| 1. |
- Wang, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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A Novel MIMO-SAR Echo Separation Solution for Reducing the System Complexity : Spectrum Preprocessing and Segment Synthesis
- 2023
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Ingår i: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing. - 0196-2892. ; 61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The problem of echo separation using digital beamforming (DBF) on receive for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is of notable importance to allow for practical systems. Regrettably, current DBF-MIMO-SAR schemes, such as the short-term shift-orthogonal (STSO) scheme, are computationally cumbersome, increasing the required hardware complexity. To alleviate this problem, we here propose an improved echo separation solution for realizing a low-cost MIMO-SAR system. We detail a generic waveform design scheme and optimized monostatic radar waveforms (e.g., nonlinear frequency modulation (NLFM) signal), showing how these can be directly adopted in the proposed scheme to improve imaging performance. The proposed scheme enables the number of interference segments generated by unmatched waveforms to be halved by the use of the fast time spectrum preprocessing and segment synthesis, dramatically simplifying the array configuration, and reduces the system complexity. By exploiting interpulse phase coding techniques, the proposed method can provide a reconfigurable waveform transmitting scheme, allowing the system resources in range frequency, elevation space, and Doppler domains to be jointly exploited for the separation of aliased signal returns. The proposed scheme is evaluated using extensive numerical and measured datasets, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of the proposed method for resource-limited spaceborne/airborne MIMO-SAR systems.
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| 2. |
- Dahlberg, Tobias, et al.
(författare)
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3D printed water-soluble scaffolds for rapid production of PDMS micro-fluidic flow chambers
- 2018
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 8:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report a novel method for fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) biocompatible micro-fluidic flow chambers in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by 3D-printing water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filaments as master scaffolds. The scaffolds are first embedded in the PDMS and later residue-free dissolved in water leaving an inscription of the scaffolds in the hardened PDMS. We demonstrate the strength of our method using a regular, cheap 3D printer, and evaluate the inscription process and the channels micro-fluidic properties using image analysis and digital holographic microscopy. Furthermore, we provide a protocol that allows for direct printing on coverslips and we show that flow chambers with a channel cross section down to 40 x 300 μm can be realized within 60 min. These flow channels are perfectly transparent, biocompatible and can be used for microscopic applications without further treatment. Our proposed protocols facilitate an easy, fast and adaptable production of micro-fluidic channel designs that are cost-effective, do not require specialized training and can be used for a variety of cell and bacterial assays. To help readers reproduce our micro-fluidic devices, we provide: full preparation protocols, 3D-printing CAD files for channel scaffolds and our custom-made molding device, 3D printer build-plate leveling instructions, and G-code.
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| 3. |
- del Pozo, Ana, et al.
(författare)
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Behavioral Characterization of dmrt3a Mutant Zebrafish Reveals Crucial Aspects of Vertebrate Locomotion through Phenotypes Related to Acceleration
- 2020
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Ingår i: eNeuro. - 2373-2822. ; 7:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vertebrate locomotion is orchestrated by spinal interneurons making up a central pattern generator. Proper coordination of activity, both within and between segments, is required to generate the desired locomotor output. This coordination is altered during acceleration to ensure the correct recruitment of muscles for the chosen speed. The transcription factor Dmrt3 has been proposed to shape the patterned output at different gaits in horses and mice. Here, we characterized dmrt3a mutant zebrafish, which showed a strong, transient, locomotor phenotype in developing larvae. During beat-and-glide swimming, mutant larvae showed fewer and shorter movements with decreased velocity and acceleration. Developmental compensation likely occurs as the analyzed behaviors did not differ from wild-type at older larval stages. However, analysis of maximum swim speed in juveniles suggests that some defects persist within the mature locomotor network of dmrt3a mutants. Our results reveal the pivotal role Dmrt3 neurons play in shaping the patterned output during acceleration in vertebrates.
