Sparse feature selection identifies H2A.Z as a novel, pattern-specific biomarker for asymmetrically self-renewing distributed stem cells

Huh, Y.H.,Noh, M.,Burden, F.R.,Chen, J.C.,Winkler, D.A.,Sherley, J.L. Elsevier 2015 Stem cell research Vol.14 No.2

There is a long-standing unmet clinical need for biomarkers with high specificity for distributed stem cells (DSCs) in tissues, or for use in diagnostic and therapeutic cell preparations (e.g., bone marrow). Although DSCs are essential for tissue maintenance and repair, accurate determination of their numbers for medical applications has been problematic. Previous searches for biomarkers expressed specifically in DSCs were hampered by difficulty obtaining pure DSCs and by the challenges in mining complex molecular expression data. To identify such useful and specific DSC biomarkers, we combined a novel sparse feature selection method with combinatorial molecular expression data focused on asymmetric self-renewal, a conspicuous property of DSCs. The analysis identified reduced expression of the histone H2A variant H2A.Z as a superior molecular discriminator for DSC asymmetric self-renewal. Subsequent molecular expression studies showed H2A.Z to be a novel ''pattern-specific biomarker'' for asymmetrically self-renewing cells, with sufficient specificity to count asymmetrically self-renewing DSCs in vitro and potentially in situ.

Immobilization of hemoglobin on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes-poly-l-histidine-zinc oxide nanocomposites toward the detection of bromate and H₂O₂

Vilian, A.,Chen, S.M.,Kwak, C.H.,Hwang, S.K.,Huh, Y.S.,Han, Y.K. Elsevier Sequoia 2016 Sensors and actuators. B Chemical Vol.224 No.-

A novel biocompatible sensing strategy has been developed based on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT), poly-l-histine (P-l-His), and ZnO nanocomposite film for the immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb). The direct electron transfer properties and bioelectrocatalytic activity of the Hb in f-MWCNT-P-l-His-ZnO composite film is further investigated. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k<SUB>s</SUB>) of Hb confined to f-MWCNT-P-l-His-ZnO nanocomposite is found to be 5.16s<SUP>-1</SUP> using Laviron's equation. Moreover, the surface coverage concentration (Γ) of the electroactive Hb in the f-MWCNT-P-l-His-ZnO film is estimated to be 1.88x10<SUP>-9</SUP>molcm<SUP>-2</SUP>. The fabricated electrochemical biosensor based on the immobilized Hb revealed a fast response time (<3s) with a wide linear range (4-18,000μM and 2-15,000μM) and detection limit (as low as 0.01μM and 0.30μM) for the electrocatalytic determination of a mediator-free H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB> and bromate under optimal experimental conditions. The ca. apparent Michaelis-Menten constant is 0.14mM, which indicates that the Hb has a high affinity to H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB>. The high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability of the proposed nanocomposite film indicates that it can serve as an electrode for the development of an amperometric H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB> and bromate-based biosensor. The proposed third-generation biosensor was successfully applied to milk and urine samples for the detection of H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB> and bromate.

Numerical and Theoretical Study on Mechanical Behaviors of New Dovetail Joint System (NDJs) Subjected to Tensile, Compressive, and Out-of-plane Bending Moment Forces

W. A. H. Mashrah,Zhihua Chen,Hongbo Liu 한국강구조학회 2021 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.21 No.3

In this study, a new dovetail system of single-layer reticulated shell socketed joint (NDJs) of steel with excellent mechanical behaviour and economic benefi ts is suggested and investigated. Theoretical and numerical approaches were adopted to explore the infl uence of the diff erent design parameters on the mechanical behaviour of NDJs under axial tension, compression forces and out-of-plane bending moment. First, NDJs exhibited two main failure modes under compressive force which occurred in the H-section beam and throat neck. On the other hand, the failure of the NDJs under tensile force occurred on the slot edges and hub ring, which means the NDJs TYS bearing capacity is responsive to slot edge width ( d m ) and hub ring thickness ( d w ). Moreover, the resisting bending failure characteristics of NDJs combined characteristics of resisting compressive and tensile forces. Second, formulae of compressive, tensile, and bending yield strength bearing capacity of NDJs were derived, and the average of analytical to numerical results was calculated. Analytical analysis results matched very well with the FEA results and showed a very high calculation validity and effi ciency. Finally, NDJs shows excellent behaviour under diff erent axial loads and bending moment comparing with other types of bolted or assembled joints with the same size or used materials.

