Objective Analysis Method Research Articles

Quantitative Imaging Flow Cytometry of Legionella-Containing Vacuoles in Dually Fluorescence-Labeled Dictyostelium.

Legionella pneumophila enters and replicates within protozoan and mammalian phagocytes by forming through a conserved mechanism a specialized intracellular compartment termed the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). This compartment avoids fusion with bactericidal lysosomes but communicates extensively with different cellular vesicle trafficking pathways and ultimately interacts closely with the endoplasmic reticulum. In order to delineate the process of pathogen vacuole formation and to better understand L. pneumophila virulence, an analysis of markers of the different trafficking pathways on the pathogen vacuole is crucial. Here, we describe a method for rapid, objective and quantitative analysis of different fluorescently tagged proteins or probes on the LCV. To this end, we employ an imaging flow cytometry approach and use the D. discoideum -L. pneumophila infection model. Imaging flow cytometry enables quantification of many different parameters by fluorescence microscopy of cells in flow, rapidly producing statistically robust data from thousands of cells. We also describe the generation of D. discoideum strains simultaneously producing two different fluorescently tagged probes that enable visualization of compartments and processes in parallel. The quantitative imaging flow technique can be corroborated and enhanced by laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Unsupervised Blind Quality Estimation of NSS Images using Efficient Feature Extraction

In present-day date, public work more with images than with textual content. Often, the image which is transmitted over the internet or in wireless network demand a quality analysis to be done before accepting the same at the user’s end. A great quantity of work has been done in recent past to develop an unbiased image quality objective value that relate well with perceived quality measurement. In-spite of the tremendous effort, the success achieved is less in this direction. Through this paper, we discuss about the method, EBUQA, an objective analysis method by which the perceptual quality of Natural Scene Statistic image can be found. This method measures the amount of distortion and is quantized as a numeric parameter. Performance analysis and testing done on the method conforms well with the human observation.

Classification and Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrhythmia using an ECG-based Ensemble Approach

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death, worldwide and in the United States. Approximately 30% of global deaths can be attributed to one form of CVD, including conditions such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmia. In diagnosing CVD, electrocardiograms (ECG) are commonly used to measure and record the electrical activity of the heart. Their non-invasive, informative, and relatively simple nature allows for rapid deployment. However, because analysis of ECGs depends solely on a physician, ECG analysis becomes subjective, adding a potential layer of error to patient healthcare. Studies indicate that physicians often misread ECGs and disagree with each other’s interpretations. In order to develop an accurate and objective method for ECG analysis, this study evaluates various ensemble algorithms to design and create a supervised classification model. Several ensemble models were evaluated to derive one which correctly classifies CVD with sufficiently high accuracy. A boosted decision tree ensemble created to evaluate cardiac condition performs best, with an overall accuracy of 84.6% and an AUC of 0.828.

FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE OF COMPARATOR’S PREDICATE IN THE COMPARTMENT IDENTIFICATION METHOD

Intelligence theory studies the connection between the subjective and objective worlds perceived and analyzed by human intellect. Therefore, on the one hand, intelligence theory must correspond to the objective requirements adopted in physical sciences as science; on the other hand, it is compelled to rely on introspective intelligence data. Like other exact sciences, intelligence theory needs a special mathematical language corresponding to the intelligence theory object; special methods suitable for objective study of human intelligence. The basic method of objective analysis and modeling of human intelligence is comparative identification method. In the method the subject realizes a certain final predicate by his behavior. In accordance with the method, an experimental study of this predicates’ properties is conducted, then, basing on the results a mathematical the subject’s reactions model subjective states of its intelligence is constructed. Comparative identification method accurate of isomorphism allows t find a function transforming physical situations into subjective images generated by them. In this article a comparator predicate decomposition is performed and its functional structure is analyzed, the process of the human intellect subjective states multiplicities factorization is studied.

A Novel Approach to Dream Content Analysis Reveals Links Between Learning-Related Dream Incorporation and Cognitive Abilities.

