Slide Photographs Research Articles

Effect of Romanowsky-Stained Concentrated Preparations versus Direct Smears on Veterinary Students' Ability to Identify Bacterial Sepsis in Fluid Cytology Samples from Dogs, Cats, and Horses.

Veterinary students' accuracy, confidence, and time required to diagnose bacterial sepsis in fluid cytology samples was evaluated using two different slide preparation methods: direct smears and cytocentrifuged concentrated preparations. We hypothesized veterinary students would diagnose fluids as septic on concentrated preparations more accurately and quickly than on direct smears. Thirty third- and fourth-year students who had previously participated in a clinical pathology course completed a survey regarding general cytology experience and reviewed 40 randomized Romanowsky-stained slides via microscopy. Slides consisted of 10 septic and 10 non-septic samples with matched direct and concentrated slides, prepared from fluids from dogs, cats, and a horse. Participants' slide evaluation time, diagnosis, confidence, and slide photographs of areas considered septic were recorded. No difference in diagnostic accuracy between direct and concentrated samples was identified (area under the curve: 57% for both preparations, p = 0.77), although students agreed with pathologist-determined diagnoses more often when viewing concentrated samples (M = 63%, SD = 11% for concentrated; M = 56%, SD = 21% for direct, p = .012). A positive relationship existed between accuracy of diagnosis (R2 = .59) and senior status (p = .002), comfort interpreting cytology slides (p < .03), and if the student had taken the senior pathology rotation (p = .02). Only 38% (121/319) of participant photographs correctly identified sepsis. Under experimental conditions, concentrated preparations did not increase the accuracy of veterinary students' bacterial sepsis diagnosis; however, since accuracy did increase with cytology experience and comfort level, additional pre-clinical and clinical cytology training may benefit students before entering practice.

Evaluation of Clinical and Morphological Practices in the Diagnosis of Transplant-Associated Microangiopathy: A Study on Behalf of the Complications and Quality of Life Working Party of the EBMT

Introduction: Transplant-associated microangiopathy (TAM) is a severe and frequently life-threatening complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Thus correct laboratory confirmation and differential diagnosis are important, especially in the context of emerging new therapies, like complement inhibitors. However, among the parameters taken into account when establishing diagnosis, schistocyte count seems to be a subjective and variable one (Zini G. et al., 2012). Therefore, a practice of TAM clinical and morphological diagnosis was investigated in 17 EBMT transplant centers.Methods: The study included two questionnaires, one for transplant physician and one for morphologist, and also a set of 20 blood slide photographs of 20 cases for quantification of proportion of schistocytes. 10 of these cases represented patients with TAM, with diagnosis established based on International Working Group (IWG) criteria at the Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University and Helsinki university. The remaining 10 were control cases, including diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome, autoimmune hemolysis, thalassemia, myelofibrosis and poikilocytosis due to B12 deficiency. 17 EBMT centers participated in the study.Results: Based on physician's questionnaires, 41% of centers use IWG criteria, 41% - “overall TAM” criteria (Cho et al. Transplantation 2010) and 18% physician's decision for the diagnosis of TAM. 88% of centers stated that the differential diagnosis of TAM is complicated and 65% of centers consider schistocyte count a criterion most commonly not fulfilled in suspected cases. For 65% of physicians the percentage of schistocytes required for the diagnosis of TAM is above 4%, for 18% above 1%, for 12% above 2%, and one center considered the level of schistocytes not important for the diagnosis. Based on morphologists's form, the morphological types of abnormal red blood cells that were counted as schistocytes were triangular cells (in 93% of centers), helmet cells (93% of centers), keratocytes (67%), microspherocytes (53%), degmacytes (47%), stomatocytes (13%), acanthocytes (7%) and codocytes (7%). 27% of centers reported that it is impossible to distinguish TAM morphology form autoimmune hemolysis, 13% - from myelodysplastic syndrome, 20% - from poikilocytosis, 7% - from hereditary anemias. 57% of centers considered automated hematology analyzers not applicable for quantification of schistocytes in patients after allogeneic SCT, 36% stated that manual confirmation of results is required, and only one center reported that automated analyzers are accurate for TAM diagnosis. The analysis of blood slides by morphologists revealed significant variability in schistocyte quantification for all the cases. The median number of schistocytes reported was 3% for TAM cases (range 0-19.6%, coefficient of variation 0.83), and 0.6% for control cases (range 0-8.3%, coefficient of variation 1.06). 36% of centers consistently (in at least 18/20 cases) reported number of schistocytes higher than median (5.1±4.1% for all cases), 36% consistently lower than median (0.9±1.3% for all cases), and 28% of centers reported results around median (2.3±2.5% for all cases). The difference might be in part due to inclusion of microspherocytes in the overall count. Centers that classified microspherocytes as schistocytes reported significantly higher values (mean for all cases 6,1±2,6% vs 2,8±2,4%, p=0.035). No significant differences were observed for the other morphological forms. In 31% of the evaluations on TAM cases the reported proportion of schistocytes was below 2%, while in 21% of control cases the proportion was reported to be higher than 2%.Conclusion: The survey identified the need for the standardization of TAM morphological diagnosis and clear criteria to distinguish TAM from other post-transplant complications. Several different methodologies for morphological diagnosis were observed. The existing variability in practices of schistocyte assessment among centers might be an obstacle to reliable multicenter interventional studies in TAM. DisclosuresGreinix:Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Mallinckrodt: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Stoelzel:medac: Other: Travel support.

