Differential Rationality and Personal Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fincher, Cameron

This publication discusses differential rationality; it asserts that the development of institutions, professions, and individuals involves the differentiation of forms and styles of thinking and knowing that are, in various ways, idiosyncratic. Based on this understanding, differential rationality can be seen as a developmental construct that…

Differentially private distributed logistic regression using private and public data.

PubMed

Ji, Zhanglong; Jiang, Xiaoqian; Wang, Shuang; Xiong, Li; Ohno-Machado, Lucila

2014-01-01

Privacy protecting is an important issue in medical informatics and differential privacy is a state-of-the-art framework for data privacy research. Differential privacy offers provable privacy against attackers who have auxiliary information, and can be applied to data mining models (for example, logistic regression). However, differentially private methods sometimes introduce too much noise and make outputs less useful. Given available public data in medical research (e.g. from patients who sign open-consent agreements), we can design algorithms that use both public and private data sets to decrease the amount of noise that is introduced. In this paper, we modify the update step in Newton-Raphson method to propose a differentially private distributed logistic regression model based on both public and private data. We try our algorithm on three different data sets, and show its advantage over: (1) a logistic regression model based solely on public data, and (2) a differentially private distributed logistic regression model based on private data under various scenarios. Logistic regression models built with our new algorithm based on both private and public datasets demonstrate better utility than models that trained on private or public datasets alone without sacrificing the rigorous privacy guarantee.

A High Proliferation Rate is Critical for Reproducible and Standardized Embryoid Body Formation from Laminin-521-Based Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Cultures.

PubMed

Dziedzicka, Dominika; Markouli, Christina; Barbé, Lise; Spits, Claudia; Sermon, Karen; Geens, Mieke

2016-12-01

When aiming for homogenous embryoid body (EB) differentiation, the use of equal-sized EBs is required to avoid a size-induced differentiation bias. In this study we developed an efficient and standardized EB formation protocol for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) cultured in a laminin-521-based xeno-free system. As the cell proliferation rate of the cells growing on laminin-521 strongly affected the efficiency of aggregate formation, we found that recently passaged cells, as well as the addition of ROCK inhibitor, were essential for reproducible EB formation from hPSC single-cell suspensions. EBs could be obtained in a variety of differentiation media, in 96-well round-bottom plates and in hanging drops. Gene expression studies on differentially sized EBs from three individual human embryonic stem cell lines demonstrated that the medium used for differentiation influenced the differentiation outcome to a much greater extent than the number of cells used for the initial EB formation. Our findings give a new insight into factors that influence the EB formation and differentiation process. This optimized method allows us to easily manipulate EB formation and provide an excellent starting point for downstream EB-based differentiation protocols.

Absolute Position Sensing Based on a Robust Differential Capacitive Sensor with a Grounded Shield Window

PubMed Central

Bai, Yang; Lu, Yunfeng; Hu, Pengcheng; Wang, Gang; Xu, Jinxin; Zeng, Tao; Li, Zhengkun; Zhang, Zhonghua; Tan, Jiubin

2016-01-01

A simple differential capacitive sensor is provided in this paper to measure the absolute positions of length measuring systems. By utilizing a shield window inside the differential capacitor, the measurement range and linearity range of the sensor can reach several millimeters. What is more interesting is that this differential capacitive sensor is only sensitive to one translational degree of freedom (DOF) movement, and immune to the vibration along the other two translational DOFs. In the experiment, we used a novel circuit based on an AC capacitance bridge to directly measure the differential capacitance value. The experimental result shows that this differential capacitive sensor has a sensitivity of 2 × 10−4 pF/μm with 0.08 μm resolution. The measurement range of this differential capacitive sensor is 6 mm, and the linearity error are less than 0.01% over the whole absolute position measurement range. PMID:27187393

Higher-order automatic differentiation of mathematical functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charpentier, Isabelle; Dal Cappello, Claude

2015-04-01

Functions of mathematical physics such as the Bessel functions, the Chebyshev polynomials, the Gauss hypergeometric function and so forth, have practical applications in many scientific domains. On the one hand, differentiation formulas provided in reference books apply to real or complex variables. These do not account for the chain rule. On the other hand, based on the chain rule, the automatic differentiation has become a natural tool in numerical modeling. Nevertheless automatic differentiation tools do not deal with the numerous mathematical functions. This paper describes formulas and provides codes for the higher-order automatic differentiation of mathematical functions. The first method is based on Faà di Bruno's formula that generalizes the chain rule. The second one makes use of the second order differential equation they satisfy. Both methods are exemplified with the aforementioned functions.

Testing Differential Effects of Computer-Based, Web-Based and Paper-Based Administration of Questionnaire Research Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardre, Patricia L.; Crowson, H. Michael; Xie, Kui; Ly, Cong

2007-01-01

Translation of questionnaire instruments to digital administration systems, both self-contained and web-based, is widespread and increasing daily. However, the literature is lean on controlled empirical studies investigating the potential for differential effects of administrative methods. In this study, two university student samples were…

Osteoclast differentiation inhibitors: a patent review (2008 - 2012).

PubMed

Kim, Seong Hwan; Moon, Seong-Hee

2013-12-01

Mononuclear macrophage/monocyte-lineage hematopoietic precursors differentiate into multinucleated osteoclasts. Abnormally increased numbers and/or overactivation of osteoclasts can lead to bone loss. Therefore, pharmaceutical inhibition of osteoclast differentiation is one therapeutic strategy for mitigating the occurrence of bone loss-associated disorders and related fractures. This review surveys the patents and patent applications from 2008 to 2012 that are related to inventions of therapeutics and/or methods for inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. Over the past 20 years, the identification and validation of signaling molecules involved in osteoclast differentiation has led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism, and to the development of new therapeutic agents for treating bone loss-associated disorders. Since 2008, 34 WO patents or patent applications have been filed that relate to inventions of therapeutics and/or methods for chemical-based, natural product-based, or biological-based inhibitors of osteoclast differentiation. Here, analysis of these patents and patent applications is presented, and summarize the disclosed osteoclast differentiation-inhibiting target molecules. This report can support further advances in the development of anti-osteoclastogenic therapeutics for bone loss-associated disorders, including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease, periodontal disease, osteosarcoma, and cancer bone metastasis.

Dip-in Indicators for Visual Differentiation of Fuel Mixtures Based on Wettability of Fluoroalkylchlorosilane-Coated Inverse Opal Films.

PubMed

Sedighi, Abootaleb; Qiu, Shuang; Wong, Michael C K; Li, Paul C H

2015-12-30

We have developed the dip-in indicator based on the inverse opal film (IOF) for visual differentiation of organic liquid mixtures, such as oil/gasoline or ethanol/gasoline fuel mixtures. The IOF consists of a three-dimensional porous structure with a highly ordered periodic arrangement of nanopores. The specularly reflected light at the interface of the nanopores and silica walls contributes to the structural color of the IOF film. This color disappears when the nanopores are infiltrated by a liquid with a similar refractive index to silica. The disappearance of the structural color provides a means to differentiate various liquid fuel mixtures based on their wettability of the nanopores in the IOF-based indicators. For differentiation of various liquid mixtures, we tune the wettability threshold of the indicator in such a way that it is wetted (color disappears) by one liquid but is not wetted by the other (color remains). Although colorimetric differentiation of liquids based on IOF wettability has been reported, differentiation of highly similar liquid mixtures require complicated readout approaches. It is known that the IOF wettability is controlled by multiple surface properties (e.g., oleophobicity) and structural properties (e.g., neck angle and film thickness) of the nanostructure. Therefore, we aim to exploit the combined tuning of these properties for differentiation of fuel mixtures with close compositions. In this study, we have demonstrated that, for the first time, the IOF-based dip-in indicator is able to detect a slight difference in the fuel mixture composition (i.e., 0.4% of oil content). Moreover, the color/no-color differentiation platform is simple, powerful, and easy-to-read. This platform makes the dip-in indicator a promising tool for authentication and determination of fuel composition at the point-of-purchase or point-of-use.

Digital differential confocal microscopy based on spatial shift transformation.

PubMed

Liu, J; Wang, Y; Liu, C; Wilson, T; Wang, H; Tan, J

2014-11-01

Differential confocal microscopy is a particularly powerful surface profilometry technique in industrial metrology due to its high axial sensitivity and insensitivity to noise. However, the practical implementation of the technique requires the accurate positioning of point detectors in three-dimensions. We describe a simple alternative based on spatial transformation of a through-focus series of images obtained from a homemade beam scanning confocal microscope. This digital differential confocal microscopy approach is described and compared with the traditional Differential confocal microscopy approach. The ease of use of the digital differential confocal microscopy system is illustrated by performing measurements on a 3D standard specimen. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2014 Royal Microscopical Society.

Are two hands (from different people) better than one? Mode effects and differential transfer between manual coordination modes.

PubMed

Gorman, Jamie C; Crites, Michael J

2013-08-01

We report an experiment in which we investigated differential transfer between unimanual (one-handed), bimanual (two-handed), and intermanual (different peoples' hands) coordination modes. People perform some manual tasks faster than others ("mode effects"). However, little is known about transfer between coordination modes. To investigate differential transfer, we draw hypotheses from two perspectives--information based and constraint based--of bimanual and interpersonal coordination and skill acquisition. Participants drove a teleoperated rover around a circular path in sets of two 2-min trials using two of the different coordination modes. Speed and variability of the rover's path were measured. Order of coordination modes was manipulated to examine differential transfer and mode effects. Differential transfer analyses revealed patterns of positive transfer from simpler (localized spatiotemporal constraints) to more complex (distributed spatiotemporal constraints) coordination modes paired with negative transfer in the opposite direction. Mode effects indicated that intermanual performance was significantly faster than unimanual performance, and bimanual performance was intermediate. Importantly, all of these effects disappeared with practice. The observed patterns of differential transfer between coordination modes may be better accounted for by a constraint-based explanation of differential transfer than by an information-based one. Mode effects may be attributable to anticipatory movements based on dyads' access to mutual visual information. Although people may be faster using more-complex coordination modes, when operators transition between modes, they may be more effective transitioning from simpler (e.g., bimanual) to more complex (e.g., intermanual) modes than vice versa. However, this difference may be critical only for novel or rarely practiced tasks.

SCOUP: a probabilistic model based on the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process to analyze single-cell expression data during differentiation.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Hirotaka; Kiryu, Hisanori

2016-06-08

Single-cell technologies make it possible to quantify the comprehensive states of individual cells, and have the power to shed light on cellular differentiation in particular. Although several methods have been developed to fully analyze the single-cell expression data, there is still room for improvement in the analysis of differentiation. In this paper, we propose a novel method SCOUP to elucidate differentiation process. Unlike previous dimension reduction-based approaches, SCOUP describes the dynamics of gene expression throughout differentiation directly, including the degree of differentiation of a cell (in pseudo-time) and cell fate. SCOUP is superior to previous methods with respect to pseudo-time estimation, especially for single-cell RNA-seq. SCOUP also successfully estimates cell lineage more accurately than previous method, especially for cells at an early stage of bifurcation. In addition, SCOUP can be applied to various downstream analyses. As an example, we propose a novel correlation calculation method for elucidating regulatory relationships among genes. We apply this method to a single-cell RNA-seq data and detect a candidate of key regulator for differentiation and clusters in a correlation network which are not detected with conventional correlation analysis. We develop a stochastic process-based method SCOUP to analyze single-cell expression data throughout differentiation. SCOUP can estimate pseudo-time and cell lineage more accurately than previous methods. We also propose a novel correlation calculation method based on SCOUP. SCOUP is a promising approach for further single-cell analysis and available at https://github.com/hmatsu1226/SCOUP.

Differential Fee: From Conceptualisation to Implementation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ng, Todd C. Y.; Wong, Andrew L. S.

A differential fee policy was adopted at the Open Learning Institute (OLI) of Hong Kong after a process of conceptualization, planning, proposal, approval and implementation. Under the differential fee policy different tuition rates were charged for different courses. The differential fee policy was conceptualized at OLI based on economics,…

Differentiation of nonferrous metal particles in lubrication oil using an electrical conductivity measurement-based inductive sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yu; Zhang, Hongpeng; Wang, Man; Chen, Haiquan

2018-02-01

A method that measures the electrical conductivity of metal based on monitoring the inductance changes of coils via an inductive sensor is introduced in this work to differentiate metal particles in lubrication oil. Theoretical analysis coupled with experimentation is employed to differentiate varieties of nonferrous metal particles, including copper and aluminum particles, ranging from 860 μm to 880 μm in diameter. The results show that the inductive sensor is capable of the identification and differentiation of nonferrous metal particles in lubrication oil based on the electrical conductivity measurement. The concept demonstrated in this paper can be extended to inductive sensors in metal particle detection and other scientific and industrial applications.

Lymphatic filarial species differentiation using evolutionarily modified tandem repeats: generation of new genetic markers.

PubMed

Sakthidevi, Moorthy; Murugan, Vadivel; Hoti, Sugeerappa Laxmanappa; Kaliraj, Perumal

2010-05-01

Polymerase chain reaction based methods are promising tools for the monitoring and evaluation of the Global Program for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis. The currently available PCR methods do not differentiate the DNA of Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi by a single PCR and hence are cumbersome. Therefore, we designed a single step PCR strategy for differentiating Bancroftian infection from Brugian infection based on a newly identified gene from the W. bancrofti genome, abundant larval transcript-2 (alt-2), which is abundantly expressed. The difference in PCR product sizes generated from the presence or absence of evolutionarily altered tandem repeats in alt-2 intron-3 differentiated W. bancrofti from B. malayi. The analysis was performed on the genomic DNA of microfilariae from a number of patient blood samples or microfilariae positive slides from different Indian geographical regions. The assay gave consistent results, differentiating the two filarial parasite species accurately. This alt-2 intron-3 based PCR assay can be a potential tool for the diagnosis and differentiation of co-infections by lymphatic filarial parasites. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maglev Train Signal Processing Architecture Based on Nonlinear Discrete Tracking Differentiator.

PubMed

Wang, Zhiqiang; Li, Xiaolong; Xie, Yunde; Long, Zhiqiang

2018-05-24

In a maglev train levitation system, signal processing plays an important role for the reason that some sensor signals are prone to be corrupted by noise due to the harsh installation and operation environment of sensors and some signals cannot be acquired directly via sensors. Based on these concerns, an architecture based on a new type of nonlinear second-order discrete tracking differentiator is proposed. The function of this signal processing architecture includes filtering signal noise and acquiring needed signals for levitation purposes. The proposed tracking differentiator possesses the advantages of quick convergence, no fluttering, and simple calculation. Tracking differentiator's frequency characteristics at different parameter values are studied in this paper. The performance of this new type of tracking differentiator is tested in a MATLAB simulation and this tracking-differentiator is implemented in Very-High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL). In the end, experiments are conducted separately on a test board and a maglev train model. Simulation and experiment results show that the performance of this novel signal processing architecture can fulfill the real system requirement.

Ultrasound speckle reduction based on fractional order differentiation.