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| 4. |
- Guruprasad, Puneeth, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated automated particle tracking microfluidic enables high-throughput cell deformability cytometry for red cell disorders
- 2019
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Ingår i: American Journal of Hematology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0361-8609 .- 1096-8652. ; 94:2, s. 189-199
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Investigating individual red blood cells (RBCs) is critical to understanding hematologic diseases, as pathology often originates at the single-cell level. Many RBC disorders manifest in altered biophysical properties, such as deformability of RBCs. Due to limitations in current biophysical assays, there exists a need for high-throughput analysis of RBC deformability with single-cell resolution. To that end, we present a method that pairs a simple in vitro artificial microvasculature network system with an innovative MATLAB-based automated particle tracking program, allowing for high-throughput, single-cell deformability index (sDI) measurements of entire RBC populations. We apply our technology to quantify the sDI of RBCs from healthy volunteers, Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, a transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia major patient, and in stored packed RBCs (pRBCs) that undergo storage lesion over 4 weeks. Moreover, our system can also measure cell size for each RBC, thereby enabling 2D analysis of cell deformability vs cell size with single cell resolution akin to flow cytometry. Our results demonstrate the clear existence of distinct biophysical RBC subpopulations with high interpatient variability in SCD as indicated by large magnitude skewness and kurtosis values of distribution, the "shifting" of sDI vs RBC size curves over transfusion cycles in beta thalassemia, and the appearance of low sDI RBC subpopulations within 4 days of pRBC storage. Overall, our system offers an inexpensive, convenient, and high-throughput method to gauge single RBC deformability and size for any RBC population and has the potential to aid in disease monitoring and transfusion guidelines for various RBC disorders.
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| 5. |
- Habicher, Judith, et al.
(författare)
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Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate glycosyltransferase genes are essential for craniofacial development
- 2022
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Ingår i: PLOS Genetics. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7390 .- 1553-7404. ; 18:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) proteoglycans are indispensable for animal development and homeostasis but the large number of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis have made CS/DS function a challenging problem to study genetically. In our study, we generated loss-of-function alleles in zebrafish genes encoding CS/DS biosynthetic enzymes and characterized the effect on development in single and double mutants. Homozygous mutants in chsy1, csgalnact1a, csgalnat2, chpfa, ust and chst7, respectively, develop to adults. However, csgalnact1a-/- fish develop distinct craniofacial defects while the chsy1-/- skeletal phenotype is milder and the remaining mutants display no gross morphological abnormalities. These results suggest a high redundancy for the CS/DS biosynthetic enzymes and to further reduce CS/DS biosynthesis we combined mutant alleles. The craniofacial phenotype is further enhanced in csgalnact1a-/-;chsy1-/- adults and csgalnact1a-/-;csgalnact2-/- larvae. While csgalnact1a-/-;csgalnact2-/- was the most affected allele combination in our study, CS/DS is still not completely abolished. Transcriptome analysis of chsy1-/-, csgalnact1a-/- and csgalnact1a-/-;csgalnact2-/- larvae revealed that the expression had changed in a similar way in the three mutant lines but no differential expression was found in any of fifty GAG biosynthesis enzymes identified. Thus, zebrafish larvae do not increase transcription of GAG biosynthesis genes as a consequence of decreased CS/DS biosynthesis. The new zebrafish lines develop phenotypes similar to clinical characteristics of several human congenital disorders making the mutants potentially useful to study disease mechanisms and treatment.
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| 6. |
- Hanqing, Zhang, et al.
(författare)
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A fast and robust circle detection method using isosceles triangles sampling
- 2016
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Ingår i: Pattern Recognition. - : Elsevier. - 0031-3203 .- 1873-5142. ; 54, s. 218-228
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Circle detection using randomized sampling has been developed in recent years to reduce computational intensity. However, randomized sampling is sensitive to noise that can lead to reduced accuracy and false-positive candidates. To improve on the robustness of randomized circle detection under noisy conditions this paper presents a new methodology for circle detection based upon randomized isosceles triangles sampling. It is shown that the geometrical property of isosceles triangles provides a robust criterion to find relevant edge pixels which, in turn, offers an efficient means to estimate the centers and radii of circles. For best efficiency, the estimated results given by the sampling from individual connected components of the edge map were analyzed using a simple clustering approach. To further improve on the accuracy we applied a two-step refinement process using chords and linear error compensation with gradient information of the edge pixels. Extensive experiments using both synthetic and real images have been performed. The results are compared to leading state-of-the-art algorithms and it is shown that the proposed methodology has a number of advantages: it is efficient in finding circles with a low number of iterations, it has high rejection rate of false-positive circle candidates, and it has high robustness against noise. All this makes it adaptive and useful in many vision applications.
