Rapid and Precise Semi-Automatic Axon Quantification in Human Peripheral Nerves

We developed a time-efficient semi-automated axon quantification method using freeware in human cranial nerve sections stained with paraphenylenediamine (PPD). It was used to analyze a total of 1238 facial and masseteric nerve biopsies. The technique was validated by comparing manual and semi-automated quantification of 129 (10.4%) randomly selected biopsies. The software-based method demonstrated a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 87%. Semi-automatic axon counting was significantly faster (p<0.001) than manual counting. It took 1hour and 47minutes for all 129 biopsies (averaging 50sec per biopsy, 0.04seconds per axon). The counting process is automatic and does not need to be supervised. Manual counting took 21hours and 6minutes in total (average 9minutes and 49seconds per biopsy, 0.52seconds per axon). Our method showed a linear correlation to the manual counts (R=0.944 Spearman rho). Attempts have been made by several research groups to automate axonal load quantification. These methods often require specific hard- and software and are therefore only accessible to a few specialized laboratories. Our semi-automated axon quantification is precise, reliable and time-sparing using publicly available software and should be useful for an effective axon quantification in various human peripheral nerves

FIRST RESULTS OF THE NEW BUNCH-BY-BUNCH FEEDBACK SYSTEM AT ANKA

Abstract A new digital three dimensional fast bunch-by-bunch feedback system has been installed and commissioned at ANKA. Immediate improvements to stored current and lifetime were achieved for normal user operation. For this, the feedback has to be running during the injection and the energy ramp to 2.5 GeV. Additionally, the feedback system was also incorporated into the diagnostic tool-set at ANKA and opened up new possibilities of automated and continuous measurement of certain beam parameters. The system can operate in different modes such as the low alpha operation mode, which has different requirements on the feedback system compared to normal user operation. Results on the various aspects will be presented as well as future improvements