Two recently discovered photographs of a thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) at the London Zoo

Two recently discovered lantern slide photographs of a thylacine taken from outside of its enclosure at the London Zoo are published for the first time, and the probable date they were taken and the identity of the thylacine depicted is discussed.

Mast Cells and Macrophages of Rats lungs in an Acute Model of Fat Embolism

IntroductionFat embolism (FE) by IV injection of Triolein (T) causes vasculitis, septal inflammation and fibrosis in rat lungs at 48 hours, which is mitigated by two drugs acting on the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) Captopril and Losartan. An increase in mast cells is noted following administration of T, with an even higher increase by concomitant treatment with Captopril and significant induction by Losartan. This study examines the presence and number of macrophages in rat lungs after T treatment with or without addition of Captopril and Losartan.MethodsSprague‐dawley rats (280–300g) were treated with 0.2 ml IV T or saline. One hour later 0.2 ml of Saline, Captopril, or losartan was administered IP in the 3 T subgroups. All rats were necropsied 48 hours later under isoflurane anesthesia. Lungs were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with: 1. hematoxylin eosin for morphology, 2. trichrome for fibrosis, 3. CD 117 for mast cells and 4. CD 68 for macrophages. Two pathologists unaware of slide identity reviewed ten random photographs of all slides at 400x for macrophage count and histopathological evaluation. Slide photographs and mast cell count was performed by 2 other pathologists.ResultsAs previously reported, T injection induced pulmonary vasculitis, septal inflammation and fibrosis which was markedly reduced by the RAS inhibitors Captopril and Losartan. Contrary to the statistically significant increase of mast cells after these 3 treatments, macrophage counts were only increased but minimally by T and T + Captopril. T + Losartan administration yielded a macrophages count similar to that of the saline controls.Two types of macrophages were observed: one composed of small cells with compact cytoplasm and nucleus, similar in their size to the size of the mast cells and a second type with a larger vacuolated cytoplasm. The number of cells of this second group was rather small, so that any increase of these cells could not influence the macrophages total number.ConclusionBoth mast cells and macrophages play a determinant role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory and fibrotic pulmonary damage after T fat embolism. A different response to the injury was observed between the numbers of these two series of cells in the earlier phase of the injuries. The difference also observed in mast cells versus macrophages number present following T + Captopril and T + Losartan administration, suggesting a diversely regulated pharmacologic activity of the Renin Angiotensin System of the two drugs in the protection of the fat embolism mediated damage.Support or Funding InformationFunded and supported by the Catherine T. Geldmacher Foundation St. Louis, Missouri.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The Effects of Westerners’ Presence on Japanese Evaluations of a Historic District: The Case of Takayama City