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| 7. |
- Leyhr, Jake, et al.
(författare)
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A novel cis-regulatory element drives early expression of Nkx3.2 in the gnathostome primary jaw joint
- 2022
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Ingår i: eLIFE. - : eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. - 2050-084X. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The acquisition of movable jaws was a major event during vertebrate evolution. The role of NK3 homeobox 2 (Nkx3.2) transcription factor in patterning the primary jaw joint of gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates) is well known, however knowledge about its regulatory mechanism is lacking. In this study, we report a proximal enhancer element of Nkx3.2 that is deeply conserved in most gnathostomes but undetectable in the jawless hagfish and lamprey. This enhancer is active in the developing jaw joint region of the zebrafish Danio rerio, and was thus designated as jaw joint regulatory sequence 1 (JRS1). We further show that JRS1 enhancer sequences from a range of gnathostome species, including a chondrichthyan and mammals, have the same activity in the jaw joint as the native zebrafish enhancer, indicating a high degree of functional conservation despite the divergence of cartilaginous and bony fish lineages or the transition of the primary jaw joint into the middle ear of mammals. Finally, we show that deletion of JRS1 from the zebrafish genome using CRISPR/Cas9 results in a significant reduction of early gene expression of nkx3.2 and leads to a transient jaw joint deformation and partial fusion. Emergence of this Nkx3.2 enhancer in early gnathostomes may have contributed to the origin and shaping of the articulating surfaces of vertebrate jaws.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Rodriguez, Alvaro, et al.
(författare)
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Refining particle positions using circular symmetry
- 2017
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science. - 1932-6203. ; 12:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Particle and object tracking is gaining attention in industrial applications and is commonly applied in: colloidal, biophysical, ecological, and micro-fluidic research. Reliable tracking information is heavily dependent on the system under study and algorithms that correctly determine particle position between images. However, in a real environmental context with the presence of noise including particular or dissolved matter in water, and low and fluctuating light conditions, many algorithms fail to obtain reliable information. We propose a new algorithm, the Circular Symmetry algorithm (C-Sym), for detecting the position of a circular particle with high accuracy and precision in noisy conditions. The algorithm takes advantage of the spatial symmetry of the particle allowing for subpixel accuracy. We compare the proposed algorithm with four different methods using both synthetic and experimental datasets. The results show that C-Sym is the most accurate and precise algorithm when tracking micro-particles in all tested conditions and it has the potential for use in applications including tracking biota in their environment.
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| 12. |
- Rodriguez, Alvaro, et al.
(författare)
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ToxId : an efficient algorithm to solve occlusions when tracking multiple animals
- 2017
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Video analysis of animal behaviour is widely used in fields such as ecology, ecotoxicology, and evolutionary research. However, when tracking multiple animals, occlusion and crossing are problematic, especially when the identity of each individual needs to be preserved. We present a new algorithm, ToxId, which preserves the identity of multiple animals by linking trajectory segments using their intensity histogram and Hu-moments. We verify the performance and accuracy of our algorithm using video sequences with different animals and experimental conditions. The results show that our algorithm achieves state-of-the-art accuracy using an efficient approach without the need of learning processes, complex feature maps or knowledge of the animal shape. ToxId is also computationally efficient, has low memory requirements, and operates without accessing future or past frames.
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| 13. |
- Rodriguez, Alvaro, et al.
