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Spatial and temporal variations in the magnetic fields produced by human gastrointestinal activity.

Magnetoenterography (MENG) is a new, non-invasive technique that measures gastrointestinal magnetic signals near the body surface. This study was undertaken to evaluate the temporal and spatial characteristics of the magnetic signals generated by gastric and duodenal slow wave activity. The gastrointestinal magnetic fields of eight normal subjects were measured for 60 minutes in both the fasting and fed state using 36 magnetic sensors simultaneously. The results were displayed as a succession of maps over time showing the temporal evolution of the spatial distribution of the signal over the upper abdomen. In all subjects, slow wave activity of the stomach centred at 3.0 +/- 0.5 cycles min-1 in both the fasting and fed state was observed. The duodenal signal at 11.0 +/- 1.0 cycles min-1 was observed in four subjects. The spatial distribution of these two signals is distinctly different. The observed spatial and temporal variations are described in terms of a model used previously to explain the potentials observed in electrogastrography (EGG).

Adult↗

Real time endoscopic imaging of oxyradical generation in pig stomach during ischemia-reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen-free radicals generation is considered to be a major cause of gastric injury during reperfusion. Chemiluminescence has been used to assess real-time free radical release on the surface of isolated organs. AIMS: To evaluate the combined use of chemiluminescence and gastroendoscopy techniques and to assess the real-time production of free radicals during ischemic damage of the gastric wall in an animal model. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For the experiment, an optical junction was set up between a fibroendoscope and a luminograph apparatus. Three pigs were submitted to gastrofibroendoscopy before, during and after 30 min of clamping of the coeliac artery. Under basal conditions, at the end of the ischemic phase and at the beginning of reperfusion, 1 mM of lucigenin, a specific superoxide enhancer, was injected in the left gastric artery of the animal. The endoscopic live images and chemiluminescence emission were recorded and successively superimposed to measure rate and spatial distribution of photon emission (photons/s). RESULTS: Free radical production was not observed under basal conditions or during the ischemic phase, but significantly increased during reperfusion reaching a maximum peak after 15 min (0.6+/-0.2 photons x 10(5)/s) and decreased progressively thereafter. The superimposition of live and chemiluminescence images allowed the determination of the regional production rate and distribution of photons. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary observations, in an animal model, on an innovative imaging system which allows the visualization of rate and spatial distribution of reactive oxygen species formation are presented. This new endoscopic technique could be useful for the assessment of oxidative gastric mucosal injury in several gastric diseases; however, further studies remain necessary to determine the applicability of this technique in humans.

Animals↗

[Evaluation of patient doses in interventional radiology].

PURPOSE: To verify the suitability of indicative quantities to evaluate the risk related to patient exposure, in abdominal and vascular interventional radiology, by the study of correlations between dosimetric quantities and other indicators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed in vivo measurements of entrance skin dose (ESD) and dose area product (DAP) during 48 procedures to evaluate the correlation among dosimetric quantities, and an estimation of spatial distribution of exposure and effective dose (E). To measure DAP we used a transmission ionization chamber and to evaluate ESD and its spatial distribution we used radiographic film packed in a single envelope and placed near the patient's skin. E was estimated by a calculation software using data from film digitalisation. RESULTS: From the data derived for measurements in 27 interventional procedures on 48 patients we obtained a DAP to E conversion factor of 0.15 mSv / Gy cm2, with an excellent correlation (r=.99). We also found a good correlation between DAP and exposure parameters such as fluoroscopy time and number of images. The greatest effective dose was evaluated for a multiple procedure in the hepatic region, with a DAP value of 425 Gy cm2. The greatest ESD was about 550 mGy. For groups of patients undergoing similar interventional procedures the correlation between ESD and DAP had conversion factors from 6 to 12 mGy Gy-1 cm-2. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of ESD and E by slow films represents a valid method for patient dosimetry in interventional radiology. The good correlation between DAP and fluoroscopy time and number of images confirm the suitability of these indicators as basic dosimetric information. All the ESD values found are lower than threshold doses for deterministic effects.

