An unsupervised learning approach for tracking mice in an enclosed area.

Background: In neuroscience research, mouse models are valuable tools to understand the genetic mechanisms that advance evidence-based discovery. In this context, large-scale studies emphasize the need for automated high-throughput systems providing a reproducible behavioral assessment of mutant mice with only a minimum level of manual intervention. Basic element of such systems is a robust tracking algorithm.

Extracellular pH regulates excitability of vomeronasal sensory neurons.

The mouse vomeronasal organ (VNO) plays a critical role in semiochemical detection and social communication. Vomeronasal stimuli are typically secreted in various body fluids. Following direct contact with urine deposits or other secretions, a peristaltic vascular pump mediates fluid entry into the recipient's VNO.

Fibrin-polylactide-based tissue-engineered vascular graft in the arterial circulation.

There is a clear clinical requirement for the design and development of living, functional, small-calibre arterial grafts. Here, we investigate the potential use of a small diameter, tissue-engineered artery in a pre-clinical study in the carotid artery position of sheep. Small-calibre ( approximately 5 mm) vascular composite grafts were molded using a fibrin scaffold supported by a poly(L/D)lactide 96/4 (P(L/D)LA 96/4) mesh, and seeded with autologous arterial-derived cells prior to 28 days of dynamic conditioning.

In vivo remodeling and structural characterization of fibrin-based tissue-engineered heart valves in the adult sheep model.

Autologous fibrin-based tissue-engineered heart valves have demonstrated excellent potential as patient-derived valve replacements. The present pilot study aims to evaluate the structure and mechanical durability of fibrin-based heart valves after implantation in a large-animal model (sheep). Tissue-engineered heart valves were molded using a fibrin scaffold and autologous arterial-derived cells before 28 days of mechanical conditioning.

Electromagnetic tracking for CT-guided spine interventions: phantom, ex-vivo and in-vivo results.

An electromagnetic-based tracking and navigation system was evaluated for interventional radiology. The electromagnetic tracking system (CAPPA IRAD EMT, CASinnovations, Erlangen, Germany) was used for real-time monitoring of punctures of the lumbar facet joints and intervertebral disks in a spine phantom, three pig cadavers and three anaesthesized pigs. Therefore, pre-interventional computed tomography (CT) datasets were transferred to the navigation system and puncture trajectories were planned.