PubMed

Shao, Dangguo; Zhou, Ting; Liu, Fan; Yi, Sanli; Xiang, Yan; Ma, Lei; Xiong, Xin; He, Jianfeng

2017-07-01

Ultrasound images show a granular pattern of noise known as speckle that diminishes their quality and results in difficulties in diagnosis. To preserve edges and features, this paper proposes a fractional differentiation-based image operator to reduce speckle in ultrasound. An image de-noising model based on fractional partial differential equations with balance relation between k (gradient modulus threshold that controls the conduction) and v (the order of fractional differentiation) was constructed by the effective combination of fractional calculus theory and a partial differential equation, and the numerical algorithm of it was achieved using a fractional differential mask operator. The proposed algorithm has better speckle reduction and structure preservation than the three existing methods [P-M model, the speckle reducing anisotropic diffusion (SRAD) technique, and the detail preserving anisotropic diffusion (DPAD) technique]. And it is significantly faster than bilateral filtering (BF) in producing virtually the same experimental results. Ultrasound phantom testing and in vivo imaging show that the proposed method can improve the quality of an ultrasound image in terms of tissue SNR, CNR, and FOM values.

On the Daubechies-based wavelet differentiation matrix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jameson, Leland

1993-01-01

The differentiation matrix for a Daubechies-based wavelet basis is constructed and superconvergence is proven. That is, it will be proven that under the assumption of periodic boundary conditions that the differentiation matrix is accurate of order 2M, even though the approximation subspace can represent exactly only polynomials up to degree M-1, where M is the number of vanishing moments of the associated wavelet. It is illustrated that Daubechies-based wavelet methods are equivalent to finite difference methods with grid refinement in regions of the domain where small-scale structure is present.

A paper-based scaffold for enhanced osteogenic differentiation of equine adipose-derived stem cells.

PubMed

Petersen, Gayle F; Hilbert, Bryan J; Trope, Gareth D; Kalle, Wouter H J; Strappe, Padraig M

2015-11-01

We investigated the applicability of single layer paper-based scaffolds for the three-dimensional (3D) growth and osteogenic differentiation of equine adipose-derived stem cells (EADSC), with comparison against conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture on polystyrene tissue culture vessels. Viable culture of EADSC was achieved using paper-based scaffolds, with EADSC grown and differentiated in 3D culture retaining high cell viability (>94 %), similarly to EADSC in 2D culture. Osteogenic differentiation of EADSC was significantly enhanced in 3D culture, with Alizarin Red S staining and quantification demonstrating increased mineralisation (p < 0.0001), and an associated increase in expression of the osteogenic-specific markers alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.0001), osteopontin (p < 0.0001), and runx2 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed a spherical morphology of EADSC in 3D culture, compared to a flat morphology of EADSC in 2D culture. Single layer paper-based scaffolds provide an enhanced environment for the in vitro 3D growth and osteogenic differentiation of EADSC, with high cell viability, and a spherical morphology.

Differentially private distributed logistic regression using private and public data

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Privacy protecting is an important issue in medical informatics and differential privacy is a state-of-the-art framework for data privacy research. Differential privacy offers provable privacy against attackers who have auxiliary information, and can be applied to data mining models (for example, logistic regression). However, differentially private methods sometimes introduce too much noise and make outputs less useful. Given available public data in medical research (e.g. from patients who sign open-consent agreements), we can design algorithms that use both public and private data sets to decrease the amount of noise that is introduced. Methodology In this paper, we modify the update step in Newton-Raphson method to propose a differentially private distributed logistic regression model based on both public and private data. Experiments and results We try our algorithm on three different data sets, and show its advantage over: (1) a logistic regression model based solely on public data, and (2) a differentially private distributed logistic regression model based on private data under various scenarios. Conclusion Logistic regression models built with our new algorithm based on both private and public datasets demonstrate better utility than models that trained on private or public datasets alone without sacrificing the rigorous privacy guarantee. PMID:25079786

Generation of insulin-producing cells from human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: comparison of three differentiation protocols.

PubMed

Gabr, Mahmoud M; Zakaria, Mahmoud M; Refaie, Ayman F; Khater, Sherry M; Ashamallah, Sylvia A; Ismail, Amani M; El-Badri, Nagwa; Ghoneim, Mohamed A

2014-01-01

Many protocols were utilized for directed differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to form insulin-producing cells (IPCs). We compared the relative efficiency of three differentiation protocols. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs (HBM-MSCs) were obtained from three insulin-dependent type 2 diabetic patients. Differentiation into IPCs was carried out by three protocols: conophylline-based (one-step protocol), trichostatin-A-based (two-step protocol), and β -mercaptoethanol-based (three-step protocol). At the end of differentiation, cells were evaluated by immunolabeling for insulin production, expression of pancreatic endocrine genes, and release of insulin and c-peptide in response to increasing glucose concentrations. By immunolabeling, the proportion of generated IPCs was modest ( ≃ 3%) in all the three protocols. All relevant pancreatic endocrine genes, insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, were expressed. There was a stepwise increase in insulin and c-peptide release in response to glucose challenge, but the released amounts were low when compared with those of pancreatic islets. The yield of functional IPCs following directed differentiation of HBM-MSCs was modest and was comparable among the three tested protocols. Protocols for directed differentiation of MSCs need further optimization in order to be clinically meaningful. To this end, addition of an extracellular matrix and/or a suitable template should be attempted.

Transcriptional profiling of murine osteoblast differentiation based on RNA-seq expression analyses.

PubMed

Khayal, Layal Abo; Grünhagen, Johannes; Provazník, Ivo; Mundlos, Stefan; Kornak, Uwe; Robinson, Peter N; Ott, Claus-Eric

2018-04-11

Osteoblastic differentiation is a multistep process characterized by osteogenic induction of mesenchymal stem cells, which then differentiate into proliferative pre-osteoblasts that produce copious amounts of extracellular matrix, followed by stiffening of the extracellular matrix, and matrix mineralization by hydroxylapatite deposition. Although these processes have been well characterized biologically, a detailed transcriptional analysis of murine primary calvaria osteoblast differentiation based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses has not previously been reported. Here, we used RNA-seq to obtain expression values of 29,148 genes at four time points as murine primary calvaria osteoblasts differentiate in vitro until onset of mineralization was clearly detectable by microscopic inspection. Expression of marker genes confirmed osteogenic differentiation. We explored differential expression of 1386 protein-coding genes using unsupervised clustering and GO analyses. 100 differentially expressed lncRNAs were investigated by co-expression with protein-coding genes that are localized within the same topologically associated domain. Additionally, we monitored expression of 237 genes that are silent or active at distinct time points and compared differential exon usage. Our data represent an in-depth profiling of murine primary calvaria osteoblast differentiation by RNA-seq and contribute to our understanding of genetic regulation of this key process in osteoblast biology. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implications to Postsecondary Faculty of Alternative Calculation Methods of Gender-Based Wage Differentials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagedorn, Linda Serra

1998-01-01

A study explored two distinct methods of calculating a precise measure of gender-based wage differentials among college faculty. The first estimation considered wage differences using a formula based on human capital; the second included compensation for past discriminatory practices. Both measures were used to predict three specific aspects of…

Derivation, expansion and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells in continuous suspension cultures

PubMed Central

Fluri, David A.; Tonge, Peter D.; Song, Hannah; Baptista, Ricardo P.; Shakiba, Nika; Shukla, Shreya; Clarke, Geoffrey; Nagy, Andras; Zandstra, Peter W.

2016-01-01

We demonstrate derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from terminally differentiated mouse cells in serum- and feeder-free stirred suspension cultures. Temporal analysis of global gene expression revealed high correlations between cells reprogrammed in suspension and cells reprogrammed in adhesion-dependent conditions. Suspension (S) reprogrammed iPSCs (SiPSCs) could be differentiated into all three germ layers in vitro and contributed to chimeric embryos in vivo. SiPSC generation allowed for efficient selection of reprogramming factor expressing cells based on their differential survival and proliferation in suspension. Seamless integration of SiPSC reprogramming and directed differentiation enabled the scalable production of functionally and phenotypically defined cardiac cells in a continuous single cell- and small aggregate-based process. This method is an important step towards the development of a robust PSC generation, expansion and differentiation technology. PMID:22447133

Continuous angle steering of an optically- controlled phased array antenna based on differential true time delay constituted by micro-optical components.

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Hou, Peipei; Cai, Haiwen; Sun, Jianfeng; Wang, Shunan; Wang, Lijuan; Yang, Fei

2015-04-06

We propose an optically controlled phased array antenna (PAA) based on differential true time delay constructed optical beamforming network (OBFN). Differential true time delay is realized by stack integrated micro-optical components. Optically-controlled angle steering of radio frequency (RF) beams are realized and demonstrated by this configuration. Experimental results demonstrate that OBFN based PAA can accomplish RF-independent broadband beam steering without beam squint effect and can achieve continuous angle steering. In addition, multi-beams for different steering angles are acquired synchronously.

Testing a model of codependency for college students in Taiwan based on Bowen's concept of differentiation.

PubMed

Chang, Shih-Hua

2018-04-01

The purpose of this study was to test a model of codependency based on Bowen's concept of differentiation for college students in Taiwan. The relations between family-of-origin dysfunction, differentiation of self, codependency traits and related symptoms including low self-esteem, relationship distress and psychological adjustment problems were examined. Data were collected from 567 college students from 2 large, urban universities in northern Taiwan. Results indicated a significantly negative relationship between levels of codependency and self-differentiation and that self-differentiation partially mediated the relationship between family-of-origin dysfunction and codependency. The implications of these findings for counselling Taiwanese college students who experience codependency traits and related symptoms as well as suggestions for future research are discussed. © 2016 International Union of Psychological Science.

Development of an in vitro culture method for stepwise differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into mature osteoclasts.

PubMed

Nishikawa, Keizo; Iwamoto, Yoriko; Ishii, Masaru

2014-05-01

The development of methods for differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) into functional cells have helped to analyze the mechanism regulating cellular processes and to explore cell-based assays for drug discovery. Although several reports have demonstrated methods for differentiation of mouse ESCs into osteoclast-like cells, it remains unclear whether these methods are applicable for differentiation of iPSCs to osteoclasts. In this study, we developed a simple method for stepwise differentiation of mouse ESCs and iPSCs into bone-resorbing osteoclasts based upon a monoculture approach consisting of three steps. First, based on conventional hanging-drop methods, embryoid bodies (EBs) were produced from mouse ESCs or iPSCs. Second, EBs were cultured in medium supplemented with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and differentiated to osteoclast precursors, which expressed CD11b. Finally, ESC- or iPSC-derived osteoclast precursors stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL) and M-CSF formed large multinucleated osteoclast-like cells that expressed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and were capable of bone resorption. Molecular analysis showed that the expression of osteoclast marker genes such as Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp5 are increased in a RANKL-dependent manner. Thus, our procedure is simple and easy and would be helpful for stem cell-based bone research.

Examining Differential Item Functioning: IRT-Based Detection in the Framework of Confirmatory Factor Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dimitrov, Dimiter M.

2017-01-01

This article offers an approach to examining differential item functioning (DIF) under its item response theory (IRT) treatment in the framework of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The approach is based on integrating IRT- and CFA-based testing of DIF and using bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals with a syntax code in Mplus.

A genome-wide methylation study on obesity: differential variability and differential methylation.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaojing; Su, Shaoyong; Barnes, Vernon A; De Miguel, Carmen; Pollock, Jennifer; Ownby, Dennis; Shi, Hidong; Zhu, Haidong; Snieder, Harold; Wang, Xiaoling

2013-05-01

Besides differential methylation, DNA methylation variation has recently been proposed and demonstrated to be a potential contributing factor to cancer risk. Here we aim to examine whether differential variability in methylation is also an important feature of obesity, a typical non-malignant common complex disease. We analyzed genome-wide methylation profiles of over 470,000 CpGs in peripheral blood samples from 48 obese and 48 lean African-American youth aged 14-20 y old. A substantial number of differentially variable CpG sites (DVCs), using statistics based on variances, as well as a substantial number of differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs), using statistics based on means, were identified. Similar to the findings in cancers, DVCs generally exhibited an outlier structure and were more variable in cases than in controls. By randomly splitting the current sample into a discovery and validation set, we observed that both the DVCs and DMCs identified from the first set could independently predict obesity status in the second set. Furthermore, both the genes harboring DMCs and the genes harboring DVCs showed significant enrichment of genes identified by genome-wide association studies on obesity and related diseases, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers, supporting their roles in the etiology and pathogenesis of obesity. We generalized the recent finding on methylation variability in cancer research to obesity and demonstrated that differential variability is also an important feature of obesity-related methylation changes. Future studies on the epigenetics of obesity will benefit from both statistics based on means and statistics based on variances.

Explicit Filtering Based Low-Dose Differential Phase Reconstruction Algorithm with the Grating Interferometry.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiaolei; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Ran; Yin, Hongxia; Wang, Zhenchang

2015-01-01

X-ray grating interferometry offers a novel framework for the study of weakly absorbing samples. Three kinds of information, that is, the attenuation, differential phase contrast (DPC), and dark-field images, can be obtained after a single scanning, providing additional and complementary information to the conventional attenuation image. Phase shifts of X-rays are measured by the DPC method; hence, DPC-CT reconstructs refraction indexes rather than attenuation coefficients. In this work, we propose an explicit filtering based low-dose differential phase reconstruction algorithm, which enables reconstruction from reduced scanning without artifacts. The algorithm adopts a differential algebraic reconstruction technique (DART) with the explicit filtering based sparse regularization rather than the commonly used total variation (TV) method. Both the numerical simulation and the biological sample experiment demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm.

Explicit Filtering Based Low-Dose Differential Phase Reconstruction Algorithm with the Grating Interferometry

PubMed Central

Zhang, Li; Zhang, Ran; Yin, Hongxia; Wang, Zhenchang

2015-01-01

X-ray grating interferometry offers a novel framework for the study of weakly absorbing samples. Three kinds of information, that is, the attenuation, differential phase contrast (DPC), and dark-field images, can be obtained after a single scanning, providing additional and complementary information to the conventional attenuation image. Phase shifts of X-rays are measured by the DPC method; hence, DPC-CT reconstructs refraction indexes rather than attenuation coefficients. In this work, we propose an explicit filtering based low-dose differential phase reconstruction algorithm, which enables reconstruction from reduced scanning without artifacts. The algorithm adopts a differential algebraic reconstruction technique (DART) with the explicit filtering based sparse regularization rather than the commonly used total variation (TV) method. Both the numerical simulation and the biological sample experiment demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm. PMID:26089971

An algebraic iterative reconstruction technique for differential X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography.

PubMed

Fu, Jian; Schleede, Simone; Tan, Renbo; Chen, Liyuan; Bech, Martin; Achterhold, Klaus; Gifford, Martin; Loewen, Rod; Ruth, Ronald; Pfeiffer, Franz

2013-09-01

Iterative reconstruction has a wide spectrum of proven advantages in the field of conventional X-ray absorption-based computed tomography (CT). In this paper, we report on an algebraic iterative reconstruction technique for grating-based differential phase-contrast CT (DPC-CT). Due to the differential nature of DPC-CT projections, a differential operator and a smoothing operator are added to the iterative reconstruction, compared to the one commonly used for absorption-based CT data. This work comprises a numerical study of the algorithm and its experimental verification using a dataset measured at a two-grating interferometer setup. Since the algorithm is easy to implement and allows for the extension to various regularization possibilities, we expect a significant impact of the method for improving future medical and industrial DPC-CT applications. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

In Vitro Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Cardiomyocyte-like Cells.