Fluoroscopy↗

Tissue interactions mediate early events in pulmonary vasculogenesis.

Extensive study has provided considerable insight into the mechanisms governing branching morphogenesis and developmental maturation of the pulmonary epithelium. The process by which the vascular tree arises in the mesodermal mesenchyme of the developing lung, however, is not known. Because normal epithelial branching and differentiation have been shown to be dependent on interactions with the lung mesenchyme, we hypothesized that the developing pulmonary vasculature is dependent on a reciprocal interaction with pulmonary epithelium. In this study we have defined the temporal and spatial expression of flk-1 mRNA, which encodes an endothelial cell-specific vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, in fetal and neonatal rat lung. Flk-1-positive cells were observed in the lung at every prenatal stage from fetal day 11 through birth, demonstrating that vascularization has been initiated as soon as the lung evaginates from the foregut epithelium. The spatial distribution of vascular precursors was distinct and consistent in early lung (fetal days 11-16): clusters of flk-1-positive cells were localized in the mesenchyme closely apposed to the developing epithelium. This spatial relationship between vascular precursors and the developing epithelium suggested that vascular development in the lung may be dependent on interactions between the two tissue types. To investigate this possibility, day-13 distal lung mesenchyme was cultured in the presence and absence of lung epithelium. Lung mesenchyme cultured in the absence of epithelium degenerated significantly, and few flk-1-positive cells were maintained. In contrast, lung mesenchyme recombined with lung epithelium contained abundant flk-1-positive cells, and their spatial distribution mimicked that observed in vivo. These studies provide the first detailed information regarding the temporal and spatial pattern of pulmonary vascularization in early development and suggest that tissue interactions play an important role in growth and maintenance of the developing lung vasculature.

Animals↗

[Distribution pattern of natural vegetation along moisture gradient at north edge of Ordos plateau: a preliminary study].

With Duguitala Township in the north part of Hangjin County as an example, this paper studied the spatial distribution pattern of natural vegetation along moisture gradient at the north edge of Ordos Plateau. The results showed that based on TWINSPAN classification, the communities were dominated by mesophytes and xerophytes, and there were some halophytes in some quadrats. The similarity indices of neighboring quadrats could reflect the mosaic pattern of different type communities, and thus, the diversity and complexity of communities along this gradient, which could be reconfirmed by DCA ordination. The CCA ordination for quadrats and geomorphological factors indicated that in this transitional region, the formation of vegetation's spatial distribution pattern was determined by moisture gradient, while the latter was controlled not by the distance from the main course of the Yellow River but by the change of micro-geomorphology. In the land exploitation of this region, relatively stable geo-morphological units should be taken into consideration, and large scale land exploitation through surface leveling should be avoided if shelterbelt measures and drainage and desalinizeation system were defective. This study would be helpful to the protection of natural vegetation and the integrated development of agriculture and animal husbandry.

Altitude↗

Distribution of lung ventilation in spontaneously breathing neonates lying in different body positions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the effect of the irregular spontaneous breathing pattern and posture on the spatial distribution of ventilation in neonates free from respiratory disease by the non-invasive imaging method of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Scanning of spontaneously breathing neonates is the prerequisite for later routine application of EIT in babies with lung pathology undergoing ventilator therapy. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twelve pre-term and term neonates (mean age: 23 days; mean body weight: 2,465 g; mean gestational age: 34 weeks; mean birth weight: 2,040 g). INTERVENTIONS: Change in body position in the sequence: supine, right lateral, prone, supine. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: EIT measurements were performed using the Göttingen GoeMF I system. EIT scans of regional lung ventilation showing the distribution of respired air in the chest cross-section were generated during phases of rapid tidal breathing and deep breaths. During tidal breathing, 54.5+/-8.3%, 55.2+/-10.5%, 59.9+/-8.4% and 54.2+/-8.5% of inspired air (mean values +/- SD) were directed into the right lung in the supine, right lateral, prone and repeated supine postures respectively. During deep inspirations, the right lung ventilation accounted for 52.6+/-7.9%, 68.5+/-8.5%, 55.4+/-8.2% and 50.5+/-6.6% of total ventilation respectively. CONCLUSION: The study identified the significant effect of breathing pattern and posture on the spatial distribution of lung ventilation in spontaneously breathing neonates. The results demonstrate that changes in regional ventilation can easily be determined by EIT and bode well for the future use of this method in paediatric intensive care.