Can dreams reveal insight into our cognitive abilities and aptitudes (i.e., “human intelligence”)? The relationship between dream production and trait-like cognitive abilities is the foundation of several long-standing theories on the neurocognitive and cognitive-psychological basis of dreaming. However, direct experimental evidence is sparse and remains contentious. On the other hand, recent research has provided compelling evidence demonstrating a link between dream content and new learning, suggesting that dreams reflect memory processing during sleep. It remains to be investigated whether the extent of learning-related dream incorporation (i.e., the semantic similarity between waking experiences and dream content) is related to inter-individual differences in cognitive abilities. The relationship between pre–post sleep memory performance improvements and learning-related dream incorporation was investigated (N = 24) to determine if this relationship could be explained by inter-individual differences in intellectual abilities (e.g., reasoning, short term memory (STM), and verbal abilities). The extent of dream incorporation using a novel and objective method of dream content analysis, employed a computational linguistic approach to measure the semantic relatedness between verbal reports describing the experience on a spatial (e.g., maze navigation) or a motor memory task (e.g., tennis simulator) with subsequent hypnagogic reverie dream reports and waking “daydream” reports, obtained during a daytime nap opportunity. Consistent with previous studies, the extent to which something new was learned was related (r = 0.47) to how richly these novel experiences were incorporated into the content of dreams. This was significant for early (the first 4 dream reports) but not late dreams (the last 4 dream reports). Notably, here, we show for the first time that the extent of this incorporation for early dreams was related (r = 0.41) to inter-individual differences in reasoning abilities. On the other hand, late dream incorporation was related (r = 0.46) to inter-individual differences in verbal abilities. There was no relationship between performance improvements and intellectual abilities, and thus, inter-individual differences in cognitive abilities did not mediate the relationship between performance improvements and dream incorporation; suggesting a direct relationship between reasoning abilities and dream incorporation. This study provides the first evidence that learning-related dream production is related to inter-individual differences in cognitive abilities.

A post-processing module based on Cressman’s analysis to improve the Wind Energy Simulation Toolkit mapping system

In this work, a post-processing module based on Cressman’s method of objective analysis is added to the Wind Energy Simulation Toolkit in order to improve the accuracy of the numerical wind atlas of Cuba. Mean wind speed surface observations at 35 meteorological stations and mean wind speed observations at 10, 30, 50, and 100 m height above ground level collected at a network of 58 observation towers are assimilated in the Cressman analysis. Furthermore, the 3-year numerical wind atlas generated for the same period of time is considered as the first guess for the Cressman method. A new wind atlas of Cuba is generated and verified using observation records at 32 meteorological stations and 10 observation towers distributed over the country. In addition, the capability of the new post-processing scheme to adding information on the temporal variability of the wind resource is explored.

Objective Analysis of Vaginal Ultrasound Video Clips for Exploring Uterine Peristalsis Post Vaginal and Cesarean Section Deliveries.

The nonpregnant uterus is characterized by cyclic contractions that assist in sperm transport to the fallopian tube, embryo transport to implantation site, and expulsion of menstrual debris. The effect of post-Cesarean section (CS) scar on uterine peristalsis is unclear, while worldwide the prevalence of CS deliveries is increasing. In this study, we developed a new objective method for analysis of dynamic characteristics of the nonpregnant uterus from transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) recordings when the uterine cavity is not clearly observed, as may be the case in post-CS uteri. The method of active contours was utilized to detect the contours of the endometrium-myometrium interface (EMI) from sagittal cross-section TVUS images of nonpregnant uteri. The contours were straightened along the uterus centerline and registered with respect to the fundal end in order to reduce the noise due to movements of the physician and the participant. A dynamic analysis was conducted on these time-dependent contours in order to explore the frequency and amplitude of the EMI motility. The analysis was conducted on TVUS video clips from 12 nonpregnant participants, 7 post-CS and 5 controls. The frequencies of the EMI motility was 0.010 to 0.064 Hz at days 8 to 17 in the control participants and 0.014 to 0.073 Hz at days 9 to 15 in post-CS participants. The maximal amplitude of motility was 0.67 to 2.00 mm and 0.48 to 2.58 mm for the control and post-CS participants, respectively. In this preliminary study, we have not observed significant difference between the EMI motility of healthy and post-CS uteri.

Omics approaches for food authentication.

