Description and classification of bivalve mollusks hemocytes: a computational approach

The fractal formalism in combination with linear image analysis enables statistically significant description and classification of “irregular” (in terms of Euclidean geometry) shapes, such as, outlines ofin vitroflattened cells. We developed an optimal model for classifying bivalveSpisula sachalinensisandCallista brevisiphonataimmune cells, based on evaluating their linear and non-linear morphological features: size characteristics (area, perimeter), various parameters of cell bounding circle, convex hull, cell symmetry, roundness, and a number of fractal dimensions and lacunarities evaluating the spatial complexity of cells. Proposed classification model is based on Ward’s clustering method, loaded with highest multimodality index factors. This classification scheme groups cells into three morphological types, which can be distinguished both visually and by several linear and quasi-fractal parameters.

Approach for numerically describing and classifying benthic animals’ polymorphic cells morphology

Describing cell morphology is a tricky task, prone to misinterpretation due to subjective nature of the human observer and his vocabulary limitations. Consequently, these limitations actuate prevalence of non-formalized, statistically unverifiable language use. This determines the reason for overlooking cell shape as a viable parameter for describing cell's functional state intricacies. In this study we demonstrate the use of mathematical parameters set for describing two-dimensional fractals, such as: convex hull, density, roundness and asymmetry, for comparative in vitro morphological analysis of sprawled starfishes' Aphelasterias japonica and Patiria pectinifera (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) coelomocytes, and bivalve's Callista brevisiphonata (Mollusca: Bivalvia) hemocytes. We found that these parameters allow us to describe visually distinguishable but verbally indescribable "chaotic" sprawled cell shapes. Furthermore, resulting numerical cell descriptions differs significantly, enabling for their species-specific grouping and classification. We argue that presented morphometric methodology can be used for describing and classifying cells of any arbitrary morphology, as well as compiling "cell shape - cell functional state" match library for later use in in vitro analysis, potentially for cells of any animal.

Approach for numerically describing and classifying benthic animals’ polymorphic cells morphology

Describing cell morphology is a tricky task, prone to misinterpretation due to subjective nature of the human observer and his vocabulary limitations. Consequently, these limitations actuate prevalence of non-formalized, statistically unverifiable language use. This determines the reason for overlooking cell shape as a viable parameter for describing cell's functional state intricacies. In this study we demonstrate the use of mathematical parameters set for describing two-dimensional fractals, such as: convex hull, density, roundness and asymmetry, for comparative in vitro morphological analysis of sprawled starfishes' Aphelasterias japonica and Patiria pectinifera (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) coelomocytes, and bivalve's Callista brevisiphonata (Mollusca: Bivalvia) hemocytes. We found that these parameters allow us to describe visually distinguishable but verbally indescribable "chaotic" sprawled cell shapes. Furthermore, resulting numerical cell descriptions differs significantly, enabling for their species-specific grouping and classification. We argue that presented morphometric methodology can be used for describing and classifying cells of any arbitrary morphology, as well as compiling "cell shape - cell functional state" match library for later use in in vitro analysis, potentially for cells of any animal.

Approach for numerically describing and classifying benthic animals’ polymorphic cells morphology

Describing cell morphology is a tricky task, prone to misinterpretation due to subjective nature of the human observer and his vocabulary limitations. Consequently, these limitations actuate prevalence of non-formalized, statistically unverifiable language use. This determines the reason for overlooking cell shape as a viable parameter for describing cell's functional state intricacies. In this study we demonstrate the use of mathematical parameters set for describing two-dimensional fractals, such as: convex hull, density, roundness and asymmetry, for comparative in vitro morphological analysis of sprawled starfishes' Aphelasterias japonica and Patiria pectinifera (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) coelomocytes, and bivalve's Callista brevisiphonata (Mollusca: Bivalvia) hemocytes. We found that these parameters allow us to describe visually distinguishable but verbally indescribable "chaotic" sprawled cell shapes. Furthermore, resulting numerical cell descriptions differs significantly, enabling for their species-specific grouping and classification. We argue that presented morphometric methodology can be used for describing and classifying cells of any arbitrary morphology, as well as compiling "cell shape - cell functional state" match library for later use in in vitro analysis, potentially for cells of any animal.