Imaging Morphogenesis: Technological Advances and Biological Insights

Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 340 (6137) ◽  
pp. 1234168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp J. Keller

Morphogenesis, the development of the shape of an organism, is a dynamic process on a multitude of scales, from fast subcellular rearrangements and cell movements to slow structural changes at the whole-organism level. Live-imaging approaches based on light microscopy reveal the intricate dynamics of this process and are thus indispensable for investigating the underlying mechanisms. This Review discusses emerging imaging techniques that can record morphogenesis at temporal scales from seconds to days and at spatial scales from hundreds of nanometers to several millimeters. To unlock their full potential, these methods need to be matched with new computational approaches and physical models that help convert highly complex image data sets into biological insights.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eóin O'Hara ◽  
André L.A. Neves ◽  
Yang Song ◽  
Le Luo Guan

Ruminant production systems face significant challenges currently, driven by heightened awareness of their negative environmental impact and the rapidly rising global population. Recent findings have underscored how the composition and function of the rumen microbiome are associated with economically valuable traits, including feed efficiency and methane emission. Although omics-based technological advances in the last decade have revolutionized our understanding of host-associated microbial communities, there remains incongruence over the correct approach for analysis of large omic data sets. A global approach that examines host/microbiome interactions in both the rumen and the lower digestive tract is required to harness the full potential of the gastrointestinal microbiome for sustainable ruminant production. This review highlights how the ruminant animal production community may identify and exploit the causal relationships between the gut microbiome and host traits of interest for a practical application of omic data to animal health and production.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 172988142199334
Author(s):  
Guangchao Zhang ◽  
Junrong Liu

With the urgent demand of consumers for diversified automobile modeling, simple, efficient, and intelligent automobile modeling analysis and modeling method is an urgent problem to be solved in current automobile modeling design. The purpose of this article is to analyze the modeling preference and trend of the current automobile market in time, which can assist the modeling design of new models of automobile main engine factories and strengthen their branding family. Intelligent rapid modeling shortens the current modeling design cycle, so that the product rapid iteration is to occupy an active position in the automotive market. In this article, aiming at the family analysis of automobile front face, the image database of automobile front face modeling analysis was created. The database included two data sets of vehicle signs and no vehicle signs, and the image data of vehicle front face modeling of most models of 22 domestic mainstream brands were collected. Then, this article adopts the image classification processing method in computer vision to conduct car brand classification training on the database. Based on ResNet-8 and other model architectures, it trains and classifies the intelligent vehicle brand classification database with and without vehicle label. Finally, based on the shape coefficient, a 3D wireframe model and a curved surface model are obtained. The experimental results show that the 3D curve model can be obtained based on a single image from any angle, which greatly shortens the modeling period by 92%.


Author(s):  
Daniel Overhoff ◽  
Peter Kohlmann ◽  
Alex Frydrychowicz ◽  
Sergios Gatidis ◽  
Christian Loewe ◽  
...  

Purpose The DRG-ÖRG IRP (Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft-Österreichische Röntgengesellschaft international radiomics platform) represents a web-/cloud-based radiomics platform based on a public-private partnership. It offers the possibility of data sharing, annotation, validation and certification in the field of artificial intelligence, radiomics analysis, and integrated diagnostics. In a first proof-of-concept study, automated myocardial segmentation and automated myocardial late gadolinum enhancement (LGE) detection using radiomic image features will be evaluated for myocarditis data sets. Materials and Methods The DRG-ÖRP IRP can be used to create quality-assured, structured image data in combination with clinical data and subsequent integrated data analysis and is characterized by the following performance criteria: Possibility of using multicentric networked data, automatically calculated quality parameters, processing of annotation tasks, contour recognition using conventional and artificial intelligence methods and the possibility of targeted integration of algorithms. In a first study, a neural network pre-trained using cardiac CINE data sets was evaluated for segmentation of PSIR data sets. In a second step, radiomic features were applied for segmental detection of LGE of the same data sets, which were provided multicenter via the IRP. Results First results show the advantages (data transparency, reliability, broad involvement of all members, continuous evolution as well as validation and certification) of this platform-based approach. In the proof-of-concept study, the neural network demonstrated a Dice coefficient of 0.813 compared to the expert's segmentation of the myocardium. In the segment-based myocardial LGE detection, the AUC was 0.73 and 0.79 after exclusion of segments with uncertain annotation.The evaluation and provision of the data takes place at the IRP, taking into account the FAT (fairness, accountability, transparency) and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) criteria. Conclusion It could be shown that the DRG-ÖRP IRP can be used as a crystallization point for the generation of further individual and joint projects. The execution of quantitative analyses with artificial intelligence methods is greatly facilitated by the platform approach of the DRG-ÖRP IRP, since pre-trained neural networks can be integrated and scientific groups can be networked.In a first proof-of-concept study on automated segmentation of the myocardium and automated myocardial LGE detection, these advantages were successfully applied.Our study shows that with the DRG-ÖRP IRP, strategic goals can be implemented in an interdisciplinary way, that concrete proof-of-concept examples can be demonstrated, and that a large number of individual and joint projects can be realized in a participatory way involving all groups. Key Points:  Citation Format