The development of analytical strategies to fight against food fraud is currently one of the most developing fields in food science as the food value chain becomes increasingly complex and global. Food can be certified by clear labeling but also by objective analytical methods. As shown recently by several groups, the omics technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and isotopolomics are suitable to prove the geographical origin, the production or cultivation process, and the biological and the overall chemical identity of food. This article describes different analytical approaches beginning with non-targeted strategies as well as the further developmental stages of transferring the methods to routine laboratories.

MP20-18 SEMI-AUTOMATIC SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS OF DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED MRI AS AN IMAGING BIOMARKER FOR HISTOLOGICAL GRADE OF BLADDER CANCER

You have accessJournal of UrologyImaging/Radiology: Uroradiology II1 Apr 2018MP20-18 SEMI-AUTOMATIC SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS OF DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED MRI AS AN IMAGING BIOMARKER FOR HISTOLOGICAL GRADE OF BLADDER CANCER Kasumi Kaneko, Soichiro Yoshida, Taro Takahara, Shugo Yajima, Tsuyoshi Sakamoto, Thomas Kwee, Yuki Arita, Minato Yokoyama, Junichiro Ishioka, Yoh Matsuoka, Kazutaka Saito, Kazunori Kihara, and Yasuhisa Fujii Kasumi KanekoKasumi Kaneko More articles by this author , Soichiro YoshidaSoichiro Yoshida More articles by this author , Taro TakaharaTaro Takahara More articles by this author , Shugo YajimaShugo Yajima More articles by this author , Tsuyoshi SakamotoTsuyoshi Sakamoto More articles by this author , Thomas KweeThomas Kwee More articles by this author , Yuki AritaYuki Arita More articles by this author , Minato YokoyamaMinato Yokoyama More articles by this author , Junichiro IshiokaJunichiro Ishioka More articles by this author , Yoh MatsuokaYoh Matsuoka More articles by this author , Kazutaka SaitoKazutaka Saito More articles by this author , Kazunori KiharaKazunori Kihara More articles by this author , and Yasuhisa FujiiYasuhisa Fujii More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.688AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value is a quantitative parameter for the degree of water diffusion within of tissue, and is calculated from diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI). Previous studies have reported that the ADC value reflects histological characteristics in several malignancies. So far, the ADC value was usually calculated manually, and operator-related errors was induced. To utilize the ADC value as an imaging biomarker, standardization of the objective assessment of the ADC value is needed. Here, we newly developed an objective method for volumetric ADC value analysis using semi-automatic segmentation. The calculated ADC value represents all pixels of the tumor: the global ADC value (gADC). We evaluated the usefulness of gADC as an imaging biomarker for the histological grade of bladder cancer (BC). METHODS A total of 55 consecutive pT1 urothelial cell BC patients who underwent MRI including DWI (b values of 0 and 1000 sec/mm2) before transurethral resection between 2010 and 2015, were retrospectively evaluated. 2 independent readers analyzed the DWI datasets using newly developed medical imaging software, BD score (PixSpace, Japan). The pixels of the tumor in each patient, indicating an ADC from 0.3 x 10-3 to 1.5 x 10-3 mm2/s, were identified from all image slices, and the volume (tVol) and the gADC of the identified pixels were calculated. We compared tVol and gADC with the histological grade of the tumor. RESULTS 11 tumors whose gADC was out-of-measuring range and 2 tumors greater than 5 cm in size were excluded, and the remaining 42 (median tumor size: 2.0 cm (range: 0.5-4.0 cm), dominant grade 3/1-2: n=22/20) were eligible for the analysis. The gADC1 measured by reader 1 and gADC2 measured by reader 2 were significantly lower for grade 3 tumors than for grade 1-2 tumors (median gADC1: 1.05 x 10-3 vs 1.18 x 10-3 mm2/sec, p = 0.023; gADC2 value: 1.05 x10-3 vs 1.18 x 10-3 mm2/sec, p = 0.030). Inter-observer analysis revealed an intraclass correlation coefficient for the gADC and tVol of ρ = 0.96 and 0.98 respectively (p<0.001 for both) CONCLUSIONS The semi-automatic segmentation analysis enables objective evaluations of DWI signals with high concordance between the readers. The gADC reflects the histological grades of BC. The gADC can be an imaging biomarker of BC. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e260 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Kasumi Kaneko More articles by this author Soichiro Yoshida More articles by this author Taro Takahara More articles by this author Shugo Yajima More articles by this author Tsuyoshi Sakamoto More articles by this author Thomas Kwee More articles by this author Yuki Arita More articles by this author Minato Yokoyama More articles by this author Junichiro Ishioka More articles by this author Yoh Matsuoka More articles by this author Kazutaka Saito More articles by this author Kazunori Kihara More articles by this author Yasuhisa Fujii More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Program Kemitraan Masyarakat (PKM) Pengembangan Desa Wisata di Desa Sitiluhur Kecamatan Gembong Kabupaten Pati

