Quantification of Three-Dimensional Reconstructions

Innovative software will be developed for geometrical analysis of three-dimensional (3D) computerreconstructions, or 3D models, derived from serial section data such as laser-scanning confocal micrcomputed tomography and magnetic resonance image data. The new software will quantify numbers and siand volume) of individual 3D objects in a model, calculate shape descriptors of 3D objects, includinand measure distance relationships between objects in two different 3D models. It will require the dimplementation and testing of algorithms for rapid quantification of the geometry of 3D objects, detof objects and for measuring distances between objects and between points in space and 3D objects. Pimplementation will be tested on two experimental models: 1) spatial relationships between nerve celterminal synaptic fibers; 2) characterization of the 3D branching geometry of sensory and sudomotornormal and diabetic human. Synthesis of the software and measured results suggest the feasibility ofApplications for the technology exist in both research and clinical diagnosis; for example, quantitachemical neural pathways in brain and simplified quantitative testing for peripheral neuropathies wi