ABSTRACTThis study examined the effects the presence of Westerners at historic districts in Japan has on Japanese evaluations of the districts. Sixty-three Japanese students rated 18 slide photographs with no people, photographs with mainly Japanese, and photographs with mainly Westerners. The presence of Westerners had positive effects on the subjects’ overall evaluations of the districts regarding a sense of activity and touristic uniqueness. Negative effects were found regarding a sense of calmness and harmony. These results imply the importance of the characteristics of tourist attractions and of the observable characteristics of foreign tourists for tourism promotion in historic districts.

A Cold War Tourist and His Camera (review)

Reviewed by: A Cold War Tourist and His Camera Jacqueline Cannata A Cold War Tourist and His Camera. Martha Langford and John Langford. Montreal and Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2011. Pp. 208, $39.95 Martha Langford and John Langford’s A Cold War Tourist and His Camera offers a unique analysis of images of Canada’s global presence during the Cold War. This study revolves around the sixteenth class year of Canada’s National Defence College as it learned about Canada’s national and international Cold War security strategies and later travelled through North America, Africa, and Europe in 1963. Asserting that ‘any photographic collection, amateur or professional, from the Cold War era can be interpreted contextually and imaginatively to shine light on the rhetoric and preoccupations of those times’ (4), Langford and Langford show that tourist photography at this time was an attempt to position the photographer and the audience within the Cold War and its surrounding landscape. Their treatment of the topic certainly confirms this view, as they reveal the intricate relationships between political climate, culture, personal vision, and slide photography. Part of the book’s appeal lies in its approach; rather than gathering the photos of just any National Defence College participant, the authors [End Page 516] use the slide photographs taken by their father, Warren Langford, as the basis of their study. Supplementing his 1963 slide collection are letters and postcards he wrote to his family while he travelled. This presents an opportunity to evaluate the image within its historical context and how the photos were displayed. Since the photos used in this study are slides, they were necessarily presented to other viewers – an act that Langford and Langford both remember from their childhoods and use as a fundamental piece of evidence. Consequently, they have endeavoured to organize and analyze the collection according to their father’s travel itinerary because it preserves ‘something of the photographic impulse’ (20). Important here is that the authors discuss their findings within the context of the photographer–viewer relationship, so casting the act of taking a photo as equal to its resulting image. Although using their father’s slide and communication collections is ultimately an effective and novel approach to Cold War–era photography, there were some points of this more personal account of the Cold War experience that could have benefitted from further explanation. At times, it seemed as though a familial anecdote’s meaning had been assumed but not explained. This is not to say that Langford and Langford’s approach was not objective enough – they generally successfully present their evidence and analysis without familial bias. However, that there are still some areas that need more attention does emphasize the challenges of maintaining a balance of personal histories within broader political and cultural events. Because of its emphasis on photography, Langford and Langford’s study is of particular interest to art, tourism, and cultural historians. However, the authors have made sure to situate their analysis within the historical context of the Cold War and so have provided detailed accounts of Canada’s foreign policies, its relations with other countries, and the international political climate. Consequently, by showing how these efforts were perceived by a ‘Cold War tourist’ and displayed to his family, this work presents a personal interpretation of Canada’s participation in the Cold War while simultaneously keeping a global perspective. The methodology employed by Langford and Langford is also commendable and quite useful to those working with photography collections or integrating photos within their research because of the authors’ attention to the process of taking and displaying slide photographs. The quality of the book itself enhances its use for photo historians. Not only are the images carefully chosen, explained, and analyzed, they are also reproduced with the utmost care and attention to quality. The images were not cropped and they are, where possible, organized [End Page 517] sequentially, so helping to illustrate the photographic impulse the authors incorporate within their analysis of the slide collection. In addition, the variety of photos included by the authors is partially what makes this study so important for scholars of tourism and Cold War histories because they collectively...

Land cover mapping in an agricultural setting using multiseasonal Thematic Mapper data

A multiseasonal Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data set consisting of five image dates from a single year was used to characterize agricultural and related land cover in the Willamette River Basin (WRB) of western Oregon. Image registration was accomplished using an automated ground control point selection program. Radiometric normalization was performed using a semiautomated approach based on the identification of no-change pixels in forest, urban, and water classes. Reference data were developed using existing data sets, including low-level 35-mm color slide photographs, 1:24,000 color airphotos, and ancillary geographic information system (GIS) coverages. Preliminary examination of the data structure included plotting of training set temporal trajectories in spectral space with reference to existing crop calendars. A subsequent stratified, unsupervised classification algorithm, in combination with a geoclimatic rule set and regression analysis, was used to label mapped cells. A map of 20 land cover classes was developed. Classes included agricultural crops and orchards, forest and natural cover types, and urban building densities. An accuracy assessment indicated a final map error of only 26%. The map is now being used to model present and future landscapes for the basin.

A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF CARBAMIDE PEROXIDE AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE WHITENING AGENTS DURING DAYTIME USE

Vital tooth bleaching for esthetic reasons has gained in popularity during the last few years. However, few studies have investigated the efficacy of daytime bleaching products. The purpose of this double-blind in vivo study was to evaluate the efficacy of 20 percent carbamide peroxide, or CP, and 7.5 percent hydrogen peroxide, or HP, during daytime use. The degree of color change, any color relapse, and tooth or gingival sensitivity were evaluated. Twenty-four patients participated in this study. The bleaching gels were randomly applied to the right and left maxillary anterior teeth. Patients were shown how to place the two bleaching agents in a custom tray for one hour, twice a day for two weeks. Patients returned in one, two, three, six and 12 weeks for color evaluation with the colorimeter and shade guides as well as to have color slide photographs taken. The authors evaluated sensitivity by asking the patients to record daily for 21 days any tooth or gingival sensitivity they experienced. Use of the 20 percent CP resulted in significantly more lightness than the 7.5 percent HP during the first 14 days of the study, but at the end of the study, there was no significant difference between products with regard to tooth lightness. In addition, the authors found no statistically significant difference between products with regard to gingival or tooth sensitivity. Both CP and HP are effective at-home bleaching agents when daytime bleaching is preferred. Dentists who choose to use daytime bleaching can select either CP or HP.

Fourier analysis of facial profiles of young twins.

Twins studies provide a powerful approach to determining the relative contribution of genetics and environment to observed variation. Such studies assume trait differences in monozygous (MZ) twins are due to environmental factors and those in dizygous (DZ) twins are due to both genetic and environmental factors. This study quantitated facial profiles of twins using Fourier equations, determining their value in profile analysis and the assessment of the genetic contribution to facial shape. Standardized profile slide photographs of 79 pairs of 4-6 year-old twins (37 MZ pairs, 42 DZ pairs) were scanned and x and y coordinates were extracted from each profile using sellion and Camper's plane as references. The coordinates were subjected to Fourier analysis and the normalised vertex projection coefficients were studied. The means of the differences between coefficients for MZ co-twins did not differ significantly from that of DZ co-twins, although the DZ group showed higher mean differences in the higher harmonics. Subjective examination of superimposed reconstructions showed wider variation between DZ co-twins than MZ co-twins. Correct classification of twins by discriminant function analysis using Fourier coefficients was similar for both groups (MZ: 70.3%; DZ: 73.8%). Fourier analysis could quantitate facial profiles of young children and differentiate some details, but was unable to discriminate between genetic and environmental influences, and any possible interactions between these influences, on their overall facial profiles at this developmental stage.

