Large Clumps Research Articles

Revealing 3D structure of gluten in wheat dough by optical clearing imaging

Gluten, which makes up 85% of endosperm wheat protein, is considered a crucial quality determinant of wheat-based food products. During wheat dough manufacture, the molecular packing of gluten causes formation of large structures that exceed the millimetre scale. However, due to lack of imaging techniques for complex systems composed of giant macromolecules, the entire gluten structure remains unknown. Here, we develop an optical clearing reagent (termed SoROCS) that makes wheat-based products transparent. Combined with two-photon microscopy, we image the three-dimensional (3D) structure of gluten at the size in the millimetre scale and at submicron resolution. Further, we demonstrate how the 3D structure of gluten dramatically changes from a honeycomb-shaped network to sparse large clumps in wheat noodles, depending on the salt added during dough making, thereby reducing stress when compressing the noodle. Moreover, we show that SoROCS can be used for noodle imaging using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

The role of deterministic succession during forest development within a southern African savanna

AbstractWoody encroachment can lead to a switch from open savannas to dense woodlands or forests. This has implications for both the composition of ecological communities and the provision of ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and grazing capacity. The patterns and underlying drivers responsible for woody encroachment are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the underlying determinants of bush clump formation (a form of encroachment) in a South African savanna and explore whether bush clump succession is driven by deterministic (i.e., predictable changes in species composition) or stochastic (i.e., random) processes. Specifically, we test (1) whether the similarity in species composition of saplings and trees differs among small and large clumps, (2) which environmental factors are driving succession, and (3) whether forest specialization of tree and sapling species within bush clumps increases with the successional gradient. Similarity in species composition between saplings in small clumps and trees in large clumps was higher than similarity between trees in small clumps and trees in large clumps. Furthermore, temperature, soil moisture, relative humidity, and light intensity were related to changes in species composition along the successional gradient. As expected, forest specialization of trees increased with increasing clump area indicating that late‐successional bush clumps have more forest‐type species. The directional changes of species found along the successional gradient suggest a deterministic process of succession driven by changes in local environmental conditions during clump formation.

A Catalog of High-velocity C iv Mini-broad Absorption Lines in the VLT-UVES and Keck-HIRES Archives

Abstract We present a catalog of high-velocity C iv λ1548,1551 mini-broad absorption lines (mini-BALs) in the archives of the Very Large Telescope-UV Visual Echelle Spectrograph and Keck-High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer. We identify C iv mini-BALs based on smooth rounded BAL-like profiles with velocity blueshifts <−4000 km s−1 and widths in the range 70 ≲ FWHM(1548) ≲ 2000 km s−1. We find 105 mini-BALs in 44 quasars from a total sample of 638 quasars. The fraction of quasars with at least one mini-BAL meeting our criteria is roughly ∼9% after correcting for incomplete velocity coverage. All of the systems are highly ionized based on the strong presence of N v and O vi and/or the absence of Si ii and C ii when within the wavelength coverage. Two of the mini-BAL systems in our catalog, plus three others at smaller velocity shifts, have P v λ1118,1128 absorption indicating highly saturated C iv absorption and total hydrogen column densities ≳1022 cm−2. Most of the mini-BALs are confirmed to have optical depths ≳1 with partial covering of the quasar continuum source. The covering fractions are as small as 0.06 in C iv and 0.03 in Si iv, corresponding to outflow absorbing structures <0.002 pc across. When multiple lines are measured, the lines of less abundant ions tend to have narrower profiles and smaller covering fractions indicative of inhomogeneous absorbers where higher column densities occur in smaller clumps. This picture might extend to BAL outflows if the broader and generally deeper BALs form in either the largest clumps or collections of many mini-BAL-like clumps that blend together in observed quasar spectra.