(författare)
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ToxTrac : a fast and robust software for tracking organisms
- 2018
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Ingår i: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. - : British Ecological Society. - 2041-210X. ; 9:3, s. 460-464
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 1. Behavioral analysis based on video recording is becoming increasingly popular within research fields such as; ecology, medicine, ecotoxicology, and toxicology. However, the programs available to analyze the data, which are; free of cost, user-friendly, versatile, robust, fast and provide reliable statistics for different organisms (invertebrates, vertebrates and mammals) are significantly limited.2. We present an automated open-source executable software (ToxTrac) for image-based tracking that can simultaneously handle several organisms monitored in a laboratory environment. We compare the performance of ToxTrac with current accessible programs on the web.3. The main advantages of ToxTrac are: i) no specific knowledge of the geometry of the tracked bodies is needed; ii) processing speed, ToxTrac can operate at a rate >25 frames per second in HD videos using modern computers; iii) simultaneous tracking of multiple organisms in multiple arenas; iv) integrated distortion correction and camera calibration; v) robust against false positives; vi) preservation of individual identification; vii) useful statistics and heat maps in real scale are exported in image, text and excel formats.4. ToxTrac can be used for high speed tracking of insects, fish, rodents or other species, and provides useful locomotor information in animal behavior experiments. Download ToxTrac here: https://toxtrac.sourceforge.io (Current version v2.61).
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| 14. |
- Stangner, Tim, et al.
(författare)
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Step-by-step guide to reduce spatial coherence of laser light using a rotating ground glass diffuser
- 2017
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Ingår i: Applied Optics. - : Optical Society of America. - 1559-128X .- 2155-3165. ; 56:19, s. 5427-5435
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wide field-of-view imaging of fast processes in a microscope requires high light intensities motivating the use of lasers as light sources. However, due to their long spatial coherence length, lasers are inappropriate for such applications, as they produce coherent noise and parasitic reflections, such as speckle, degrading image quality. Therefore, we provide a step-by-step guide for constructing a speckle-free and high-contrast laser illumination setup using a rotating ground glass diffuser driven by a stepper motor. The setup is easy to build, cheap, and allows a significant light throughput of 48%, which is 40% higher in comparison to a single lens collector commonly used in reported setups. This is achieved by using only one objective to collect the scattered light from the ground glass diffuser. We validate our setup in terms of image quality, speckle contrast, motor-induced vibrations, and light throughput. To highlight the latter, we record Brownian motion of micro-particles using a 100x oil immersion objective and a high-speed camera operating at 2000 Hz with a laser output power of only 22 mW. Moreover, by reducing the objective magnification to 50x, sampling rates up to 10,000 Hz are realized. To help readers with basic or advanced optics knowledge realize this setup, we provide a full component list, 3D-printing CAD files, setup protocol, and the code for running the stepper motor.
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| 15. |
- van Ooijen, Hanna, et al.
(författare)
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Screening and high-resolution imaging of dynamic single-cell responses in 2D and 3D using a novel disposable microwell chip
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Single-cell assays are developed as novel tools for the identification and characterization of individual cell responses. Some methods provide snapshots of the phenotype of the cell, such as flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, whereas others, almost exclusively microscopy-based, can be used for longitudinal studies of individual cells. In the present study, we developed an easy-to-use, disposable, thermoplastic microwell chip, designed to support screening and high-resolution imaging of single-cell behavior in two-and three-dimensional cell cultures. We confirm its excellent optical properties and provide simple protocols for efficient long-term cell culture of suspension and adherent cells, the latter grown either as monolayers or as hundreds of single, uniformly-sized spheroids. We demonstrate the applicability of the system for single-cell analysis by correlating the dynamic cytotoxic response of single immune cells to their intracellular cytolytic load at the end of the assay. Additionally, we illustrate highly multiplex cytotoxicity screening of tumor spheroids in the chip, comparing the effect of environment cues characteristic of the tumor microenvironment on NK cell-induced killing. Following the functional screening, we perform high-resolution 3D immunofluorescent imaging of infiltrating NK cells within the spheroid volumes.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Waldmann, Laura, et al.
(författare)
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The Broad Role of Nkx3.2 in the Development of the Zebrafish Axial Skeleton
- 2024
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The transcription factor Nkx3.2 (Bapx1) is an important chondrocyte maturation inhibitor. Previous Nkx3.2 knock-down and overexpression studies in non-mammalian gnathostomes have focused on its role in primary jaw joint development, while little is known about the function of this gene in broader skeletal development. We generated CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of nkx3.2 in zebrafish and applied a range of techniques to characterize skeletal phenotypes at developmental stages from larva to adult, revealing fusions in bones of the occiput, the loss or deformation of bony elements derived from basiventral cartilages of the vertebrae, and an increased length of the proximal radials of the dorsal and anal fins. These phenotypes are reminiscent of Nkx3.2 knockout phenotypes in mammals, suggesting that the function of this gene in axial skeletal development is ancestral to osteichthyans. Our results highlight the broad role of nkx3.2 in zebrafish skeletal development and its context-specific functions in different skeletal elements.
