SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “spatial spread”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 991 records · Page 55Linked to original sources

PubMed1990

Calculations of two-dimensional foveal retinal images in real eyes.

Foveal point-spread functions are computed from experimental wave-aberration data for individual emmetropic subjects. The effects of pupil size and image focus are considered in the calculations. Foveal images of extended test objects are generated from the point-spread functions corresponding to different image-quality situations. Wiener-filtered test objects are also computed to obtain a partial compensation of the spatial degradation introduced by the eye's optical system in the visual process.

Fovea Centralis↗

PubMed1991

The spatial and temporal framework of the normal and the pathological in social psychiatry.

During the last four decades, parallel to the strategic and practical innovations that have occurred in social psychiatry, the concepts of the normal and the pathological have changed. As the normal and the pathological are determined and recognisable in both the spatial and the temporal framework, a change in these concepts can be assessed by tracing the shifts in their above mentioned fundamental dimensions. The spreading of the ideas and the practice of the community-centred psychiatry has brought about the greatest difficulties in defining the normal and the pathological.

Community Psychiatry↗

PubMed2005

[Pathophysiological mechanisms implicated by high-frequency stimulation in Parkinson's disease: the restoration of high and low frequency oscillatory systems].

INTRODUCTION: Increased neuronal activity in the internal pallidum (GPi) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been clearly demonstrated in Parkinsonian models, and the two structures have thus been selected as therapeutic targets for functional neurosurgery. High-frequency electrical stimulation of the GPi or the STN improves the parkinsonian symptoms but also dyskinesias directly by GPi stimulation or indirectly by reduction of L-Dopa associated with STN stimulation. According to Alexander's model of the organisation of the basal ganglia, electrical stimulation of GPi or STN should have led to uncontrolled hyperkinesia. This apparent paradox could be explained on one hand by the involvement of different anatomo-functional areas within these structures and on the other by spatial and temporal changes in neuronal discharge patterns in the basal ganglia which in turn produce variations in synchronisation. RESULTS: Event-related (de)synchronisation (ERD) has enabled us to study variations in subcortico-cortical oscillatory activity: it has been shown that high-frequency electrical stimulation of the GPi/STN increases desynchronisation of low frequency rhythms (mu and beta,<30 Hz) during movement preparation and execution and augments post-movement synchronisation. Stimulation also decreases the abnormal frontocentral spreading of desynchronisation during movement preparation. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with previous coherence analyses, electrical stimulation of STN is likely to restore the activity of high-frequency and low-frequency systems, as evidenced by a decrease in the hypersynchronisation of low-frequency rhythms at rest and restoral of a high-frequency rhythm during movement. Stimulation may improve spatial selectivity by activating the selected programs in conjunction with the primary sensorimotor cortex, whilst inhibiting competitive programs represented by abnormal spreading outside the primary sensorimotor cortex.

Basal Ganglia↗

PubMed2001

Spatially modulated illumination microscopy: online visualization of intensity distribution and prediction of nanometer precision of axial distance measurements by computer simulations.

During the last years, measurements considerably beyond the conventional "Abbe-Limit" of optical resolution in far field light microscopy were realized by several light microscopical approaches. Point spread function (PSF) engineering, spectral precision distance microscopy (SPDM), and related methods were used to demonstrate the feasibility of such measurements. SPDM allows the measurement of position and multiple distances between point-like fluorescent objects of different spectral signatures far below the optical resolution criterion as defined by the full width at half maximum of the PSF. Here, we report a software method to obtain online visualization of light distribution in the lateral and axial direction of any object detected in a spatially modulated illumination (SMI) microscope. This strongly facilitates routine application of SMI microscopy. The software was developed using Microsoft Visual C++ running on Windows NT. Furthermore, some aspects of the theoretical limits of the SPDM method were studied by virtual microscopy. For the case of SMI microscopy the precision of axial distance measurements was studied, taking into account photon statistics and image analysis procedures. The results indicate that even under low fluorescence intensity conditions typical for biological structure research, precise distance measurements in the nanometer range can be determined, and that axial distances in the order of 40 nm are detectable with such precision.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed1994

Adenovirus replication and transcription sites are spatially separated in the nucleus of infected cells.