Optimal Planting Distance in a Simple Model of Habitat Restoration With an Allee Effect

Ecological restoration is emerging as an important strategy to improve the recovery of degraded lands and to combat habitat and biodiversity loss worldwide. One central unresolved question revolves around the optimal spatial design for outplanted propagules that maximizes restoration success. Essentially, two contrasting paradigms exist: the first aims to plant propagules in dispersed arrangements to minimize competitive interactions. In contrast, ecological theory and recent field experiments emphasize the importance of positive species interactions, suggesting instead clumped planting configurations. However, planting too many propagules too closely is likely to waste restoration resources as larger clumps have less edges and have relatively lower spread rates. Thus, given the constraint of limited restoration efforts, there should be an optimal planting distance that both is able to harness positive species interactions but at the same time maximizes spread in the treated area. To explore these ideas, here we propose a simple mathematical model that tests the influence of positive species interactions on the optimal design of restoration efforts. We model the growth and spatial spread of a population starting from different initial conditions that represent either clumped or dispersed configurations of planted habitat patches in bare substrate. We measure the spatio-temporal development of the population, its relative and absolute growth rates as well as the time-discounted population size and its dependence on the presence of an Allee effect. Finally, we assess whether clumped or dispersed configurations perform better in our models and qualitatively compare the simulation outcomes with a recent wetland restoration experiment in a coastal wetland. Our study shows that intermediate clumping is likely to maximize plant spread under medium and high stress conditions (high occurrence of positive interactions) while dispersed designs maximize growth under low stress conditions where competitive interactions dominate. These results highlight the value of mathematical modeling for optimizing the efficiency of restoration efforts and call for integration of this theory into practice.

Correcting Crown-Level Clumping Effect for Improving Leaf Area Index Retrieval From Large-Footprint LiDAR: A Study Based on the Simulated Waveform and GLAS Data

The demand for Leaf Area Index (LAI) retrieval from spaceborne full-waveform LiDAR increases due to its direct sampling of the three-dimensional forest structure at a near-global scale. However, the nonrandomness (i.e., clumping effect) of canopy composition limits the reliability of LAI derived from two common methods. They either assume a homogeneous scene in the footprint or just correct for the large gaps-induced between-crown clumping. The clumping in the crown is still an unaddressed issue. We proposed a method to compensate occlusion (i.e., lower canopy layers are occluded by the upper canopy in the process of LiDAR measurement), through which the vertical canopy profile can be resolved from the waveform. Further, we developed a method of deriving relative path length distribution that can reflect the heterogeneity of the canopy from the occlusion-corrected waveform. In addition to correcting the between-crown clumping, we corrected the within-crown clumping further using the derived relative path length distribution, based on path length distribution (PATH) theory. We used simulated waveform data with known LAI and GLAS data with corresponding field-measured LAI to test the performance of our and the two other common LAI retrieval methods. Results show that the errors of our approach are the lowest (with an error generally below 10% and the maximum error below 20%, compared with up to 69% and 47% for the two other methods), and it is relatively stable in various scenes. This study demonstrated the potential of improving LAI retrieval through full utilization of full-waveform data.

Positive cascading effects of epiphytes enhance the persistence of a habitat‐forming macroalga and the biodiversity of the associated invertebrate community under increasing stress

AbstractEnhanced persistence of stress sensitive species in harsh environments due to amelioration of physical stress by habitat‐forming species has been widely documented. By contrast, less attention has been given to positive species interactions that may enhance stress tolerance in habitat‐forming species, with positive cascading effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.We used a combination of field surveys and experiments to assess the effects of the epiphyteJania rubens, on its subtidal macroalgal hostHalopithys incurva, and their cascading effects on the associated invertebrate community, along a depth gradient associated with increasing stress (i.e. light stress at shallower depths).Correlative studies showed that the biomass and photosynthetic efficiency ofH. incurvaincreased with depth, along with a decrease of epiphyte biomass. The experimental manipulation of epiphytes (removal in shallow water and addition in deep water) revealed that their effects onH. incurvaphysiology varied from positive in shallow habitats to negative in deep habitats. These results suggest that reduction of light/UV stress byJ. rubensallowsH. incurvato persist in shallow‐water habitats that would be otherwise unsuitable. In addition, colonization by large clumps ofJ. rubensincreased the abundance and diversity of associated invertebrates in shallow habitat, suggesting that positive feedbacks betweenH. incurva, acting as the primary habitat‐former, andJ. rubens, acting as a secondary habitat‐former, generate a facilitation cascade.Synthesis. Our study suggests that the persistence of some habitat‐forming species and their ability to support biodiversity may rely upon physical stress reduction by other species (e.g. epiphytes in our case) that are generally neglected when planning conservation strategies. A deeper understanding of context dependency in positive species interactions is essential for predicting patterns of species distribution under increasingly stressful climate scenarios.

Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of hip joint

PurposeThis retrospective study summarized the clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic manifestation of synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the hip, along with the post-operative effect to discuss the curative effect of arthroscopic management of hip SC.MethodsTwenty-one patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery from the same surgeon for hip SC were followed up for an average of 45 months. T-shaped capsulotomy was routinely performed in each case. Visual analog scale, range of motion, modified Harris Hip Score, and International Hip Outcome Tool score were collected preoperatively and at the time of the latest follow-up. All patients’ demographics, radiographs, and arthroscopic images were collected to summarize and conclude the similarities and differences of their manifestation.ResultsLarge wedged clumps of loose bodies demonstrated distinguishable radiographic, arthroscopic appearance and demanded a different surgical strategy. Postoperative scores were all significantly improved. One case of residual pain and two cases of residual loose bodies with no symptom related were reported at the final follow-up. All but one patient were satisfied with the outcome.ConclusionArthroscopy treatment of hip SC with T-shaped capsulotomy has demonstrated a good result in terms of clinical outcome score, recurrence rate, and complication rate. On the basis of this study, we concluded the clinical performance of large wedged clumps of loose bodies of hip SC.

Application of polypropylene mesh on bilateral perineal hernia: A case study

The protuberance of pelvic viscera is due to the weakness or failure of pelvic diaphragm muscles called a perineal hernia. The etiology of this disease involved in this process was poorly determined but associated with multi-factors which included gonadal hormone imbalance, rectal abnormalities, prostatic disease, and myopathy. Additionally, the prevalence of middle age and old dogs overwhelmed the young ones due to the change in livelihood and diet. Although there was a certain rate of success in treatment for perineal hernia, this disease had high proportions of recurrence and postoperative complications. This study was conducted at Sasaki Animal Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City to manage this disease by the synthetic mesh implant. A 10-year castrated male Pomeranian (5.2 kg) was referred to clinical examination because of a 4-month complaint of the return of a mass at the perineal area. The owner also reported constipation and hematuria with the presence of pus. Rectal palpation and radiography indicated that the bladder contained in the hernia sac. Ultrasound showed that the bladder contained a large clump of pus. Blood test and antimicrobial-resistant test were also performed by taking the blood and urine with a pus sample, respectively. The ill animals were treated for bacterial infection and then operated to relocate hernia by polypropylene mesh. After 14-day operation, the results were considered satisfactory, which the perineal area returned to normal without any complications. However, the recurrence of this non-infectious disease was reported to range from 10-46%. Therefore, the following health check was necessary to perform twice within a year.

Sabella spallanzanii and Seafloor Biodiversity Enhancement in a Marine Soft-Sediment System

Predicting and managing the potential economic, social, and ecological impacts of bioinvasions is a key goal of non-indigenous species (NIS) research worldwide. The marine fan worm, Sabella spallanzanii, is an ecosystem engineering NIS that forms dense filter-feeding canopies on hard substrata and large clumps of individuals in soft sediment habitats. In this study, we investigated the epifaunal assemblages associated with Sabella clumps of increasing size and complexity from soft-sediment benthic ecosystems in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand. The diversity and abundance of epifaunal taxa increased with clump size. Species accumulation curves suggest that with further increases in Sabella clump size, diversity will continue to increase. There were no differential effects on taxa related to feeding mode or motility despite the potential for Sabella to reduce food to suspension feeders (through competition) and increase food supply to deposit feeders (through biodeposition). Our results provide an example of local biodiversity enhancement by an NIS, though some of the species benefitting from Sabella were themselves non-indigenous or of uncertain origin (cryptogenic/indeterminate). Longer term studies of the impacts of Sabella on native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, including on food webs, are important next steps.

