Image Processing Software ImageJ Research Articles

Exploring the influence of washing activities on the transfer and persistence of fibres in forensic science

In forensic science, a robust and sound interpretation and evaluation of transferred fibre evidence requires an understanding of the principles and mechanisms that underpin fibre transfer, yet existing research lacks consistency and repeatability. This study investigates the impact of washing activities on both the release of fibres into wastewater and the transfer of constituent fibres from donor garments to receiver swatches. Using a low-cost friction tester and automated data collection through photography and ImageJ image processing software, controlled conditions were maintained for repeated experiments. Results indicated significant fibre release during wash cycles, with load size and donor garment history playing crucial roles. The donor garments subjected to repetitive washes exhibit a progressive decrease in the number of fibres transferred, independently of the load size. This study underscores the importance of considering a garment's washing history in forensic science contexts, but also for consistency in the way that data are collected.

Effects of Leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma and Leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma on cartilage in a rabbit osteoarthritis model.

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent chronic disease. One of its primary pathological processes involves the degeneration of articular cartilage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains cytokines and growth factors that can stimulate the repair and regeneration of articular cartilage tissues. PRP may also slow the progression of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the efficacy of Leukocyte poor (LP) - PRP and Leukocyte rich (LR) - PRP in treating rabbit osteoarthritis and to investigate their mechanisms of action. Analyzing the impact of leukocytes on PRP therapeutic effectiveness will provide a valuable clinical reference for the choice of which PRP is better for the treatment of osteoarthritis. A rabbit osteoarthritis model was established by injecting papain into the knee joint cavity, and LP-PRP and LR-PRP were prepared through different centrifugation methods for injection into the knee joint cavity. Eight weeks after injection, rabbit knee cartilage specimens were observed for gross changes, HE staining, senna O-solid green staining, and immunohistochemistry of type II collagen and were quantitatively compared using Pelletier's score, Mankin's pathology score, and ImageJ image processing software. Injection of papain into the knee joint cavity successfully established a rabbit model of osteoarthritis. All three evaluation indexes differed significantly from those of the blank group (P<0.05). LP-PRP and LR-PRP exhibited therapeutic effects when compared with the model group. The two PRP groups had similar gross tissue appearance and pathology (P>0.05). The LR-PRP group had higher collagen type-II expression (P < 0.05) than the LP-PRP group. Both LP-PRP and LR-PRP proved therapeutic for the rabbit papain osteoarthritis model. The difference in leukocyte content between the two groups did not yield different cartilage morphology or other factors by 8 weeks posttreatment. LR-PRP displayed the ability to release more factors relevant to the metabolism of type II collagen than LP-PRP, enabling the preservation of into cartilage collagen content of type II collagen and delaying osteoarthritis progression.

Mechanism of pore expansion and fracturing effect of high-temperature ScCO2 on shale

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the alteration of shale pore fractures by high-temperature supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2), this study employed medium–low maturity shale samples from a specific region as research subjects. The samples were subjected to high-temperature ScCO2 reactions in a corrosion-resistant high-pressure reaction vessel at various temperatures. A suite of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), ImageJ image processing software, N2 and CO2 adsorption experiments, thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG) of CO2 pyrolyzed shale oil, and gas chromatography (GC) analysis, were utilized to investigate and analyze the microstructural changes in the shale samples before and after ScCO2 treatment.The results reveal a subtle increase in the content of clay minerals and quartz, accompanied by a decrease in the content of carbonates, potassium feldspar, and calcite. These mineral transformations, encompassing dissolution, precipitation, and swelling processes, exert a substantial impact on the shale surface microstructure and modify the internal pore structure. Consequently, a shift in the mechanical properties of the rock is observed, which bears significance for its fracturing behavior.The experimental results reveal a steady growth in fracture area following high-temperature ScCO2 treatment. Importantly, the extent of initial fracture development plays a crucial role in determining the efficacy of hydraulic fracturing, indicating a positive correlation. Moreover, the connection between fracture area and temperature exhibits a clear trend marked by an initial rise, a subsequent decline, and finally, a resurgence. In particular, the thermal fracturing threshold temperature for the shale samples was found to be around 400 °C.From the analysis, it can be inferred that ScCO2, when subjected to an elevated temperature range of 100-200℃, exhibits mutual interactions with the shale. This results in effective extraction of organic matter and dissolution of mineral constituents within the shale matrix. Consequently, this treatment process leads to a significant reduction in the number of micropores (pore sizes less than 2 nm), while the quantities of mesopores (pore sizes between 2 and 50 nm) and macropores (pore sizes greater than 50 nm) display a noticeable increase.Upon exposure to a temperature range of 200-300℃, a remarkable affinity of the shale for CO2 adsorption becomes evident. The adsorption process contributes to the expansion of the matrix material and deposition of minerals, effectively filling the pore spaces. As a result, the contraction of mesopores and macropores is mitigated, with the predominant change being an increase in the number of micropores.When temperatures reach 300-500℃, the intensified heat initiates thermal decomposition of the kerogen, culminating in the release of pore spaces. This phenomenon prompts an increase in the number of micropores and mesopores, thereby augmenting the pore volume and specific surface area of the shale.