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| 18. |
- Waldmann, Laura, et al.
(författare)
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The broad role of Nkx3.2 in the development of the zebrafish axial skeleton
- 2021
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 16:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The transcription factor Nkx3.2 (Bapx1) is an important chondrocyte maturation inhibitor. Previous Nkx3.2 knockdown and overexpression studies in non-mammalian gnathostomes have focused on its role in primary jaw joint development, while the function of this gene in broader skeletal development is not fully described. We generated a mutant allele of nkx3.2 in zebrafish with CRISPR/Cas9 and applied a range of techniques to characterize skeletal phenotypes at developmental stages from larva to adult, revealing loss of the jaw joint, fusions in bones of the occiput, morphological changes in the Weberian apparatus, and the loss or deformation of bony elements derived from basiventral cartilages of the vertebrae. Axial phenotypes are reminiscent of Nkx3.2 knockout in mammals, suggesting that the function of this gene in axial skeletal development is ancestral to osteichthyans. Our results highlight the broad role of nkx3.2 in zebrafish skeletal development and its context-specific functions in different skeletal elements.
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| 19. |
- Waldmann, Laura, et al.
(författare)
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The Role of Gdf5 in the Development of the Zebrafish Fin Endoskeleton
- 2022
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Ingår i: Developmental Dynamics. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1058-8388 .- 1097-0177. ; 251:9, s. 1535-1549
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of the vertebrate skeleton requires a complex interaction of multiple factors to facilitate correct shaping and positioning of bones and joints. Growth and differentiation factor 5 (Gdf5), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta family (TGF-beta) is involved in patterning appendicular skeletal elements including joints. Expression of gdf5 in zebrafish has been detected within the first pharyngeal arch jaw joint, fin mesenchyme condensations and segmentation zones in median fins, however little is known about the functional role of Gdf5 outside of Amniota. We generated CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of gdf5 in zebrafish and analysed the resulting phenotype at different developmental stages. Homozygous gdf5 mutant zebrafish display truncated median fin endoskeletal elements and loss of posterior radials in the pectoral fins. These findings are consistent with phenotypes observed in human and mouse appendicular skeleton in response to Gdf5 knockout, suggesting a broadly conserved role for Gdf5 in Osteichthyes.
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| 20. |
- Wiklund, Krister, et al.
(författare)
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A drag force interpolation model for capsule-shaped cells in fluid flows near a surface
- 2018
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Ingår i: Microbiology. - : Microbiology Society. - 1350-0872 .- 1465-2080. ; 164:4, s. 483-494
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report an interpolation model to calculate the hydrodynamic force on tethered capsule-shaped cells in micro-fluidic flows near a surface. Our model is based on numerical solutions of the full Navier–Stokes equations for capsule-shaped objects considering their geometry, aspect ratio and orientation with respect to fluid flow. The model reproduced the results from computational fluid dynamic simulations, with an average error of <0.15 % for objects with an aspect ratio up to 5, and the model exactly reproduced the Goldman approximation of spherical objects close to a surface. We estimated the hydrodynamic force imposed on tethered Escherichia coli cells using the interpolation model and approximate models found in the literature, for example, one that assumes that E. coli is ellipsoid shaped. We fitted the 2D-projected area of a capsule and ellipsoid to segmented E. coli cells. We found that even though an ellipsoidal shape is a reasonable approximation of the cell shape, the capsule gives 4.4 % better agreement, a small difference that corresponds to 15 % difference in hydrodynamic force. In addition, we showed that the new interpolation model provides a significantly better agreement compared to estimates from commonly used models and that it can be used as a fast and accurate substitute for complex and computationally heavy fluid dynamic simulations. This is useful when performing bacterial adhesion experiments in parallel-plate flow channels. We include a MATLAB script that can track cells in a video time-series and estimate the hydrodynamic force using our interpolation formula.