Oversized Gas Clumps in an Extremely Metal-poor Molecular Cloud Revealed by ALMA’s Parsec-scale Maps

Abstract Metals are thought to have profound effects on the internal structures of the molecular clouds in which stars are born. The absence of metals is expected to prevent gas from efficient cooling and fragmentation in theory. However, this effect has not yet been observed in low-metallicity environments, such as in the early universe and local dwarf galaxies, because of the lack of high-spatial-resolution maps of gas. We carried out Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations of the carbon monoxide (CO) J = 2–1 emission line at 1.4 parsec resolutions of a molecular cloud in DDO 70 at 7% solar metallicity, the most metal-poor galaxy currently known with a CO detection. In total, five clumps have been identified and they are found to more or less follow Larson’s law. Since the CO emission exists in regions with visual extinction A V around 1.0, we converted this A V to the gas-mass surface density using a gas-to-dust ratio of 4594 ± 2848 for DDO 70. We found that the CO clumps in DDO 70 exhibit significantly larger (on average four times) sizes than those at the same gas-mass surface densities in the massive star formation regions of the Milky Way. The existence of such large clumps appears to be consistent with theoretical expectations that gas fragmentation in low-metallicity clouds is suppressed. While our observation is only for one cloud in the galaxy, if it is representative, the above result implies suppressed gas fragmentation during the cloud collapse and star formation in the early universe.

X-ray grating spectra of novae in outburst, and the cases of two luminous novae in the Magellanic Clouds

High resolution X-ray spectra of classical and recurrent novae in outburst have opened a new window into the nova phenomenon, allowing to observe both the hydrogen burning white dwarf (WD) with only a very thin atmosphere on top, and violent phenomena occurring in the ejecta. By means of these spectra, the mass and chemical composition of the WD can be estimated and insight is obtained into the mass ejection process. I present here the cases of two Magellanic Clouds novae, the recurrent LMC 2009a, and SMC 2016a, the most luminous nova observed in the Clouds. The bolometric and X-ray luminosity of LMC 2009a peaked at only about 10% of the Eddington luminosity; our interpretation is that the WD was partially obscured, probably by the accretion disk, or by large clumps in the ejecta. SMC 2016a instead reached super-Eddington luminosity and was observed at or above the Eddington level for about 6 months. The WD was more massive than 1.2 M⊙ in both novae, but the short recurrence time and the (inferred) much higher accretion rate caused a less energetic outburst in LMC 2009a. While the SMC 2016a spectrum is dominated by the characteristic continuum and features of the WD atmosphere, the LMC 2009a spectrum is much more complex and has an overlap of absorption and emission features. The main contribution to the continuum in both novae originated in the WD atmosphere, but the spectral features of N LMC 2009a were produced also in different regions, and most likely were due to more than one mechanism.

Growth dynamics analysis of the acrocarpous moss <i>Dicranum polysetum</i> Sw. in artificial pine forests of the steppe zone

The paper discusses the growth dynamics ofDicranum polysetumSw. in artificial pine communities of theKrasnosamarskyForest (Samara Region) and the National Park Buzuluksky Bor (Samara and Orenburg Regions). These species are most commonly found in these types of communities.The authors note the vitality ofDicranum polysetumSw. and its relation to the size of the moss curtain. The studies were conducted in the summers of 2015, 2016 and 2017. The moss was studied at 12 sitesof theartificial pine forests of the Krasnosamarsky forest and the National ParkBuzuluksky Bor. Three individuals were selected at each site, the growth and vitality of them were noted during the study period. It was revealed that the smallest growth was on the sites of the smallest moss curtain in both study areas. It was also found that the microrelief and grassy layer can significantly affect moss growth. It was noted that the vitality score was higher in large clumps in the absence of any mechanical damage to the curtain, and that the shoots form twigs, on average, every two years, thereby increasing their biomass, because the area of curtains did not significantly change during the study period.

Disadvantages and benefits of evolved unicellularity versus multicellularity in budding yeast.

Multicellular organisms appeared on Earth through several independent major evolutionary transitions. Are such transitions reversible? Addressing this fundamental question entails understanding the benefits and costs of multicellularity versus unicellularity. For example, some wild yeast strains form multicellular clumps, which might be beneficial in stressful conditions, but this has been untested. Here, we show that unicellular yeast evolve from clump‐forming ancestors by propagating samples from suspension after larger clumps have settled. Unicellular yeast strains differed from their clumping ancestors mainly by mutations in the AMN1 (Antagonist of Mitotic exit Network) gene. Ancestral yeast clumps were more resistant to freeze/thaw, hydrogen peroxide, and ethanol stressors than their unicellular counterparts, but they grew slower without stress. These findings suggest disadvantages and benefits to multicellularity and unicellularity that may have impacted the emergence of multicellular life forms.

