scholarly journals New objective measurements of semen wave motion are associated with fertility in sheep

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 889 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. David ◽  
P. Kohnke ◽  
J. Fehrenbach ◽  
A. R. Lopes Simoes ◽  
E. Debreuve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optic Flow ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Wave Motion ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Linear Combinations ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Objective Variable ◽  
Sperm Motion ◽  
Subjective Motion

In sheep, wave motion in semen is currently used by AI centres to select ejaculates for insemination. Despite its low cost, convenience and established ability to predict fertility, the subjectivity of this assessment is a limiting factor for its applicability. The aims of the present study were to establish an objective method for the analysis of wave motion and to assess the associations of objective parameters with fertility after cervical insemination. Collective sperm motion in undiluted semen was observed by phase contrast microscopy at low magnification in a 100-µm deep glass chamber. Images of moving dark waves over a grey background were recorded and analysed by the optic flow method, producing several velocity-related parameters. Turbulence was assessed from the motion of fluorescent polystyrene beads. Among objective parameters, optical flow entropy and the average speed of beads were both able to discriminate ejaculates suitable for insemination. Two synthetic variables of optic flow and bead motion and a global objective variable were computed from linear combinations of individual parameters and compared with the subjective motion score for their predictive value. These were as efficient as the wave motion score for assessing fertility and can be proposed for the assessment of ram semen in routine AI procedures.

scholarly journals Single-shot phase contrast microscopy using polarisation-resolved differential phase contrast

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kalita ◽  
W. Flanagan ◽  
J. Lightley ◽  
S. Kumar ◽  
Y. Alexandrov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Phase Image ◽  
Single Shot ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
Phase Microscopy ◽  
Microscopy Technique ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Imaging Polarimetry ◽  
Differential Phase Contrast

AbstractWe present a robust, low-cost single-shot implementation of differential phase microscopy utilising a polarisation-sensitive camera to simultaneously acquire 4 images from which the phase gradients and quantitative phase image can be calculated. This polarisation-resolved differential phase contrast (pDPC) microscopy technique can be interleaved with single-shot imaging polarimetry.

Some Applications of Phase-Contrast Microscopy

1947 ◽  
Vol s3-88 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-499
Author(s):  
ROBERT BARER
Keyword(s):  
No Value ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Phase Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Insect Larvae ◽  
Valuable Adjunct ◽  
Living State ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Physical Case ◽  
Successful Employment

Some extensions of the simple theory of phase-contrast microscopy are considered. It is emphasized that transparency, rather than thickness, is the limiting factor for the successful employment of the method. Certain transparent insect larvae (Chaoborus, Chironomus) can be observed in the living state by phase-contrast illumination. The statement that the method is of no value for the examination of fixed and stained sections is based on consideration of an ideal physical case. In practice the method may be a valuable adjunct to routine examination of such material. Examples are given of the application of phase-contrast microscopy to normal and pathological stained sections.

scholarly journals Isolation of intact and pure chloroplasts from leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants acclimated to low irradiance for studies on Rubisco regulation

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 91-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magda Grabsztunowicz ◽  
Grzegorz Jackowski
Keyword(s):  
Arabidopsis Thaliana ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Phase Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Differential Centrifugation ◽  
Percoll Gradient ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Leaf Homogenate

<p>A protocol is presented for low-cost and fast isolation of intact and pure chloroplasts from leaves of plants acclimated to low irradiance. The protocol is based on a differential centrifugation of cleared leaf homogenate and omits a centrifugation on Percoll gradient step. The intactness and purity of the chloroplasts isolated from leaves of low irradiance-acclimated plants by using this protocol (confirmed by phase contrast microscopy as well as enzymatic and immunological approaches) allows plausible studies on low irradiance-dependent Rubisco regulation.</p>

Detachment of biofilm bacteria due to variations in nutrient supply

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda K. Sawyer ◽  
Slawomir W. Hermanowicz
Keyword(s):  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Digital Image Analysis ◽  
Specific Growth ◽  
Nutrient Supply ◽  
Surface Shear Stress ◽  
Surface Shear ◽  
Nutrient Limitations ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Biofilm Bacteria ◽  
Observable Parameter

Growth and detachment rates of an environmental isolate of Aeromonas hydrophila attached to a surface were determined under varying nutrient supply conditions in a complex medium. Growth and detachment of cells were observed in real time using phase contrast microscopy in glass parallel plate flow chambers. Surface shear stress was controlled in all experiments at 3 N m−2. Images were taken every 15 min. Digital image analysis was used to determine specific growth and detachment rates. An observable parameter proportional to the nutrient depletion at the surface due to transfer limitations was used to indicate nutrient limitations. Specific detachment rates increased as the depletion parameter increased, indicating that nutrient limitations cause this bacterium to detach at greater rates.

scholarly journals THU0406 IDENTIFICATION OF INTRACELLULAR VACUOLES IN SYNOVIAL FLUID WITH CALCIUM PYROPHOSPHATE AND MONOSODIUM URATE CRYSTALS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 440.1-441
Author(s):  
M. L. Peral ◽  
I. Calabuig ◽  
A. Martín-Carratalá ◽  
M. Andrés ◽  
E. Pascual
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Synovial Fluid ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Calcium Pyrophosphate ◽  
Monosodium Urate ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Cytoplasmic Vacuoles ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Ordinary Light ◽  
Msu Crystals

Background:Synovial fluid analysis using polarized microscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of crystal-related arthritis. In our experience, we have noted that, when calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals are observed, they sometimes appear within intracellular vacuoles. However, this phenomenon is not seen in those samples containing monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. This finding has been scantly reported in the literature, but may be useful in clinical practice to ensure accurate crystal identification.Objectives:Our study aims to assess whether the presence of vacuoles contributes to identifying the type of crystal, and also to gauge the frequency of their presentation.Methods:We conducted an observational study in a rheumatology unit between February and June of 2019. Synovial fluids containing CPP or MSU crystals, obtained in daily clinical practice, were consecutively included for analysis. Two observers simultaneously analyzed the presence of vacuoles by ordinary light and phase contrast microscopy in less than 24 hours after their extraction, using a microscope equipped with two viewing stations. The primary study variable was to determine whether CPP and MSU crystals are seen inside intracellular vacuoles, and to calculate the frequency of this finding for each type of crystal, estimating their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and comparing rates using Fisher’s exact test.Results:Twenty-one samples were obtained. Data is given in the Table. MSU crystals were present in 7 (33.3%) and CPP crystals in 14 (66.6%). Interestingly, none of the MSU samples showed crystal-containing vacuoles (95% CI 0-35.4%). On the contrary, cytoplasmic vacuoles containing crystals were present in all of the CPP samples (95% CI 78.5-100%). The findings were confirmed by phase-contrast microscopy. Differences were statistically significant (p<0.001).Table.SAMPLES ACCORDING TO TYPE OF MICROCRYSTAL(n=21)SAMPLES WITH VACUOLS(UNDER ORDINARY LIGHT)SAMPLES WITH VACUOLS(UNDER PHASE CONTRAST)CPP (14; 66.6%)14 (100%)(95%CI 78.5-100%)14 (100%)(95%CI 78.5-100%)MSU (7; 33.3%)0 (0%)(95%CI 0-35.4%)0 (0%)(95%CI 0-35.4%)Conclusion:The presence of vacuoles may be a useful and easy way to differentiate MSU and CPP crystals when performing synovial fluid microscopy in clinical practice, since it appears to be a distinctive feature in CPP crystal fluids.References:[1]Kohn NN, Hughes RE, McCarty DJ Jr, Faires JS. The significance of calcium phosphate crystals in the synovial fluid of arthritic patients: the «pseudogout syndrome». II. Identification of crystals. Ann InternMed. 1962 May;56:738-45.[2]Pascual E, Sivera F, Andrés M. Synovial Fluid Analysis for Crystals. CurrOpRheumatol 2011;23:161-169.[3]McCarty DJ, Koopman WJ. Arthritis and allied conditions: A textbook of rheumatology, volumen 1. Lea &amp;Febiger. 1993.[4]Pascual E, Sivera F. Synovial fluid crystal Analysis. En Gout and other crystal arthropathies. Terkeltaub R ed. Elsevier; 2012: p.20-34.[5]Hwang HS, Yang CM, Park SJ, Kim HA. Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Chondrocyte Death via Autophagic Process. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Dec 8;16(12):29265-77.Image 1. Microscopy with ordinary light. Cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles are observed, as well as abundant intra and extracellular CPP crystals.Image 2. Microscopy with phase contrast technique. Cells with intracellular vacuoles are observed inside which have microcrystals with parallelepiped morphology, compatible with CPP.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

scholarly journals Reconstruction of Relative Phase of Self-Transmitting Devices by Using Multiprobe Solutions and Non-Convex Optimization

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2459
Author(s):  
Rubén Tena Sánchez ◽  
Fernando Rodríguez Varela ◽  
Lars J. Foged ◽  
Manuel Sierra Castañer
Keyword(s):  
Iterative Algorithm ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Relative Phase ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Initial Guess ◽  
Noise Model ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Phase Reconstruction ◽  
Linear Combinations ◽  
Iterative Optimization Algorithm