We have visualized the intranuclear topography of adenovirus replication and transcription in infected HeLa cells. The results show that viral DNA replication occurs in multiple foci that are highly organized in the nucleoplasm. Pulse-chase experiments indicate that newly synthesized viral double-stranded DNA molecules are displaced from the replication foci and spread throughout the nucleoplasm, while the single-stranded DNA replication intermediates accumulate in adjacent sites. Double-labelling experiments and confocal microscopy show that replication occurs in foci localized at the periphery of the sites where single-stranded DNA accumulates. The simultaneous visualization of viral replication and transcription reveals that the sites of transcription are predominantly separated from the sites of replication. Transcription is detected adjacent to the replication foci and extends around the sites of single-stranded DNA accumulation. These data indicate that newly synthesized double-stranded DNA molecules are displaced from the replication foci and spread in the surrounding nucleoplasm, where they are used as templates for transcription. Splicing snRNPs are shown to co-localize with the sites of transcription and to be excluded from the sites of replication. This provides evidence that splicing of viral RNAs occurs co-transcriptionally and that the sites of viral DNA replication are spatially distinct from the sites of RNA transcription and processing.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

PubMed1993

The expression of the regulatory myosin light chain 2 gene during mouse embryogenesis.

The fast skeletal muscle myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) gene is expressed specifically in skeletal muscles of newborn and adult mice, and has no detectable sequence homology with any of the other MLC genes including the slow cardiac MLC2 gene. The expression of the fast skeletal muscle MLC2 gene during early mouse embryogenesis was studied by in situ hybridization. Serial sections of embryos from 8.5 to 12.5 days post coitum (d.p.c.) were hybridized to MLC2 cRNA and to probes for the myogenic regulatory genes MyoD1 and myogenin. The results revealed different temporal and spatial patterns of hybridization for different muscle groups. MLC2 transcripts were first detected 9.5 d.p.c. in the myotomal regions of rostral somites, already expressing myogenin. Surprisingly, at the same stage, a weak MLC2 signal was also detected in the cardiomyocytes. The cardiac expression was transient and could not be detected at later stages while the myotomal signal persisted and spread to the more caudal somites, very similar to the expression of myogenin. Beginning from 10.5 d.p.c., several extramyotomal premuscle cells masses have been demarcated by MyoD1 expression. MLC2 transcripts were detected in only one of these cell masses. Although, transcripts of myogenin were detected in all these cell masses, the number of expressing cells was significantly lower than that observed for MyoD1. By 11.5 d.p.c., all three hybridization signals colocalized in most extramyotomal muscle-forming regions, with the exception of the diaphragm and the hindlimb buds, where only few cells expressed MLC2 and more cells expressed MyoD1 than myogenin. At 12.5 d.p.c., all three studied genes displayed a similar spatial pattern of expression in most muscle-forming regions. However, in some muscles, the MyoD1 signal spread over more cells compared to myogenin or MLC2. Our results are consistent with the suggestion that multiple myogenic programs exist for myoblasts differentiating in the myotome and extramyotomal regions.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

A spatial model to estimate habitat fragmentation and its consequences on long-term persistence of animal populations.

The increasing use of the landscape by humans has led to important diminutions of natural surfaces. The remaining patches of wild habitat are small and isolated from each other among a matrix of inhospitable land-uses. This habitat fragmentation, by disabling population movements and stopping their spread to new habitats, is a major threat to the survival of numerous plant and animal species. We developed a general model, adaptable for specific species, capable of identifying suitable habitat patches within fragmented landscapes and investigating the capacity of populations to move between these patches. This approach combines GIS analysis of a landscape, with spatial dynamic modeling. Suitable habitat is identified using a threshold area to perimeter ratio. Potential movement pathways of species between habitat patches are modeled using a cellular automaton. Habitat connectivity is estimated by overlaying habitat patches with movement pathways. The maximum potential population is calculated within and between connected habitat patches and potential risk of inbreeding within meta-populations is considered. The model was tested on a sample map and applied to scenario maps of predicted land-use change in the Peoria Tri-county region (IL). It (1) showed area of natural area alone was insufficient to estimate the consequences on animal populations; (2) underscored the necessity to use approaches investigating the effect of land-use change spatially through the landscape and the importance of considering species-specific life history characteristics; and (3) highlighted the model's potential utility as an indicator of species likelihood to be affected negatively by land-use scenarios and therefore requiring detailed investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Fibroblast network in rabbit sinoatrial node: structural and functional identification of homogeneous and heterogeneous cell coupling.