Pro-Inflammatory S100A9 Protein Aggregation Promoted by NCAM1 Peptide Constructs.

Amyloid cascade and neuroinflammation are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, and pro-inflammatory S100A9 protein is central to both of them. Here, we have shown that NCAM1 peptide constructs carrying polycationic sequences derived from Aβ peptide (KKLVFF) and PrP protein (KKRPKP) significantly promote the S100A9 amyloid self-assembly in a concentration-dependent manner by making transient interactions with individual S100A9 molecules, perturbing its native structure and acting as catalysts. Since the individual molecule misfolding is a rate-limiting step in S100A9 amyloid aggregation, the effects of the NCAM1 construct on the native S100A9 are so critical for its amyloid self-assembly. S100A9 rapid self-assembly into large aggregated clumps may prevent its amyloid tissue propagation, and by modulating S100A9 aggregation as a part of the amyloid cascade, the whole process may be effectively tuned.

Infrared Galaxies in the Field of the Massive Cluster Abell S1063: Discovery of a Luminous Kiloparsec-sized H ii Region in a Gravitationally Lensed Infrared-luminous Galaxy at z = 0.6

Abstract Using the Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory, we have conducted a survey of IR galaxies in the field of the galaxy cluster AS1063 at z = 0.347, which is one of the most massive clusters known and a target of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Cluster Lensing and Supernova Survey with Hubble and the Frontier Field surveys. The Spitzer/MIPS 24 μm and Herschel/PACS and SPIRE images revealed that the core of AS1063 is surprisingly devoid of IR sources, showing only a few detectable sources within the central r ∼ 1′. There is, however, one particularly bright source (2.3 mJy at 24 μm; 106 mJy at 160 μm), which corresponds to a background galaxy at z = 0.61. The modest magnification factor (4.0×) implies that this galaxy is intrinsically IR luminous ( ). What is particularly interesting about this galaxy is that HST optical/near-IR images show a remarkably bright and large (1 kpc) clump at one edge of the disk. Our follow-up optical/near-IR spectroscopy shows Balmer (Hα–H8) and forbidden emission from this clump ([O ii] λ3727, [O iii] λλ4959,5007, [N ii] λλ6548,6583), indicating that it is an H ii region. The H ii region appears to have formed in situ, as kinematically it is part of a rotating disk, and there is no evidence of nearby interacting galaxies. With an extinction correction of mag, the star formation rate of this giant H ii region is ∼10 M⊙ yr−1, which is exceptionally large, even for high-redshift H ii regions. Such a large and luminous H ii region is often seen at z ∼ 2 but is quite rare in the nearby universe.

Potential role of bacterial extracellular polymeric substances as biosorbent material for arsenic bioremediation

Carcinogenic effects of arsenic through consumption of contaminated water are an alarming threat and there is an emergent need to reduce extremely high levels of toxic arsenic from environment. Bacterial biofilms produce polyanionic extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that is considered an excellent biosorbent material for the remediation of toxic metals and metalloids. This study was aimed to investigate the role of bacterial EPS in arsenic bioremediation. EPS was extracted from biofilm forming and arsenic reducer bacterial strains that were isolated from industrial waste water and characterized biochemically. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was also performed to study functional groups. Both Exiguobacterium profundum PT2 and Ochrobactrum ciceri SW1 exhibited enhanced EPS production in the presence of arsenic. Arsenic stress increased protein and carbohydrate contents in the EPS of both bacterial strains as indicated by the peaks of 1363 to 1613 and 1035 to 1218 cm−1 wavenumbers, respectively to cope with arsenic present in the surroundings. Shifting of peaks in As5+ treated samples from 1363 to 1379, 847 to 800 and 1211 to 1134 cm−1 demonstrated the involvement of proteins, carbohydrates and phosphates in the sequestration of arsenic. Scanning electron microscopic examination of EPS revealed structural alterations such as the presence of closely embedded large clumps with interstitial spaces between stacked layers of the EPS of E. profundum PT2 treated with As5+ displayed the enhanced polysaccharide content and arsenic sorption. Therefore, increased production of bacterial EPS with large number of polyanionic functional groups on its surface having tendency to sequester arsenic through electrostatic or covalent interactions presented EPS an excellent biosorbent material for arsenic bioremediation.