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Di Matteo ◽  
Gianluca Smerilli ◽  
Edoardo Cipolletta ◽  
Fausto Salaffi ◽  
Rossella De Angelis ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose of Review To highlight the potential uses and applications of imaging in the assessment of the most common and relevant musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent Findings Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are accurate and sensitive in the assessment of inflammation and structural damage at the joint and soft tissue structures in patients with SLE. The US is particularly helpful for the detection of joint and/or tendon inflammation in patients with arthralgia but without clinical synovitis, and for the early identification of bone erosions. MRI plays a key role in the early diagnosis of osteonecrosis and in the assessment of muscle involvement (i.e., myositis and myopathy). Conventional radiography (CR) remains the traditional gold standard for the evaluation of structural damage in patients with joint involvement, and for the study of bone pathology. The diagnostic value of CR is affected by the poor sensitivity in demonstrating early structural changes at joint and soft tissue level. Computed tomography allows a detailed evaluation of bone damage. However, the inability to distinguish different soft tissues and the need for ionizing radiation limit its use to selected clinical circumstances. Nuclear imaging techniques are valuable resources in patients with suspected bone infection (i.e., osteomyelitis), especially when MRI is contraindicated. Finally, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry represents the imaging mainstay for the assessment and monitoring of bone status in patients with or at-risk of osteoporosis. Summary Imaging provides relevant and valuable information in the assessment of MSK involvement in SLE.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Toshio Fumoto ◽  
Shouhei Kinoshita ◽  
Takao Sasaki ◽  
Norihito Shimamura ◽  
Hiroki Ohkuma

Vascular tortuosity is associated with various disorders and is being increasingly detected through advances in imaging techniques. The underlying mechanisms for vascular tortuosity, however, remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress mediates the generation of tortuous vessels. We used the bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) ligation model to induce vascular tortuosity. Both young and adult rats showed basilar artery tortuous morphological changes one month after bilateral CCA ligation. These tortuous changes were permanent but more pronounced in the adult rats. Microarray and real-time PCR analysis revealed that these tortuous changes were accompanied by the induction of oxidative stress-related genes. Moreover, the indicated model in rabbits showed that tortuous morphological changes to the basilar artery were suppressed by antioxidant treatment. These results are highly suggestive of the significance of oxidative stress in the development of vascular tortuosity. Although further studies will be needed to elucidate the possible mechanisms by which oxidative stress enhances vascular tortuosity, our study also points toward possible prophylaxis and treatment for vascular tortuosity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 251522111878837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukesh Kumar Sinha ◽  
Biswa Ranjan Das

Chitosan derivatives are difficult to electrospun because they have poor flexibility of their polyelectrolyte chains. Based on extensive trails, we have successfully electrospun chitosan polymer and, subsequently, coated on non-woven polypropylene utilizing Nanospider technology. This experimentally developed nanofibrous webs of various densities were coated on non-woven fabric and, subsequently, stitched with activated carbon sphere (ACS) adhered composite fabric. Biological filtration and chemical protection were evaluated and the optimized density offering the highest value with meeting specified comfort was assessed. Results showed that optimized web morphology of 0.43 g m−2 is the best for integration with nuclear, biological and chemical absorbent layer of low ACS add-on in all aspects of comfort and protective behaviours. This will be meeting stringent defence protective requirements and lowering down the weight of suit by approximately 25%. An attempt has also been made in this research to protect from sulphur mustard chemical warfare agent by using both theories: (a) barrier techniques and (b) disintegrating the trapped molecules via functionalization of the web. Result shows that first molecules get trapped by in web layer (barrier effect) and subsequently destroyed by hydrolysis mechanism. Scanning microscopic image shows web is acting as barrier layer by trapping sulphur mustard particles. Optimized web of 0.43 g m−2 was functionalized with zinc (Zn) oxide and the presence of Zn particles was confirmed by imaging techniques. Crystalline and thermal analysis depicts that structural changes were found in sulphur mustard spotted functionalized web. Raman spectra show chemically disintegrated hydrolysed products of sulphur mustard. Bacterial filtration efficiency, antimicrobial and comfort properties were measured for assessing the introduction of nanowebs for biological protection and chemical protection in newly created multilayered fabric structure with low ACS add-on (180 g m−2). The initial encouraging outcome of this research expects whether the multilayered fabric could be introduced in the suit.