Часткова перев’язка ворітної вени печінки: морфологічна оцінка результатів моделювання допечінкової форми портальної гіпертензії

Portal hypertension is an increase in pressure in the hepatic portal vein system. The most common animal model of prehepatic portal hypertension in use today is partial ligation of the hepatic portal vein in rats but existing studies focus on determining the short-term effects of partial ligation of the hepatic portal vein. Purpose - to evaluate the model of prehepatic portal hypertension by means of a histological study of partial portal vein ligation influence on liver tissue. Materials and methods. Male Wistar rats (n=45), aged 6 weeks and weighing 150±15 grams, were included in the study. The animals were divided into 3 groups: the Group 1 - partial ligation of the portal vein of the liver was performed (formation of stenosis; n=15), the Group 2 - ligation of the portal vein of the liver without its obstruction was performed (pseudo-operated; n=15), the Group 3 - a control group (intact animals, n=15). The rats were withdrawn from the experiment six months after the operation. For histological examination, liver fragments were taken, after standard preparation of the preparations, photographed with an OLYMPUS BX51 light microscope and examined with a PEM-125k electron microscope. The obtained microphotographs were processed and analyzed using the biomedical image processing software ImageJ v.1.50 (National Institutes of Health, USA). Digital data were analyzed in Graphpad Prizm v. 8.3 (Graphpad, USA) statistical package. Results. In rats of the Group 1 the presence of large droplet and total fatty dystrophy of hepatocytes in the center of the lobules was established. The development of connective tissue with the formation of centro-central and porto-central septa was observed. The prolonged effect of partial ligation of the portal vein most closely corresponded to the picture of zonal fatty parenchymal dystrophy of the liver and balloon degeneration of hepatocytes with subsequent fibrosis development. In animals of the Group 1, the distribution of the specific number of hepatocyte nuclei differed from the normal one (p=0.0124), the presence of differences in this indicator between the animals of the three groups was established (p&lt;0.005). Histological examination of the liver of the Group 2 rats revealed preservation of the histological structure of the organ, with moderate changes. Rats of the Group 3 showed normal histoarchitectonics of the organ. Conclusions. The homogeneity of changes in the liver and their reproducibility indicate the stability of the developed model and its suitability for further development of treatment methods. The experiments with laboratory animals were provided in accordance with all bioethical norms and guidelines. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Examination of the correlation between the knee extension angles in the sitting and supine positions measured using ImageJ software: a prospective cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] We aimed to examine the correlation between the knee extension angles in the sitting and supine positions measured using ImageJ software. [Participants and Methods] A total of 50 legs in 25 healthy participants (17 males and 8 females) were included in our study. The knee extension angle was measured in the sitting and supine positions with the participants actively and maximally extending their knee joint on one side. The participants were photographed from the side with their knees centered in the image. Thereafter, the photographs were imported into the ImageJ image processing software to calculate the knee extension angles. [Results] The mean values of the knee extension angles in the sitting and supine positions were 131.5 ± 11.2° and 132.1 ± 12.2°, respectively, with a correlation coefficient of 0.85. No systematic errors were observed, and the minimal detectable change was 12.9°. [Conclusion] The knee extension angle in the sitting position showed a strong correlation with that in the supine position, with no systematic errors observed. Therefore, measurement of the knee extension angle in the sitting position can be an alternative to its measurement in the supine position.

