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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Altered TCR signaling from geometrically repatterned immunological synapses.

The immunological synapse is a specialized cell-cell junction that is defined by large-scale spatial patterns of receptors and signaling molecules yet remains largely enigmatic in terms of formation and function. We used supported bilayer membranes and nanometer-scale structures fabricated onto the underlying substrate to impose geometric constraints on immunological synapse formation. Analysis of the resulting alternatively patterned synapses revealed a causal relation between the radial position of T cell receptors (TCRs) and signaling activity, with prolonged signaling from TCR microclusters that had been mechanically trapped in the peripheral regions of the synapse. These results are consistent with a model of the synapse in which spatial translocation of TCRs represents a direct mechanism of signal regulation.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Stationary spatial patterns during bulk CO electrooxidation on platinum.

We present experimental studies and mathematical modeling on pattern formation during bulk CO electrooxidation on Pt ring electrodes. Profiles of the interfacial potential drop in front of the working electrode were recorded with a potential probe. Stationary self-organized potential patterns were observed under potentiostatic conditions in dilute acidic and basic supporting electrolytes. The amplitude and shape of these potential patterns can be modified by an appropriate local perturbation of the interfacial potential drop. A mathematical model of the formation of these patterns reveals that the homogeneous state becomes unstable through a subcritical Turing-like bifurcation and that several patterned electrode states coexist in wide parameter ranges.

Journal Article↗

[Formation of images of spatial position during the development of illusions of vestibular origin].

This paper discusses specific features of pilot's spatial orientation in response to spatial illusions of vestibular origin associated with their recognition and management. Analysis of data in the literature and observations by the present authors allow the conclusion that pilot's spatial orientation, once spatial illusions have emerged, makes him assess not only the instrumental information but also the pattern of his own controlling movements. As a consequence, it is suggested that in relation to the formation of a correct image of spatial position (particularly in the case of spatial illusions) pilot's controlling movements act as part of instrumental information concerning the spatial position of the flying vehicle.

Aerospace Medicine↗

Gene expression of type II collagens in chondro-osteophytes in experimental osteoarthritis.

The formation of chondro-osteophytes in osteoarthritic joints is a unique example of adult neochondrogenesis that bears some similarities to growth plate elongation and fracture callus formation. This study uses in situ hybridization histochemistry to define the molecular phenotype of cells in active chondro-osteophytes. Chondro-osteophytes are composed of fibrocytes and osteoblasts that express type I procollagen mRNA, mesenchymal prechondrochytes that express type IIA procollagen mRNA, and maturing chondrocytes that express type IIB procollagen mRNA. Based on the spatial pattern of gene expression and cytomorphology, the neochondrogenesis associated with chondro-osteophyte formation closely resembles that of healing fracture callus.

Animals↗

Clonal growth of Lithospermum caroliniense (Boraginaceae) in contrasting sand dune habitats.

The occurrence of clonal growth of distylous Lithospermum caroliniense was investigated in a population in the Nebraska Sandhills, an area where sand dunes have been relatively stable for at least 1500-3000 yr, and compared to a population occurring at the Indiana Dunes, an area of active sand dune formation. Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated the occurrence of significant clonal propagation of genetically based floral morphs at Arapaho Prairie, but not for the Indiana Dunes. Apparent clonal growth in the Sandhills population had no overall negative effect on pollen deposition or fecundity relative to the Indiana population, although in some large clones the proportion of compatible pollen grains on stigmas was lower. Clonal growth may have occurred in the Sandhills population because of the greater age and stability of the Nebraska Sandhills; infrequent establishment of seedlings permits detection of clonal growth using the spatial pattern of floral morphs. At the Indiana dunes, repeated cycles of dune formation provide conditions favoring establishment of seedlings, and sand dune succession results in disappearance of L. caroliniense before the development of clones.

Journal Article↗

Dynamical systems and cognitive linguistics: toward an active morphodynamical semantics.

We propose a novel dynamical system approach to cognitive linguistics based on cellular automata and spiking neural networks. How can the same relationship 'in' apply to containers as different as 'box', 'tree' or 'bowl'? Our objective is to categorize the infinite diversity of schematic visual scenes into a small set of grammatical elements and elucidate the topology of language. Gestalt-inspired semantic studies have shown that spatial prepositions such as 'in' or 'above' are neutral toward the shape and size of objects. We suggest that this invariance can be explained by introducing morphodynamical transforms, which erase image details and create virtual structures or singularities (boundaries, skeleton), and call this paradigm 'active semantics'. Singularities arise from a large-scale lattice of coupled excitable units exhibiting spatiotemporal pattern formation, in particular traveling waves. This work addresses the crucial cognitive mechanisms of spatial schematization and categorization at the interface between vision and language and anchors them to expansion processes such as activity diffusion or wave propagation.