PubMed

Szaraz, Peter; Gratch, Yarden S; Iqbal, Farwah; Librach, Clifford L

2017-08-09

Myocardial infarction and the subsequent ischemic cascade result in the extensive loss of cardiomyocytes, leading to congestive heart failure, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising option for cell-based therapies to replace current, invasive techniques. MSCs can differentiate into mesenchymal lineages, including cardiac cell types, but complete differentiation into functional cells has not yet been achieved. Previous methods of differentiation were based on pharmacological agents or growth factors. However, more physiologically relevant strategies can also enable MSCs to undergo cardiomyogenic transformation. Here, we present a differentiation method using MSC aggregates on cardiomyocyte feeder layers to produce cardiomyocyte-like contracting cells. Human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs) have been shown to have a greater differentiation potential than commonly investigated MSC types, such as bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs). As an ontogenetically younger source, we investigated the cardiomyogenic potential of first-trimester (FTM) HUCPVCs compared to older sources. FTM HUCPVCs are a novel, rich source of MSCs that retain their in utero immunoprivileged properties when cultured in vitro. Using this differentiation protocol, FTM and term HUCPVCs achieved significantly increased cardiomyogenic differentiation compared to BMSCs, as indicated by the increased expression of cardiomyocyte markers (i.e., myocyte enhancer factor 2C, cardiac troponin T, heavy chain cardiac myosin, signal regulatory protein α, and connexin 43). They also maintained significantly lower immunogenicity, as demonstrated by their lower HLA-A expression and higher HLA-G expression. Applying aggregate-based differentiation, FTM HUCPVCs showed increased aggregate formation potential and generated contracting cells clusters within 1 week of co-culture on cardiac feeder layers, becoming the first MSC type to do so. Our results demonstrate that this differentiation strategy can effectively harness the cardiomyogenic potential of young MSCs, such as FTM HUCPVCs, and suggests that in vitro pre-differentiation could be a potential strategy to increase their regenerative efficacy in vivo.

The role of differentiation and standards-based grading in the science learning of struggling and advanced learners in a detracked high school honors biology classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, Michelina Ruth Carter

The accountability movement in education resulting from the passage of The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has brought to light the disparities that exist in student achievement in the United States which play out along racial and socioeconomic lines. Three educational practices hold promise for reducing this achievement gap: differentiated instruction, standards-based assessment, and elimination of academic tracking. The purpose of this practitioner research study was to examine the ways that differentiation and standards-based assessment can support struggling learners and challenge advanced learners in a detracked, honors biology classroom. To gain insight into the role that differentiation and standards-based assessment played in supporting struggling and advanced learners, I used practitioner research to examine the development and implementation of a differentiated, standards-based instructional unit around the conceptual topic of protein synthesis. I collected multiple data pieces for 10 students in the study: two advanced learners, four struggling learners, and four strong learners who struggled in biology. Data analyzed included formative, self-, and summative assessment results; student artifacts; informal and formal student interviews; and, a practitioner reflection journal chronicling critical incidents and actions taken during the development and implementation of this unit and notes from peer debriefing during and following the unit's implementation. As I analyzed the data collected, my four findings fell into two overarching categories related to student grouping. My first three findings reflect what I learned about homogeneous grouping: (1) Pre-assessment based on unit outcomes is not useful for determining groups for tiered instruction; (2) Decisions about differentiation and grouping for differentiation must be made in the act of teaching using formative assessment results; and, (3) Flexible grouping structures are effective for both struggling and advanced learners. My fourth finding reflects what I learned about heterogeneous grouping: (4) Heterogeneously grouping students for argumentation through engagement in science inquiry serves both to reinforce proficiency of learning goals for struggling learners and simultaneously push all learners towards advanced proficiency. These findings indicate how planning for and implementing a differentiated, standards-based instructional unit can support the learning needs of both struggling and advanced learners in a detracked, honors biology classroom.

A hybrid agent-based approach for modeling microbiological systems.

PubMed

Guo, Zaiyi; Sloot, Peter M A; Tay, Joc Cing

2008-11-21

Models for systems biology commonly adopt Differential Equations or Agent-Based modeling approaches for simulating the processes as a whole. Models based on differential equations presuppose phenomenological intracellular behavioral mechanisms, while models based on Multi-Agent approach often use directly translated, and quantitatively less precise if-then logical rule constructs. We propose an extendible systems model based on a hybrid agent-based approach where biological cells are modeled as individuals (agents) while molecules are represented by quantities. This hybridization in entity representation entails a combined modeling strategy with agent-based behavioral rules and differential equations, thereby balancing the requirements of extendible model granularity with computational tractability. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach with models of chemotaxis involving an assay of 10(3) cells and 1.2x10(6) molecules. The model produces cell migration patterns that are comparable to laboratory observations.

Effective Differentiation: A Guide for Teachers and Leaders. Q&A for Carol A. Tomlinson, Ed.D. REL Mid-Atlantic Educator Effectiveness Webinar Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic, 2015

2015-01-01

In this webinar, Dr. Carol Tomlinson of the University of Virginia presented the research base supporting the practice of differentiation and described the characteristics of effective differentiation. She led a discussion of how quality preparation can build and strengthen teachers' knowledge and skills in implementing differentiated instruction…

[Discussion on the key points of building modern theory of acupuncture treatment].

PubMed

Yang, Guang

2013-10-01

Acupuncture treatment is different from treatment of materia medica. However, syndrome differentiation system of internal medicine is adopted all the time for the present acupuncture textbooks. It is held that the characteristics of acupuncture can not be fully reflexed, and advantages of acupuncture can not be brought into full play. Therefore, it's urgent to build up a modem theory on acupuncture treatment which is fit for the clinical practice of acupuncture and can give a better play for the treatment of acupuncture. A clear target is one of the characteristics of acupuncture treatment. And it is based on the understanding of the location of disease, therefore, disease differentiation is held as the basis of acupuncture treatment. The aim of meridian differentiation is to select distal effective points on the base of diseases differentiation, which is also taken as the characteristics of acupuncture treatment. Syndrome differentiation is a process of understanding the general pathological states of the human body, it is an important process to enhance the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. Thus, the key point for establishing the modern acupuncture theory is clarifying the values of disease differentiation, meridian differentiation and syndrome differentiation.

Differentially Coexpressed Disease Gene Identification Based on Gene Coexpression Network.

PubMed

Jiang, Xue; Zhang, Han; Quan, Xiongwen

2016-01-01

Screening disease-related genes by analyzing gene expression data has become a popular theme. Traditional disease-related gene selection methods always focus on identifying differentially expressed gene between case samples and a control group. These traditional methods may not fully consider the changes of interactions between genes at different cell states and the dynamic processes of gene expression levels during the disease progression. However, in order to understand the mechanism of disease, it is important to explore the dynamic changes of interactions between genes in biological networks at different cell states. In this study, we designed a novel framework to identify disease-related genes and developed a differentially coexpressed disease-related gene identification method based on gene coexpression network (DCGN) to screen differentially coexpressed genes. We firstly constructed phase-specific gene coexpression network using time-series gene expression data and defined the conception of differential coexpression of genes in coexpression network. Then, we designed two metrics to measure the value of gene differential coexpression according to the change of local topological structures between different phase-specific networks. Finally, we conducted meta-analysis of gene differential coexpression based on the rank-product method. Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of DCGN and the superior performance of DCGN over other popular disease-related gene selection methods through real-world gene expression data sets.

Differentiating physical discipline from abuse: Q findings from Chinese American mothers and pediatric nurses.

PubMed

Ho, Grace W K; Gross, Deborah A

2015-05-01

The perception and use of physical discipline (PD) is culture-based, and the differentiation between PD and abuse is subjective and complex. The purpose of this study was to understand how Chinese American mothers and one group of mandated reporters of child abuse (i.e. pediatric nurses) differentiate PD from abuse. Using Q-methodology, 3 viewpoints on PD and abuse differentiation were uncovered from a sample of 35 Chinese American mothers and 48 pediatric nurses. Although there was wide consensus on the most acceptable and most unacceptable parent discipline behaviors across the 3 views, the acceptability of punishments differed by their potential to inflict injury, pain, or incite fear and uncertainty. This was the first study to examine PD and abuse differentiation based on 5 definable domains of PD (i.e. specific behavior, intention, delivery, outcome, and pattern of use). Findings point to important nuances in how some mothers and nurses differentiate abuse from acceptable discipline, and the potential for using Q-methodology for exploring PD and abuse differentiations across diverse cultural, social, and professional groups. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Watching the clock

PubMed Central

Fetterman, J. Gregor; Killeen, Peter R.; Hall, Scott

2008-01-01

Four rats and four pigeons were monitored while performing retrospective timing tasks. All animals displayed collateral behaviors which could have mediated their temporal judgements. Statistical analysis made a good case for such mediation in the case of two pigeons performing on a spatially-differentiated response, but not for the two responding on a color-differentiated response. For the rats, all of which performed on a spatially-differentiated task, prediction of their temporal judgements was always better if based on collateral activity than if based on the passage of time. PMID:19701487

Reliability of Pressure Ulcer Rates: How Precisely Can We Differentiate Among Hospital Units, and Does the Standard Signal‐Noise Reliability Measure Reflect This Precision?

PubMed Central

Cramer, Emily

2016-01-01

Abstract Hospital performance reports often include rankings of unit pressure ulcer rates. Differentiating among units on the basis of quality requires reliable measurement. Our objectives were to describe and apply methods for assessing reliability of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcer rates and evaluate a standard signal‐noise reliability measure as an indicator of precision of differentiation among units. Quarterly pressure ulcer data from 8,199 critical care, step‐down, medical, surgical, and medical‐surgical nursing units from 1,299 US hospitals were analyzed. Using beta‐binomial models, we estimated between‐unit variability (signal) and within‐unit variability (noise) in annual unit pressure ulcer rates. Signal‐noise reliability was computed as the ratio of between‐unit variability to the total of between‐ and within‐unit variability. To assess precision of differentiation among units based on ranked pressure ulcer rates, we simulated data to estimate the probabilities of a unit's observed pressure ulcer rate rank in a given sample falling within five and ten percentiles of its true rank, and the probabilities of units with ulcer rates in the highest quartile and highest decile being identified as such. We assessed the signal‐noise measure as an indicator of differentiation precision by computing its correlations with these probabilities. Pressure ulcer rates based on a single year of quarterly or weekly prevalence surveys were too susceptible to noise to allow for precise differentiation among units, and signal‐noise reliability was a poor indicator of precision of differentiation. To ensure precise differentiation on the basis of true differences, alternative methods of assessing reliability should be applied to measures purported to differentiate among providers or units based on quality. © 2016 The Authors. Research in Nursing & Health published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:27223598

Harnessing cellular differentiation to improve ALA-based photodynamic therapy in an artificial skin model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maytin, Edward; Anand, Sanjay; Sato, Nobuyuki; Mack, Judith; Ortel, Bernhard

2005-04-01

During ALA-based photodynamic therapy (PDT), a pro-drug (aminolevulinic acid; ALA) is taken up by tumor cells and metabolically converted to a photosensitizing intermediate (protoporphyrin IX; PpIX). ALA-based PDT, while an emerging treatment modality, remains suboptimal for most cancers (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma of the skin). Many treatment failures may be largely due to insufficient conversion of ALA to PpIX within cells. We discovered a novel way to increase the conversion of ALA to PpIX, by administering agents that can drive terminal differentiation (i.e., accelerate cellular maturation). Terminally-differentiated epithelial cells show higher levels of intracellular PpIX, apparently via increased levels of a rate-limiting enzyme, coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO). To study these mechanisms in a three-dimensional tissue, we developed an organotypic model that mimics true epidermal physiology in a majority of respects. A line of rat epidermal keratinocytes (REKs), when grown in raft cultures, displays all the features of a fully-differentiated epidermis. Addition of ALA to the culture medium results in ALA uptake and PpIX synthesis, with subsequent death of keratinocytes upon exposure to blue light. Using this model, we can manipulate cellular differentiation via three different approaches. (1) Vitamin D, a hormone that enhances keratinocyte differentiation; (2) Hoxb13, a nuclear transcription factor that affects the genetically-controlled differentiation program of stratifying cells (3) Hyaluronan, an abundant extracellular matrix molecule that regulates epidermal differentiation. Because the raft cultures contain only a single cell type (no blood, fibroblasts, etc.) the effects of terminal differentiation upon CPO, PpIX, and keratinocyte cell death can be specifically defined.

Supporting Parenting through Differentiated and Personalized Text-Messaging: Testing Effects on Learning during Kindergarten. CEPA Working Paper No. 16-18

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doss, Christopher; Fahle, Erin M.; Loeb, Susanna; York, Benjamin N.

2017-01-01

Recent studies show that texting-based interventions can produce educational benefits in children across a range of ages. We study the effects of a text-based program for kindergarten parents, distinguishing a general program from one that adds differentiation and personalization based on the child's developmental level. Children in the…

Quality of service routing in the differentiated services framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, Marilia C.; Melo, Bruno; Quadros, Goncalo; Monteiro, Edmundo

2001-02-01

In this paper we present a quality of service routing strategy for network where traffic differentiation follows the class-based paradigm, as in the Differentiated Services framework. This routing strategy is based on a metric of quality of service. This metric represents the impact that delay and losses verified at each router in the network have in application performance. Based on this metric, it is selected a path for each class according to the class sensitivity to delay and losses. The distribution of the metric is triggered by a relative criterion with two thresholds, and the values advertised are the moving average of the last values measured.

A study of microstructural characteristics and differential thermal analysis of Ni-based superalloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aggarwal, M. D.; Lal, R. B.; Oyekenu, Samuel A.; Parr, Richard; Gentz, Stephen

1989-01-01

The objective of this work is to correlate the mechanical properties of the Ni-based superalloy MAR M246(Hf) used in the Space Shuttle Main Engine with its structural characteristics by systematic study of optical photomicrographs and differential thermal analysis. The authors developed a method of predicting the liquidus and solidus temperature of various nickel based superalloys (MAR-M247, Waspaloy, Udimet-41, polycrystalline and single crystals of CMSX-2 and CMSX-3) and comparing the predictions with the experimental differential thermal analysis (DTA) curves using Perkin-Elmer DTA 1700. The method of predicting these temperatures is based on the additive effect of the components dissolved in nickel. The results were compared with the experimental values.

Direct Validation of Differential Prediction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lunneborg, Clifford E.