Study on characteristics of oil and gas occurrence and reservoir space of medium-high maturity continental shale—A case study of middle jurassic lianggaoshan formation in fuling block, southeast of sichuan basin, south China

Possessed of easy access to development and fair economic benefits, medium-high maturity continental shale oil and gas have become the focus of shale oil and gas study in the future. Shale oil and gas mainly occur in pores, but studies on the pore characteristics of shale oil and gas occurrence are by no means sufficient. Focused on shale from the Middle Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in Well TYX, Fuling block, southeast of Sichuan Basin where a breakthrough in shale oil and gas exploration was recently achieved, this study selects core samples and conducts a series of analyses, including vitrinite reflectance analysis, kerogen microscopic examination experiment, total organic carbon (TOC) content analysis, mineral composition analysis, gas content measurement, isothermal adsorption experiment, S1 content analysis, and others. The analyses are to identify the pore characteristics of the continental medium and high maturity shale oil and gas by virtue of scanning electron microscope (SEM) with Ar-ion milling and the image processing software ImageJ. The conclusions are drawn as follows: in terms of lithofacies, medium-high maturity continental shale oil and gas mainly occur in organic-rich clay shale and organic-rich mixed shale; with regard to material composition, shale oil and gas mainly occur in organic matter, illite-smectite mixed layers and illite. Shale adsorbed gas content accounts for at most 40% of the total shale gas content and shale free gas content takes up at least 60% of the total shale gas content. Pores of solid bitumen, solid bitumen-clay mineral complex mass, clay minerals, structured vitrinite, and funginite are mostly developed in shale. Among them, the first three types of pores are the main reservoir space in shale considering their large number, good roundness, medium pore diameter, fairly good roundness of pore edges, and the complex shapes which altogether contribute to the large surface porosity.

Experimental Study of 3D Micro-CT on Meso-Structure Evolution of Coal Samples with Different Coal Grades under the Action of Temperature

In the three-dimensional micro-CT experiment system, the room temperature is set to 300°C when different coal samples (lignite, anthracite, lean coal and gas coal) are observed for mesoscopic observation. The evolution regularity of mesoscopic structure is analyzed according to the CT scan of coal samples under different temperatures and three sections of scanning images, and by ImageJ image processing software, image processing, and analysis of the characteristics of the profile, the following conclusions are obtained: (1) Coal specimen will have an overall expansion deformation along with the rise of temperature. The sample expansion can be divided into two types: outward expansion and inward expansion. Outward expansion means that the expansion of the skeleton extends outward from the adjacent pores, while inward expansion means that the solid skeleton intrudes into the adjacent pores. When the temperature rises, the outward expansion and inward expansion occur simultaneously. The dominant expansion mode is influenced by the type of coal sample and the temperature value. (2) With the increase of temperature, coal and anthracite coal specimen pore fissure structure shows an expansion tendency before contraction, while gas coal and lean coal show reverse patterns; in addition to the above the reason of the difference vitrinite differences, one must also consider selected specimen original porosity and mechanical physical properties, such as a combination of other factors. (3) In the temperature range of 100–200°C, when the temperature increases at the same rate, lignite porosity increases the most, followed by gas coal, lean coal, and anthracite. (4) There are certain differences in the variation trends of the pixel proportions of the three sections of the coal specimen, and the temperature values of the three curves at the maximum pixel point are also different, which indicates that the expansion of each point in the coal specimen with the change of temperature is not completely synchronous, and the physical and mechanical properties of the sample are heterogeneous.