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| 21. |
- Zakrisson, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Detecting Bacterial Surface Organelles on Single Cells using Optical Tweezers
- 2016
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Ingår i: Langmuir. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0743-7463 .- 1520-5827. ; 32:18, s. 4521-4529
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bacterial cells display a diverse array of surface organelles that are important for a range of processes such as: intercellular communication, motility and adhesion leading to biofilm formation, infections and bacterial spread. More specifically, attachment to host cells by Gram-negative bacteria are mediated by adhesion pili, which are nm wide and µm long fibrous organelles. Since these pili are significantly thinner than the wavelength of visible light, they cannot be detected using standard light microscopy techniques. At present, there is no fast and simple method available to investigate if a single cell expresses pili while keeping the cell alive for further studies. In this study, we present a method to determine the presence of pili on a single bacterium. The protocol involves imaging the bacterium to measure its size, followed by predicting the fluid drag based on its size using an analytical model, and thereafter oscillating the sample while a single bacterium is trapped by an optical tweezer to measure its effective fluid drag. Comparison between the predicted and the measured fluid drag thereby indicate the presence of pili. Herein, we verify the method using polymer coated silica microspheres and Escherichia coli bacteria expressing adhesion pili. Our protocol, can in real time and within seconds assist single cell studies by distinguishing between piliated and non-piliated bacteria.
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| 22. |
- Zhang, Hanqing, 1988-
(författare)
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Digital holography and image processing methods for applications in biophysics
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Understanding dynamic mechanisms, morphology and behavior of bacteria are important to develop new therapeutics to cure diseases. For example, bacterial adhesion mechanisms are prerequisites for initiation of infections and for several bacterial strains this adhesion process is mediated by adhesive surface organelles, also known as fimbriae. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium expressing fimbriae of which pathogenic strains can cause severe diseases in fluidic environments such as the urinary tract and intestine. To better understand how E. coli cells attach and remain attached to surfaces when exposed to a fluid flow using their fimbriae, experiments using microfluidic channels are important; and to assess quantitative information of the adhesion process and cellular information of morphology, location and orientation, the imaging capability of the experimental technique is vital.In-line digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a powerful imaging technique that can be realized around a conventional light microscope. It is a non-invasive technique without the need of staining or sectioning of the sample to be observed in vitro. DHM provides holograms containing three-dimensional (3D) intensity and phase information of cells under study with high temporal and spatial resolution. By applying image processing algorithms to the holograms, quantitative measurements can provide information of position, shape, orientation, optical thickness of the cell, as well as dynamic cell properties such as speed, growing rate, etc.In this thesis, we aim to improve the DHM technique and develop image processing methods to track and assess cellular properties in microfluidic channels to shed light on bacterial adhesion and cell morphology. To achieve this, we implemented a DHM technique and developed image processing algorithms to provide for a robust and quantitative analysis of holograms. We improved the cell detection accuracy and efficiency in DHM holograms by developing an algorithm for detection of cell diffraction patterns. To improve the 3D detection accuracy using in-line digital holography, we developed a novel iterative algorithm that use multiple-wavelengths. We verified our algorithms using synthetic, colloidal and cell data and applied the algorithms for detecting, tracking and analysis. We demonstrated the performance when tracking bacteria with sub-micrometer accuracy and kHz temporal resolution, as well as how DHM can be used to profile a microfluidic flow using a large number of colloidal particles. We also demonstrated how the results of cell shape analysis based on image segmentation can be used to estimate the hydrodynamic force on tethered capsule-shaped cells in micro-fluidic flows near a surface.
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| 23. |
- Zhang, Hanqing, et al.
(författare)
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DSeg : a dynamic image segmentation program to extract backbone patterns for filamentous bacteria and hyphae structures
- 2019
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Ingår i: Microscopy and Microanalysis. - : Cambridge University Press. - 1431-9276 .- 1435-8115. ; 25:3, s. 711-719
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Analysis of numerous filamentous structures in an image is often limited by the ability of algorithms to accurately segment complex structures or structures within a dense population. It is even more problematic if these structures continuously grow when recording a time-series of images. To overcome these issues we present DSeg; an image analysis program designed to process time-series image data, as well as single images, to segment filamentous structures. The program includes a robust binary level-set algorithm modified to use size constraints, edge intensity, and past information. We verify our algorithms using synthetic data, differential interference contrast images of filamentous prokaryotes, and transmission electron microscopy images of bacterial adhesion fimbriae. DSeg includes automatic segmentation, tools for analysis, and drift correction, and outputs statistical data such as persistence length, growth rate, and growth direction. The program is available at Sourceforge.