Using academic achievement data for 655 University students, direct validation of differential predictions based on a battery of aptitude/achievement measures selected for their differential prediction efficiency was attempted. In the cross-validation of the prediction of actual differences among five academic area GPA's, this set of differential…

Perceptions of Missouri Elementary Principals to Lead Differentiated Instruction Initiatives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eftink, Adrian

2014-01-01

The following document represents a Problem Based Learning Project (PBL) around the central theme of differentiated instruction leadership. "As demonstrated through literature the emerging problem was elementary school principals lack the necessary understanding and needed preparation in differentiated instruction (DI) leadership to support…

29 CFR 1625.7 - Differentiations based on reasonable factors other than age.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... 1625.7 Section 1625.7 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT Interpretations § 1625.7 Differentiations based on reasonable... raised against an individual claim of discriminatory treatment, the employer bears the burden of showing...

29 CFR 1625.7 - Differentiations based on reasonable factors other than age.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... 1625.7 Section 1625.7 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT Interpretations § 1625.7 Differentiations based on reasonable... raised against an individual claim of discriminatory treatment, the employer bears the burden of showing...

Differentiated Science Inquiry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Llewellyn, Douglas

2010-01-01

Given that each child learns differently, it makes sense that one type of science instruction does not fit all. Best-selling author Douglas Llewellyn gives teachers standards-based strategies for differentiating inquiry-based science instruction to more effectively meet the needs of all students. This book takes the concept of inquiry-based…

Phosphorene/rhenium disulfide heterojunction-based negative differential resistance device for multi-valued logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shim, Jaewoo; Oh, Seyong; Kang, Dong-Ho; Jo, Seo-Hyeon; Ali, Muhammad Hasnain; Choi, Woo-Young; Heo, Keun; Jeon, Jaeho; Lee, Sungjoo; Kim, Minwoo; Song, Young Jae; Park, Jin-Hong

2016-11-01

Recently, negative differential resistance devices have attracted considerable attention due to their folded current-voltage characteristic, which presents multiple threshold voltage values. Because of this remarkable property, studies associated with the negative differential resistance devices have been explored for realizing multi-valued logic applications. Here we demonstrate a negative differential resistance device based on a phosphorene/rhenium disulfide (BP/ReS2) heterojunction that is formed by type-III broken-gap band alignment, showing high peak-to-valley current ratio values of 4.2 and 6.9 at room temperature and 180 K, respectively. Also, the carrier transport mechanism of the BP/ReS2 negative differential resistance device is investigated in detail by analysing the tunnelling and diffusion currents at various temperatures with the proposed analytic negative differential resistance device model. Finally, we demonstrate a ternary inverter as a multi-valued logic application. This study of a two-dimensional material heterojunction is a step forward toward future multi-valued logic device research.

Phosphorene/rhenium disulfide heterojunction-based negative differential resistance device for multi-valued logic

PubMed Central

Shim, Jaewoo; Oh, Seyong; Kang, Dong-Ho; Jo, Seo-Hyeon; Ali, Muhammad Hasnain; Choi, Woo-Young; Heo, Keun; Jeon, Jaeho; Lee, Sungjoo; Kim, Minwoo; Song, Young Jae; Park, Jin-Hong

2016-01-01

Recently, negative differential resistance devices have attracted considerable attention due to their folded current–voltage characteristic, which presents multiple threshold voltage values. Because of this remarkable property, studies associated with the negative differential resistance devices have been explored for realizing multi-valued logic applications. Here we demonstrate a negative differential resistance device based on a phosphorene/rhenium disulfide (BP/ReS2) heterojunction that is formed by type-III broken-gap band alignment, showing high peak-to-valley current ratio values of 4.2 and 6.9 at room temperature and 180 K, respectively. Also, the carrier transport mechanism of the BP/ReS2 negative differential resistance device is investigated in detail by analysing the tunnelling and diffusion currents at various temperatures with the proposed analytic negative differential resistance device model. Finally, we demonstrate a ternary inverter as a multi-valued logic application. This study of a two-dimensional material heterojunction is a step forward toward future multi-valued logic device research. PMID:27819264

Integrated Kerr comb-based reconfigurable transversal differentiator for microwave photonic signal processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xingyuan; Wu, Jiayang; Shoeiby, Mehrdad; Nguyen, Thach G.; Chu, Sai T.; Little, Brent E.; Morandotti, Roberto; Mitchell, Arnan; Moss, David J.

2018-01-01

An arbitrary-order intensity differentiator for high-order microwave signal differentiation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated on a versatile transversal microwave photonic signal processing platform based on integrated Kerr combs. With a CMOS-compatible nonlinear micro-ring resonator, high quality Kerr combs with broad bandwidth and large frequency spacings are generated, enabling a larger number of taps and an increased Nyquist zone. By programming and shaping individual comb lines' power, calculated tap weights are realized, thus achieving a versatile microwave photonic signal processing platform. Arbitrary-order intensity differentiation is demonstrated on the platform. The RF responses are experimentally characterized, and systems demonstrations for Gaussian input signals are also performed.

Oscillation of a class of fractional differential equations with damping term.

PubMed

Qin, Huizeng; Zheng, Bin

2013-01-01

We investigate the oscillation of a class of fractional differential equations with damping term. Based on a certain variable transformation, the fractional differential equations are converted into another differential equations of integer order with respect to the new variable. Then, using Riccati transformation, inequality, and integration average technique, some new oscillatory criteria for the equations are established. As for applications, oscillation for two certain fractional differential equations with damping term is investigated by the use of the presented results.

Approximation of Quantum Stochastic Differential Equations for Input-Output Model Reduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-25

Approximation of Quantum Stochastic Differential Equations for Input-Output Model Reduction We have completed a short program of theoretical research...on dimensional reduction and approximation of models based on quantum stochastic differential equations. Our primary results lie in the area of...2211 quantum probability, quantum stochastic differential equations REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 10. SPONSOR

Data-Mining-Based Intelligent Differential Relaying for Transmission Lines Including UPFC and Wind Farms.

PubMed

Jena, Manas Kumar; Samantaray, Subhransu Ranjan

2016-01-01

This paper presents a data-mining-based intelligent differential relaying scheme for transmission lines, including flexible ac transmission system device, such as unified power flow controller (UPFC) and wind farms. Initially, the current and voltage signals are processed through extended Kalman filter phasor measurement unit for phasor estimation, and 21 potential features are computed at both ends of the line. Once the features are extracted at both ends, the corresponding differential features are derived. These differential features are fed to a data-mining model known as decision tree (DT) to provide the final relaying decision. The proposed technique has been extensively tested for single-circuit transmission line, including UPFC and wind farms with in-feed, double-circuit line with UPFC on one line and wind farm as one of the substations with wide variations in operating parameters. The test results obtained from simulation as well as in real-time digital simulator testing indicate that the DT-based intelligent differential relaying scheme is highly reliable and accurate with a response time of 2.25 cycles from the fault inception.

Differential Characteristics Based Iterative Multiuser Detection for Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaoguang; Jiang, Xu; Wu, Zhilu; Zhuang, Shufeng

2017-01-01

High throughput, low latency and reliable communication has always been a hot topic for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in various applications. Multiuser detection is widely used to suppress the bad effect of multiple access interference in WSNs. In this paper, a novel multiuser detection method based on differential characteristics is proposed to suppress multiple access interference. The proposed iterative receive method consists of three stages. Firstly, a differential characteristics function is presented based on the optimal multiuser detection decision function; then on the basis of differential characteristics, a preliminary threshold detection is utilized to find the potential wrongly received bits; after that an error bit corrector is employed to correct the wrong bits. In order to further lower the bit error ratio (BER), the differential characteristics calculation, threshold detection and error bit correction process described above are iteratively executed. Simulation results show that after only a few iterations the proposed multiuser detection method can achieve satisfactory BER performance. Besides, BER and near far resistance performance are much better than traditional suboptimal multiuser detection methods. Furthermore, the proposed iterative multiuser detection method also has a large system capacity. PMID:28212328

Detectability index of differential phase contrast CT compared with conventional CT: a preliminary channelized Hotelling observer study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xiangyang; Yang, Yi; Tang, Shaojie

2013-03-01

Under the framework of model observer with signal and background exactly known (SKE/BKE), we investigate the detectability of differential phase contrast CT compared with that of the conventional attenuation-based CT. Using the channelized Hotelling observer and the radially symmetric difference-of-Gaussians channel template , we investigate the detectability index and its variation over the dimension of object and detector cells. The preliminary data show that the differential phase contrast CT outperforms the conventional attenuation-based CT significantly in the detectability index while both the object to be detected and the cell of detector used for data acquisition are relatively small. However, the differential phase contrast CT's dominance in the detectability index diminishes with increasing dimension of either object or detector cell, and virtually disappears while the dimension of object or detector cell approaches a threshold, respectively. It is hoped that the preliminary data reported in this paper may provide insightful understanding of the differential phase contrast CT's characteristic in the detectability index and its comparison with that of the conventional attenuation-based CT.

Enhancement of vehicle dynamics via an innovative magnetorheological fluid limited slip differential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russo, Riccardo; Strano, Salvatore; Terzo, Mario

2016-03-01

A new automotive controllable differential is proposed and tested, firstly in software environment and, successively, following a hardware in the loop procedure based on the employment of the physical prototype. The device is based on the employment of magnetorheological fluid, whose magnetization allows to generate the locking torque and, consequently, the corrective yaw moment. A vehicle model has been derived and adopted for the design of a yaw moment controller based on the sliding mode approach. Some feedbacks requested by the controller have been estimated by means of an extended Kalman filter. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the device in terms of vehicle dynamics improvement. Indeed, the results reached by the vehicle in presence of the new differential confirm the improved performances for both steady and unsteady state manoeuvres. Moreover, the hardware in the loop testing allows to overcome the limits due to the modelling of the differential, fully validating the physical prototype.

PCL-PDMS-PCL copolymer-based microspheres mediate cardiovascular differentiation from embryonic stem cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Liqing

Poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) based copolymers have received much attention as drug or growth factor delivery carriers and tissue engineering scaffolds due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable biophysical properties. Copolymers of PCL and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) also have shape memory behaviors and can be made into thermoresponsive shape memory polymers for various biomedical applications such as smart sutures and vascular stents. However, the influence of biophysical properties of PCL-PDMS-PCL copolymers on stem cell lineage commitment is not well understood. In this study, PDMS was used as soft segments of varying length to tailor the biophysical properties of PCL-based co-polymers. While low elastic modulus (<10 kPa) of the tri-block copolymer PCL-PDMS-PCL affected cardiovascular differentiation of embryonic stem cells, the range of 60-100 MPa PCL-PDMS-PCL showed little influence on the differentiation. Then different size (30-140 mum) of microspheres were fabricated from PCL-PDMS-PCL copolymers and incorporated within embryoid bodies (EBs). Mesoderm differentiation was induced using bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 for cardiovascular differentiation. Differential expressions of mesoderm progenitor marker KDR and vascular markers CD31 and VE-cadherin were observed for the cells differentiated from EBs incorporated with microspheres of different size, while little difference was observed for cardiac marker alpha-actinin expression. Small size of microspheres (30 mum) resulted in higher expression of KDR while medium size of microspheres (94 mum) resulted in higher CD31 and VE-cadherin expression. This study indicated that the biophysical properties of PCL-based copolymers impacted stem cell lineage commitment, which should be considered for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

Three Steps Lead to Differentiation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowgren, Linda; Sever, Kathryn

2010-01-01

Much has been written about the value, need, and complexity of differentiating learning within every classroom based on student readiness, motivation and interest, apparent skills, learning preferences or styles, and identified cognitive needs. Teachers are encouraged to look at differentiation for students not as a formula for teaching, but…

Au Contraire: Differentiation Requires HOPE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delisle, James R.

2002-01-01

Everybody is doing it: differentiating curriculum to make it deeper, broader, parallel, and more complex. No longer the private property of gifted specialists, differentiation is now a democratic pursuit of classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and anyone else who subscribes to "Educational Leadership." In an era of competency-based tests…

29 CFR 1625.7 - Differentiations based on reasonable factors other than age.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... 1625.7 Section 1625.7 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT Interpretations § 1625.7 Differentiations based on reasonable... age is discriminatory unless the practice is justified by a “reasonable factor other than age.” An...

29 CFR 1625.7 - Differentiations based on reasonable factors other than age.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... 1625.7 Section 1625.7 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT Interpretations § 1625.7 Differentiations based on reasonable... age is discriminatory unless the practice is justified by a “reasonable factor other than age.” An...

29 CFR 1625.7 - Differentiations based on reasonable factors other than age.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.... 1625.7 Section 1625.7 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT Interpretations § 1625.7 Differentiations based on reasonable... age is discriminatory unless the practice is justified by a “reasonable factor other than age.” An...

DWI-associated entire-tumor histogram analysis for the differentiation of low-grade prostate cancer from intermediate-high-grade prostate cancer.

PubMed

Wu, Chen-Jiang; Wang, Qing; Li, Hai; Wang, Xiao-Ning; Liu, Xi-Sheng; Shi, Hai-Bin; Zhang, Yu-Dong

2015-10-01

To investigate diagnostic efficiency of DWI using entire-tumor histogram analysis in differentiating the low-grade (LG) prostate cancer (PCa) from intermediate-high-grade (HG) PCa in comparison with conventional ROI-based measurement. DW images (b of 0-1400 s/mm(2)) from 126 pathology-confirmed PCa (diameter >0.5 cm) in 110 patients were retrospectively collected and processed by mono-exponential model. The measurement of tumor apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) was performed with using histogram-based and ROI-based approach, respectively. The diagnostic ability of ADCs from two methods for differentiating LG-PCa (Gleason score, GS ≤ 6) from HG-PCa (GS > 6) was determined by ROC regression, and compared by McNemar's test. There were 49 LG-tumor and 77 HG-tumor at pathologic findings. Histogram-based ADCs (mean, median, 10th and 90th) and ROI-based ADCs (mean) showed dominant relationships with ordinal GS of Pca (ρ = -0.225 to -0.406, p < 0.05). All above imaging indices reflected significant difference between LG-PCa and HG-PCa (all p values <0.01). Histogram 10th ADCs had dominantly high Az (0.738), Youden index (0.415), and positive likelihood ratio (LR+, 2.45) in stratifying tumor GS against mean, median and 90th ADCs, and ROI-based ADCs. Histogram mean, median, and 10th ADCs showed higher specificity (65.3%-74.1% vs. 44.9%, p < 0.01), but lower sensitivity (57.1%-71.3% vs. 84.4%, p < 0.05) than ROI-based ADCs in differentiating LG-PCa from HG-PCa. DWI-associated histogram analysis had higher specificity, Az, Youden index, and LR+ for differentiation of PCa Gleason grade than ROI-based approach.