Critical Care↗

[Immunohistologic studies of the distribution of proliferative compartments in the appendages of adult human skin].

Both, calmodulin (CaM) as well as the antigen Ki67 show a close relationship to cell proliferation. By means of specific antibodies against them, it has become possible to study the spatial distribution of proliferative compartments in tissues. We performed an indirect immunofluorescence study on unfixed frozen sections of human adult skin to gain more informations about the spatial distribution of immunoreactive CaM and Ki67 in skin appendages, i.e. anagen hair follicle, sebaceous and eccrine sweat gland. Two major patterns of immunoreactivity were seen: Type (1) or epidermis-like, which was present in the interfollicular epidermis and the pilosebaceous unit. Type (2) or sweat gland type, which was seen in eccrine sweat glands. Both types disclosed significant differences in the relative number of proliferative cells in S-phase, which might be a consequence of a quiet different tissue architecture. Furthermore, myoepithelial cells of secretory coils were likely to represent mainly SQ-cells. Their immunoreactivity in human skin was quiet different from other parts of eccrine sweat glands suggesting another ontogenetic pathway.

Adult↗

Earthworms and litter distribution affect plant-defensive chemistry.

Studies on plant-defensive chemistry have mainly focused on plants in direct interaction with aboveground and occasionally belowground herbivores and pathogens. Here we investigate whether decomposers and the spatial distribution of organic residues in soil affect plant-defensive chemistry. Litter concentrated in a patch (vs. homogeneously mixed into the soil) led to an increase in the aucubin content in shoots of Plantago lanceolata. Earthworms increased total phytosterol content of shoots, but only when the litter was mixed homogeneously into the soil. The phytosterol content increased and aphid reproduction decreased with increasing N concentration of the shoots. This study documents for the first time that earthworms and the spatial distribution of litter may change plant-defensive chemistry against herbivores.

Animals↗

The distribution and spatial organization of the extracellular matrix encountered by mesencephalic neural crest cells.

Cephalic neural crest (NC) cells enter a cell-free space (CFS) that contains an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerous in vitro investigations have shown that extracellular matrices can influence cellular activities including NC cell migration. However, little is known about the actual ECM composition of the CFS in vivo, how the components are distributed, or the nature of NC cell interactions with the CFS matrix. Using ultrastructural, autoradiographic, and histochemical techniques we analyzed the composition and spatial organization of the ECM found in the CFS and its interaction with mesencephalic NC cells. We have found that a specific distribution of glycoproteins and sulfated polyanions existed within the CFS prior to the translocation of NC cells and that this ECM was modified in areas occupied by NC. The interaction between the ECM components and the NC cells was not the same for all NC cells in the population. Subpopulations of the NC cell sheet became associated with ECM of the ectoderm (basal lamina) while other NC cells became associated with the ECM of the CFS. Trailing NC cells (NC cells that emerge after the initial appearance of NC cells) encountered a modified ECM due to extensive matrix modifications by the passage of the initial NC cell population.

Animals↗

Root establishment of perennial ryegrass (L. perenne) in diesel contaminated subsurface soil layers.

The efficiency of rhizosphere biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons heterogeneously distributed in soils is dependent on the ability of plant roots to prospect into contaminated zones. Rhizobox experiments were conducted to study the influence of diesel contaminated layers on the spatial distribution and the development of the roots of perennial ryegrass. Root distribution and root and shoot development were monitored over time. The final root and above ground biomass and the final TPH concentration were determined. The spatial distribution of the contaminant as well as the irrigation method used affected root distribution, plant development and TPH degradation and therefore ryegrass remediation potential. The results show that roots colonise fully uncontaminated soil and grow preferentially between zones of contamination. Conversely, when no immediate uncontaminated soil is available, roots grow through contaminated zones in order to prospect for uncontaminated soil.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

The geographical distribution of primary biliary cirrhosis in a well-defined cohort.

