Web-Based Virtual Microscopy for Parasitology: A Novel Tool for Education and Quality Assurance

Here, we describe a novel tool to observe parasites by virtual microscopy on the Internet. Microscopy-based identification of parasites is the basis for both diagnostics and epidemiological assessment of parasite burden globally. Yet, quality assessment of diagnostic parasitology laboratories is difficult, as delivering identical educational specimens has been impossible. In this study, a series of parasite specimens on ordinary glass slides were digitized using a recently developed microscope scanner technique. Up to 50,000 images captured at high magnification are digitally stitched together to form a representation of the entire glass slide. These “virtual slides” digitized at a thousand-fold magnification can hold more than 60 gigabytes of data. Handling such large amounts of data was made possible because of efficient compression techniques and a viewing system adopted from the geospatial imaging industry. Viewing the samples on the Internet very much resembles, for example, the use of Google Maps, and puts only modest requirements on the viewer's computer. In addition, we captured image stacks at different focal planes, and developed a web-based viewing system for three-dimensional navigation in the specimens. This novel technique is especially valuable for detailed visualization of large objects such as helminth eggs in stool specimens

Statistical evaluation of a new resistance model for cold-formed stainless steel cross-sections subjected to web crippling

This paper presents a statistical evaluation according to Annex D of EN 1990 (2002) of a new resistance function for web crippling design of cold-formed stainless steel cross-sections. This resistance function was derived by Bock et al. (2013) through the use of carefully validated numerical models with the aim to propose a design expression for stainless steel sections, which are currently designed following the provisions for cold-formed carbon steel sections given in EN 1993-1-3 (2006). Although it was shown that the proposed design equation is appropriate for application to various stainless steels, the statistical uncertainties in material properties that the different types of stainless steels exhibit require an assessment of various partial safety factors. The statistical assessment showed that the proposed resistance function by Bock et al. (2013) requires adjustment to satisfy the safety level set out in EN 1993-1-4 (2006); A recalibration is performed herein. The web crippling design provisions given in EN 1993-1-3 (2006) and SEI/ASCE 8-02 (2002) American standard for application to stainless steel are also statistically evaluated herein. Comparison with test and numerical data showed that the predictions of the recalibrated resistance function are better suited and consistent than existing design provisionsResearch Fund for Coal and Stee

Evolution de la variabilite genetique inter et intra-populations de populations de salmonides issues de memes pools geniques

National audienc

Role of the OPG/RANK/RANKL triad in calcifications of the atheromatous plaques: Comparison between carotid and femoral beds

Recent works demonstrated the difference of calcification genesis between carotid and femoral plaques, femoral plaques being more calcified. It has been clearly demonstrated that the molecular triad osteoprotegerin (OPG)/Receptor Activator of NFkB (RANK)/RANK Ligand (RANKL) exerts its activities in the osteoimmunology and vascular system. The aim of this study was to determine their expression and their potential role in calcifications of the atheromatous plaques located in two different peripheral arterial beds, carotid and femoral. The expression of OPG, RANK and RANKL was analyzed by immunochemistry in 40 carotid and femoral samples. Blood OPG and RANKL were quantified using specific ELISA assays. OPG staining was more frequently observed in carotid than in femoral plaques, especially in lipid core. Its expression correlated with macrophage infiltration more abundantly observed in carotid specimens. Surprisingly, serum OPG concentration was significantly lower in carotid population compared to femoral population while RANK and RANKL were equally expressed in both arterial beds. Carotid plaques that are less rich in calcium than femoral specimens, express more frequently OPG, this expression being correlated with the abundance of macrophages in the lesions. These data strengthen the key role played by OPG in the differential calcification in carotid and femoral plaques

Tandem: An Agent-Oriented Approach for Mixed System Management in Air Operations

Tandem focuses on prospective concepts in order to deal with specic problems of mixed patrols, i.e. aerial patrols composed of both inhabited and uninhabited aircraft. Cooperation between humans and articial devices, so as the dioeerent possible modes of interactions have to be modelled and assessed. The paper decribes the concepts that will be developed to tackle the problems, so as the methodology that will be implemented to assess them. L'#tude Tandem s'int#resse # des concepts avanc#s en vue de traiter les probl#mes sp#- ciques des patrouilles mixtes, c'est-#-dire de dispositifs a#riens compos#s d'avions habit#s et d'avions inhabit#s. La coop#ration entre personnes et syst#mes articiels, ainsi que les dioe#rents modes d'interaction possibles, doivent #tre mod#lis#s et #valu#s. L'article d#crit les concepts qui seront d#velopp #s, ainsi que la m#thodologie qui sera mise en #uvre pour les #valuer. 1 Introduction The tactical environment of ghters is more and mo..

Formation à la statistique. FPSTAT2. Analyse multidimensionnelle des données

* INRA Département de biométrie, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy en Josas cedex Diffusion du document : INRA Département de biométrie, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy en Josas cedexNational audienc