Human sclera: Thickness and surface area

To assess the mean thickness and surface area of human sclera. Fifty-five formalin-fixed eye bank eyes were hemisected from anterior to posterior. Cross-sectional slides were taken to include a millimeter scale ruler in each photograph. Slide photographs were projected and the scleral silhouette sketched. Mean scleral thickness measurements with standard deviation were obtained. Twenty-five human eye bank eyes were used to determine total scleral surface area by either a computerized tracing method (17 globes) or volumetric calculations (eight globes) using fluid displacement. Mean scleral thickness +/- SD was 0.53 +/- 0.14 mm at the corneoscleral limbus, significantly decreasing to 0.39 +/- 0.17 mm near the equator, and increasing to 0.9 to 1.0 mm near the optic nerve. The mean total scleral surface area by surface area computerized tracings was 16.3 +/- 1.8 cm2 and, by the volume displacement method, was 17.0 +/- 1.5 cm2. Scleral thickness and surface area measurements from cadaver eyes are important for ophthalmic surgeons and have implications for transscleral diffusion.

Upper eyelid margin‐to‐corneal reflex distance in Arab boys

Background: The average value of some facial and ocular dimension varies with race, age and gender. The upper eyelid margin‐to‐corneal reflex distance (ULCRD) is used to define and quantify the degree of blepharoptosis. Evidence from previous studies indicates that both the vertical width of the palpebral fissure (VWPF) and the ULCRD are age‐dependent. This study was carried out to investigate the average value of the ULCRD in Saudi Arabian boys and to determine the relationship between the ULCRD and the VWPF. This information will be useful in diagnosing and quantifying the degree of ptosis among Arabian boys. Methods: Measurements of the ULCRD and the VWPF were obtained from projected slide photographs taken of boys aged between six and 15 years. The measured distances were converted to actual values by multiplying by a constant magnification factor. Results: The average value of the ULCRD was 3.05 mm ± 0.79 while that of the VWPF was 8.83 mm ± 1.14. The ULCRD was directly proportional to the VWPF. Approximately 44.0 per cent of the variation in the ULCRD among our subjects was accounted for by the differences in the VWPF. The two variables were related by the equation: ULCRD = 0.45 VWPF ‐0.91. A maximum asymmetry of 1.0 mm was obtained between the ULCRD of the two eyes. Conclusions: The average value of the ULCRD of Arab boys is lower than previously reported averages obtained on predominantly Caucasian adult subjects. This finding may be related to age and racial differences. The ULCRD is closely related to the VWPF. Generally, the ULCRD is similar in both eyes. Asymmetry greater than 1.0 mm should be investigated further for evidence of blepharoptosis or exophthalmos.

The relationship between laparoscopic disease, pelvic pain and infertility; an unbiased assessment

Objectives: To measure the relationship between laparoscopically detected pelvic pathology and pelvic pain or infertility. Methods: Women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy either for the investigation of pelvic pain, for sterilisation or for the investigation of infertility were studied. The indication for surgery was recorded before laparoscopy. At operation a series of 35-mm slide photographs were taken of the pelvis and later scored by two independent assessors without knowledge of the indication for surgery. Results: Satisfactory photographs were obtained in 298 women. Minimal endometriosis was not associated with pain (adjusted OR 1.3; 0.5–2.8), although moderate disease was non-significantly so (2.5; 0.4–7.1). Severe disease was significantly more common and never occurred in patients being sterilised ( P=0.02). The odds of pain were not increased in the presence of dilated veins >9 mm diameter (OR 1.1; 0.4–3.2) or adhesions (OR 0.6; 0.2–4.7). The odds of infertility were non-significantly increased in the presence of minimal and moderate endometriosis (OR 2.0; 0.8–5.3, and OR 4.2; 0.6–25 respectively) and again significantly more common in the presence of advanced disease ( P=0.002). The odds of infertility tended to be lower in the presence of severely dilated veins (OR 0.2; 0.032–1.2). There was no clear effect of adhesions (OR 0.9; 0.1–5.9). Conclusions: The long established associations between severe endometriosis and pelvic pain, and between endometriosis in general and infertility are confirmed. However there is little or no association between minimal endometriosis, pelvic adhesions or dilated pelvic veins and pain. Previously reported associations may have been an artefact of the surgeon's knowledge of the indication for operation when assessing the pelvis.