Assessing the hydroregime of an archetypal riverine wet meadow in the central Great Plains using time‐lapse imagery

AbstractWet meadows are a declining and increasingly degraded ecosystem type. They contribute numerous ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, water storage, and filtration, and provision of wildlife habitat, particularly for wetland‐dependent species such as the Whooping Crane (Grus americana). Conservation and restoration of wet meadows rely on understanding their hydrology but characterization of wet meadow hydroregimes is difficult given their hydrologic complexity, high variability, and distinct regional differences. To address this challenge, we used ground‐based time‐lapse imagery to assess inundation dynamics of an archetypal wet meadow over a six‐year period in the Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska, USA. We analyzed over 6500 images from March 2011 to May 2017 in the open‐source java‐based image processing software ImageJ. We also obtained data on groundwater, streamflow, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. We assessed the relationship between wet meadow inundation and hydrologic variables using wavelet coherence to look at fluctuations across a time–frequency spectrum and used random forest to identify seasonally specific variables of importance. We found hydroperiod, the duration surface water ponded within the wet meadow, had a mean of 141 d, on average lasting from 10 December to 1 May, but varied annually. Inundation generally peaked in the early spring, on average 10 March, but demonstrated a bimodal distribution, peaking again in late spring during wetter years. While inundation responded rapidly to precipitation events, it was highly related to streamflow, while an elevated groundwater table was necessary for sustained inundation. Overall, our study provided a comprehensive hydrological characterization of a reference wet meadow and demonstrated the utility of time‐lapse cameras for high‐resolution monitoring and assessment of highly variable wetland systems. Considering the uncertainties surrounding land‐ and water‐use changes, climate change, and the increasing demand for freshwater resources by growing human communities, understanding functional wet meadow hydroregimes and interrelated drivers is essential to inform wet meadow restoration, conservation, and management efforts.

The use of image analysis techniques for the study of muscle melanisation in sand flathead (Platycephalus bassensis)

Muscle melanisation in sand flathead is visible as black spots in the normally white flesh of fish. It is widespread in Tasmania, including at the Tamar Estuary, with increasing frequency of reporting by recreational fishers. The phenomenon is more prevalent in areas impacted by heavy metal pollution and has been linked to heavy metal accumulation. In this study, image processing software ImageJ was employed to study the phenomenon and to establish an objective rating system. A longitudinal profile plot was used to study the greying of the fillet. The degree of melanisation was rated based on the percentage surface area melanised on the surface and in transverse sections of fillets. A muscle melanisation scoring system for sand flathead was established based on visual interpretation using the macroscopic melanisation scoring criteria: melanisation scores 0 = <0.5%, 1 = 0.5–5%, 2 = 5–20%, and 3 = >20% (% = melanised surface area in proportion to the whole fillet). A refined image analysis technique was developed to quantify the percentage of melanised muscle surface area and the muscle melanisation scoring system was statistically validated. Sand flathead fillet with higher melanisation score was shown to be linked to increased intensity of greyness and greater numbers and size of black spots on the surface of fillets and within the flesh. The greying and black spots were primarily concentrated at the anterior region of fillet and around the dorsal vertebrae zone on transverse section of fillets. Overall, findings from this study established the use of image analysis techniques to validate visual inspection and to give a standardised and objective method to determine the degree of melanisation in sand flathead. As muscle melanisation appears to be linked to heavy metal pollution, the standardised scoring system would facilitate future research for environmental pollution and monitoring purposes.

Molecular Modulation by Lentivirus-Delivered Specific shRNAs in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stressed Neurons.

The accumulation of unfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), caused by any stress condition, triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) through the activation of specialized sensors. UPR attempts first to restore homeostasis; but if damage persists the signaling induces apoptosis. There is increasing evidence that sustained and unresolved ER stress contributes to many pathological conditions including neurodegenerative diseases. Because the UPR controls cell fate by switching between cytoprotective and apoptotic processes, it is essential to understand the events defining this transition, as well as the elements involved in its modulation. Recently, we demonstrated that abnormal GM2 ganglioside accumulation causes depletion of ER Ca2+ content, which in turn activates PERK (PKR-like-ER kinase), one of the UPR sensors. Furthermore, PERK signaling participates in the neurite atrophy and apoptosis induced by GM2 accumulation. In this respect, we have established an experimental system that allows us to molecularly modulate the expression of downstream PERK components and thus change vulnerability of neurons to undergo neuritic atrophy. We performed knockdown of calcineurin (cytoprotective) and CHOP (pro-apoptotic) expression in rat cortical neuronal cultures. Cells were infected with lentivirus-delivered specific shRNA and then treated with GM2 at different times, fixed and immunostained with anti-MAP2 (microtube-associated protein 2) antibody. Later, cell images were recorded using a fluorescence microscope and total neurite outgrowth was evaluated by using the public domain image processing software ImageJ. The inhibition of expression of those PERK signaling components clearly made it possible to either accelerate or delay the neuritic atrophy induced by ER stress. This approach might be used in cell system models of ER stress to evaluate the vulnerability of neurons to neurite atrophy.

Optical Assessment of Porosity Parameters in Transparent Woven Fabrics.

This paper deals with the possibility of a fast and accurate assessment of the number, size, and distribution of pores in transparent woven fabrics based on light penetration. The procedure of analyzing the pore structure in the fabrics based on a digital image is presented in detail. Fabric pores are treated as image particles and analyzed with the Java-based image processing software ImageJ. The obtained data relate to the constructional parameters of the fabric that allow for further analysis, provide the possibility to compare structurally similar or different samples as well as double check the results generated by optical or other means. This paper describes work on plain and similar to plain weaves. The conducted analysis revealed several expected and some unexpected results. Among the former, we can list the range of pore sizes in the examined woven fabrics, the distribution of pores in regard to their similarity, and the effect of dents. Examples of the latter are the magnitude of the cumulative percentage of pores in regard to the weave and the degree to which they participate in the inter-yarn and inter-fiber pores.

81 Pronuclear formation and SMARCA4 incorporation after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or assisted ICSI in pig zygotes

Pigs are considered an important experimental model for their biological similarities to humans, including their potential as organ donors in xenotransplantation. Unfortunately, in this species conventional invitro fertilization results in high polyspermic rates. ICSI avoids polyspermy and ICSI-mediated gene edition could be a powerful technique to produce genetically modified pigs. However, ICSI is not yet efficient in pigs. Moreover, the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeller, SMARCA4, translocates to the pronuclei soon after fertilization and its mislocalization or reduction leads to poor embryo development. The aim of this study was to assess whether assisted activation or the use of the piezo drill (PD) during ICSI improves pronuclear (PN) formation rates and to analyse SMARCA4 intensity levels in pronuclei. First, cumulus–oocyte complexes were collected from slaughterhouse ovaries and matured invitro for 44h. Matured and denuded oocytes were subjected to (1) ICSI (n=47), (2) ICSI assisted by PD (ICSIp, n=21), (3) ICSI assisted by electrical activation (ICSIe, n=39), and (4) electrical activation as an haploid parthenogenetic control (HAP, n=21). Presumptive zygotes were fixed for 20min in 4% formaldehyde solution 18h after injection or activation and incubated with SMARCA4 antibody (1:100) and Alexa Fluor (1:1000) as a secondary antibody. Then, the zygotes were classified according to the presence of PN in 2 PN (2-PN), 1 PN with the presence of a semi-condensed or condensed sperm (1-PN), and semi-condensed or condensed sperm with no evidence of PN (no activation). Zygotes that exhibited a different pattern were included in the “other” category. A region of interest was drawn around each PN and the average pixel intensity of SMARCA4 was determined with ImageJ image processing software. Data were analysed by Fisher’s exact test and Kruskal–Wallis test using GraphPad software (GraphPad Inc.). Differences were considered significant at P&amp;lt;0.05. We found no significant differences in 2-PN formation rates among groups after ICSI (ICSI n=16, 34.04%; ICSIe n=10, 25.64%; ICSIp n=6, 28.57%). As expected, the majority of the HAP zygotes exhibited 1 PN (n=14, 66.67%). In contrast, in most of the zygotes of all experimental groups, SMARCA4 was found to be localised in both PN, being absent in polar bodies, metaphase plate, or condensed sperm. Interestingly, out of the total 2-PN porcine ICSI zygotes of all experimental groups (n=25), 7 zygotes (28%) showed clear asymmetric intensity levels between PN. The rest of the ICSI zygotes (n=18, 72%) showed a similar SMARCA4 intensity level between PN. In conclusion, our results suggest that neither the use of piezo drill or electrical activation improves PN formation or SMARCA4 pattern. It remains to be determined whether the asymmetric levels of SMARCA4 between PN observed in some zygotes could be associated with a lower embryo developmental competence.