2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (a1) ◽  
pp. C776-C776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elzbieta Trzop ◽  
Bertrand Fournier ◽  
Katarzyna Jarzembska ◽  
Jesse Sokolow ◽  
Radoslaw Kaminski ◽  
...  

Thanks to their potential applications as light-emitting devices, chemical sensors and dye-sensitized solar cells, heteroleptic copper (I) complexes have been extensively studied. Cu(DPPE)(DMP)·PF6(dppe= 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) crystallizes in the monoclinic system, P21/c, with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Previous studies on this system [1,2] show strong temperature-dependent emission. The complex was studied at 90K under 355nm laser excitation. At this temperature, the luminescence decay for Cu(DPPE)(DMP)·PF6is biexponential with lifetimes of ~3μs and ~28μs. Two time-resolved X-ray diffraction techniques were applied for studies: (1) a Laue technique at BioCARS ID-14 beamline at the Advanced Photon Source, and (2) monochromatic diffraction at a newly constructed in-house pump-probe monochromatic facility at the University at Buffalo. Structural changes determined with the two methods are in qualitative agreement; discrepancies in position of the Cu and P atoms were observed. The molecular distortions were smaller than those determined at 16K in the earlier synchrotron study by Vorontsov et al. [2]. Photodeformation maps (see Figure below), in which the increase in temperature on photoexcitation has been eliminated, clearly illustrate the photoinduced atomic shifts for both data sets. Results will be compared with those obtained for other studied heteroleptic copper (I) complexes, for instance Cu[(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N′) bis(triphenylphosphine)]·BF4[3]. The in-house pump-probe facility is discussed by Radoslaw Kaminski at this meeting. Research funded by the National Science Foundation (CHE1213223). BioCARS Sector 14 at APS is supported by NIH (RR007707). The Advanced Photon Source is funded by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, U.S. Department of Energy, (W-31-109-ENG-38). KNJ is supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education through the "Mobility Plus" program.


Hypertension ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Manuel Ramiro-Diaz ◽  
Ki Jung Kim ◽  
Jessica A Filosa

Clinical studies support that untreated hypertension (HT) accelerates the development of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Yet, the underlying mechanisms for VCI are not known. In a recent study we demonstrated the role of astrocytes in the regulation of parenchymal arteriole (PA) steady-state vascular tone. Here we hypothesized hypertension results in structural and functional changes to the neurovascular unit resulting in enhanced astrocytic TRPV4 channel-dependent Ca 2+ increases contributing to augmented pressure-induced PA constriction . Functional studies were conducted in brain slices from angiotensin II (AngII) treated mice (600 ng/Kg/min, 28 days). PA arterioles within brain slices were perfused and pressurized and myogenic-evoked diameter changes measured using video microscopy. In addition, using the GLAST-CreERT2 ; R26-lsl-GCaMP3 mice we measure myogenic-evoked Ca 2+ changes in perivascular astrocytes. We demonstrate that HT increases pressure-induced PA tone by 11.14% at 30 mmHg and 12.97% at 60 mmHg (10.88 to 22.02 and 15.46 to 28.43% of tone, P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). In ANG II-treated mice, PA myogenic-evoked responses significantly increased astrocytic Ca 2+ oscillations frequency (119.4%, 0.0366 to 0.0803 Hz, P<0.0001). A significant increase in astrocytic Ca 2+ oscillation frequency was also observed after 2 min of AngII (500 nM) bath application (44.8%, 0.0366 to 0.053 Hz, P<0.01) in brain slices from AngII treated mice. Furthermore, using the model of spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) we observed that HT differentially increases vascular density and the number of vascular pericytes in cortical layers with highest neuronal densities (L III-V). Finally, while aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression pattern was not different in the gray matter of SHR compared with WKY rats, a significant increase in unpolarized AQP4 expression was observed in the white matter of SHR. Taken together, this evidence indicates that HT induces functional and structural changes to the neurovascular unit favoring the development of regional brain hypoperfusion likely contributing to the development of VCI.


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