, after resolution, constitute the extrahelical residues characteristic of native poxviral telomeres, were not required for resolution. The close resemblance of the SFV core target sequence to the analogous region from the orthopoxvirus vaccinia virus is consistent with a conserved mechanism for poxviral telomere resolution.

DNA↗

Asymmetric resolution of a parvovirus palindrome in vitro.

Cell extracts from murine A9 or human HeLa cells containing wild-type copies the NS1 polypeptide of minute virus of mice (MVM), produced from a recombinant vaccinia virus, can support the resolution of viral 3' termini from palindromic junction fragments of dimeric, replicative-form MVM DNA. Resolution resulted in the generation of two new viral termini, one associated with each arm of the junction palindrome. Telomeres were created in two configurations, "extended" forms, which were covalently associated with NS1 molecules, and smaller "turn-around" forms in which a single arm of the palindrome terminated at the axis of dyad symmetry in a covalent bond which cross-linked the two strands. The in vitro resolution reaction was asymmetric, generating predominantly extended-form termini from one arm of the palindrome but predominantly turn-around forms from the other. This asymmetry was independent of the type of cell used to prepare the in vitro extract or the orientation of the palindrome in the plasmid and was obtained for all cloned junction sequences of 156 bp or more. Two modified forms of the duplex junction fragment, which appeared to be intermediates in the resolution process since they were nicked, covalently linked to NS1, and associated with newly synthesized DNA, were identified. The structures of these intermediates suggest that resolution is initiated by preferential nicking at one of the two candidate resolution sites. The asymmetric nature of this resolution reaction is discussed in terms of current models of MVM DNA replication.

Animals↗

Spatial and temporal resolution in cardiovascular MR imaging: review and recommendations.

Because of the nature of digital imaging, the number of pixels in a reconstructed image is often unrelated to the actual spatial resolution of the image. Similarly, the number of reconstructed frames of a dynamic or cine examination can be unrelated to the acquired temporal resolution. These discrepancies can result in misinterpretations and inaccuracies when image resolution is reported in the literature. The goal of this report is to clarify the differences between acquired and displayed resolution, both spatial and temporal, in magnetic resonance imaging. The effects of imaging parameters on acquired resolution are discussed, as are the mathematic effects of the reconstruction process on the displayed resolution of the resulting image. Finally, recommendations to authors are offered to promote accurate and unambiguous reporting of spatiotemporal resolution in the literature.

Cardiovascular System↗

Histologic correlation of pig retina radial stratification with ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To compare ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross-sectional images of the pig retina with histology, to evaluate the potential of ultrahigh-resolution OCT for enhanced visualization of intra- and subretinal structures. METHODS: Ultrahigh-resolution OCT images were acquired with 1.4- micro m axial x 3- micro m transverse resolution from in vitro posterior eyecup preparations of the domestic pig. Frozen sections were obtained in precise alignment with OCT tomograms, by using major blood vessels as orientation markers and were counterstained with cresyl violet or unstained and examined by differential interference contrast microscopy. Micrographs from histologic sections were linearly scaled to correct for tissue shrinkage and compared with OCT tomograms. RESULTS: In the proximal retina, ultrahigh-resolution OCT signal bands directly corresponded to the main retinal layers. For the wavelength region used ( approximately 800 nm), axodendritic layers (nerve fiber layer, inner and outer plexiform layers) were more reflective than cell body layers (ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer, outer nuclear layer). In the distal retina, substructures of the photoreceptor layer such as the interface between inner and outer segments were visualized, and the retinal pigment epithelium, the choriocapillaris, and superficial choroid layers were resolved. In addition, the time sequence of a retinal detachment event was monitored by ultrahigh-resolution OCT. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro ophthalmic ultrahigh-resolution OCT imaging reveals retinal morphology with unprecedented detail. The specific assignment of OCT signal patterns to retinal substructures provides a basis for improved interpretation of in vivo ophthalmic OCT tomograms of high clinical relevance.