Estimating the amount of collagen and elastic fibres in bovine teats.

The amount of collagen and elastic fibres near the Fürstenberg's rosette in histological sections of bovine teats was estimated using the ImageJ image processing software. This method holds promise for comparing tissue types within and between sections but it was not a reliable way to quantify the absolute amount of tissue types in a sample. The amount of elastic fibres and collagen was similar in cow teats with a history or acute case of mastitis infection and in non-infected cows, but this could not be statistically tested due to limitations in the study material.

Mo1256 EPITHELIAL GLAND BURDEN DETERMINED BY VOLUMETRIC LASER ENDOMICROSCOPY IS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLETE REMISSION OF INTESTINAL METAPLASIA FOLLOWING ENDOSCOPIC ERADICATION THERAPY FOR BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS

Endoscopic eradication of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) aims to achieve complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM), defined by absence of visible columnar mucosa on high-definition white light (HDWL) endoscopy and negative biopsies for intestinal metaplasia (IM). Given sampling error associated with random biopsies, some experts recommend two consecutive negative endoscopies to establish CRIM. Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is an advanced imaging modality capable of comprehensive high-resolution imaging of BE. Epithelial glands are a VLE feature associated with BE. We hypothesize that VLE epithelial gland burden in the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is associated with the presence of IM in patients with BE following endoscopic eradication therapy. Patients with BE with absence of visible columnar mucosa on HDWL endoscopy following endoscopic eradication therapy underwent VLE imaging. Random surveillance biopsies were obtained as per standard protocol. VLE scans were analyzed with intelligent real-time image segmentation (IRIS), an artificial intelligence software that superimposes features of interest (signal intensity, mucosal layering, epithelial glands) onto an en-face map of the esophagus. The GEJ on IRIS en-face scans was defined as the transition between squamous epithelium (presence of layering, normal signal intensity) and cardia (lack of layering, increased signal intensity) and demarcated using image processing software ImageJ. We previously showed that the surface area occupied by epithelial glands correlates with manual gland quantification. The GEJ demarcation was transferred to an en-face map of epithelial glands and the surface area (gland burden) was measured 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the GEJ for each VLE scan (Figure 1) The mean gland surface area of VLE scans from patients with IM negative biopsies was compared to those with IM positive biopsies using the Student t-test. This study was funded by the ASGE Endoscopy Research Award. A total of 123 BE patients without visible BE on HDWL endoscopy following endoscopic therapy underwent VLE. Random biopsies were negative for IM in 87 and positive in 36 patients. Highest grade of histology was non-dysplastic BE (N=32), indefinite (N=2), low-grade (N=2). The mean (SD) gland surface area in the GEJ was significantly higher in patients with IM positive biopsies compared to patients with IM negative biopsies [10.1(9.9)mm2 vs. 6.5(5.5)mm2, p=0.02] (Figure 2) Systematic quantification of epithelial gland burden in the GEJ using VLE can predict presence of IM in patients with BE following endoscopic eradication therapy. VLE may have a role in confirming true CRIM and reducing number of required surveillance endoscopies.Mean gland surface area measured in patients with absence of visible columnar mucosa on high-definition white light endoscopy and negative surveillance biopsies for IM (group 0) and positive surveillance biopsies for IM (group 1)View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Characterization of Lignin