Role of mycorrhizal associations in tree spatial distribution patterns based on size class in an old-growth forest.

An important factor controlling tree species diversity is conspecific density dependence (CDD). Adult trees associated with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and ectomycorrhiza (ECM) can exhibit negative and positive CDD effects on conspecific recruitment, respectively. However, the extent to which these mycorrhizal associations affect spatial distributions of individual trees and their relative abundances within forests through CDD remains uncertain. We analysed changes in spatial correlations between adults and conspecific juveniles at different growth stages of five hardwood species in a 6-ha plot of an old-growth forest using a point pattern analysis. The clump sizes of large individuals were also evaluated using the Iδ index (a measure of individual dispersion) in 24 species. In two AM-associated species, juveniles were distributed at greater distances with increasing size or were always distributed at a distance from adults, resulting in small clumps of adults. In contrast, juveniles of two ECM-associated species were distributed close to adults during early or late growth stage, resulting in large clumps of adults. Juveniles of an ECM-associated species disappeared with increasing size, probably due to shade intolerance. In 24 tree species with large numbers of individuals within a plot, the relative basal area was related to both mycorrhizal type and maximum diameter, suggesting that the relative abundance of a species is largely related to its mycorrhizal associations and maximum plant size. This study strongly demonstrated that mycorrhizal associations play an important role in determining the spatial distribution patterns and community structure of tree species through CDD.

HEWL interacts with dissipated oleic acid micelles, and decreases oleic acid cytotoxicity.

Senile plaques are well-known hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Diseases (AD). However, drugs targeting tangles of the protein tau and plaques of β-amyloid have no significant effect on disease progression, and the studies on the underlying mechanism of AD remain in high demand. Growing evidence supports the protective role of senile plaques in local inflammation driven by S100A9. We herein demonstrate that oleic acid (OA) micelles interact with hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and promote its amyloid formation. Consequently, SH-SY5Y cell line and mouse neural stem cells are rescued from OA toxicity by co-aggregation of OA and HEWL. Using atomic force microscopy in combination with fluorescence microscopy, we revealed that HEWL forms round-shaped aggregates in the presence of OA micelles instead of protofibrils of HEWL alone. These HEWL amyloids act as a sink for toxic OA micelles and their co-aggregate form large clumps, suggesting a protective function in amyloid and OA cytotoxicity.

Dacar Cas/Somali Red Aloe: a new species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae) from Somaliland.

A new species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae) is described from Somaliland. It differs from other species in forming large clumps and in having sap that is initially yellow but quickly turns bright red and then dark red or reddish-brown, paniculate red-flowered inflorescences and uniformly coloured leaves with red teeth. Its recognition raises the number of species known from the combined area of Somaliland and Somalia s.s. from 31 to 36. A map portraying species density of Aloe by country, as that genus is now interpreted, shows that Aloe has its highest density on islands in the Indian Ocean but that, within Africa, the greatest density is in countries along the eastern highlands. The data also reinforce the importance of field botanists in determining a country’s known plant diversity.

Fast Adipogenesis Tracking System (FATS)\u2014a robust, high-throughput, automation-ready adipogenesis quantification technique

Adipogenesis is essential in in vitro experimentation to assess differentiation capability of stem cells, and therefore, its accurate measurement is important. Quantitative analysis of adipogenic levels, however, is challenging and often susceptible to errors due to non-specific reading or manual estimation by observers. To this end, we developed a novel adipocyte quantification algorithm, named Fast Adipogenesis Tracking System (FATS), based on computer vision libraries. The FATS algorithm is versatile and capable of accurately detecting and quantifying percentage of cells undergoing adipogenic and browning differentiation even under difficult conditions such as the presence of large cell clumps or high cell densities. The algorithm was tested on various cell lines including 3T3-L1 cells, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cells. The FATS algorithm is particularly useful for adipogenic measurement of embryoid bodies derived from pluripotent stem cells and was capable of accurately distinguishing adipogenic cells from false-positive stains. We then demonstrate the effectiveness of the FATS algorithm for screening of nuclear receptor ligands that affect adipogenesis in the high-throughput manner. Together, the FATS offer a universal and automated image-based method to quantify adipocyte differentiation of different cell lines in both standard and high-throughput workflows.