A simple device for the computer quantification of depth measurements in thick light microscope sections.

G T Gdowski; W D Eldred; H F Voigt

doi:10.1016/0165-0270(87)90057-4

Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 3306174

A simple device for the computer quantification of depth measurements in thick light microscope sections.

G T Gdowski·W D Eldred·H F Voigt

View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

The use of computerized techniques to characterize quantitatively the anatomy of individual neurons has been increasing. One difficulty has been the quantification of the z-axis or depth measurements within thick light microscopic sections. In the present report we describe a simple device which employs an incremental optical encoder to transduce the movements of the focusing knob of the microscope so that depth information can be recorded directly by a computer. A resolution of 0.13 micron over a range of approximately 8.5 cm is achieved. The mechanical interface to the microscope is simple and applicable to a wide variety of microscopes. Interfacing circuits which allow the optical encoder to be used with an IBM-PC compatible computer are presented and described. The accuracy of the depth measurements is limited only by the mechanical tolerances of the focusing mechanism and by the optics of the microscope.

Explore related subjects

Electric Wiring Equipment Design Histological Techniques Image Processing, Computer-Assisted Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

G T Gdowski, W D Eldred, H F Voigt. 1987. A simple device for the computer quantification of depth measurements in thick light microscope sections.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0270(87)90057-4

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2006

From a radial operating theatre to a self-contained operating table.

Equipment congestion and a disarray of wires, tubes and lines (the spaghetti syndrome) is a common scenario in operating theatres. The radial arrangement of input and output signals and their interconnecting lines has been identified as the main source of clutter and congestion in this environment. Our aim was to present a comprehensive design concept for reducing electrical and physical clutter in the operating theatre. Data were collected from different operating theatres, including identification and sorting of equipment, cables, tubes and lines according to the direction and the features of the transmitted information and materials. We suggest a concept of a self-contained, 'built-in' operating table as a design solution for avoiding the clutter and congestion caused by the radial configuration. The operating table will function as a central integrated unit for management of the entire process of patient flow and control of supply systems and environmental conditions.

Electric Wiring↗

PubMed2006

Synthesis and optical properties of ZnTe single-crystalline nanowires.

Single-crystalline ZnTe nanowires with the zincblende structure have been synthesized on silicon (Si) substrates via a vapor phase transport method. The ZnTe (99.99%) powders were used as the source, and 10 nm-thick thermal evaporated gold (Au) film was used as the catalyst. The as-prepared ZnTe nanowires have diameters of 30-80 nm and lengths of more than 10 microm. The products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Optical properties of these nanowires were investigated by room-temperature Raman scattering spectrum and temperature-dependent photoluminescence measurements. The results show that the as-prepared ZnTe nanowires are of high crystal quality.

Electric Wiring↗

PubMed2005

Simple design changes to wires to substantially reduce MRI-induced heating at 1.5 T: implications for implanted leads.

Reductions in MRI-induced heating at 1.5 T resulting from a simple design change to coiled wires were investigated. MRI-induced heating was assessed for two different coiled wire forms (length, 26 cm): (1) multi-filar coiled wire form and (2) multi-filar coiled wire form having a different coiled pitch, providing an air gap spacing between adjacent five-filar coil loops. Each wire had an electrode and was insulated to create a lead, similar to that which would be used for a medical implant. The wire forms were placed in a gelled-saline-filled head/torso phantom and imaged at 1.5 T [whole-body average specific absorption rate (SAR), 1.79 W/kg]. Fluoroptic thermometry probes were used to measure temperatures at the distal ends of the wires. The experiments demonstrated a substantial reduction in MRI-induced heating for the modified wire compared to the unmodified wire (i.e., 10.5 degrees C difference observed in one experiment and 26 degrees C difference in another). These findings have important implications for MRI-induced heating of leads used for medical implants.

Electric Wiring↗