The incidence of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) varies widely between regions. However, little is known about variation within regions and the degree to which this may reflect environmental risk factors. The aim of this study was to describe the spatial distribution of cases of PBC in a defined region of Northeast England over a defined period, and to assess the magnitude of any departure from random spatial distribution. Seven hundred seventy patients with established PBC were identified in a previous comprehensive case finding study. A total of 3,044 control locations were randomly selected from postcode (zip code) data weighted for number of drop off points per postcode. Geographical analysis was performed by testing both for spatial variation in risk and local clustering by using previously described point process methods. Both tests used the same null hypothesis that risk of disease does not vary spatially and cases occur independently of each other. Statistically significant spatial variations in risk were found in the whole study region (P <.001) and in the major urban area within the region (P <.004). Risk was higher in the urban area of Tyneside than in the surrounding rural area. Within the rural area, spatial variation in risk was equivocal (P =.012), but there was significant (P =.001) clustering of cases (estimated average cluster effect approximately 10 excess cases within a 7-km radius). PBC occurred to a density of 10.7 cases/km(2) in the highest risk areas. In conclusion, PBC is unevenly distributed in Northeast England. This may reflect one or more environmental risk factors in its etiology.

Cluster Analysis↗

Distribution and temporal changes of lead in the surface seawater in the western Pacific and adjacent seas derived from coral skeletons.

We determined Pb contents together with Pb isotopic compositions in coral skeletons (Porites spp.) collected from the western Pacific and adjacent seas to examine distribution of Pb in sea surfaces. Temporal records of Pb were also investigated using coral skeletons from Hainan and Ogasawara Island, located in China and Japan, respectively. The spatial distribution of Pb showed a clear dilution pattern of Pb from Asian continent to the open ocean. Also the similar trend was found in the Java Sea from Jakarta to the offshore. In addition to the spatial distribution, Pb contents in Ogasawara coral have gradually increased during last 108 years. It may be attributed to Pb emission mainly from industrial activities in Asian countries. Hainan coral, which provided 10 years record of Pb, showed a remarkable decline around 1997 probably due to the partial introduction of unleaded gasoline in China.

Animals↗

Is there a modality effect? Evidence for visual recency and suffix effects.

In Experiment 1, four groups of 16 subjects performed ordered recall of six-syllable lists in both suffix and nonsuffix conditions. Sequential presentation of the lists varied for each group. In the auditory presentation, the syllables were delivered from one location only and were read aloud by the subjects. For the visual, spatially nondistributed presentation, the syllables appeared in one location only and were read silently. For visual, spatially distributed presentations, the syllables were spread out either vertically or horizontally and were read silently. Very robust recency and suffix effects were found in the auditory presentation, as well as in visual, spatially distributed presentations. In Experiment 2, 16 subjects performed ordered recall of visually presented lists with the items spread out vertically and conflicting spatial and temporal orders. A reliable recency effect was found for the final block of trials. In Experiment 3, 16 subjects performed ordered recall in the same conditions as in Experiment 2, except that they were instructed to recall the temporal order in which the spatial positions would be filled in. A bow-shaped curve and a strong recency effect were obtained.

Adult↗

Effects of spatial grouping on the functional response of predators.

A unified mechanistic approach is given for the derivation of various forms of functional response in predator-prey models. The derivation is based on the principle of mass action but with the crucial refinement that the nature of the spatial distribution of predators and/or opportunities for predation are taken into account in an implicit way. If the predators are assumed to have a homogeneous spatial distribution, then the derived functional response is prey-dependent. If the predators are assumed to form a dense colony or school in a single (possibly moving) location, or if the region where predators can encounter prey is assumed to be of limited size, then the functional response depends on both predator and prey densities in a manner that reflects feeding interference between predators. Depending on the specific assumptions, the resulting functional response may be of Beddington-DeAngelis type, of Hassell-Varley type, or ratio-dependent.