A Whole-Tumor Histogram Analysis of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Maps for Differentiating Thymic Carcinoma from Lymphoma.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Zhou, Yue; Xu, Xiao-Quan; Kong, Ling-Yan; Xu, Hai; Yu, Tong-Fu; Shi, Hai-Bin; Feng, Qing

2018-01-01

To assess the performance of a whole-tumor histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in differentiating thymic carcinoma from lymphoma, and compare it with that of a commonly used hot-spot region-of-interest (ROI)-based ADC measurement. Diffusion weighted imaging data of 15 patients with thymic carcinoma and 13 patients with lymphoma were retrospectively collected and processed with a mono-exponential model. ADC measurements were performed by using a histogram-based and hot-spot-ROI-based approach. In the histogram-based approach, the following parameters were generated: mean ADC (ADC mean ), median ADC (ADC median ), 10th and 90th percentile of ADC (ADC 10 and ADC 90 ), kurtosis, and skewness. The difference in ADCs between thymic carcinoma and lymphoma was compared using a t test. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to determine and compare the differentiating performance of ADCs. Lymphoma demonstrated significantly lower ADC mean , ADC median , ADC 10 , ADC 90 , and hot-spot-ROI-based mean ADC than those found in thymic carcinoma (all p values < 0.05). There were no differences found in the kurtosis ( p = 0.412) and skewness ( p = 0.273). The ADC 10 demonstrated optimal differentiating performance (cut-off value, 0.403 × 10 -3 mm 2 /s; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.977; sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 93.3%), followed by the ADC mean , ADC median , ADC 90 , and hot-spot-ROI-based mean ADC. The AUC of ADC 10 was significantly higher than that of the hot spot ROI based ADC (0.977 vs. 0.797, p = 0.036). Compared with the commonly used hot spot ROI based ADC measurement, a histogram analysis of ADC maps can improve the differentiating performance between thymic carcinoma and lymphoma.

Development of PCR-based assays for detecting and differentiating three species of botrytis infecting broad bean

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Botrytis cinerea, B. fabae and B. fabiopsis are known to cause chocolate spot on broad bean. This study was conducted to develop PCR-based assays to detect and differentiate this three species. Two sets of primers, Bc-f/Bc-r for B. cinerea and Bfab-f/Bfab-r for B. fabiopsis, were designed based on t...

Pluripotency, Differentiation, and Reprogramming: A Gene Expression Dynamics Model with Epigenetic Feedback Regulation

PubMed Central

Miyamoto, Tadashi; Furusawa, Chikara; Kaneko, Kunihiko

2015-01-01

Embryonic stem cells exhibit pluripotency: they can differentiate into all types of somatic cells. Pluripotent genes such as Oct4 and Nanog are activated in the pluripotent state, and their expression decreases during cell differentiation. Inversely, expression of differentiation genes such as Gata6 and Gata4 is promoted during differentiation. The gene regulatory network controlling the expression of these genes has been described, and slower-scale epigenetic modifications have been uncovered. Although the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells is normally irreversible, reprogramming of cells can be experimentally manipulated to regain pluripotency via overexpression of certain genes. Despite these experimental advances, the dynamics and mechanisms of differentiation and reprogramming are not yet fully understood. Based on recent experimental findings, we constructed a simple gene regulatory network including pluripotent and differentiation genes, and we demonstrated the existence of pluripotent and differentiated states from the resultant dynamical-systems model. Two differentiation mechanisms, interaction-induced switching from an expression oscillatory state and noise-assisted transition between bistable stationary states, were tested in the model. The former was found to be relevant to the differentiation process. We also introduced variables representing epigenetic modifications, which controlled the threshold for gene expression. By assuming positive feedback between expression levels and the epigenetic variables, we observed differentiation in expression dynamics. Additionally, with numerical reprogramming experiments for differentiated cells, we showed that pluripotency was recovered in cells by imposing overexpression of two pluripotent genes and external factors to control expression of differentiation genes. Interestingly, these factors were consistent with the four Yamanaka factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Myc, which were necessary for the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells. These results, based on a gene regulatory network and expression dynamics, contribute to our wider understanding of pluripotency, differentiation, and reprogramming of cells, and they provide a fresh viewpoint on robustness and control during development. PMID:26308610

Non-invasively predicting differentiation of pancreatic cancer through comparative serum metabonomic profiling.

PubMed

Wen, Shi; Zhan, Bohan; Feng, Jianghua; Hu, Weize; Lin, Xianchao; Bai, Jianxi; Huang, Heguang

2017-11-02

The differentiation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) could be associated with prognosis and may influence the choices of clinical management. No applicable methods could reliably predict the tumor differentiation preoperatively. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the metabonomic profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with different differentiations and assess the feasibility of predicting tumor differentiations through metabonomic strategy based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. By implanting pancreatic cancer cell strains Panc-1, Bxpc-3 and SW1990 in nude mice in situ, we successfully established the orthotopic xenograft models of PDAC with different differentiations. The metabonomic profiling of serum from different PDAC was achieved and analyzed by using 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with the multivariate statistical analysis. Then, the differential metabolites acquired were used for enrichment analysis of metabolic pathways to get a deep insight. An obvious metabonomic difference was demonstrated between all groups and the pattern recognition models were established successfully. The higher concentrations of amino acids, glycolytic and glutaminolytic participators in SW1990 and choline-contain metabolites in Panc-1 relative to other PDAC cells were demonstrated, which may be served as potential indicators for tumor differentiation. The metabolic pathways and differential metabolites identified in current study may be associated with specific pathways such as serine-glycine-one-carbon and glutaminolytic pathways, which can regulate tumorous proliferation and epigenetic regulation. The NMR-based metabonomic strategy may be served as a non-invasive detection method for predicting tumor differentiation preoperatively.

Action Research and Differentiating Reading Instruction in Mississippi: Fourth-Grade Students' Reading Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mims, Wyn, M.; Lockley, Jeannie

2017-01-01

A fourth-grade teacher utilized action research in order to make data-driven decisions about reading interventions with her students. The teacher decided on a broad intervention, which was differentiating reading instruction, implemented differentiated instruction, collected data and continuously adjusted interventions based on monitoring data.…

Differentiated Literacy Strategies for English Language Learners, Grades 7-12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gregory, Gayle H.; Burkman, Amy

2011-01-01

This versatile handbook is for middle school and high school educators who need to differentiate literacy instruction for adolescent ELL students at various stages of literacy competency. Adapted from the highly successful "Differentiated Literacy Strategies for Student Growth & Achievement in Grades 7-12", the authors use brain-based strategies…

Differentiation and classification of bacteria using vancomycin functionalized silver nanorods array based surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy an chemometric analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The intrinsic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was used for differentiating and classifying bacterial species with chemometric data analysis. Such differentiation has often been conducted with an insufficient sample population and strong interference from the food matrices. To address these ...

Undergraduate Students' Mental Operations in Systems of Differential Equations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitehead, Karen; Rasmussen, Chris

2003-01-01

This paper reports on research conducted to understand undergraduate students' ways of reasoning about systems of differential equations (SDEs). As part of a semester long classroom teaching experiment in a first course in differential equations, we conducted task-based interviews with six students after their study of first order differential…

Teacher Perception on Differentiated Instruction and its Influence on Instructional Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burkett, Jacquelyn Ann

2013-01-01

Differentiated Instruction is an approach to teaching which meets the diverse academic needs of students by considering learner readiness, interest and learning style. The approach is grounded in the socio-cultural, multiple intelligence and learning style theories. In addition, differentiation is a research based method for meeting the…

The Differentiation of Self Inventory: Development and Initial Validation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skowron, Elizabeth A.; Friedlander, Myrna L.

The development and initial validation of a new self-report instrument, the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI), are presented. The DSI represents the first attempt to create a multidimensional measure of differentiation based on Bowen Theory, focusing specifically on adults (aged over 25 years), their current significant relationships, and…

Using Technology to Facilitate Differentiated High School Science Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maeng, Jennifer L.

2017-01-01

This qualitative investigation explored the beliefs and practices of one secondary science teacher, Diane, who differentiated instruction and studied how technology facilitated her differentiation. Diane was selected based on the results of a previous study, in which data indicated that Diane understood how to design and implement proactively…

Large-scale generation of human iPSC-derived neural stem cells/early neural progenitor cells and their neuronal differentiation.

PubMed

D'Aiuto, Leonardo; Zhi, Yun; Kumar Das, Dhanjit; Wilcox, Madeleine R; Johnson, Jon W; McClain, Lora; MacDonald, Matthew L; Di Maio, Roberto; Schurdak, Mark E; Piazza, Paolo; Viggiano, Luigi; Sweet, Robert; Kinchington, Paul R; Bhattacharjee, Ayantika G; Yolken, Robert; Nimgaonka, Vishwajit L; Nimgaonkar, Vishwajit L

2014-01-01

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based technologies offer an unprecedented opportunity to perform high-throughput screening of novel drugs for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Such screenings require a robust and scalable method for generating large numbers of mature, differentiated neuronal cells. Currently available methods based on differentiation of embryoid bodies (EBs) or directed differentiation of adherent culture systems are either expensive or are not scalable. We developed a protocol for large-scale generation of neuronal stem cells (NSCs)/early neural progenitor cells (eNPCs) and their differentiation into neurons. Our scalable protocol allows robust and cost-effective generation of NSCs/eNPCs from iPSCs. Following culture in neurobasal medium supplemented with B27 and BDNF, NSCs/eNPCs differentiate predominantly into vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) positive neurons. Targeted mass spectrometry analysis demonstrates that iPSC-derived neurons express ligand-gated channels and other synaptic proteins and whole-cell patch-clamp experiments indicate that these channels are functional. The robust and cost-effective differentiation protocol described here for large-scale generation of NSCs/eNPCs and their differentiation into neurons paves the way for automated high-throughput screening of drugs for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of Co-Culture Media on Hepatic Differentiation of hiPSC with or without HUVEC Co-Culture

PubMed Central

Freyer, Nora; Greuel, Selina; Knöspel, Fanny; Strahl, Nadja; Amini, Leila; Jacobs, Frank; Monshouwer, Mario; Zeilinger, Katrin

2017-01-01

The derivation of hepatocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) is of great interest for applications in pharmacological research. However, full maturation of hiPSC-derived hepatocytes has not yet been achieved in vitro. To improve hepatic differentiation, co-cultivation of hiPSC with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) during hepatic differentiation was investigated in this study. In the first step, different culture media variations based on hepatocyte culture medium (HCM) were tested in HUVEC mono-cultures to establish a suitable culture medium for co-culture experiments. Based on the results, two media variants were selected to differentiate hiPSC-derived definitive endodermal (DE) cells into mature hepatocytes with or without HUVEC addition. DE cells differentiated in mono-cultures in the presence of those media variants showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in secretion of α-fetoprotein and in activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 as compared with cells differentiated in unmodified HCM used as control. Co-cultivation with HUVEC did not further improve the differentiation outcome. Thus, it can be concluded that the effect of the used medium outweighed the effect of HUVEC co-culture, emphasizing the importance of the culture medium composition for hiPSC differentiation. PMID:28783133

Effects of Co-Culture Media on Hepatic Differentiation of hiPSC with or without HUVEC Co-Culture.

PubMed

Freyer, Nora; Greuel, Selina; Knöspel, Fanny; Strahl, Nadja; Amini, Leila; Jacobs, Frank; Monshouwer, Mario; Zeilinger, Katrin

2017-08-07

The derivation of hepatocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) is of great interest for applications in pharmacological research. However, full maturation of hiPSC-derived hepatocytes has not yet been achieved in vitro. To improve hepatic differentiation, co-cultivation of hiPSC with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) during hepatic differentiation was investigated in this study. In the first step, different culture media variations based on hepatocyte culture medium (HCM) were tested in HUVEC mono-cultures to establish a suitable culture medium for co-culture experiments. Based on the results, two media variants were selected to differentiate hiPSC-derived definitive endodermal (DE) cells into mature hepatocytes with or without HUVEC addition. DE cells differentiated in mono-cultures in the presence of those media variants showed a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in secretion of α-fetoprotein and in activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 as compared with cells differentiated in unmodified HCM used as control. Co-cultivation with HUVEC did not further improve the differentiation outcome. Thus, it can be concluded that the effect of the used medium outweighed the effect of HUVEC co-culture, emphasizing the importance of the culture medium composition for hiPSC differentiation.

Reduced graphene oxide-coated hydroxyapatite composites stimulate spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jong Ho; Shin, Yong Cheol; Jin, Oh Seong; Kang, Seok Hee; Hwang, Yu-Shik; Park, Jong-Chul; Hong, Suck Won; Han, Dong-Wook

2015-07-01

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have great potential as cell sources for bone tissue engineering and regeneration, but the control and induction of their specific differentiation into bone cells remain challenging. Graphene-based nanomaterials are considered attractive candidates for biomedical applications such as scaffolds in tissue engineering, substrates for SC differentiation and components of implantable devices, due to their biocompatible and bioactive properties. Despite the potential biomedical applications of graphene and its derivatives, only limited information is available regarding their osteogenic activity. This study concentrates upon the effects of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-coated hydroxyapatite (HAp) composites on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The average particle sizes of HAp and rGO were 1270 +/- 476 nm and 438 +/- 180 nm, respectively. When coated on HAp particulates, rGO synergistically enhanced spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, without hampering their proliferation. This result was confirmed by determining alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization of calcium and phosphate as early and late stage markers of osteogenic differentiation. It is suggested that rGO-coated HAp composites can be effectively utilized as dental and orthopedic bone fillers since these graphene-based particulate materials have potent effects on stimulating the spontaneous differentiation of MSCs and show superior bioactivity and osteoinductive potential.Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have great potential as cell sources for bone tissue engineering and regeneration, but the control and induction of their specific differentiation into bone cells remain challenging. Graphene-based nanomaterials are considered attractive candidates for biomedical applications such as scaffolds in tissue engineering, substrates for SC differentiation and components of implantable devices, due to their biocompatible and bioactive properties. Despite the potential biomedical applications of graphene and its derivatives, only limited information is available regarding their osteogenic activity. This study concentrates upon the effects of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-coated hydroxyapatite (HAp) composites on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The average particle sizes of HAp and rGO were 1270 +/- 476 nm and 438 +/- 180 nm, respectively. When coated on HAp particulates, rGO synergistically enhanced spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, without hampering their proliferation. This result was confirmed by determining alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization of calcium and phosphate as early and late stage markers of osteogenic differentiation. It is suggested that rGO-coated HAp composites can be effectively utilized as dental and orthopedic bone fillers since these graphene-based particulate materials have potent effects on stimulating the spontaneous differentiation of MSCs and show superior bioactivity and osteoinductive potential. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional figures. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01580d

Design of Novel FBG-Based Sensor of Differential Pressure with Magnetic Transfer.

PubMed

Lyu, Guohui; Che, Guohang; Li, Junqing; Jiang, Xu; Wang, Keda; Han, Yueqiang; Gao, Laixu

2017-02-15

In this paper, a differential pressure sensor with magnetic transfer is proposed, in which the non-electric measurement based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with the position limiting mechanism is implemented without the direct contact of the sensing unit with the measuring fluid. The test shows that the designed sensor is effective for measuring differential pressure in the range of 0~10 kPa with a sensitivity of 0.0112 nm/kPa, which can be used in environments with high temperature, strong corrosion and high overload measurements.

Solving SAT Problem Based on Hybrid Differential Evolution Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Kunqi; Zhang, Jingmin; Liu, Gang; Kang, Lishan

Satisfiability (SAT) problem is an NP-complete problem. Based on the analysis about it, SAT problem is translated equally into an optimization problem on the minimum of objective function. A hybrid differential evolution algorithm is proposed to solve the Satisfiability problem. It makes full use of strong local search capacity of hill-climbing algorithm and strong global search capability of differential evolution algorithm, which makes up their disadvantages, improves the efficiency of algorithm and avoids the stagnation phenomenon. The experiment results show that the hybrid algorithm is efficient in solving SAT problem.

The application of Legendre-tau approximation to parameter identification for delay and partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ito, K.

1983-01-01

Approximation schemes based on Legendre-tau approximation are developed for application to parameter identification problem for delay and partial differential equations. The tau method is based on representing the approximate solution as a truncated series of orthonormal functions. The characteristic feature of the Legendre-tau approach is that when the solution to a problem is infinitely differentiable, the rate of convergence is faster than any finite power of 1/N; higher accuracy is thus achieved, making the approach suitable for small N.

Negative differential resistance in GaN tunneling hot electron transistors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Zhichao; Nath, Digbijoy; Rajan, Siddharth

Room temperature negative differential resistance is demonstrated in a unipolar GaN-based tunneling hot electron transistor. Such a device employs tunnel-injected electrons to vary the electron energy and change the fraction of reflected electrons, and shows repeatable negative differential resistance with a peak to valley current ratio of 7.2. The device was stable when biased in the negative resistance regime and tunable by changing collector bias. Good repeatability and double-sweep characteristics at room temperature show the potential of such device for high frequency oscillators based on quasi-ballistic transport.

Human factors in operations design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chafin, R. L.

1982-01-01

The manner in which organizations develop their organizational structure is considered, taking into account an example in which the environment changes for an older organization. In such cases, it would be preferable to have some theoretical foundation on which to base the restructuring of the organization to meet new environmental needs. A description is given of a theoretic foundation based on the principles of Differentiation/Integration and Procedural/Knowledge based operations. The organizational design principle of Differentiation and Integration has been presented by Lawrence and Lorsch (1969). The differentiation/integration processes are related to the organizational structures presented in studies concerning NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) operations. The principles presented provide valuable tools for analyzing operations organization.

Human stem cell neuronal differentiation on silk-carbon nanotube composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chi-Shuo; Soni, Sushant; Le, Catherine; Biasca, Matthew; Farr, Erik; Chen, Eric Y.-T.; Chin, Wei-Chun

2012-02-01

Human embryonic stem cells [hESCs] are able to differentiate into specific lineages corresponding to regulated spatial and temporal signals. This unique attribute holds great promise for regenerative medicine and cell-based therapy for many human diseases such as spinal cord injury [SCI] and multiple sclerosis [MS]. Carbon nanotubes [CNTs] have been successfully used to promote neuronal differentiation, and silk has been widely applied in tissue engineering. This study aims to build silk-CNT composite scaffolds for improved neuron differentiation efficiency from hESCs. Two neuronal markers (β-III tubulin and nestin) were utilized to determine the hESC neuronal lineage differentiation. In addition, axonal lengths were measured to evaluate the progress of neuronal development. The results demonstrated that cells on silk-CNT scaffolds have a higher β-III tubulin and nestin expression, suggesting augmented neuronal differentiation. In addition, longer axons with higher density were found to associate with silk-CNT scaffolds. Our silk-CNT-based composite scaffolds can promote neuronal differentiation of hESCs. The silk-CNT composite scaffolds developed here can serve as efficient supporting matrices for stem cell-derived neuronal transplants, offering a promising opportunity for nerve repair treatments for SCI and MS patients.

GSK-3 Inhibition Sensitizes Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells to 1,25D-Mediated Differentiation

PubMed Central

Gupta, Kalpana; Stefan, Tammy; Ignatz-Hoover, James; Moreton, Stephen; Parizher, Gary; Saunthararajah, Yogen; Wald, David N.

2017-01-01

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D), the biologically active form of vitamin D, is widely considered a promising therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on its ability to drive differentiation of leukemic cells. However, clinical trials have been disappointing in part to dose-limiting hypercalcemia. Here we show how inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) can improve the differentiation response of AML cells to 1,25D-mediated differentiation. GSK3 inhibition in AML cells enhanced the differentiating effects of low concentrations of 1,25D. In addition, GSK3 inhibition augmented the ability of 1,25D to induce irreversible growth inhibition and slow the progression of AML in mouse models. Mechanistic studies revealed that GSK3 inhibition led to the hyperphosphorylation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), enabling an interaction between VDR and the coactivator, SRC-3 (NCOA3), thereby increasing transcriptional activity. We also found that activation of JNK-mediated pathways in response to GSK3 inhibition contributed to the potentiation of 1,25D-induced differentiation. Taken together, our findings offer a preclinical rationale to explore the repositioning of GSK3 inhibitors to enhance differentiation-based therapy for AML treatment. PMID:26964622

Natural Product Vibsanin A Induces Differentiation of Myeloid Leukemia Cells through PKC Activation.

PubMed

Yu, Zu-Yin; Xiao, He; Wang, Li-Mei; Shen, Xing; Jing, Yu; Wang, Lin; Sun, Wen-Feng; Zhang, Yan-Feng; Cui, Yu; Shan, Ya-Jun; Zhou, Wen-Bing; Xing, Shuang; Xiong, Guo-Lin; Liu, Xiao-Lan; Dong, Bo; Feng, Jian-Nan; Wang, Li-Sheng; Luo, Qing-Liang; Zhao, Qin-Shi; Cong, Yu-Wen

2016-05-01

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-based cell differentiation therapy has been successful in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, a unique subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, other subtypes of AML display resistance to ATRA-based treatment. In this study, we screened natural, plant-derived vibsane-type diterpenoids for their ability to induce differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, discovering that vibsanin A potently induced differentiation of AML cell lines and primary blasts. The differentiation-inducing activity of vibsanin A was mediated through direct interaction with and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Consistent with these findings, pharmacological blockade of PKC activity suppressed vibsanin A-induced differentiation. Mechanistically, vibsanin A-mediated activation of PKC led to induction of the ERK pathway and decreased c-Myc expression. In mouse xenograft models of AML, vibsanin A administration prolonged host survival and inhibited PKC-mediated inflammatory responses correlated with promotion of skin tumors in mice. Collectively, our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for vibsanin A as a myeloid differentiation-inducing compound, with potential application as an antileukemic agent. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2698-709. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

Developing a semantic web model for medical differential diagnosis recommendation.

PubMed

Mohammed, Osama; Benlamri, Rachid

2014-10-01

In this paper we describe a novel model for differential diagnosis designed to make recommendations by utilizing semantic web technologies. The model is a response to a number of requirements, ranging from incorporating essential clinical diagnostic semantics to the integration of data mining for the process of identifying candidate diseases that best explain a set of clinical features. We introduce two major components, which we find essential to the construction of an integral differential diagnosis recommendation model: the evidence-based recommender component and the proximity-based recommender component. Both approaches are driven by disease diagnosis ontologies designed specifically to enable the process of generating diagnostic recommendations. These ontologies are the disease symptom ontology and the patient ontology. The evidence-based diagnosis process develops dynamic rules based on standardized clinical pathways. The proximity-based component employs data mining to provide clinicians with diagnosis predictions, as well as generates new diagnosis rules from provided training datasets. This article describes the integration between these two components along with the developed diagnosis ontologies to form a novel medical differential diagnosis recommendation model. This article also provides test cases from the implementation of the overall model, which shows quite promising diagnostic recommendation results.

Real-time detection of deoxyribonucleic acid bases via their negative differential conductance signature.

PubMed

Dragoman, D; Dragoman, M

2009-08-01

In this Brief Report, we present a method for the real-time detection of the bases of the deoxyribonucleic acid using their signatures in negative differential conductance measurements. The present methods of electronic detection of deoxyribonucleic acid bases are based on a statistical analysis because the electrical currents of the four bases are weak and do not differ significantly from one base to another. In contrast, we analyze a device that combines the accumulated knowledge in nanopore and scanning tunneling detection and which is able to provide very distinctive electronic signatures for the four bases.

Differentiation of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergilli by FT-IR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Atkinson, Curtis; Pechanova, Olga; Sparks, Darrell L; Brown, Ashli; Rodriguez, Jose M

2014-01-01

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a well-established and widely accepted methodology to identify and differentiate diverse microbial species. In this study, FT-IR was used to differentiate 20 strains of ubiquitous and agronomically important phytopathogens of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. By analyzing their spectral profiles via principal component and cluster analysis, differentiation was achieved between the aflatoxin-producing and nonproducing strains of both fungal species. This study thus indicates that FT-IR coupled to multivariate statistics can rapidly differentiate strains of Aspergilli based on their toxigenicity.

Evidence Based Education Request Desk. EBE #791

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Regional Educational Laboratory Southeast, 2011

2011-01-01

Would anyone in your network be aware of any states that might provide differentiated funding for virtual programs based on the model used--for example, curriculum-in-a-box vs. one with high student-teacher interaction? Are you aware of any research that examines what factors to consider when developing this type of differentiated funding? This…

Standards-Based Curriculum, Differentiated Instruction, and End of Course Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartnell, Benjamin Jeffry

2011-01-01

Differentiated instruction, standards-based curriculum, and end of course assessments (ECAs) are not mandated in most high schools across the United States. As such, classroom grades do not accurately reflect district report cards. In particular, grades at the study site, a suburban high school, do not show the specific standards and benchmarks…

Introduction of the Notion of Differential Equations by Modelling Based Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Budinski, Natalija; Takaci, Djurdjica

2011-01-01

This paper proposes modelling based learning as a tool for learning and teaching mathematics. The example of modelling real world problems leading to the exponential function as the solution of differential equations is described, as well as the observations about students' activities during the process. The students were acquainted with the…

On the asymptotic equivalence between differential Hebbian and temporal difference learning.

PubMed

Kolodziejski, Christoph; Porr, Bernd; Wörgötter, Florentin

2009-04-01

In this theoretical contribution, we provide mathematical proof that two of the most important classes of network learning-correlation-based differential Hebbian learning and reward-based temporal difference learning-are asymptotically equivalent when timing the learning with a modulatory signal. This opens the opportunity to consistently reformulate most of the abstract reinforcement learning framework from a correlation-based perspective more closely related to the biophysics of neurons.

Differentiation through Individualisation--An Ethnographic Investigation of How One Swedish School Creates Inequality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gustafsson, Jan

2018-01-01

The present article examines the general debate on curriculum differentiation and individualisation. Based on a policy ethnographic case study of class 9a at Forest School, it critically analyses how curriculum differentiation and individualisation are enacted in and interfere with classroom practice. The results show how Forest School's…

Differentiated Instruction: Are Hong Kong In-Service Teachers Ready?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wan, Sally Wai-Yan

2017-01-01

Differentiated instruction (DI) is nothing new and is believed to be an effective research-based strategy to cater for learner diversity. Differentiation involves finding multiple ways to structure a lesson so that each student is provided with an opportunity to work at a moderately challenging level. Previous studies, however, found that teachers…

School Type and Academic Culture: Evidence for the Differentiation-Polarization Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Houtte, Mieke

2006-01-01

Several decades ago it was shown that the differentiation of pupils into tracks and streams led to a polarization into "anti-school" and "pro-school" cultures. Support for this differentiation-polarization theory is mainly based on case studies. This paper presents findings of a quantitative study in Belgium (Flanders).…

A Rapid Filter Insert-based 3D Culture System for Primary Prostate Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Tricoli, Lucas; Berry, Deborah L.; Albanese, Chris

2018-01-01

Conditionally reprogrammed cells (CRCs) provide a sustainable method for primary cell culture and the ability to develop extensive “living biobanks” of patient derived cell lines. For many types of epithelial cells, various three dimensional (3D) culture approaches have been described that support an improved differentiated state. While CRCs retain their lineage commitment to the tissue from which they are isolated, they fail to express many of the differentiation markers associated with the tissue of origin when grown under normal two dimensional (2D) culture conditions. To enhance the application of patient-derived CRCs for prostate cancer research, a 3D culture format has been defined that enables a rapid (2 weeks total) luminal cell differentiation in both normal and tumor-derived prostate epithelial cells. Herein, a filter insert-based format is described for the culturing and differentiation of both normal and malignant prostate CRCs. A detailed description of the procedures required for cell collection and processing for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining are provided. Collectively the 3D culture format described, combined with the primary CRC lines, provides an important medium- to high- throughput model system for biospecimen-based prostate research. PMID:28287583

Personalized Medicine Based on Theranostic Radioiodine Molecular Imaging for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

PubMed

Ahn, Byeong-Cheol

2016-01-01

Molecular imaging based personalized therapy has been a fascinating concept for individualized therapeutic strategy, which is able to attain the highest efficacy and reduce adverse effects in certain patients. Theranostics, which integrates diagnostic testing to detect molecular targets for particular therapeutic modalities, is one of the key technologies that contribute to the success of personalized medicine. Although the term "theranostics" was used after the second millennium, its basic principle was applied more than 70 years ago in the field of thyroidology with radioiodine molecular imaging. Differentiated thyroid cancer, which arises from follicular cells in the thyroid, is the most common endocrine malignancy, and theranostic radioiodine has been successfully applied to diagnose and treat differentiated thyroid cancer, the applications of which were included in the guidelines published by various thyroid or nuclear medicine societies. Through better pathophysiologic understanding of thyroid cancer and advancements in nuclear technologies, theranostic radioiodine contributes more to modern tailored personalized management by providing high therapeutic effect and by avoiding significant adverse effects in differentiated thyroid cancer. This review details the inception of theranostic radioiodine and recent radioiodine applications for differentiated thyroid cancer management as a prototype of personalized medicine based on molecular imaging.

Differentiation of Cognitive Abilities across the Lifespan

PubMed Central

Tucker-Drob, Elliot M.

2009-01-01

Existing representations of cognitive ability structure are exclusively based on linear patterns of interrelations. However, a number of developmental and cognitive theories predict that abilities are differentially related across ages (age differentiation-dedifferentiation) and across levels of functioning (ability differentiation). Nonlinear factor analytic models were applied to multivariate cognitive ability data from 6,273 individuals, ages 4 to 101 years, who were selected to be nationally representative of the United States population. Results consistently supported ability differentiation, but were less clear with respect to age differentiation-dedifferentiation. Little evidence for age modification of ability differentiation was found. These findings are particularly informative about the nature of individual differences in cognition, and the developmental course of cognitive ability level and structure. PMID:19586182

Reliability of Pressure Ulcer Rates: How Precisely Can We Differentiate Among Hospital Units, and Does the Standard Signal-Noise Reliability Measure Reflect This Precision?

PubMed

Staggs, Vincent S; Cramer, Emily

2016-08-01

Hospital performance reports often include rankings of unit pressure ulcer rates. Differentiating among units on the basis of quality requires reliable measurement. Our objectives were to describe and apply methods for assessing reliability of hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates and evaluate a standard signal-noise reliability measure as an indicator of precision of differentiation among units. Quarterly pressure ulcer data from 8,199 critical care, step-down, medical, surgical, and medical-surgical nursing units from 1,299 US hospitals were analyzed. Using beta-binomial models, we estimated between-unit variability (signal) and within-unit variability (noise) in annual unit pressure ulcer rates. Signal-noise reliability was computed as the ratio of between-unit variability to the total of between- and within-unit variability. To assess precision of differentiation among units based on ranked pressure ulcer rates, we simulated data to estimate the probabilities of a unit's observed pressure ulcer rate rank in a given sample falling within five and ten percentiles of its true rank, and the probabilities of units with ulcer rates in the highest quartile and highest decile being identified as such. We assessed the signal-noise measure as an indicator of differentiation precision by computing its correlations with these probabilities. Pressure ulcer rates based on a single year of quarterly or weekly prevalence surveys were too susceptible to noise to allow for precise differentiation among units, and signal-noise reliability was a poor indicator of precision of differentiation. To ensure precise differentiation on the basis of true differences, alternative methods of assessing reliability should be applied to measures purported to differentiate among providers or units based on quality. © 2016 The Authors. Research in Nursing & Health published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 The Authors. Research in Nursing & Health published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A new capacitive long-range displacement nanometer sensor with differential sensing structure based on time-grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zhicheng; Peng, Kai; Liu, Xiaokang; Pu, Hongji; Chen, Ziran

2018-05-01

High-precision displacement sensors, which can measure large displacements with nanometer resolution, are key components in many ultra-precision fabrication machines. In this paper, a new capacitive nanometer displacement sensor with differential sensing structure is proposed for long-range linear displacement measurements based on an approach denoted time grating. Analytical models established using electric field coupling theory and an area integral method indicate that common-mode interference will result in a first-harmonic error in the measurement results. To reduce the common-mode interference, the proposed sensor design employs a differential sensing structure, which adopts a second group of induction electrodes spatially separated from the first group of induction electrodes by a half-pitch length. Experimental results based on a prototype sensor demonstrate that the measurement accuracy and the stability of the sensor are substantially improved after adopting the differential sensing structure. Finally, a prototype sensor achieves a measurement accuracy of  ±200 nm over the full 200 mm measurement range of the sensor.

Stepwise Analysis of Differential Item Functioning Based on Multiple-Group Partial Credit Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muraki, Eiji

1999-01-01

Extended an Item Response Theory (IRT) method for detection of differential item functioning to the partial credit model and applied the method to simulated data using a stepwise procedure. Then applied the stepwise DIF analysis based on the multiple-group partial credit model to writing trend data from the National Assessment of Educational…

Assessment of Differential Item Functioning in Testlet-Based Items Using the Rasch Testlet Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Wen-Chung; Wilson, Mark

2005-01-01

This study presents a procedure for detecting differential item functioning (DIF) for dichotomous and polytomous items in testlet-based tests, whereby DIF is taken into account by adding DIF parameters into the Rasch testlet model. Simulations were conducted to assess recovery of the DIF and other parameters. Two independent variables, test type…

Human Neural Cell-Based Biosensor

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-11

following areas: (1) neural progenitor isolation from induced pluripotent stem cells , (2) directed differentiation of progenitors into dopaminergic...from induced pluripotent stem cells , (2) directed differentiation of progenitors into dopaminergic neurons, motoneurons and astrocytes using defined...progenitors from mixed populations, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We also developed lentiviral based methods to generate iPSCs in

A Bifactor Multidimensional Item Response Theory Model for Differential Item Functioning Analysis on Testlet-Based Items

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fukuhara, Hirotaka; Kamata, Akihito

2011-01-01

A differential item functioning (DIF) detection method for testlet-based data was proposed and evaluated in this study. The proposed DIF model is an extension of a bifactor multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model for testlets. Unlike traditional item response theory (IRT) DIF models, the proposed model takes testlet effects into…

Development of Design Guidelines for Tools to Promote Differentiated Instruction in Classroom Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cha, H. J.; Ahn, M. L.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to elicit design guidelines for a teacher tool to support students' diverse needs by facilitating differentiated instructions (DIs). The study used a framework based on activity theory and principles from universal design for learning. As for the research methods, design-based research methods were adopted, and as the…

MATLAB Simulation of Gradient-Based Neural Network for Online Matrix Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yunong; Chen, Ke; Ma, Weimu; Li, Xiao-Dong

This paper investigates the simulation of a gradient-based recurrent neural network for online solution of the matrix-inverse problem. Several important techniques are employed as follows to simulate such a neural system. 1) Kronecker product of matrices is introduced to transform a matrix-differential-equation (MDE) to a vector-differential-equation (VDE); i.e., finally, a standard ordinary-differential-equation (ODE) is obtained. 2) MATLAB routine "ode45" is introduced to solve the transformed initial-value ODE problem. 3) In addition to various implementation errors, different kinds of activation functions are simulated to show the characteristics of such a neural network. Simulation results substantiate the theoretical analysis and efficacy of the gradient-based neural network for online constant matrix inversion.

Algebraic and geometric structures of analytic partial differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaptsov, O. V.

2016-11-01

We study the problem of the compatibility of nonlinear partial differential equations. We introduce the algebra of convergent power series, the module of derivations of this algebra, and the module of Pfaffian forms. Systems of differential equations are given by power series in the space of infinite jets. We develop a technique for studying the compatibility of differential systems analogous to the Gröbner bases. Using certain assumptions, we prove that compatible systems generate infinite manifolds.

Weak photoacoustic signal detection based on the differential duffing oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chenjing; Xu, Xuemei; Ding, Yipeng; Yin, Linzi; Dou, Beibei

2018-04-01

In view of photoacoustic spectroscopy theory, the relationship between weak photoacoustic signal and gas concentration is described. The studies, on the principle of Duffing oscillator for identifying state transition as well as determining the threshold value, have proven the feasibility of applying the Duffing oscillator in weak signal detection. An improved differential Duffing oscillator is proposed to identify weak signals with any frequency and ameliorate the signal-to-noise ratio. The analytical methods and numerical experiments of the novel model are introduced in detail to confirm its superiority. Then the signal detection system of weak photoacoustic based on differential Duffing oscillator is constructed, it is the first time that the weak signal detection method with differential Duffing oscillator is applied triumphantly in photoacoustic spectroscopy gas monitoring technology.

Quantitative proteome analysis reveals the correlation between endocytosis-associated proteins and hepatocellular carcinoma dedifferentiation.

PubMed

Naboulsi, Wael; Bracht, Thilo; Megger, Dominik A; Reis, Henning; Ahrens, Maike; Turewicz, Michael; Eisenacher, Martin; Tautges, Stephanie; Canbay, Ali E; Meyer, Helmut E; Weber, Frank; Baba, Hideo A; Sitek, Barbara

2016-11-01

The majority of poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) develop from well-differentiated tumors. Endocytosis is a cellular function which is likely to take part in this development due to its important role in regulating the abundances of vital signaling receptors. Here, we aimed to investigate the abundance of endocytosis-associated proteins in HCCs with various differentiation grades. Therefore, we analyzed 36 tissue specimens from HCC patients via LC-MS/MS-based label-free quantitative proteomics including 19 HCC tissue samples with different degrees of histological grades and corresponding non-tumorous tissue controls. As a result, 277 proteins were differentially regulated between well-differentiated tumors and controls. In moderately and poorly differentiated tumors, 278 and 1181 proteins, respectively, were significantly differentially regulated compared to non-tumorous tissue. We explored the regulated proteins based on their functions and identified thirty endocytosis-associated proteins, mostly overexpressed in poorly differentiated tumors. These included proteins that have been shown to be up-regulated in HCC like clathrin heavy chain-1 (CLTC) as well as unknown proteins, such as secretory carrier-associated membrane protein 3 (SCAMP3). The abundances of SCAMP3 and CLTC were immunohistochemically examined in tissue sections of 84 HCC patients. We demonstrate the novel association of several endocytosis-associated proteins, in particular, SCAMP3 with HCC progression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthetic niches for differentiation of human embryonic stem cells bypassing embryoid body formation.

PubMed

Liu, Yarong; Fox, Victoria; Lei, Yuning; Hu, Biliang; Joo, Kye-Il; Wang, Pin

2014-07-01

The unique self-renewal and pluripotency features of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) offer the potential for unlimited development of novel cell therapies. Currently, hESCs are cultured and differentiated using methods, such as monolayer culture and embryoid body (EB) formation. As such, achieving efficient differentiation into higher order structures remains a challenge, as well as maintaining cell viability during differentiation into homogeneous cell populations. Here, we describe the application of highly porous polymer scaffolds as synthetic stem cell niches. Bypassing the EB formation step, these scaffolds are capable of three-dimensional culture of undifferentiated hESCs and subsequent directed differentiation into three primary germ layers. H9 hESCs were successfully maintained and proliferated in biodegradable polymer scaffolds based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The results showed that cells within PLGA scaffolds retained characteristics of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, the scaffolds allowed differentiation towards the lineage of interest by the addition of growth factors to the culture system. The in vivo transplantation study revealed that the scaffolds could provide a microenvironment that enabled hESCs to interact with their surroundings, thereby promoting cell differentiation. Therefore, this approach, which provides a unique culture/differentiation system for hESCs, will find its utility in various stem cell-based tissue-engineering applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Multiobjective Optimization Using a Pareto Differential Evolution Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madavan, Nateri K.; Biegel, Bryan A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Differential Evolution is a simple, fast, and robust evolutionary algorithm that has proven effective in determining the global optimum for several difficult single-objective optimization problems. In this paper, the Differential Evolution algorithm is extended to multiobjective optimization problems by using a Pareto-based approach. The algorithm performs well when applied to several test optimization problems from the literature.

Group Dynamics and Individual Roles: A Differentiated Approach to Social-Emotional Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dugas, Daryl

2017-01-01

Differentiated instruction is a set of strategies to help teachers meet each child where he or she is in order to improve students' engagement, lead them to do their best work, and maximize their success. This article describes a differentiated classroom management approach based in group dynamics which focuses on the development of group norms…

A Dynamic Differentiation Framework for Talent Enhancement: Findings from Syntheses and Teachers' Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Susen

2015-01-01

Differentiating curriculum and pedagogy is a dynamic process that is dependent on the interrelationship between intrapersonal and environmental factors that can support the unique educational needs of gifted students. A Model of Dynamic Differentiation (MoDD) was developed from a larger study based on the ecological systems theory, an in-depth…

Linear Ordinary Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients. Revisiting the Impulsive Response Method Using Factorization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camporesi, Roberto

2011-01-01

We present an approach to the impulsive response method for solving linear constant-coefficient ordinary differential equations based on the factorization of the differential operator. The approach is elementary, we only assume a basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra. In particular, we avoid the use of distribution theory, as well as of…

Integrated processes for expansion and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells in suspended microcarriers cultures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lam, Alan Tin-Lun, E-mail: alan_lam@bti.a-star.edu.sg; Chen, Allen Kuan-Liang; Ting, Sherwin Qi-Peng

Current methods for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) expansion and differentiation can be limited in scalability and costly (due to their labor intensive nature). This can limit their use in cell therapy, drug screening and toxicity assays. One of the approaches that can overcome these limitations is microcarrier (MC) based cultures in which cells are expanded as cell/MC aggregates and then directly differentiated as embryoid bodies (EBs) in the same agitated reactor. This integrated process can be scaled up and eliminate the need for some culture manipulation used in common monolayer and EBs cultures. This review describes the principles ofmore » such microcarriers based integrated hPSC expansion and differentiation process, and parameters that can affect its efficiency (such as MC type and extracellular matrix proteins coatings, cell/MC aggregates size, and agitation). Finally examples of integrated process for generation cardiomyocytes (CM) and neural progenitor cells (NPC) as well as challenges to be solved are described. - Highlights: • Expansion of hPSC on microcarriers. • Differentiation of hPSC on microcarriers. • Parameters that can affect the expansion and differentiation of hPSC on microcarriers. • Integration of expansion and differentiation of hPSC on microcarriers in one unit operation.« less

How do leader-member exchange quality and differentiation affect performance in teams? An integrated multilevel dual process model.

PubMed

Li, Alex Ning; Liao, Hui

2014-09-01

Integrating leader-member exchange (LMX) research with role engagement theory (Kahn, 1990) and role system theory (Katz & Kahn, 1978), we propose a multilevel, dual process model to understand the mechanisms through which LMX quality at the individual level and LMX differentiation at the team level simultaneously affect individual and team performance. With regard to LMX differentiation, we introduce a new configural approach focusing on the pattern of LMX differentiation to complement the traditional approach focusing on the degree of LMX differentiation. Results based on multiphase, multisource data from 375 employees of 82 teams revealed that, at the individual level, LMX quality positively contributed to customer-rated employee performance through enhancing employee role engagement. At the team level, LMX differentiation exerted negative influence on teams' financial performance through disrupting team coordination. In particular, teams with the bimodal form of LMX configuration (i.e., teams that split into 2 LMX-based subgroups with comparable size) suffered most in team performance because they experienced greatest difficulty in coordinating members' activities. Furthermore, LMX differentiation strengthened the relationship between LMX quality and role engagement, and team coordination strengthened the relationship between role engagement and employee performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

An evidence-based approach to the creation of normative data: base rates of impaired scores within a brief neuropsychological battery argue for age corrections, but against corrections for medical conditions.

PubMed

O'Connell, Megan E; Tuokko, Holly; Voll, Stacey; Simard, Martine; Griffith, Lauren E; Taler, Vanessa; Wolfson, Christina; Kirkland, Susan; Raina, Parminder

We detail a new approach to the creation of normative data for neuropsychological tests. The traditional approach to normative data creation is to make demographic adjustments based on observations of correlations between single neuropsychological tests and selected demographic variables. We argue, however, that this does not describe the implications for clinical practice, such as increased likelihood of misclassification of cognitive impairment, nor does it elucidate the impact on decision-making with a neuropsychological battery. We propose base rate analyses; specifically, differential base rates of impaired scores between theoretical and actual base rates as the basis for decisions to create demographic adjustments within normative data. Differential base rates empirically describe the potential clinical implications of failing to create an appropriate normative group. We demonstrate this approach with data from a short telephone-administered neuropsychological battery given to a large, neurologically healthy sample aged 45-85 years old. We explored whether adjustments for age and medical conditions were warranted based on differential base rates of spuriously impaired scores. Theoretical base rates underestimated the frequency of impaired scores in older adults and overestimated the frequency of impaired scores in younger adults, providing an evidence base for the creation of age-corrected normative data. In contrast, the number of medical conditions (numerous cardiovascular, hormonal, and metabolic conditions) was not related to differential base rates of impaired scores. Despite a small correlation between number of medical conditions and each neuropsychological variable, normative adjustments for number of medical conditions does not appear warranted. Implications for creation of normative data are discussed.