Abstrak Sitiluhur Village, Gembong Sub-district, Pati Regency has good tourism potential, but the local people have not realized this yet. This is based on a survey team of students of KKN University of PGRI Semarang. The purpose of activities is (1) to give directions to tourism place in Sitiluhur village, (2) development of tourism potency, (3) community empowerment of Sitiluhur village. This devotional activity was held with Partners from residents in Sitiluhur Village, Gembong Sub-district, Pati Regency. The method used is the method of supporting tourism analysis, object analysis methods, methods of tourism attraction analysis. The result of this is able to maximize the existing tourism potential. Procurement directions to the place of tourism, addition of places for selfie in Kebo Amuk Waterfall (Tedunan) for tourist attractions more interested tourists, making a bridge of love from wood to cross in Kebo Amuk Waterfall. Conclusion of the socialization of the importance of community empowerment and ‘pokdarwis’ Sitiluhur Village for people aware of tourism potential. Such efforts are aimed at popularizing the village of Sitiluhur as a Tourism Village as well as in the future able to increase the economic growth of local communities.

Forecast skill score assessment of a relocatable ocean prediction system, using a simplified objective analysis method

Abstract. A relocatable ocean prediction system (ROPS) was employed to an observational data set which was collected in June 2014 in the waters to the west of Sardinia (western Mediterranean) in the framework of the REP14-MED experiment. The observational data, comprising more than 6000 temperature and salinity profiles from a fleet of underwater gliders and shipborne probes, were assimilated in the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), which is the heart of ROPS, and verified against independent observations from ScanFish tows by means of the forecast skill score as defined by Murphy(1993). A simplified objective analysis (OA) method was utilised for assimilation, taking account of only those profiles which were located within a predetermined time window W. As a result of a sensitivity study, the highest skill score was obtained for a correlation length scale C = 12.5 km, W = 24 h, and r = 1, where r is the ratio between the error of the observations and the background error, both for temperature and salinity. Additional ROPS runs showed that (i) the skill score of assimilation runs was mostly higher than the score of a control run without assimilation, (i) the skill score increased with increasing forecast range, and (iii) the skill score for temperature was higher than the score for salinity in the majority of cases. Further on, it is demonstrated that the vast number of observations can be managed by the applied OA method without data reduction, enabling timely operational forecasts even on a commercially available personal computer or a laptop.

Revisiting Dynamic Capabilities in Entrepreneurship from Managerial Lens: A Bibliometric Analysis

The applicability of dynamic capabilities in the domain of entrepreneurship has long been argued to be impacted by the conflicting research perspectives in the field. However, with the concept of dynamic managerial capabilities, we re- assess the applicability of dynamic capabilities within entrepreneurship literature. Using an objective review method of bibliometric analysis of 602 papers, we lay out the evolution of entrepreneurship research from dynamic capabilities lens. We highlight unresolved conflicts and provide new avenues for future research.

Assessing the Collective Dynamics of Motile Cilia in Cultures of Human Airway Cells by Multiscale DDM

The technique of differential dynamic microscopy is extended here, showing that it can provide a powerful and objective method of video analysis for optical microscopy videos of in vitro samples of live human bronchial epithelial ciliated cells. These cells are multiciliated, with motile cilia that play key physiological roles. It is shown that the ciliary beat frequency can be recovered to match conventional analysis, but in a fully automated fashion. Furthermore, it is shown that the properties of spatial and temporal coherence of cilia beat can be recovered and distinguished, and that if a collective traveling wave (the metachronal wave) is present, this has a distinct signature and its wavelength and direction can be measured.