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| 24. |
- Zhang, Hanqing, et al.
(författare)
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Exploration of novel candidate genes involved in epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier repair in man
- 2021
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Ingår i: Differentiation. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4681 .- 1432-0436. ; 119, s. 19-27
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A proper skin barrier function requires constant formation of stratum corneum, i.e. the outermost layer of epidermis composed of terminally differentiated keratinocytes. The complex process of converting proliferative basal keratinocytes into corneocytes relies on programmed changes in the activity of many well-established genes. Much remains however to be investigated about this process, e.g. in conjunction with epidermal barrier defects due to genetic errors as in ichthyosis. To this end, we re-analyzed two sets of microarray-data comparing altered gene expression in differentiated vs. proliferating keratinocytes and in the skin of patients with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) vs. healthy controls, respectively. We thus identified 24 genes to be upregulated in both sets of array and not previously associated with keratinocyte differentiation. For 10 of these genes (AKR1B10, BLNK, ENDOU, GCNT4, GLTP, RHCG, SLC15A1, TMEM45B, TMEM86A and VSNL1), qPCR analysis confirmed the array results and subsequent immunostainings of normal epidermis showed superficial expression of several of the proteins. Furthermore, induction of keratinocyte differentiation using phorbol esters (PMA) resulted in increased expression of eight of the genes, whereas siRNA silencing of PPAR delta, a transcription factor supporting differentiation, had the opposite effect. In summary, our results identify ten new candidate genes seemingly involved in human epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and possibly important for epidermal repair in a genetic skin disease characterized by barrier failure.
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| 25. |
- Zhang, Hanqing, et al.
(författare)
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Object plane detection and phase retrieval from single-shot holograms using multi-wavelength in-line holography
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Phase retrieval and the twin-image problem in digital in-line holographic microscopy can be resolvedby iterative reconstruction routines. However, recovering the phase properties of an object in a hologramneeds an object plane to be chosen correctly for reconstruction. In this work, we present a novelmulti-wavelength Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm to determine the object plane using single-shot hologramsrecorded with multiple wavelengths in an in-line holographic microscope. For micro-sized objects, weverify the object positioning capabilities of the method for various shapes and derive the phase informationusing synthetic and experimental data. Experimentally, we built a compact digital in-line holographicmicroscopy setup around a standard optical microscope with a regular RGB-CCD camera andacquire holograms of micro-spheres, E. coli and red blood cells, that are illuminated using three lasersoperating at 491nm, 532nm and 633nm, respectively. We demonstrate that our method provides accurateobject plane detection and phase retrieval under noisy conditions, e.g., using low-contrast hologramswithout background normalization. This method allows for automatic positioning and phase retrievalsuitable for holographic particle velocimetry, and object tracking in biophysical or colloidal research.
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| 26. |
- Zhang, Hanqing, et al.
(författare)
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Object plane detection and phase retrieval from single-shot holograms using multi-wavelength in-line holography
- 2018
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Ingår i: Applied Optics. - : Optical Society of America. - 1559-128X .- 2155-3165. ; 57:33, s. 9855-9862
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Phase retrieval and the twin-image problem in digital in-line holographic microscopy can be resolved by iterative reconstruction routines. However, recovering the phase properties of an object in a hologram requires an object plane to be chosen correctly for reconstruction. In this work, we present a novel multi-wavelength iterative algorithm to determine the object plane using single-shot holograms recorded at multiple wavelengths in an in-line holographic microscope. Using micro-sized objects, we verify the object positioning capabilities of the method for various shapes and derive the phase information using synthetic and experimental data. Experimentally, we built a compact digital in-line holographic microscopy setup around a standard optical microscope with a regular RGB-CCD camera and acquired holograms of micro-spheres, E. coli, and red blood cells, which are illuminated using three lasers operating at 491 nm, 532 nm, and 633 nm, respectively. We demonstrate that our method provides accurate object plane detection and phase retrieval under noisy conditions, e.g., using low-contrast holograms with an inhomogeneous background. This method allows for automatic positioning and phase retrieval suitable for holographic particle velocimetry, and object tracking in biophysical or colloidal research.