Algorithms↗

Self-assembled pattern formation of block copolymers on the surface of the sphere using self-consistent field theory.

The spherical surface is spatially discretized with triangular lattices to numerically calculate the Laplace-Beltrami operator contained in the self-consistent field theory (SCFT) equations using a finite volume method. Based on this method we have developed a spherical alternating-direction implicit (ADI) scheme for the first time to help extend real-space implementation of SCFT in 2D flat space to the surface of the sphere. By using this method, we simulate the equilibrium microphase separation morphology of block copolymers including AB diblocks, ABC linear triblocks and ABC star triblock copolymers occurred on the spherical surface. In general, two classes of microphase separation morphologies such as striped patterns for compositionally symmetric block copolymers and spotted patterns for asymmetric compositions have been found. In contrast to microphase separation morphology in 2D flat space, the geometrical characteristics of a sphere has a large influence on the self-assembled morphology. For striped patterns, several of spiral-form and ring-form patterns are found by changing the ratio of the radius of a sphere to the averaging width of the stripes. The specific pattern such as the striped and spotted pattern with intrinsic dislocations or defects stems from formed periodic patterns due to microphase separation of block copolymers arranged on the curved surface.

Adsorption↗

Cell sorting by differential cell motility: a model for pattern formation in Dictyostelium.

In the slug stage of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, prespore cells and four types of prestalk cells show a well-defined spatial distribution in a migrating slug. We have developed a continuous mathematical model for the distribution pattern of these cell types based on the balance of force in individual cells. In the model, cell types are assumed to have different properties in cell motility, i.e. different motive force, the rate of resistance against cell movement, and diffusion coefficient. Analysis of the stationary solution of the model shows that combination of these parameters and slug speed determines the three-dimensional shape of a slug and cell distribution pattern within it. Based on experimental data of slug motive force and velocity measurements, appropriate sets of parameters were chosen so that the cell-type distribution at stationary state matches the distribution in real slugs. With these parameters, we performed numerical calculation of the model in two-dimensional space using a moving particle method. The results reproduced many of the basic features of slug morphogenesis, i.e. cell sorting, translocation of the prestalk region, elongation of the slug, and its steady migration.

Animals↗

MMP-related gelatinase activity is strongly induced in scar tissue of injured adult spinal cord and forms pathways for ingrowing neurites.

Scar formation following adult spinal cord (SC) hemisection is accompanied by important remodeling of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Since ECM molecules provide the substrate for axon growth, these changes in ECM composition are likely to influence the process of axonal regeneration. Here we investigated whether scar formation could be associated with the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of proteins implicated in ECM remodeling thought to favor axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. Two members of the MMP family, MMP-2 and MMP-9, were found to be transiently upregulated in the SC wound. In situ fluorescent zymography revealed a MMP-related gelatinase activity (GA) in the wound, which was spatially and temporally correlated with scar formation. The GA formed a striking pattern of interwoven pathways along which neurites were seen to grow. These pathways corresponded to the distribution of other ECM molecules, which are known to have antagonistic effects on axonal regrowth. Our results suggest that neurite ingrowth into the wound may transiently benefit from this ECM remodeling and, in particular, from the upregulation of MMPs.

Aging↗

Human SPRY2 inhibits FGF2 signalling by a secreted factor.