Geographic and Breed Distribution Patterns of an A/G Polymorphism resent in the Mx Gene Suggests Balanced Selection in Village Chickens

Ommeh, S.,Jin, L.N.,Eding, H.,Muchadeyi, F.C.,Sulandari, S.,Zein, M.S.A.,Danbaro, G.,Wani, C.E.,Zhao, S.G.,Nie, Q.H.,Zhang, X.Q.,Ndila, M.,Preisinger, R.,Chen, G.H.,Yousif, I.A.,Heo, K.-N.,Oh, S.J.,Ta Science Alert 2010 International journal of poultry science Vol.9 No.1

Investigation of PCR-RFLPs within Major Histocompatibility Complex B-G Genes Using Two Restriction Enzymes in Eight Breeds of Chinese Indigenous Chickens

R. F. Xu,K. Li,G. H. Chen,B. Y. Z. Qiang,D. L. Mo,B. Fan,C. C. Li,M. Yu,M. J. Zhu,T. A. Xiong,B. Liu 아세아·태평양축산학회 2005 Animal Bioscience Vol.18 No.7

New polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex B-G genes was investigated by amplification and digestion of a 401bp fragment including intron 1 and exon 2 using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) technique with two restriction enzymes of Msp I and Tas I in eight breeds of Chinese indigenous chickens and one exotic breed. In the fragment region of the gene, three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected at the two restriction sites. We found the transition of two nucleotides of A294G and T295C occurred at Tas I restriction site, and consequently led to a nonsynonymous substitution of asparagine into serine at position 54 within the deduced amino acid sequence of immunoglobulin variableregion- like domain encoded by the exon 2 of B-G gene. It was observed at rare frequency that a single mutation of A294G occurring at the site, also caused an identical substitution of amino acid, asparagine 54-to-serine, to that we described previously. And the transversion of G319C at Msp I site led to a non-synonymous substitution, glutamine 62-to-histidine. The new alleles and allele frequencies identified by the PCR-RFLP method with the two enzymes were characterized, of which the allele A and B frequencies at Msp I and Tas I loci were given disequilibrium distribution either in the eight Chinese local breeds or in the exotic breed. By comparison, allele A at Msp I locus tended to be dominant, while, the allele B at Tas I locus tended to be dominant in all of the breeds analyzed. In Tibetan chickens, the preliminary association analysis revealed that no significant difference was observed between the different genotypes identified at the Msp I and Tas I loci and the laying performance traits, respectively.

Direct observation of asymmetric domain wall motion in a ferroelectric capacitor

Lee, J.K.,Shin, G.Y.,Song, K.,Choi, W.S.,Shin, Y.A.,Park, S.Y.,Britson, J.,Cao, Y.,Chen, L.Q.,Lee, H.N.,Oh, S.H. Elsevier Science 2013 ACTA MATERIALIA Vol.61 No.18

We report in situ transmission electron microscopy observations of the 180<SUP>o</SUP> polarization switching process of a PbZr<SUB>0.2</SUB>Ti<SUB>0.8</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> (PZT) capacitor. The preferential, but asymmetric, nucleation and forward growth of switched c-domains were observed at the PZT/electrode interfaces, arising due to the built-in electric field induced at each interface. The subsequent sideways growth of the switched domains was inhibited by the depolarization field due to the imperfect charge compensation at the counter-electrode and also at the boundaries with preexisting a-domains, which contributed further to the asymmetric switching behavior. It was found that the preexisting a-domains split into fine a- and c-domains constituting a 90<SUP>o</SUP> stripe domain pattern during the 180<SUP>o</SUP> polarization switching process, revealing that these domains also actively participated in the out-of-plane polarization switching. The real-time observations uncovered the origin of the switching asymmetry and further clarified the importance of charged domain walls and the interfaces with electrodes in the ferroelectric switching processes.

