A BASIC program for computer-assisted point-counting techniques. 1986

R G Knol, and P C de Wilde, and P J Slootweg

Description is given of a BASIC program running on inexpensive microcomputers (Commodore CBM 64, SX 64 and Apple II[e]) to facilitate and accelerate substantially the point-counting technique, one of the most widely used methods in the determination of such stereologic parameters as VV, AA, SV, BA, JV, KV and NV. The program aims to alleviate the most laborious manipulations required to obtain estimates of stereologic parameters and their statistical assessments. The program requires the declaration of the coherent grid constants, the desired stereologic parameters and the definition of up to ten keys of the computer keyboard to be used as score counters for the registration of particular grid-object events. After the registration of these decision events, the program is used to count points, intersections, transsections, number of profiles and tangents of a coherent test grid system with the objects of interest in a histologic section. The computer then calculates the stereologic parameters as well as the standard deviation and standard error of mean of these parameters, using the contents of the score counters as arguments. The flexibility of the program allows for the construction of investigator-defined parameters that can be expressed as a ratio of particular events as well as the use of standard stereologic parameters. While the program has been successfully utilized by nonprogrammers following basic instruction, knowledge of the elementary principles of stereology is a must in utilizing all of the possibilities of the program.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008838 Microcomputers Small computers using LSI (large-scale integration) microprocessor chips as the CPU (central processing unit) and semiconductor memories for compact, inexpensive storage of program instructions and data. They are smaller and less expensive than minicomputers and are usually built into a dedicated system where they are optimized for a particular application. "Microprocessor" may refer to just the CPU or the entire microcomputer. Computers, Personal,Microprocessors,Computer, Personal,Microcomputer,Microprocessor,Personal Computer,Personal Computers
D003201 Computers Programmable electronic devices designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Calculators, Programmable,Computer Hardware,Computers, Digital,Hardware, Computer,Calculator, Programmable,Computer,Computer, Digital,Digital Computer,Digital Computers,Programmable Calculator,Programmable Calculators
D006652 Histological Techniques Methods of preparing tissue for examination and study of the origin, structure, function, or pathology. Histologic Technic,Histologic Technics,Histologic Technique,Histologic Techniques,Histological Technics,Technic, Histologic,Technics, Histologic,Technique, Histologic,Techniques, Histologic,Histological Technic,Histological Technique,Technic, Histological,Technics, Histological,Technique, Histological,Techniques, Histological
D001699 Biometry The use of statistical and mathematical methods to analyze biological observations and phenomena. Biometric Analysis,Biometrics,Analyses, Biometric,Analysis, Biometric,Biometric Analyses
D012984 Software Sequential operating programs and data which instruct the functioning of a digital computer. Computer Programs,Computer Software,Open Source Software,Software Engineering,Software Tools,Computer Applications Software,Computer Programs and Programming,Computer Software Applications,Application, Computer Software,Applications Software, Computer,Applications Softwares, Computer,Applications, Computer Software,Computer Applications Softwares,Computer Program,Computer Software Application,Engineering, Software,Open Source Softwares,Program, Computer,Programs, Computer,Software Application, Computer,Software Applications, Computer,Software Tool,Software, Computer,Software, Computer Applications,Software, Open Source,Softwares, Computer Applications,Softwares, Open Source,Source Software, Open,Source Softwares, Open,Tool, Software,Tools, Software

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