Image Processing Methods for Automatic Cell Counting In Vivo or In Situ Using 3D Confocal Microscopy

Abstract

Fetal and maternal heart rates were studied in unrestrained, pregnant harbor seals (Phoca vitulina ) during the last third of gestation. Heart rates were recorded while the mothers were resting on land or performing trained simulated dives of up to 2.25 min. Data from resting mothers showed the development of a bimodal or two-speed fetal heart rate pattern during late gestation. The mean faster and slower fetal heart rates at term were 125 plus or minus 3.7 and 79 plus or minus 3.1 (mean plus or minus SEM) respectively. The amount of fetal bradycardia observed increased steadily towards term. Findings suggest that the regulatory mechanism that determines the apneic bradycardia in young harbor seals during non-stressful conditions develops in the last quarter of gestation.