Phase reconstruction is in general a non-trivial problem when it comes to devices where the reference is not accessible. A non-convex iterative optimization algorithm is proposed in this paper in order to reconstruct the phase in reference-less spherical multiprobe measurement systems based on a rotating arch of probes. The algorithm is based on the reconstruction of the phases of self-transmitting devices in multiprobe systems by taking advantage of the on-axis top probe of the arch. One of the limitations of the top probe solution is that when rotating the measurement system arch, the relative phase between probes is lost. This paper proposes a solution to this problem by developing an optimization iterative algorithm that uses partial knowledge of relative phase between probes. The iterative algorithm is based on linear combinations of signals when the relative phase is known. Phase substitution and modal filtering are implemented in order to avoid local minima and make the algorithm converge. Several noise-free examples are presented and the results of the iterative algorithm analyzed. The number of linear combinations used is far below the square of the degrees of freedom of the non-linear problem, which is compensated by a proper initial guess. With respect to noisy measurements, the top probe method will introduce uncertainties for different azimuth and elevation positions of the arch. This is modelled by considering the real noise model of a low-cost receiver and the results demonstrate the good accuracy of the method. Numerical results on antenna measurements are also presented. Due to the numerical complexity of the algorithm, it is limited to electrically small- or medium-size problems.

scholarly journals Rough Dental Implant Surfaces and Peri-Implantitis: Role of Phase-Contrast Microscopy, Laser Protocols, and Modified Home Oral Hygiene in Maintenance. A 10-Year Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 4985
Author(s):  
Gianluigi Caccianiga ◽  
Gérard Rey ◽  
Paolo Caccianiga ◽  
Alessandro Leonida ◽  
Marco Baldoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Vertical Movement ◽  
Subgingival Plaque ◽  
Phase Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Implant Surface ◽  
Total Percentage ◽  
Contrast Microscopy

The aim of this study was to evaluate two different kinds of rough implant surface and to assess their tendency to peri-implantitis disease, with a follow-up of more than 10 years. Data were obtained from a cluster of 500 implants with Ti-Unite surface and 1000 implants with Ossean surface, with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Implants had been inserted both in pristine bone and regenerated bone. We registered incidence of peri-implantitis and other causes of implant loss. All patients agreed with the following maintenance protocol: sonic brush with vertical movement (Broxo), interdental brushes, and oral irrigators (Broxo) at least two times every day. For all patients with implants, we evaluated subgingival plaque samples by phase-contrast microscopy every 4 months for a period of more than 10-years. Ti-Unite surface implants underwent peri-implantitis in 1.6% of the total number of implants inserted and Ossean surface implants showed peri-implantitis in 1.5% of the total number of implants. The total percentage of implant lost was 4% for Ti-Unite surfaces and 3.6% for Ossean surfaces. Strict control of implants leads to low percentage of peri-implantitis even for rough surfaces dental implants.

Organic Crystals in the Tracheids of Torreya Yunnanensis

IAWA Journal ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Kondo ◽  
Tomoyuki Fujii ◽  
Yoshioki Hayashi ◽  
Atsushi Kato
Keyword(s):  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Growth Ring ◽  
Uv Spectra ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Organic Crystals ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Cinnamic Aldehyde ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Polarised Light ◽  
Contrast Microscopy

Organic crystals were found in tracheid lumina of some samples of Torreya yunnanensis Chen ' L. K. Fu imported from Yunnan, China. Tracheids with crystals were found in short to long tangential bands along the growth ring boundaries. Because the crystals were rapidly dissolved with ethanol and xylene, cross and tangential sections were mounted in de-ionized water without staining and observed by biological, polarised light, and phase-contrast microscopy. The crystals were sublimated under vacuum during routine sample preparation for conventional SEM and only the peripheral parts remained. With the aid of low vacuum-SEM and modified cryo-SEM procedure, the shape of the crystals was revealed. Some were styloid and large enough to fill tracheid lumina, while others were stacked appearing as slates filling tracheid lumina. X-ray diffraction applied to sections and isolated crystals showed that they were single crystals and orientated along the cell wall. UV spectra on isolated crystals and methanol dissolution of crystals suggested that they were composed of phenolic compounds. Crystals that were recrystallized from methanol were analysed by 1H and l3C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These two techniques revealed that the major and minor components were o-methoxy cinnamic acid and o-methoxy cinnamic aldehyde.

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