Utility of skull X-rays in identifying recurrence of coiled cerebral aneurysms

Chen Peng Roc,Lopez-Rivera Victor,Conner Christopher R,Sanzgiri Aditya,Sheth Sunil A.,Erkmen Kadir,Kim Dong H,Day Arthur L. 대한뇌혈관외과학회 2021 Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neuros Vol.23 No.2

Objective A high rate of cerebral aneurysm recurrence following endovascular coiling has prompted the use of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for interval follow-up. However, the utility of skull x-rays as an alternative screening method for aneurysm recurrence is unproperly characterized. Methods Retrospective review of a prospective registry of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Anteroposterior and lateral skull x-rays were obtained immediately at the end of the procedure and at 6-month follow-up. Aneurysm recurrence was defined by comparing post-procedure and 6-month DSA imaging. A true positive was defined as a change in coil mass morphology on at least one projection with aneurysm recurrence on DSA, and a true negative defined as a stable coil mass on both projections and no recurrence on DSA. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) statistics was used to assess the performance of skull x-rays in identifying aneurysm recurrence. Results A total of 118 cerebral aneurysms were evaluated with DSA imaging and skull x-rays. A change in coil mass morphology on one projection of skull x-rays correctly detected all true recurrences with a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91-100%). Skull x-rays failed to identify a stable aneurysm coil mass in 15 cases, with a specificity of 79% (68-88%). Skull x-rays performed with AUC 0.8958 (95% CI, 0.8490-0.9431) in identifying aneurysm recurrence. Conclusions The findings of our study suggest that skull x-rays may represent a low-cost, non-invasive screening tool to rule out aneurysm recurrence, which can potentially aid in decreasing the utilization of DSA in the follow-up of patients with coiled cerebral aneurysms. Objective A high rate of cerebral aneurysm recurrence following endovascular coiling has prompted the use of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for interval follow-up. However, the utility of skull x-rays as an alternative screening method for aneurysm recurrence is unproperly characterized. Methods Retrospective review of a prospective registry of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Anteroposterior and lateral skull x-rays were obtained immediately at the end of the procedure and at 6-month follow-up. Aneurysm recurrence was defined by comparing post-procedure and 6-month DSA imaging. A true positive was defined as a change in coil mass morphology on at least one projection with aneurysm recurrence on DSA, and a true negative defined as a stable coil mass on both projections and no recurrence on DSA. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) statistics was used to assess the performance of skull x-rays in identifying aneurysm recurrence. Results A total of 118 cerebral aneurysms were evaluated with DSA imaging and skull x-rays. A change in coil mass morphology on one projection of skull x-rays correctly detected all true recurrences with a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91-100%). Skull x-rays failed to identify a stable aneurysm coil mass in 15 cases, with a specificity of 79% (68-88%). Skull x-rays performed with AUC 0.8958 (95% CI, 0.8490-0.9431) in identifying aneurysm recurrence. Conclusions The findings of our study suggest that skull x-rays may represent a low-cost, non-invasive screening tool to rule out aneurysm recurrence, which can potentially aid in decreasing the utilization of DSA in the follow-up of patients with coiled cerebral aneurysms.

Observation ofB0→pp¯K*0with a LargeK*0Polarization

Chen, J.-H.,Wang, M.-Z.,Adachi, I.,Aihara, H.,Arinstein, K.,Aulchenko, V.,Aushev, T.,Bakich, A. M.,Balagura, V.,Barberio, E.,Bay, A.,Bedny, I.,Belous, K.,Bitenc, U.,Bondar, A.,Bozek, A.,Brač,ko, American Physical Society 2008 Physical review letters Vol.100 No.25