Cardiomyocytes form a conducting network that is assumed to be electrically isolated from nonmyocytes in vivo. In cell culture, however, cardiac fibroblasts can contribute to the spread of excitation via functional gap junctions with cardiomyocytes. To assess the ability of fibroblasts to form gap junctions in vivo, we combine in situ detection of connexins in rabbit sinoatrial node (a tissue that is particularly rich in fibroblasts) with identification of myocytes and fibroblasts using immunohistochemical labeling and confocal microscopy. We distinguish two spatially distinct fibroblast populations expressing different connexins: fibroblasts surrounded by other fibroblasts preferentially express connexin40, whereas fibroblasts that are intermingled with myocytes largely express connexin45. Functionality of homogeneous and heterogeneous cell coupling was investigated by dye transfer in sinoatrial node tissue explants. These studies reveal spread of Lucifer yellow, predominantly along extended threads of interconnected fibroblasts (probably via connexin40), and occasionally between neighboring fibroblasts and myocytes (probably via connexin45). Our findings show that cardiac fibroblasts form a coupled network of cells, which may be functionally linked to myocytes in rabbit SAN.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Impact of the microscale distribution of a Pseudomonas strain introduced into soil on potential contacts with indigenous bacteria.

Soil bioaugmentation is a promising approach in soil bioremediation and agriculture. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the fate and activity of introduced bacteria in soil and thus of their impact on the soil environment is still limited. The microscale spatial distribution of introduced bacteria has rarely been studied, although it determines the encounter probability between introduced cells and any components of the soil ecosystem and thus plays a role in the ecology of introduced bacteria. For example, conjugal gene transfer from introduced bacteria to indigenous bacteria requires cell-to-cell contact, the probability of which depends on their spatial distribution. To quantitatively characterize the microscale distribution of an introduced bacterial population and its dynamics, a gfp-tagged derivative of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 was introduced by percolation in repacked soil columns. Initially, the introduced population was less widely spread at the microscale level than two model indigenous functional communities: the 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid degraders and the nitrifiers (each at 10(6) CFU g(-1) soil). When the soil was percolated with a substrate metabolizable by P. putida or incubated for 1 month, the microscale distribution of introduced bacteria was modified towards a more widely dispersed distribution. The quantitative data indicate that the microscale spatial distribution of an introduced strain may strongly limit its contacts with the members of an indigenous bacterial community. This could constitute an explanation to the low number of indigenous transconjugants found most of time when a plasmid-donor strain is introduced into soil.

Agriculture↗

PubMed1997

Improvement of spatial resolution in surface-EMG: a theoretical and experimental comparison of different spatial filters.

The conventional bipolar surface electromyography (EMG) technique detects, due to its low spatial resolution, the superimposed electromyographic activity of a large number of motor units (MU's). In superficial muscles the isolated action potentials of the most superficial MU's can be recorded noninvasively by means of surface electrodes, if the method of spatial filtering, in connection with electrode arrays, is used. Up to now, only filters with an anisotropic transfer function have been used. As the surface potential distribution generated by the excitation of the MU's contains spatial frequencies in the anisotropic range of those filters, it can be assumed that isotropic spatial filters detect the single MU activity more effectively. In the present study, different isotropic and anisotropic filters have been compared by means of theoretical field simulations and experiments in volunteers. A tripole model for an excited MU was used as the basis for simulating the spatial extension of the filter response for each of the investigated filters. The spatial extension is an indicative of the spatial resolution. For the experimental validation, the total number of single motor units was not directly investigated, but the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has been determined. Therefore, the potential distribution generated on the skin surface during maximum voluntary contraction has been simultaneous spatially filtered with each of the investigated filters. The simulations show that an isotropic spatial filtering procedure reduces the spatial extension of the filter response and improves the spatial resolution of the EMG-recording arrangement in comparison to anisotropic spatial filters up to 30%. In other words, the spatial selectivity of the arrangement is increased. This improvement in the filter performance is more pronounced for MU's located close to the skin surface than for MU's more distantly located. Additionally, this theoretical improvement in selectivity depends on the direction of the excitation spread relative to the filter alignment. However, the investigations also show that isotropic filters offer an advantage, compared to anisotropic filters, only when the investigated MU is located extremely close to the filter input. The results of the simulations can be confirmed by the experimental investigations. An improvement of 11% in the SNR, relative to anisotropic spatial filters, can be established when using an isotropic spatial filter. This experimental improvement in selectivity is less than the theoretical improvement because the experimentally investigated MU's have less portion in the anisotropic range of the filters than the simulated one at best.

Anisotropy↗

PubMed2001

Patterns of spread in biological invasions dominated by long-distance jump dispersal: Insights from Argentine ants.

