Cell Microscopic Segmentation with Spiking Neuron Networks

International audienceSpiking Neuron Networks (SNNs) overcome the computational power of neural networks made of thresholds or sigmoidal units. Indeed, SNNs add a new dimension, the temporal axis, to the representation capacity and the processing abilities of neural networks. In this paper, we present how SNN can be applied with efficacy for cell microscopic image segmentation. Results obtained confirm the validity of the approach. The strategy is performed on cytological color images. Quantitative measures are used to evaluate the resulting segmentations

Effect of nanoporosity on inflammatory cells

Background: Nanoporous alumina offers many advantages over traditional biomaterials. However, the inflammatory response is poorly characterized [1]. In this study chronic inflammation towards nanoporous alumina, with pore sizes 20and 200 nm, was investigated. Materials and methods: Murine macrophages, RAW264.7, were cultured on alumina membranes. Cell morphology was analyzed through scanning electron microsopy. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) was quantified by nitrobluetetrazolium assay, to characterize macrophage activation on 1 and 3 days. Alumina membranes were implanted subcutaneously in Balb/c mice and removed2 weeks later. Histology at the implant site was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin Y (H&E) and Masson trichrome stain. Results: Macrophages cultured on 20 nm pores conformed to arounded morphology, while cells on 200 nm pores were flattened (Fig 1). ROS generated in macrophages was significantly higher on 200 nm than 20 nm at both 1 and 3 days (Fig 1C). Histological evaluation showed that fibrotic capsule thickness and collagen content was not affected by pore size. Capsule cell density, however, was significantly higher around 200 nm alumina membranes than 20 nm membranes. Conclusions: The 200 nm pore size membranes exhibited a stronger inflammatory response than 20 nm pores. Phagocyte recruitment to the area of implantation was increased, and macrophage activation was greater, In vitro and in vivo. Nanofeatures on implant surfaces can, therefore, be used to regulate the inflammatory response during acute and chronic inflammation