Growth factor signalling pathways and their inhibitors coordinate the formation of three-dimensional patterns of vertebrates and invertebrates. Temporal and spatial restriction of the response to a few well-defined cells is crucial and needs the integration of positive and negative signals. Recently, Spry has been identified as an inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling during Drosophila trachea development. Spry has been described as an intracellular protein that can exert its function in a cell autonomous or a paracrine manner. Here we describe the role of SPRY2, a human homologue of Spry, in human FGF2 signalling. We show that in primary human dermal endothelial cells (MVEC) SPRY2 mRNA is transiently upregulated in response to FGF2. Overexpression of SPRY2 in A375 cells leads to the secretion of a soluble factor that inhibits FGF2- but not VEGF-stimulated proliferation of MVEC. Direct administration of recombinant SPRY2 protein has no effect on MVEC proliferation. However, SPRY2 protein binds the intracellular adaptor protein GRB2, indicating an intracellular localization. A SPRY2/GFP fusion protein remains in the cell, further supporting the intracellular localization of SPRY2. So the intracellular protein SPRY2 is involved in the non-cell autonomous inhibitory effect indirectly, via regulating the secretion of an inhibitor of FGF2 signalling in vertebrates, the evidence of which is presented here for the first time.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Expression of Raldh2, Cyp26 and Hox-1 in normal and retinoic acid-treated Ciona intestinalis embryos.

Spatially regulated synthesis and degradation of retinoic acid (RA) organize embryonic pattern formation in vertebrate embryos. Here, we show expression pattern of genes encoding Ciona intestinalis homologs of the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase, RALDH2, and the cytochrome P450 RA-degrading enzyme, CYP26, in normal and RA-treated embryos. The Ciona homolog of Raldh2, Ci-Raldh2, was expressed in a few muscle-lineage blastomeres in the middle gastrula. Strong expression was then restricted to the anterior-most three muscle cells on each side of the tailbud embryo. The Ciona homolog of Cyp26, Ci-Cyp26, was expressed in the presumptive brain cells in the middle gastrula. The expression was then upregulated in the neck region. The posterior end of the tail was also weakly stained. Non-overlapping expression domains of Ci-Raldh2 and Ci-Cyp26 look similar to those in vertebrates, although the expression of both genes was restricted to a small number of cells in Ciona embryos. RA upregulated Ci-Cyp26 expression and slightly downregulated Ci-Raldh2 expression in the tailbud embryo. We also show expression pattern of a Hox-1 ortholog (CiHox-1) in the Ciona embryo. CiHox-1 was expressed in two separated regions of the nerve cord and neck epidermis at the neurula stage. Expression pattern of these three genes are essentially similar to that in vertebrates.

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

Spatial expression of the alternatively spliced EIIIB and EIIIA segments of fibronectin in the early chicken embryo.

Using domain-specific antibodies, we have analyzed the tissue distribution of fibronectins (FNs) containing the alternatively spliced EIIIB and EIIIA segments relative to total FN in early chicken embryos. The results show a selective loss of EIIIA+ FN staining in the notochordal sheath and in cartilaginous structures between 4.5 and 7.0 days of development. In other regions, EIIIB+ and EIIIA+ FNs are extensively codistributed in and around mesoderm-derived structures (somites, notochord, heart, and blood vessels), in basal laminae of endoderm and ectoderm-derived structures, as well as within the vicinity of neural crest formation and migration. We also noted that EIIIA staining overlaps with spatial patterns of distribution that have previously been described for the alpha4 integrin subunit, a component of the EIIIA receptor alpha4beta1.

Alternative Splicing↗

Femtosecond pulse propagation in nitrogen: numerical study of (3 + 1)-dimensional extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation with shock-term correction.

We develop an accurate and efficient method for calculating evolution due to the extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which describes the propagation behavior of a femtosecond light pulse in a nonlinear medium. Applying Suzuki's exponential operator expansion to the evolution operator based on the finite-differential formulation, we realize the accurate and fast calculation that can be performed without large-scale computing systems even for (3 + 1)-dimensional problems. To study the correspondence between experiments and calculations, we calculate the propagation behavior of a femtosecond light pulse that is weakly focused in nitrogen gas of various pressures and compare the calculation results to the experimental ones. The calculation results reproduce the relative behavior of the spatial light pattern observed during the propagation. Additionally, the multiple-cone formation and interaction between two collimated pulses in nitrogen gas are also demonstrated as applications of the developed method.

Journal Article↗

The spatial patterns of plaques and tangles in Alzheimer's disease do not support the 'cascade hypothesis'.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the 'Cascade hypothesis' proposes that the formation of paired helical filaments (PHF) may be casually linked to the deposition of beta/A4 protein. Hence, there should be a close spatial relationship between senile plaques and cellular neurofibrillary tangles in a local region of the brain. In tissue from 6 AD patients, plaques and tangles occurred in clusters and individual clusters were often regularly spaced along the cortical strip. However, the clusters of plaques and tangles were in phase in only 4/32 cortical tissues examined. Hence, the data were not consistent with the 'Cascade hypothesis' that beta/A4 and PHF are directly linked in AD.