Invading organisms may spread through local movements (giving rise to a diffusion-like process) and by long-distance jumps, which are often human-mediated. The local spread of invading organisms has been fit with varying success to models that couple local population growth with diffusive spread, but to date no quantitative estimates exist for the relative importance of local dispersal relative to human-mediated long-distance jumps. Using a combination of literature review, museum records, and personal surveys, we reconstruct the invasion history of the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), a widespread invasive species, at three spatial scales. Although the inherent dispersal abilities of Argentine ants are limited, in the last century, human-mediated dispersal has resulted in the establishment of this species on six continents and on many oceanic islands. Human-mediated jump dispersal has also been the primary mode of spread at a continental scale within the United States. The spread of the Argentine ant involves two discrete modes. Maximum distances spread by colonies undergoing budding reproduction averaged 150 m/year, whereas annual jump-dispersal distances averaged three orders of magnitude higher. Invasions that involve multiple dispersal processes, such as those documented here, are undoubtedly common. Detailed data on invasion dynamics are necessary to improve the predictive power of future modeling efforts.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Quantification of gamma camera spatial resolution by means of bar phantom images.

A method that has previously been described for rapid objective measurement of intrinsic gamma camera spatial resolution using statistical moments has been applied to images of a four-quadrant bar phantom acquired with various collimators. The full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the line spread function (LSF) and modulation transfer functions determined by the moments method was compared with those obtained directly from line spread functions. It was found that, for highest accuracy, the formulae originally described for intrinsic measurements have to be modified to take account of a more accurate description of the Fourier components of the input from a bar phantom. When this modification was applied, FWHM measurements agreed to within 4.0% with the LSF measurements in the range 4.5-7.2 mm if well-resolved images of bars wider than 3.0 mm were used. The method is simple to apply and since the coefficient of variation of these measurements was < 2.2%, it is well-suited for rapid objective routine monitoring of gamma camera spatial resolution. For modulation transfer functions > 0.2, bar sizes of 4.0 and 4.5 mm gave values within 4% of the LSF measurements, when the modified formula was applied, with coefficients of variation less than 4%.

Fourier Analysis↗

PubMed1997

Development of the human retinal vasculature: cellular relations and VEGF expression.

We have investigated the relationships of the cellular constituents of the retinal vasculature--astrocytes, microglia and pericytes--to the differentiating endothelium in human fetal retina. The vascular endothelium was stained using NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry in 12 human fetal retinae ranging in gestational age from 15-22 weeks. Specimens were double labeled using antibodies against glial fibrillary acid protein, alpha smooth muscle actin, or major histocompatibility complex class II antigens to label astrocytes, contractile cells and microglia, respectively. In addition, specimens of 12, 14, 16 and 20 weeks gestation were hybridized in situ for VEGF expression. In retinal wholemounts the vascularized area comprised four lobes that converged on the optic disc. The vascular network was more dense in the temporal lobes than in the nasal lobes, and different growth patterns were evident. Astrocytes were distributed in two layers--one associated with the optic axons and a deeper layer associated with the developing vessels. In retinae younger than 20 weeks, astrocytes in the deep layer were only loosely associated with the developing vessels and extended as far as 150 microns ahead of the most peripheral vessels. A closer register between retinal vessels and the distribution of astrocytes was evident in the nasal region of retinas older than 20 weeks. In situ hybridization demonstrated expression of VEGF mRNA in the vascular layer, superficial to the ganglion cell layer, at the margins of the vascularized zone. Differences were evident in the density of astrocyte coverage of developing vessels and in the extent of VEGF expression in different regions of the retina: the relationship of these differences to differentiation gradients in the neural retina is discussed. Intensely immunoreactive microglia were observed in the vascular layer, associated with the vascular endothelium as far as the most peripheral loops, but not beyond. Alpha smooth muscle actin-containing cells covered the proximal parts of large arteries, but not corresponding veins; they were absent from arterial side-arm branches, as well as the newly formed and small diameter vessels in the age range studies. The results suggest that microglia, contractile cells and astrocytes have distinct temporo-spatial relationships to the differentiating vascular endothelium in human retinas and that VEGF expression at the vascular front, presumably by astrocytes, is associated with the spread of the retinal vasculature, as described in other species.

Cell Differentiation↗

PubMed1984

Acetylcholine-sensitivity and local regenerative activity in denervated frog slow muscle fibres.

