A fractal analysis of cell images.
Methods of digital image analysis have been adapted to measure the fractal dimension of cellular profiles. The fractal dimension is suggested as a useful measure of the complexity of a contour. Three methods produce similar results when applied to constructed, near-ideal fractal figures. Comparison of the measurements for a variety of image types indicates the measurement accuracy in each case and may help in interpreting the results when applied to real, non-ideal cell images of unknown fractal dimension. Two of the methods are currently adopted as appropriate for use on neuronal contours. A correlation exists between the complexity of these contours and the magnitude of the estimated fractal dimension.
Smith
T G
TG
Laboratory of Neurophysiology, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Marks
W B
WB
Lange
G D
GD
Sheriff
W H
WH
Neale
E A
EA
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure*