A stereological assessment method for estimating the surface area of cycloids

In this study, we sought to determine differences in estimations of surface area made by classical vertical uniform random (VUR) section series and vertical section series obtained perpendicular to a fixed horizontal plane.

One volunteer subject (male, 25 years of age) with no neurological deficit was chosen at random from a bank of controls in the magnetic resonance (MR) image data library of the Department of Radiology. First, a soccer ball with known geometrical features (radius: 9.75 cm) was imaged using a T1-weighted MR scanner at 5-mm thickness (total 40 sections) to test the validity and reliability of surface area and volume measurements obtained via stereological methods. Second, T1-weighted MR section profiles were obtained from a volunteer individual. Surface area and volume estimation procedures were carried out using the Stereo Investigator 6, MicroBright-Field, Inc., USA.

We determined that there are no differences in either surface area or volume estimations made using VUR sections and direct vertical sections. We have performed an exhaustive series analysis with a variety of objects.