The distribution of acetylcholine (ACh)-sensitive membrane areas was determined in 11-75 days denervated slow muscle fibres of Rana temporaria by iontophoretic application of acetylcholine. The fibres were also stimulated directly, and their electrical activity was recorded with an intra- and an extracellular electrode. During the first two weeks following denervation the size of the ACh-sensitive fibre surface was similar to that of normal slow fibres, but a spreading out of ACh-sensitivity occurred between the 13th and 20th day. The slow fibre membrane did not become homogeneously ACh-sensitive; even after long periods of denervation large local sensitivity gradients could be observed. Throughout the denervation period maximum values of ACh-sensitivity were in the same range as in normal slow fibres. Action potentials were fully developed when ACh-sensitivity started to spread out. Extracellularly recorded inward currents varied in amplitude along the fibre surface, and either one or two peaks were observed in individual fibres. The spatial relationship between inward current peaks and peaks of ACh-sensitivity was investigated in 12 fibres. Fifteen inward current peaks were located at distances of 30-640 microns from points of maximum ACh-sensitivity; only once did the centers of ACh-sensitivity and excitability coincide. It is concluded that Na channels are incorporated into nonjunctional membrane areas of denervated slow fibres; this process precedes the incorporation of ACh receptors by approximately one week.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1976

Membrane currents in the rabbit sinoatrial node cell as studied by the double microelectrode method.

When a strand of the rabbit sinoatrial node tissue was shortened by ligation, the spatial decay of electrotonic potential decreased and the input impedance increased. In a piece of the tissue 0.2-0.3 mm in diameter apparently uniform current spread was obtained. Action potentials recorded from three different sites in this small piece occurred simultaneously and were superimposable. In voltage clamp experiments using the double microelectrode method, the membrane potential was usually held at -30 to -40 mV, where no net current flowed. When membrane potential was suddenly changed from the holding potential, the sign and the time course of the ionic current varied with membrane potential. Hyperpolarization gave an inward current which increased with time. Depolarization gave a transient inward current followed by sustained outward current, and repolarization gave an outward current tail which exponentially subsided with a time constant of 0.37 s. The membrane time constant was 12.0 ms. When the specific membrane capacitance was assumed to be 1 muF/cm2, the specific membrane resistance at the resting potential was 12 Komega cm2. The peak of the transient inward current on depolarization was 1.3 X 10(-5) A/cm2.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2005

Effect of setback distance on ability of gravel trenches to intercept contaminated groundwater.

Computer simulations tested the ability of gravel interceptor trenches to capture a plume of contaminated groundwater. The plume had a maximum length and width of 87 and 19 m, respectively. In alternate simulations, one-meter wide trenches were located 5, 10, 20, and 50 m downgradient of the plume. A minimum trench length and time required to capture the plume was determined for each location (setback). The plume was considered captured if it passed entirely through a trench. A 21 m-long trench captured the plume at setbacks of 5 and 10 m. Minimum trench length increased to 23 and 25 m at setbacks of 20 and 50 m, respectively. Increased contaminant spreading with distance traveled dictated longer trenches at larger setbacks. Results of this study suggest that, at settings where contaminant plumes are carefully monitored and spatially defined, passive interceptor trenches should be close to a plume's leading tip and slightly longer than the maximum width of the plume.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed1983

The localization of sudanophilic and fibrous plaques in the main left coronary bifurcation.

We have studied the localization of early sudanophilic and fibrous plaques in the main stem and proximal branches of opened and stained left coronary arteries. The distribution of lesions was separately assessed by a computer technique. The early sudanophilic lesions develop in the proximal portion of the coronary artery branches and subsequent lesions spread distally and appear first and most prominently in the left anterior descending branch. Around the bifurcation both sudanophilic and fibrous plaques had a distinct spatial distribution with peak incidence on the outer walls. In contrast, the flow divider and the inner walls downstream from it were relatively free of disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Extending the event calculus for tracking epidemic spread.

OBJECTIVE: The email reporting system has been recognized as a key tool for early warning of disease outbreaks and surveillance of emerging diseases. The aim of the work reported here was to develop a formal language for building an event-centered representation of outbreak histories, described by outbreak reports, which could be used for tracking the spread of epidemics. METHODS: The SpatioTemporal Extended Event Language (STEEL) we have built is an extension of the Event Calculus that is based on joint spatial and temporal location of event occurrences and structured conglomeration of events. This language allows us to represent and build aggregates of events, according to their spatiotemporal location. MATERIAL AND RESULTS: In a proof of concept study, this language was implemented in Prolog. A trial corpus of 35 outbreak reports from a PROMED-Mail diffusion list was hand coded in an experimental implementation of STEEL. The performances of this language were compared with three human experts during a question and answer task on this corpus. The experiment showed agreement between responses of the experts and the system. CONCLUSION: STEEL ensures the spatial and temporal location of event occurrence. The resulting representation is very close to the narrative. Further work must be made to develop a system capable of automatically modeling outbreak reports.

Artificial Intelligence↗