Quality assurance of radiotherapy in the ongoing EORTC 1219-DAHANCA-29 trial for HPV/p16 negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Results of the benchmark case procedure

Background and purposeThe phase III EORTC 1219-DAHANCA 29 intergroup trial evaluates the influence of nimorazole in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer when treated with accelerated radiotherapy (RT) in combination with chemotherapy. This article describes the results of the RT Benchmark Case (BC) performed before patient inclusion. Materials and methodsThe participating centers were asked to perform a 2-step BC, consisting of (1) a delineation and (2) a planning exercise according to the protocol guidelines. Submissions were prospectively centrally reviewed and feedback was given to the submitting centers. Sørensen–Dice similarity index (DSI) and the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD) were retrospectively used to evaluate the agreement between the centers and the expert contours. ResultsFifty-four submissions (34 delineation and 20 planning exercises) from 19 centers were reviewed. Nine (47%) centers needed to perform the delineation step twice and three (16%) centers 3 times before receiving an approval. An increase in DSI-value and a decrease in HD, in particular for the prophylactic Clinical Target Volume (pCTV), could be found for the resubmitted cases. No unacceptable variations could be found for the planning exercise. ConclusionsThese BC-results highlight the need for effective and prospective RTQA in clinical trials. Even with clearly defined protocol guidelines, delineation and not planning remain the main reason for unacceptable protocol variations. The introduction of more objective quantitative analysis methods, such as the HD and DSI, in future trials might strengthen the evaluation by experts.

Sensitivity of Subsurface Ocean Temperature Variability to Specification of Surface Observations in the Context of ENSO

Abstract To estimate the state of the ocean in the context of monitoring and prediction, ocean analysis products combine observed information from various sources that include both in situ ocean measurements and estimates of atmospheric forcings derived either from numerical models or from objective analysis methods. In the context of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability in the equatorial tropical Pacific, this study discusses two questions: 1) the role of surface forcings in resolving the observed variability of subsurface ocean temperatures, and 2) which component of surface forcings plays a more important role. The analysis approach is based on ocean model simulations where specification of surface forcings is controlled and the resulting ocean state is either compared among various simulations or is compared with an independent ocean analysis (where information from in situ ocean temperature measurements is included). The results highlight the importance of the contribution of observed sea surface temperature (via its influence on surface winds due to coupled air–sea interactions) and the observed surface wind forcing in determining the evolution of subsurface ocean temperatures. Implications for assessing the feasibility of extending ocean analysis and forecasts back in time when in situ observations were limited are also discussed.

Can We Determine Sasang Constitutional Body Type Merely by Facial Inspection?

This study aimed to assess the inter-observer concordance rate of anthroscopic examination on facial features among experts in Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) in order to evaluate the presence of statistical differences in facial structural characteristics among different body types of Sasang constitution (SC), and to develop an objective method for facial analysis for diagnosing SC types to prevent SCM experts from misdiagnosis by their perceptional errors about faces. This was a double-blinded cross-sectional study conducted on 174 people's faces. Ten SCM experts participated in this study. Frontal and lateral photographs of subjects were standardized and displayed to 10 SCM experts for diagnosing the SC type by anthroscopic examination alone (experiment 1). The subjects' faces were analyzed by photogrammetric method to investigate the presence of any typical structural characteristics of the faces to differentiate SC type (experiment 2). Comparing subjects' SC type with anthroscopic diagnosis by 10 SCM experts, the inter-observer concordance rates were measured (experiment 1). Using photogrammetric facial analysis, a multinomial logistic model was made for analyzing the correlation of SC type and subjects' facial structural configuration (experiment 2). The inter-observer concordance rate of anthroscopic examination was 2.9% in experiment 1. Using a multinomial logistic fitting model, the predicted probability for determining SC type was 52.8-57.6% in experiment 2 (p < 0.05). Prototype composite faces were also created from photographs of subjects who received the same SC type from the SCM experts. As SC type cannot be precisely diagnosed using anthroscopic examination alone, SCM needs a definitive objective and scientific diagnosing method to be a scientifically verified alternative medicine and be globalized in future.

Metabolomic Profiling as a Possible Reverse Engineering Tool for Estimating Processing Conditions of Dry-Cured Hams.