Animals↗

Binocular summation of detection and resolution thresholds in the central visual field using parallel-line targets.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of thresholds on binocular summation for detection and resolution of parallel-line targets of different widths. METHODS: The automatic perimeter Octopus 201 (Haag-Streit International, Köniz, Switzerland) combined with a modified haploscope device and targets consisting of parallel lines that were 10' (10' target), 2.5' (2.5' target), or 1.43' (1.43' target) of visual angle in width and apart were used to measure the thresholds for monocular-binocular detection and resolution of the targets under the same binocular fusion stimulation conditions in seven young adults with normal vision. The custom program in the automatic perimeter was used to test 27 points. Seventeen of the 27 points were located in the central 6 degrees of visual field and 10 on the horizontal meridian subtending visual angles of 8 degrees , 10 degrees , 12 degrees , 16 degrees , and 20 degrees . RESULTS: The resolution threshold was significantly higher than the detection threshold for the 2.5' and 1.43' targets (P < 0.01 by Bonferroni/Dunn test). Furthermore, as the target width decreased to 2.5' or 1.43', the binocular summation ratio for the resolution threshold increased significantly over that for the detection threshold, with increasing distance from the fovea (P < 0.01 by Wilcoxon signed ranks test). CONCLUSIONS: Binocular summation for detection and resolution thresholds varies as a function of the width of a parallel-line target. The difference between binocular summation ratios for detection and resolution thresholds increases with decrease in target width and increase in eccentricity from the fovea. Binocular interaction plays an important role in the task of recognizing a high-resolution target in the parafoveal area.

Adult↗

Visually detectable resolution of intraoral dental films.

OBJECTIVES: The visually utilizable resolution of intraoral dental films was examined with the naked eye, with two-fold optical magnification and after digitization using a computer display. METHODS: Agfa Dentus M2, Kodak Ektaspeed Plus and Kodak InSight dental films were exposed with a line pair (lp) test pattern providing frequencies up to 16.6 lp mm(-1). Films were developed at 24 degrees C in a Dürr Periomat machine and at 28 degrees C in a Dürr AC245 machine. Forty dental students evaluated the maximum visually detectable resolution with their naked eye, with an X-ray viewer (providing two-fold magnifying lenses and eliminating disturbing light) and following digitization and monitor display examination. RESULTS: The best detectable resolution was achieved through digitization, reaching a mean of up to 16.5 lp mm(-1). With two-fold magnification, a mean of up to 13.3 lp mm(-1) could be resolved, while only 11.7 lp mm(-1)could be resolved with the naked eye. Unlike the other film types, the resolution of Ektaspeed depended on the processing type when viewing digitized images or when viewing with the naked eye. There was a trend for students above 29 years of age to detect a lower resolution with the naked eye, although they performed comparably with students below 29 years when using the X-ray viewer or viewing digitized images. CONCLUSIONS: Film resolution is utilized best through digitization and secondly using a magnifying lens. With the naked eye, a mean of 11 lp mm(-1) with a broad distribution can be resolved. A magnifying lens is recommended if resolution is important or if the viewer's eyesight is reduced. Compared with E-speed films, Kodak Insight was less dependent on processing conditions.

Adult↗

Digital camera resolution and proximal caries detection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of proximal caries detection from digitized film images captured by a digital camera at different resolution settings. METHODS: Twenty-five periapical radiographs of 50 premolar and 25 molar teeth were photographed using a digital camera, Sony Cyber-shot, DSC-S75 at three different resolution settings: 640 x 480, 1280 x 960 and 1600 x 1200. Seventy-five digital images were transferred to a computer, saved and opened using ACDSee software. In addition, a PowerPoint slide was made from each digital image. Five observers scored three groups of images (the films, the displayed 1:1 digital images on the ACDSee software, and the PowerPoint slides) for the existence of proximal caries using a 5-point confidence scale, and the depth of caries on a 4-point scale. Ground sections of the teeth were used as the gold standard. Az values under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of each group of images and at different resolutions were compared using the Friedman and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Mean different values between the lesions' depth interpreted by the observers and that of the gold standard were analysed. RESULTS: Films showed the highest Az values. Only the 1280 x 960 images on the ACDSee software showed no significant difference of the Az value from the films (P=0.28). The digital images from three resolution settings on the PowerPoint slides showed no significant differences, either among each other or between them and the films. For caries depth, the 1280 x 960 images showed lower values of mean difference in enamel lesions compared with the other two resolution groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that in order to digitize conventional films, it was not necessary to use the highest camera resolution setting to achieve high diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection. The 1280 x 960 resolution setting of the digital camera demonstrated comparable diagnostic accuracy with film and was adequate for digitizing radiographs for caries detection.

Bicuspid↗