A Retrospective of the AAAI Robot Competitions

This article is the content of an invited talk given by the authors at the Thirteenth National Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI-96). The piece begins with a short history of the competition, then discusses the technical challenges and the political and cultural issues associated with bringing it off every year. We also cover the science and engineering involved with the robot tasks and the educational and commercial aspects of the competition. We finish with a discussion of the community formed by the organizers, participants, and the conference attendees. The original talk made liberal use of video clips and slide photographs; so, we have expanded the text and added photographs to make up for the lack of such media.

Patient selection in the treatment of glabellar wrinkles with botulinum toxin type A injection.

To determine the dose-response characteristics and side-effects profile of Clostridium botulinum type A exotoxin (Botox) used to treat glabellar wrinkles and develop guidelines for patient selection based on the nature and severity of the treated wrinkles. Prospective, nonrandomized pilot and electromyogram (EMG)-guided studies. Two ambulatory care clinics at university hospitals. For the pilot study, volunteer samples of 23 patients with glabellar wrinkles; for the EMG-guided study, volunteer samples of 57 patients with glabellar wrinkles. For the pilot study, 23 patients were serially injected with up to 10.0 mouse units (MU) of Botox into each corrugator muscle; for the EMG-guided study, 57 patients were injected under EMG guidance with an initial dose of 10.0 MU of Botox into each corrugator muscle. Eleven patients with persistent corrugator activity were reinjected with 10.0 MU of Botox. For the pilot study, slide photographs were obtained before and 2 weeks after injection; for the EMG-guided study, slide photographs were obtained before and at 2 weeks and at 2 months after injection. Patients were asked to evaluate results numerically. For the pilot study, injection of up to 10.0 MU of Botox into each corrugator muscle produced a satisfactory improvement in 12 patients; for the EMG-guided study, 43 patients were satisfied with improvement after full abolition of corrugator or accessory lateral brow muscle activity. Women were more likely to achieve satisfactory results than were men (80% [40/50] vs 43% [3/7]; P < or = .03). Improvement was not age related. No significant side effects or complications were observed. Glabellar wrinkles may be satisfactorily treated with Botox injection into the corrugator supercilii muscles. Improvement is temporary, dose dependent, and may not be seen in some patients even with successful denervation of the treated muscles. Clinicians may begin treatment with a dose of 10.0 MU of Botox into each corrugator muscle, and may select candidates for injection by determining the type of wrinkle to be treated and its spreadability (glabellar spread test).

Corneal scarring in keratoconus—Measurements and influence on visual acuity

We selected 10 keratoconus patients (20 eyes) with a wide range of disease severity. Cornea scar slide photographs were projected; the scars were manually traced and digitized to determine area and distance to the scar from the center of the pupil. LogMAR high-contrast visual acuity ranged from 0.4 to 0.0 ( 20 50 to 20 20 Snellen). Scarring ranged from no scar (eight eyes) to a maximum of 3.83-mm 2 corneal scar area. Corneal scarring within I mm of the pupil center may contribute to visual compromise in keratoconus.

Fractal Analysis for Morphological Description of Corn Roots under Nitrogen Stress

AbstractA means of quantification of plant root branching, specifically under stress, is of importance for evaluating the contribution of plant roots to water and nutrient uptake and subsequently plant growth. An experiment was conducted to describe the morphology of corn (Zea mays L.) root systems using fractal analysis and also to determine if a root’s fractal dimension (D) is altered by N stress. Corn genotypes (B73 ✕ LH105 and N74 ✕ Mo17) were planted in peg boxes, 1.2 m long, 1.2 m deep, and 0.05 m wide filled with 20:80 soil to sand mixture and were grown with N rates of 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg kg−1. Thirtynine days after planting, the mixture was gently washed from the roots and the roots were divided into nine sections (squares of side 304.8 mm) and slide photographs were taken from each section. The slides were projected on grids made up of 122, 242, and 482 squares of sides (r) 25.4, 12.7, and 6.35 mm, respectively. Regression of log of number of squares intersected by roots vs. long of r levels was used to determine the slope (—D). Fractal dimension was significantly smaller for zero N compared to applied N with no detectable difference among applied N levels. Fractal dimension was highest for the section directly below the crown (D = 1.73) indicating high root branching and was lowest for the sections in deeper soil (D = 1.19, average of 3 sections in the 0.6 to 0.9‐m depth) indicating less branching. The intercept of the regression line (log K), which indicates root abundance, was lowest for zero N. Amount of roots in the section directly below the crown was 45% of total roots. Nitrogen stress changed the morphology of corn root system and caused less root branching. Fractal analysis was a useful method for describing the morphology of corn root systems, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