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| 27. |
- Zhang, Hanqing, et al.
(författare)
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UmUTracker : a versatile MATLAB program for automated particle tracking of 2D light microscopy or 3D digital holography data
- 2017
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Ingår i: Computer Physics Communications. - : Elsevier. - 0010-4655 .- 1879-2944. ; 219, s. 390-399
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present a versatile and fast MATLAB program (UmUTracker) that automatically detects and tracks particles by analyzing video sequences acquired by either light microscopy or digital in-line holographic microscopy. Our program detects the 2D lateral positions of particles with an algorithm based on the isosceles triangle transform, and reconstructs their 3D axial positions by a fast implementation of the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld model using a radial intensity profile. To validate the accuracy and performance of our program, we first track the 2D position of polystyrene particles using bright field and digital holographic microscopy. Second, we determine the 3D particle position by analyzing synthetic and experimentally acquired holograms. Finally, to highlight the full program features, we profile the microfluidic flow in a 100 gm high flow chamber. This result agrees with computational fluid dynamic simulations. On a regular desktop computer UmUTracker can detect, analyze, and track multiple particles at 5 frames per second for a template size of 201 x 201 in a 1024 x 1024 image. To enhance usability and to make it easy to implement new functions we used object-oriented programming. UmUTracker is suitable for studies related to: particle dynamics, cell localization, colloids and microfluidic flow measurement.Program summaryProgram title: UmUTracker Program Files doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/fkprs4s6xp.1Licensing provisions: Creative Commons by 4.0 (CC by 4.0)Programming language: MATLAB Nature of problem: 3D multi-particle tracking is a common technique in physics, chemistry and biology. However, in terms of accuracy, reliable particle tracking is a challenging task since results depend on sample illumination, particle overlap, motion blur and noise from recording sensors. Additionally, the computational performance is also an issue if, for example, a computationally expensive process is executed, such as axial particle position reconstruction from digital holographic microscopy data. Versatile robust tracking programs handling these concerns and providing a powerful post-processing option are significantly limited.Solution method: UmUTracker is a multi-functional tool to extract particle positions from long video sequences acquired with either light microscopy or digital holographic microscopy. The program provides an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) for both tracking and post-processing that does not require any programming skills to analyze data from particle tracking experiments. UmUTracker first conduct automatic 2D particle detection even under noisy conditions using a novel circle detector based on the isosceles triangle sampling technique with a multi-scale strategy. To reduce the computational load for 3D tracking, it uses an efficient implementation of the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld light propagation model. To analyze and visualize the data, an efficient data analysis step, which can for example show 4D flow visualization using 3D trajectories, is included. Additionally, UmUTracker is easy to modify with user customized modules due to the object-oriented programming style.Additional comments: Program obtainable from https://sourceforge.net/projects/umutracker/
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| 28. |
- Zhang, Hanqing, et al.
(författare)
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zOPT: an open source optical projection tomography system and methods for rapid 3D zebrafish imaging
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomedical Optics Express. - : The Optical Society. - 2156-7085. ; 11:8, s. 4290-4305
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Optical projection tomography (OPT) is a 3D imaging alternative to conventional microscopy which allows imaging of millimeter-sized object with isotropic micrometer resolution. The zebrafish is an established model organism and an important tool used in genetic and chemical screening. The size and optical transparency of the embryo and larva makes them well suited for imaging using OPT. Here, we present an open-source implementation of an OPT platform, built around a customized sample stage, 3D-printed parts and open source algorithms optimized for the system. We developed a versatile automated workflow including a two-step image processing approach for correcting the center of rotation and generating accurate 3D reconstructions. Our results demonstrate high-quality 3D reconstruction using synthetic data as well as real data of live and fixed zebrafish. The presented 3D-printable OPT platform represents a fully open design, low-cost and rapid loading and unloading of samples. Our system offers the opportunity for researchers with different backgrounds to setup and run OPT for large scale experiments, particularly in studies using zebrafish larvae as their key model organism.
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