Lignin is a complex organic compound crucial to the structural tissues of vascular plants, such as trees. The cyclic structure and aromaticity of lignin give it significant potential to be used as a renewable and safe replacement for toxic aromatic compounds in chemical and industrial processes. The purpose of this experiment was to characterize lignin, specifically the particle diameter and zeta potential, using both the Zetasizer Nano ZSP and the ImageJ image processing software, and to compare the accuracy of both measurement methods. Due to the natural fluorescence of lignin, a fluorescence microscope is used to capture images of lignin particles. By having a known distance and the scale of measurement, with ImageJ it is possible to calculate distances, such as the diameters of particles in images. The Zetasizer Nano ZSP is a device capable of measuring both particle diameter and zeta potential, which is the electrical charge existing on particles suspended in a medium. Small amounts of lignin, in powder form, are placed into scintillation vials with different amounts of distilled water to create 3 different concentrations of sample to measure using the Zetasizer. Between 10-15mL of sample are placed into specialized measurement cells and put into the Zetasizer. Multiple measurements are conducted and averaged to achieve accurate results. The measured zeta potential value is indicative of the stability of the lignin. If the value of zeta potential is higher than 30mV, negative or positive, it has a high stability and low reactivity. The average values of zeta potential measured by the Zetasizer ranged from -27mV to -21mV. The particle diameter is important in characterization, as the smaller and more distributed the particles are, there is a larger surface area for reactions to occur. Average particle diameter measured by the Zetasizer ranged from 926-976µm. The results from the Zetasizer Nano ZSP are more accurate than those from the ImageJ software, as ImageJ allows for a substantial amount of human error to impact the results. The outcomes help direct future experiments using lignin and beneficial to future research concerning lignin and its potential.

New insights into the performance characteristics of the Planova-series hollow-fiber parvovirus filters using confocal and electron microscopy.

Virus filtration remains a critical step in the downstream process for the production of monoclonal antibodies and other mammalian cell-derived biotherapeutics. Recent studies have shown large differences in virus capture behavior of different virus filters, although the origin of these differences is still unclear. The objective of this study was to use confocal and scanning electron microscopy to directly evaluate the capture of virus-size nanoparticles in Planova 20N and BioEX hollow-fiber virus filters. Confocal images of fluorescent nanoparticles were quantified using ImageJ image processing software based on the measured fluorescence intensity of the labeled nanoparticles. Nanoparticle capture by the Planova BioEX was independent of transmembrane pressure from 10 to 45 psi. In contrast, the Planova 20N showed significant differences in nanoparticle capture profile at low pressure, consistent with literature data showing virus breakthrough under these conditions. Images obtained after a process interruption show significant migration of previously captured nanoparticles in the Planova 20N filters but not in the BioEX. These results provide important insights into the nature of virus capture in different virus filters and its dependence on the underlying structure of the virus filtration membranes.

Multispectral tracing in densely labeled mouse brain with nTracer.

SummaryThis note describes nTracer, an ImageJ plug-in for user-guided, semi-automated tracing of multispectral fluorescent tissue samples. This approach allows for rapid and accurate reconstruction of whole cell morphology of large neuronal populations in densely labeled brains.Availability and implementationnTracer was written as a plug-in for the open source image processing software ImageJ. The software, instructional documentation, tutorial videos, sample image and sample tracing results are available at https://www.cai-lab.org/ntracer-tutorial.Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

A new noninvasive mechanical bending test accurately predicts ulna bending strength in cadaveric human arms.

