We have experimentally demonstrated an optical fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure formed by a few-mode photonic crystal fiber (PCF) for curvature measurement and inscribed a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in the PCF for the purpose of simultaneously measuring temperature. The structure consists of a PCF sandwiched between two multi-mode fibers (MMFs). Bending experimental results show...

Characterizing the diffusion properties of cortical tissue is complicated by intersubject variability in the relative locations of gyri and sulci. Here we extend methods of measuring the average diffusion properties of gyral and sulcal structures after they have been aligned to a common template of cortical surface anatomy. Diffusion tensor image (DTI) data were gathered from 82 young subjects ...

PURPOSE: Ultrasound offers a safe radiation-free approach to visualize the spine and measure or assess scoliosis. However, ultrasound assessment also poses major challenges. We propose a real-time algorithm and software implementation to automatically delineate the posterior surface patches of transverse processes in tracked ultrasound; a necessary step toward the ultimate goal of spinal curvat...

BACKGROUND Current surgical treatments in Peyronie's disease are accompanied by complications such as penile shortening, loss of sensation, erectile dysfunction and recurrence of disease. The aim of this study was the evaluation of clinical results of intracavernosal plaque excision in Peyronie's disease. METHODS The operation was performed on 35 men. It was consisted of incising the t...

Spine-related pain and disability are some of the greatest preoccupations of clinicians and patients. Beyond`normal' aging of the elements of the spine, absolute degeneration of these spinal substructures eventually occurs. This at some point entails a superoinferior narrowing and eventual collapse of the intervertebral disk. Preceding or accompanying these diskal alterations, significant degen...