A COMPUTER VISION SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING CORN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT Efficient utilization of agricultural resources requires a better understanding of crop growth and development. Current modeling efforts aimed at predicting the response of plants to environmental conditions lack the ability to relate results to basic characteristics observed in the field. The ability to reliably evaluate both photometric and morphometric parameters for individual plants would not only improve existing models but also create a database from which new models may be generated. A vision-based data collection system was developed to study the growth and development of com plants. Slide photographs were taken of field specimens at given intervals throughout the 1989 growing season. These images were scanned into the system and processed using software developed for this project. This article outlines both the plant collection procedures as well as the analysis techniques included in the software package. Software supplied with the slide scanner and internally developed image processing algorithms were evaluated prior to data analyses. From 64 to 320 attributes were obtained for each plant and later combined with associated meteorological information to form a developmental database. Results from the analyses involving these databases will be detailed in later publications.

服装を手掛りとした性格の想定 服装を写真で提示した場合

服装を手掛りとした性格の想定 服装を写真で提示した場合

Selected Measures of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion: Differences and Intercorrelations

The purpose of this investigation was to describe and compare ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM) measurements obtained using the heel, fifth metatarsal, and plantar surface of foot as distal surface landmarks while the ankle was dorsiflexed under three conditions. The conditions were: 1) passive ankle dorsiflexion with force adequate to encounter notable tension in the plantar flexor muscles, 2) passive ankle dorsiflexion with a maximal force, and 3) as in number 2 but actively assisted by the subject. Thirty-six women had their ankles dorsiflexed three times under each of the three conditions. Slide photographs were taken of the procedure. The photographs were projected and ADROM measured using the three distal landmarks. Analysis of variance demonstrated that ADROM measurements were significantly different (p less than 0.001) under the three conditions of measurement and when the different landmarks were used. The majority (83.3%) of the ADROM measurements were correlated significantly (P less than .01) with one another regardless of the condition or landmark of measurement. Clinicians should be aware that measurements of ADROM will differ depending on the conditions of measurement and the landmarks used. Despite the differences, measurements obtained using various combinations of conditions and landmarks will provide an indication of ADROM.

Quantitative assessment of head and shoulder posture.

Posture of the head, neck, and shoulders has long been recognized as a factor contributing to the onset and perpetuation of cervical pain dysfunction syndromes. Treatment regimens frequently include exercises and instruction for postural correction. Clinical assessment of posture, however, tends to be subjective in nature. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of a new objective technique of posture measurement and to establish normal standards for the technique. This study used a computer-assisted slide digitizing system called Postural Analysis Digitizing System (PADS) to determine characteristic values for head and shoulder girdle posture and characteristic range of motion for head protraction-retraction and shoulder protraction-retraction in a sample of able-bodied young men. PADS is a modification of a two-dimensional slide digitizing system developed for measuring trunk range of motion. Twenty male subjects were photographed in a neutral position, the maximally protracted position, and the maximally retracted position of the head and scapula. Ten subjects were evaluated once, and ten were evaluated twice. The slide photographs were analyzed using a computer-assisted digitizing system. Well-defined anatomic landmarks were used to determine angular relationships in the head, neck, and shoulders. The reliability of the system was tested by calculating an intraclass correlation coefficient, student t-test, and the percent error for each position. The positions were considered reproducible, and reliability of the system was considered adequate for postural analysis. Mean values for the positions were 28.48 degrees, 51.97 degrees, and 62.09 degrees for head protraction, the neutral position, and head retraction, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)