High error rates in the prediction of fragility fractures by bone mineral density have motivated searches for better clinical indicators of bone strength, and the high incidence of non-hip, non-spine fractures has raised interest in cortical bone. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of Cortical Bone Mechanics Technology™. CBMT is a new non-invasive 3-point bending technique for measuring the mechanical properties of cortical bone in the ulnas of living humans. 35 cadaveric human arms were obtained from small women and large men ranging widely in age (17 < Age < 99 years) and body size (14 < BMI < 40 kg/m2). Noninvasive CBMT measurements of the flexural rigidity of the ulna bones within these arms (EICBMT) were compared to measurements of EI by Quasistatic Mechanical Testing in the ulnas excised from those arms (EIQMT). Ulna bending strength was also measured by QMT as the peak moment before fracture (Mpeak). The open source BoneJ plugin to ImageJ image processing software was used to calculate cortical porosity (CP) in micro-computed tomography images of a 2 mm length of the mid-shaft of each fractured ulna, and the interosseous diameter (IOD) of each ulna was also measured in those images. EICBMT measurements (13 < EICBMT < 97 Nm2) explained 99% of the variance in QMT measurements of ulna bending strength (11 < Mpeak < 90 Nm), but EICBMT was biased high by 30% (p < 0.0001) relative to EIQMT (11 < EIQMT < 69 Nm2). After correcting this bias, EICBMT and EIQMT measurements lay along the identity line (y = 1.00x, R2 = 0.99, SEE = 3.1 Nm2). Predictions of Mpeak by EICBMT were less accurate than predictions by EIQMT (both R2 = 0.99; SEECBMT = 5.9 Nm vs SEEQMT = 4.5 Nm, F = 2.92, p = 0.001), but EICBMT predictions were substantially more accurate than those by IOD (R2 = 0.79; SEEIOD = 10.6 Nm, F = 3.30, p < 0.001) and CP (R2 = 0.35; SEECP = 18.9 Nm, F = 10.45, p < 10-9). Predictions by EICBMT were also more accurate than predictions by arm donor height (R2 = 0.63; SEE = 14.3 Nm, F = 5.87, p < 10-6), body weight (R2 = 0.77; SEE = 11.1 Nm, F = 3.54, p < 0.001) and BMI (R2 = 0.64; SEE = 14.1 Nm, F = 2.39, p < 0.01). In forward stepwise multiple regression beginning with EICBMT, only age explained any additional variance in ulna bending strength (ΔR2 = 0.3%, F = 8.03, p = 0.008). Noninvasive CBMT measurements of ulna EI explain 99% of individual differences in QMT measurements of ulna bending strength in cadaveric human arms.

Three-dimensional X-ray topographic characterization of synthesized diamond crystals

Synthesized diamond crystals grown at high temperatures and high pressures were characterized by three-dimensional X-ray topography. The diffraction planes and wavelength of the monochromatic X-rays used were (004), {111}, and , and 0.0521 nm, respectively. Images of lattice defects in diamond crystals were reconstructed from a stack of about 300 X-ray limited projection topographs using the image processing software Image-J. The three-dimensional structures and nature of lattice defects were identified on the basis of the reconstructed topographs. The pyramidal shape of the four-part stacking fault generated from the seed crystal was identified using the dependence of visible or invisible defect images with diffraction planes. The sector boundary between the [001] and [111] growth directions was also first observed by three-dimensional topography. The image of the sector boundary did not show any dependence on diffraction planes.

Use of Nasal Conformer After Birth Effectively Improves Nostril Symmetry in Patients With Unilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip

To investigate the clinical effects of preoperative nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and nasal conformer use in patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip on the basis of their medical records and images. Data and images of 16 patients born with unilateral incomplete cleft lip who were hospitalized between January 2015 and August 2017 were retrieved from the medical records. The primary outcome was the extent of improvement in columella height (CH) before cheiloplasty. Other outcome measurements included the CH, nostril width, and nostril height, which were measured by ImageJ image processing software (version 1.4; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) and presented as ratios. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the non-normally distributed data. Patients in the NAM group and those in the nasal conformer group showed significantly improved (P<.05) preoperative cleft-side CH-to-normal-side CH ratios compared with the corresponding ratios at birth. There was no significant difference in terms of the extent of improvement in CH between the groups. Preoperative use of nasal conformers in patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip not only corrects the deformed nasal cartilage but also increases the CH and improves the overall preoperative nasal symmetry. In addition, compared with NAM, this method costs less, is more straightforward, and requires fewer outpatient clinic visits.