Animals↗

An MRI-based semiautomated volumetric quantification of hip osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively and precisely define the spatial distribution of osteonecrosis and to investigate the influence of various factors including etiology. DESIGN: A volumetric method is presented to describe the size and spatial distribution of necrotic lesions of the femoral head, using MRI scans. The technique is based on the definition of an equivalent sphere model for the femoral head. PATIENTS: The gender, age, number of hips involved, disease duration, pain intensity, limping disability and etiology were correlated with the distribution of the pathologic bone. Seventy-nine patients with 122 hips affected by osteonecrosis were evaluated. RESULTS: The lesion size ranged from 7% to 73% of the sphere equivalent. The lateral octants presented considerable variability, ranging from wide lateral lesions extending beyond the lip of the acetabulum, to narrow medial lesions, leaving a lateral supporting pillar of intact bone. Patients with sickle cell disease and steroid administration presented the largest lesions. The extent of the posterior superior medial octant involvement correlated with the symptom intensity, a younger age and male gender. CONCLUSION: The methodology presented here has proven a reliable and straightforward imaging tool for precise assessment of necrotic lesions. It also enables us to target accurately the drilling and grafting procedures.

Adolescent↗

Observation of cumulative spatial focusing of atoms.

We report an experimental study of the spatial distribution of ultracold cesium atoms exposed to a series of kicks from a standing wave of light. We observe cumulative focusing, leading to a spatial array of atoms which is of interest for atomic lithography. To observe the spatial distribution, we developed a free-space measurement technique that enables the reconstruction of the atomic motion as a function of time. We find increased focusing of atoms after as many as ten kicks, and the results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

Journal Article↗

Mathematical analysis of transport and consumption of molecules in heterogeneous brain tissue (methodology).

A computer model of metabolite transport and consumption in heterogeneous brain tissue, using a combination of probabilistic and deterministic techniques is being developed. The metabolites are put into two separate classes: (I) those that have reached a membrane for the first time during a small time step, delta t, and (II) those that have not yet reached a cell membrane for the first time during that time step. The time dependent spatial distribution of class (I) molecules is determined using random walk theory, which takes into account the actual paths of the molecules. The variation of the spatial distribution of class (II) molecules with time is determined using the time dependent diffusion equation with a boundary condition of zero concentration on the enclosing membrane boundaries.

Biological Transport, Active↗

Flow perfusion improves seeding of tissue engineering scaffolds with different architectures.

Engineered bone grafts have been generated in static and dynamic systems by seeding and culturing osteoblastic cells on 3-D scaffolds. Seeding determines initial cellularity and cell spatial distribution throughout the scaffold, and affects cell-matrix interactions. Static seeding often yields low seeding efficiencies and poor cell distributions; thus creating a need for techniques that can improve these parameters. We have evaluated the effect of oscillating flow perfusion on seeding efficiency and spatial distribution of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells in fibrous polystyrene matrices (20, 35 and 50-microm fibers) and foams prepared by salt leaching, using as controls statically seeded scaffolds. An additional control was investigated where static seeding was followed by unidirectional perfusion. Oscillating perfusion resulted in the most efficient technique by yielding higher seeding efficiencies, more homogeneous distribution and stronger cell-matrix interactions. Cell surface density increased with inoculation cell number and then reached a maximum, but significant detachment occurred at greater flow rates. Oxygen plasma treatment of the fibers greatly improved seeding efficiency. Having similar porosity and dimensions, fibrous matrices yielded higher cell surface densities than foams. Fluorescence microscopy and histological analyses in polystyrene and PLLA scaffolds demonstrated that perfusion seeding produced more homogeneous cell distribution, with fibrous matrices presenting greater uniformity than the foams.

3T3 Cells↗