<P>Using a 492 fb{-1} data sample collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider, we observe the decay B{0}-->ppK*0 with a branching fraction of (1.18{-0.25}{+0.29}(stat)+/-0.11(syst))x10{-6}. We study the decay dynamics of B{0}-->ppK*0 and compare with B{+}-->ppK*+. The K*0 meson is found to be almost 100% polarized (with a fraction of (101+/-13+/-3)% in the helicity zero state), while the K*+ meson has a (32+/-17+/-9)% fraction in the helicity zero state. The direct CP asymmetries for B{0}-->ppK*0 and B{+}-->ppK*+ are measured to be -0.08+/-0.20+/-0.02 and -0.01+/-0.19+/-0.02, respectively. In addition, we report improved measurements of the branching fractions B(B{+}-->ppK*+)=(3.38{-0.60}{+0.73}+/-0.39)x10{-6} and B(B{0}-->ppK{0})=(2.51{-0.29}{+0.35}+/-0.21)x10{-6}, which supersede our previous measurements.</P>

Evasion of anti-growth signaling: A key step in tumorigenesis and potential target for treatment and prophylaxis by natural compounds

Amin, A.R.M.R.,Karpowicz, P.A.,Carey, T.E.,Arbiser, J.,Nahta, R.,Chen, Z.G.,Dong, J.T.,Kucuk, O.,Khan, G.N.,Huang, G.S.,Mi, S.,Lee, H.Y.,Reichrath, J.,Honoki, K.,Georgakilas, A.G.,Amedei, A.,Amin, A. Saunders Scientific Publications ; Academic Press 2015 SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY Vol.35 No.suppl

The evasion of anti-growth signaling is an important characteristic of cancer cells. In order to continue to proliferate, cancer cells must somehow uncouple themselves from the many signals that exist to slow down cell growth. Here, we define the anti-growth signaling process, and review several important pathways involved in growth signaling: p53, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), retinoblastoma protein (Rb), Hippo, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A), Notch, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) pathways. Aberrations in these processes in cancer cells involve mutations and thus the suppression of genes that prevent growth, as well as mutation and activation of genes involved in driving cell growth. Using these pathways as examples, we prioritize molecular targets that might be leveraged to promote anti-growth signaling in cancer cells. Interestingly, naturally occurring phytochemicals found in human diets (either singly or as mixtures) may promote anti-growth signaling, and do so without the potentially adverse effects associated with synthetic chemicals. We review examples of naturally occurring phytochemicals that may be applied to prevent cancer by antagonizing growth signaling, and propose one phytochemical for each pathway. These are: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) for the Rb pathway, luteolin for p53, curcumin for PTEN, porphyrins for Hippo, genistein for GDF15, resveratrol for ARID1A, withaferin A for Notch and diguelin for the IGF1-receptor pathway. The coordination of anti-growth signaling and natural compound studies will provide insight into the future application of these compounds in the clinical setting.

Differential Cross Section and Photon-Beam Asymmetry for the γ→p → π−Δ++(1232) Reaction at Forward π− Angles for Eγ=1.5-2.95 GeV

Kohri, H.,Shiu, S. H.,Chang, W. C.,Yanai, Y.,Ahn, D. S.,Ahn, J. K.,Chen, J. Y.,Daté,, S.,Ejiri, H.,Fujimura, H.,Fujiwara, M.,Fukui, S.,Gohn, W.,Hicks, K.,Hosaka, A.,Hotta, T.,Hwang, S. H.,Imai, American Physical Society 2018 Physical Review Letters Vol.120 No.20

<P>Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries for the gamma(->)p -> Pi(-)Delta(++)(1232) reaction have been measured for 0.7 < cos Theta(c.m.)(Pi) < 1 and E-gamma= 1.5-2.95 GeV at SPring-8/LEPS. The first-ever high statistics cross-section data are obtained in this kinematical region, and the asymmetry data for 1.5 < E-gamma(GeV) < 2.8 are obtained for the first time. This reaction has a unique feature for studying the production mechanisms of a pure uu quark pair in the final state from the proton. Although there is no distinct peak structure in the cross sections, a non-negligible excess over the theoretical predictions is observed at E-gamma= 1.5-1.8 GeV. The asymmetries are found to be negative in most of the present kinematical regions, suggesting the dominance of n exchange in the t channel. The negative asymmetries at forward meson production angles are different from the asymmetries previously measured for the photoproduction reactions producing a dd(-) or an ss quark pair in the final state. Advanced theoretical models introducing nucleon resonances and additional unnatural-parity exchanges are needed to reproduce the present data.</P>