Dry-cured hams are popular among consumers. To increase the attractiveness of the product, objective analytical methods and algorithms to evaluate the relationship between observable properties and consumer acceptability are required. In this study, metabolomics, which is used for quantitative profiling of hundreds of small molecules, was applied to 12 kinds of dry-cured hams from Japan and Europe. In total, 203 charged metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, nucleotides, and peptides, were successfully identified and quantified. Metabolite profiles were compared for the samples with different countries of origin and processing methods (e.g., smoking or use of a starter culture). Principal component analysis of the metabolite profiles with sensory properties revealed significant correlations for redness, homogeneity, and fat whiteness. This approach could be used to design new ham products by objective evaluation of various features.

A Knowledge Concept Map: Structured Concept Analysis from Systematic Literature Review

The purpose of this article is to present a mental model of knowledge as a concept map as an input to knowledge management (KM) investigations. This article’s extended knowledge concept map can serve as a resource where the investigation, development, or application of knowledge would be served with a broad mental model of knowledge. Previously unrelated concepts are related; knowledge concepts can sometimes be expressed as a range, i.e., certainty related states: view, opinion, sentiment, persuasion, belief, and conviction. Extrathesis is identified as a potential skill level higher than synthesis, and associated with the concepts: discovery, institution, insight (the event), revelation, or illumination that precedes innovation. Qualitative methods were used to gather and document concepts. System engineering and object analysis methods were applied to define and relate concepts. However, the theoretical sampling and theoretical saturation methods applied do not guarantee all appropriate concepts have been identified. Given the breadth, depth, and dimensionality of concepts of knowledge, later researchers may add additional concepts. This article provides evidence of additional things people know, an alternative to psychology’s acquaintanceship, understanding and placement of newer categorizations of knowledge in relation to older ones, and suggests that ranges for knowledge terms exist. This article extends the 2015 paper on this topic by: 1) taking a deeper look into epistemological terms and relationships, 2) providing contextual definitions, 3) suggesting extrathesis as an idea beyond synthesis, 4) updating the concept map; and 5) providing new insight on the overloaded knows including adding an eleventh know. It provides a much more solid basis for KM investigations than typical presentations, providing a broad understanding of knowledge that is beneficial.

Analysis of morphological changes after facial massage by a novel approach using three-dimensional computed tomography.

Photograph-based visual scoring has been used for evaluation of facial morphological changes. Here, we describe a three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) method for objective analysis of facial and intra-facial (subcutaneous) changes. The effects of facial massage were examined using both methods. Subjects were 12 healthy female volunteers without facial scars or deformation (age 30-54 years, mean 39.4 years). Photograph-based scoring of massage-induced morphological changes was done at the nasolabial folds, upper, lower and lateral cheeks and lower eyelids. For 3D-CT evaluation, the virtual center axis (VCA) was set as the cranio-caudal longitudinal line, and the VCA-skin surface distances (VSDs) were measured. Massage-induced changes of VSD were calculated (facial massage-induced change rate, FMCR). Intra-facial (subcutaneous) changes were also evaluated. Photograph-based scoring revealed marked morphological changes of the nasolabial folds after facial massage, and changes of the lower, upper and lateral cheeks and lower eyelid were also observed in more than half of the subjects. FMCR values were significantly changed in the paranasal area, nasolabial fold area and cranial part of the mandibular area. Photograph-based scores at the lower cheek and lower eyelid were well correlated with FMCR in the inferior part of the nasolabial fold and the mandibular area, respectively. Massage-induced changes of subcutaneous fat tissues and facial expression muscles were also apparent on CT images. 3D-CT imaging is useful for objective evaluation of the effects of facial massage, including anatomical changes in subcutaneous structures.

Automatic Dendritic Spine Quantification from Confocal Data with Neurolucida 360.

Determining the density and morphology of dendritic spines is of high biological significance given the role of spines in synaptic plasticity and in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Precise quantification of spines in three dimensions (3D) is essential for understanding the structural determinants of normal and pathological neuronal function. However, this quantification has been restricted to time- and labor-intensive methods such as electron microscopy and manual counting, which have limited throughput and are impractical for studies of large samples. While there have been some automated software packages that quantify spine number, they are limited in terms of their characterization of spine structure. This unit presents methods for objective dendritic spine morphometric analysis by providing image acquisition parameters needed to ensure optimal data series for proper spine detection, characterization, and quantification with Neurolucida 360. These protocols will be a valuable reference for scientists working towards quantifying and characterizing spines. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.