Aged↗

Spiral intensity patterns in the internally pumped optical parametric oscillator

We describe a nonlinear optical system that supports spiral pattern solutions in the field intensity. This new spatial structure is found to bifurcate above a secondary instability in the internally pumped optical parametric oscillator. The analytical predictions of threshold and spatial scale for the instability are supplemented by detailed numerical investigations of the formation of spiral patterns.

Journal Article↗

Formation of cockroach interganglionic connectives: an in vitro analysis.

Individual ganglia of the cockroach embryo (Periplaneta americana) were explanted on clean glass coverslips immersed in a chemically defined liquid medium and incubated for periods up to eight weeks. Substantial, straight interganglionic connections were formed between: (1) rows of ganglia arranged in the normal in vivo configuration; (2) rows of ganglia placed in abnormal orders; (3) rows of ganglia which never form connections in vivo because they occur singly in the embryo; and (4) rows of ganglia in natural sequences but which have had their rostro-caudal axes rotated 90 degrees in relation to the line of the row. Therefore fascicles and interganglionic connectives were formed without regard to normal in vivo relationships. Daily observations with a Nomarski microscope indicated that several processes are involved in connective formation. (1) Initial outgrowth is in a random, radial pattern. (2) Intersecting fibers from adjacent ganglia are deflected toward each others' perikarya. (3) Initially bowed fiber connectives are straightened, perhaps by increases in fiber tension or by fiber shortening which may be brought about by neuronal or extraneuronal (glial) processes. (4) Outgrowing fibers follow already established fiber pathways. The present results indicate that fiber-fiber and fiber-target interactions play a significant role in the formation of interganglionic connectives. In this system, the spatial relationships between ganglia determine the patterns and varieties of permissible neuronal connections. Thus, major, straight nerve trunks may be formed between adjacent ganglia which are growing out fibers on a glass surface submerged in a liquid medium which offers minimal orientation cues and provides a growth substrate vastly different and simpler than that encountered by outgrowing fibers in vivo.

Animals↗

[Development of spatial orientation during pilot training].

The problem of spatial orientation of pilots flying high-altitude aircraft is in the focus of present-day aviation medicine because of a growing number of accidents in the air. One of the productive lines of research is to study spatial orientation in terms of active formation and maintenance of its imagery in a complex environment. However investigators usually emphasize the role of visual (instrumental) information in the image construction, almost ignoring the sensorimotor component of spatial orientation. The theoretical analysis of the process of spatial orientation has facilitated the development of the concept assuming that the pattern of space perception changes with growing professional experience. The concept is based on an active approach to the essence, emergence, formation and variation in the pattern of sensory perception of space in man's consciousness. This concept asserts that as pilot's professional expertise increases, the pattern of spatial orientation becomes geocentric because a new system of spatial perception evolves which is a result of the development of a new (instrumental) type of motor activity in space. This finds expression in the fact that perception of spatial position inflight occurs when man has to resolve a new motor task--movement along a complex trajectory in the three-dimensional space onboard a flying vehicle. The meaningful structure of this problem which is to be implemented through controlling movements of the pilot acts as a factor that forms this new system of perception. All this underlies the arrangement of meaningful collection of instrumental data and detection of noninstrumental signals in the comprehensive perception of changes in the spatial position of a flying vehicle.

Aerospace Medicine↗

Retrograde amnesia for spatial memory induced by NMDA receptor-mediated long-term potentiation.

If information is stored as distributed patterns of synaptic weights in the hippocampal formation, retention should be vulnerable to electrically induced long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal synapses after learning. This prediction was tested by training animals in a spatial water maze task and then delivering bursts of high-frequency (HF) or control stimulation to the perforant path in the angular bundle. High-frequency stimulation induced LTP in the dentate gyrus and probably also at other hippocampal termination sites. Retention in a later probe test was disrupted. When the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist 3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) was administered before the high-frequency stimulation, water maze retention was unimpaired. CPP administration blocked the induction of LTP. Thus, high-frequency stimulation of hippocampal afferents disrupts memory retention only when it induces a change in the spatial pattern of synaptic weights. The NMDA receptor dependency of this retrograde amnesia is consistent with the synaptic plasticity and memory hypothesis.

Afferent Pathways↗