Thermogelling 3D Systems towards Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Therapies.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoyuan; Young, David James; Wu, Yun-Long; Loh, Xian Jun

2018-03-02

Stem cell culturing and differentiation is a very important research direction for tissue engineering. Thermogels are well suited for encapsulating cells because of their non-biotoxic nature and mild sol-gel transition as temperature increases. In particular, thermogels provide a 3D growth environment for stem cell growth, which is more similar to the extracellular matrix than flat substrates, so thermogels as a medium can overcome many of the cell abnormalities caused by 2D cell growth. In this review, we summarize the applications of thermogels in cell and stem cell culture in recent years. We also elaborate on the methods to induce stem cell differentiation by using thermogel-based 3D scaffolds. In particular, thermogels, encapsulating specific differentiation-inducing factor and having specific structures and moduli, can induce the differentiation into the desired tissue cells. Three dimensional thermogel scaffolds that control the growth and differentiation of cells will undoubtedly have a bright future in regenerative medicine.

The development of differential inductors using double air-bridge structure based on integrated passive device technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Yao, Zhao; Fu, Xiao-Qian; Li, Zhi-Ming; Shan, Fu-Kai; Wang, Cong

2017-05-01

Recently, integrated passive devices have become increasingly popular; inductor realization, in particular, offers interesting high performance for RF modules and systems. In this paper, a development of differential inductor fabricated by integrated passive devices technology using a double air-bridge structure is presented. A study of the model development of the differential inductor is first demonstrated. In this model section, a segment box analysis method is applied to provide a clear presentation of the differential inductor. Compared with other work that only shows a brief description of the process, the integrated passive devices process used to fabricate the inductor in this study is elaborated on. Finally, a characterization of differential inductors with different physical layout parameters is illustrated based on inductance and quality factors, which provides a valuable reference for realizing high performance. The proposed work provides a good solution for the design, fabrication and practical application of RF modules and systems.

Single-cell topological RNA-Seq analysis reveals insights into cellular differentiation and development

PubMed Central

Rizvi, Abbas H.; Camara, Pablo G.; Kandror, Elena K.; Roberts, Thomas J.; Schieren, Ira; Maniatis, Tom; Rabadan, Raul

2017-01-01

Transcriptional programs control cellular lineage commitment and differentiation during development. Understanding cell fate has been advanced by studying single-cell RNA-seq, but is limited by the assumptions of current analytic methods regarding the structure of data. We present single-cell topological data analysis (scTDA), an algorithm for topology-based computational analyses to study temporal, unbiased transcriptional regulation. Compared to other methods, scTDA is a non-linear, model-independent, unsupervised statistical framework that can characterize transient cellular states. We applied scTDA to the analysis of murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation in vitro in response to inducers of motor neuron differentiation. scTDA resolved asynchrony and continuity in cellular identity over time, and identified four transient states (pluripotent, precursor, progenitor, and fully differentiated cells) based on changes in stage-dependent combinations of transcription factors, RNA-binding proteins and long non-coding RNAs. scTDA can be applied to study asynchronous cellular responses to either developmental cues or environmental perturbations. PMID:28459448

The human disease network in terms of dysfunctional regulatory mechanisms.

PubMed

Yang, Jing; Wu, Su-Juan; Dai, Wen-Tao; Li, Yi-Xue; Li, Yuan-Yuan

2015-10-08

Elucidation of human disease similarities has emerged as an active research area, which is highly relevant to etiology, disease classification, and drug repositioning. In pioneer studies, disease similarity was commonly estimated according to clinical manifestation. Subsequently, scientists started to investigate disease similarity based on gene-phenotype knowledge, which were inevitably biased to well-studied diseases. In recent years, estimating disease similarity according to transcriptomic behavior significantly enhances the probability of finding novel disease relationships, while the currently available studies usually mine expression data through differential expression analysis that has been considered to have little chance of unraveling dysfunctional regulatory relationships, the causal pathogenesis of diseases. We developed a computational approach to measure human disease similarity based on expression data. Differential coexpression analysis, instead of differential expression analysis, was employed to calculate differential coexpression level of every gene for each disease, which was then summarized to the pathway level. Disease similarity was eventually calculated as the partial correlation coefficients of pathways' differential coexpression values between any two diseases. The significance of disease relationships were evaluated by permutation test. Based on mRNA expression data and a differential coexpression analysis based method, we built a human disease network involving 1326 significant Disease-Disease links among 108 diseases. Compared with disease relationships captured by differential expression analysis based method, our disease links shared known disease genes and drugs more significantly. Some novel disease relationships were discovered, for example, Obesity and cancer, Obesity and Psoriasis, lung adenocarcinoma and S. pneumonia, which had been commonly regarded as unrelated to each other, but recently found to share similar molecular mechanisms. Additionally, it was found that both the type of disease and the type of affected tissue influenced the degree of disease similarity. A sub-network including Allergic asthma, Type 2 diabetes and Chronic kidney disease was extracted to demonstrate the exploration of their common pathogenesis. The present study produces a global view of human diseasome for the first time from the viewpoint of regulation mechanisms, which therefore could provide insightful clues to etiology and pathogenesis, and help to perform drug repositioning and design novel therapeutic interventions.

Recommended Mass Spectrometry-Based Strategies to Identify Ricin-Containing Samples.

PubMed

Kalb, Suzanne R; Schieltz, David M; Becher, François; Astot, Crister; Fredriksson, Sten-Åke; Barr, John R

2015-11-25

Ricin is a protein toxin produced by the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) together with a related protein known as R. communis agglutinin (RCA120). Mass spectrometric (MS) assays have the capacity to unambiguously identify ricin and to detect ricin's activity in samples with complex matrices. These qualitative and quantitative assays enable detection and differentiation of ricin from the less toxic RCA120 through determination of the amino acid sequence of the protein in question, and active ricin can be monitored by MS as the release of adenine from the depurination of a nucleic acid substrate. In this work, we describe the application of MS-based methods to detect, differentiate and quantify ricin and RCA120 in nine blinded samples supplied as part of the EQuATox proficiency test. Overall, MS-based assays successfully identified all samples containing ricin or RCA120 with the exception of the sample spiked with the lowest concentration (0.414 ng/mL). In fact, mass spectrometry was the most successful method for differentiation of ricin and RCA120 based on amino acid determination. Mass spectrometric methods were also successful at ranking the functional activities of the samples, successfully yielding semi-quantitative results. These results indicate that MS-based assays are excellent techniques to detect, differentiate, and quantify ricin and RCA120 in complex matrices.

Pulse retrieval algorithm for interferometric frequency-resolved optical gating based on differential evolution.

PubMed

Hyyti, Janne; Escoto, Esmerando; Steinmeyer, Günter

2017-10-01

A novel algorithm for the ultrashort laser pulse characterization method of interferometric frequency-resolved optical gating (iFROG) is presented. Based on a genetic method, namely, differential evolution, the algorithm can exploit all available information of an iFROG measurement to retrieve the complex electric field of a pulse. The retrieval is subjected to a series of numerical tests to prove the robustness of the algorithm against experimental artifacts and noise. These tests show that the integrated error-correction mechanisms of the iFROG method can be successfully used to remove the effect from timing errors and spectrally varying efficiency in the detection. Moreover, the accuracy and noise resilience of the new algorithm are shown to outperform retrieval based on the generalized projections algorithm, which is widely used as the standard method in FROG retrieval. The differential evolution algorithm is further validated with experimental data, measured with unamplified three-cycle pulses from a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser. Additionally introducing group delay dispersion in the beam path, the retrieval results show excellent agreement with independent measurements with a commercial pulse measurement device based on spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field retrieval. Further experimental tests with strongly attenuated pulses indicate resilience of differential-evolution-based retrieval against massive measurement noise.

Solving constant-coefficient differential equations with dielectric metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Weixuan; Qu, Che; Zhang, Xiangdong

2016-07-01

Recently, the concept of metamaterial analog computing has been proposed (Silva et al 2014 Science 343 160-3). Some mathematical operations such as spatial differentiation, integration, and convolution, have been performed by using designed metamaterial blocks. Motivated by this work, we propose a practical approach based on dielectric metamaterial to solve differential equations. The ordinary differential equation can be solved accurately by the correctly designed metamaterial system. The numerical simulations using well-established numerical routines have been performed to successfully verify all theoretical analyses.

Human Neural Cell-Based Biosensor

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-11

stabilizer valproic acid, regulates neurite outgrowth through JNK and the substrate paxillin in N1E - 115 neuroblastoma cells. Exp Cell Res, 313 (9): p...developed methods for directed dopaminergic differentiation using defined medium conditions – all towards the goal of accelerating neuronal... differentiation for biosensor development. Moreover, we have begun an exploration of fluorescence-based assays as a new direction for ‘sensor element’ development

Teacher Implementation of Trial-Based Functional Analysis and Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior for Students with Challenging Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flynn, Susan D.; Lo, Ya-yu

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a training package on three middle school special education teachers' accurate implementation of trial-based functional analysis (TBFA) and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) with their students with autism spectrum disorders or emotional and behavioral disorders in the…

Differentiation in MALDI-TOF MS and FTIR spectra between two pathovars of Xanthomonas oryzae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Mengyu; Li, Bin; Wang, Li; Tao, Zhongyun; Mao, Shengfeng; Wang, Yangli; Xie, Guanlin; Sun, Guochang

2014-12-01

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) strains are closely related phenotypically and genetically, which make it difficult to differentiate between the two pathovars based on phenotypic and DNA-based methods. In this study, a fast and accurate method was developed based on the differences in MALDI-TOF MS and FTIR spectra between the two pathovars. MALDI-TOF MS analysis revealed that 9 and 10 peaks are specific to Xoo and Xoc, respectively, which can be used as biomarkers to identify and differentiate the two closely related pathovars. Furthermore, FTIR analysis showed that there is a significant difference in both the band frequencies and absorption intensity of various functional groups between the two pathovars. In particular, the 6 peaks at 3433, 2867, 1273, 1065, 983 and 951 cm-1 were specific to the Xoo strains, while one peak at 1572 cm-1 was specific to the Xoc strains. Overall, this study gives the first attempt to identify and differentiate the two pathovars of X. oryzae based on mass and FTIR spectra, which will be helpful for the early detection and prevention of the two rice diseases caused by both X. oryzae pathovars.

Electric machine differential for vehicle traction control and stability control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuruppu, Sandun Shivantha

Evolving requirements in energy efficiency and tightening regulations for reliable electric drivetrains drive the advancement of the hybrid electric (HEV) and full electric vehicle (EV) technology. Different configurations of EV and HEV architectures are evaluated for their performance. The future technology is trending towards utilizing distinctive properties in electric machines to not only to improve efficiency but also to realize advanced road adhesion controls and vehicle stability controls. Electric machine differential (EMD) is such a concept under current investigation for applications in the near future. Reliability of a power train is critical. Therefore, sophisticated fault detection schemes are essential in guaranteeing reliable operation of a complex system such as an EMD. The research presented here emphasize on implementation of a 4kW electric machine differential, a novel single open phase fault diagnostic scheme, an implementation of a real time slip optimization algorithm and an electric machine differential based yaw stability improvement study. The proposed d-q current signature based SPO fault diagnostic algorithm detects the fault within one electrical cycle. The EMD based extremum seeking slip optimization algorithm reduces stopping distance by 30% compared to hydraulic braking based ABS.

Time-Based Readout of a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) for Time of Flight Positron Emission Tomography (TOF-PET)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powolny, F.; Auffray, E.; Brunner, S. E.; Garutti, E.; Goettlich, M.; Hillemanns, H.; Jarron, P.; Lecoq, P.; Meyer, T.; Schultz-Coulon, H. C.; Shen, W.; Williams, M. C. S.

2011-06-01

Time of flight (TOF) measurements in positron emission tomography (PET) are very challenging in terms of timing performance, and should ideally achieve less than 100 ps FWHM precision. We present a time-based differential technique to read out silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) which has less than 20 ps FWHM electronic jitter. The novel readout is a fast front end circuit (NINO) based on a first stage differential current mode amplifier with 20 Ω input resistance. Therefore the amplifier inputs are connected differentially to the SiPM's anode and cathode ports. The leading edge of the output signal provides the time information, while the trailing edge provides the energy information. Based on a Monte Carlo photon-generation model, HSPICE simulations were run with a 3 × 3 mm2 SiPM-model, read out with a differential current amplifier. The results of these simulations are presented here and compared with experimental data obtained with a 3 × 3 × 15 mm3 LSO crystal coupled to a SiPM. The measured time coincidence precision and the limitations in the overall timing accuracy are interpreted using Monte Carlo/SPICE simulation, Poisson statistics, and geometric effects of the crystal.

Performance analysis of microcomputer based differential protection of UHV lines under selective phase switching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhatti, A.A.

1990-04-01

This paper examines the effects of primary and secondary fault quantities as well s of mutual couplings of neighboring circuits on the sensitivity of operation and threshold settings of a microcomputer based differential protection of UHV lines under selective phase switching. Microcomputer based selective phase switching allows the disconnection of minimum number of phases involved in a fault and requires the autoreclosing of these phases immediately after the extinction of secondary arc. During a primary fault a heavy current contribution to the healthy phases tends to cause an unwanted tripping. Faulty phases physically disconnected constitute an isolated fault which beingmore » coupled to the system affects the current and voltage levels of the healthy phases still retained in the system and may cause an unwanted tripping. The microcomputer based differential protection, appears to have poor performance when applied to uncompensated lines employing selective pole switching.« less

A Lateral Differential Resonant Pressure Microsensor Based on SOI-Glass Wafer-Level Vacuum Packaging.

PubMed

Xie, Bo; Xing, Yonghao; Wang, Yanshuang; Chen, Jian; Chen, Deyong; Wang, Junbo

2015-09-21

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a resonant pressure microsensor based on SOI-glass wafer-level vacuum packaging. The SOI-based pressure microsensor consists of a pressure-sensitive diaphragm at the handle layer and two lateral resonators (electrostatic excitation and capacitive detection) on the device layer as a differential setup. The resonators were vacuum packaged with a glass cap using anodic bonding and the wire interconnection was realized using a mask-free electrochemical etching approach by selectively patterning an Au film on highly topographic surfaces. The fabricated resonant pressure microsensor with dual resonators was characterized in a systematic manner, producing a quality factor higher than 10,000 (~6 months), a sensitivity of about 166 Hz/kPa and a reduced nonlinear error of 0.033% F.S. Based on the differential output, the sensitivity was increased to two times and the temperature-caused frequency drift was decreased to 25%.

A Lateral Differential Resonant Pressure Microsensor Based on SOI-Glass Wafer-Level Vacuum Packaging

PubMed Central

Xie, Bo; Xing, Yonghao; Wang, Yanshuang; Chen, Jian; Chen, Deyong; Wang, Junbo

2015-01-01

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a resonant pressure microsensor based on SOI-glass wafer-level vacuum packaging. The SOI-based pressure microsensor consists of a pressure-sensitive diaphragm at the handle layer and two lateral resonators (electrostatic excitation and capacitive detection) on the device layer as a differential setup. The resonators were vacuum packaged with a glass cap using anodic bonding and the wire interconnection was realized using a mask-free electrochemical etching approach by selectively patterning an Au film on highly topographic surfaces. The fabricated resonant pressure microsensor with dual resonators was characterized in a systematic manner, producing a quality factor higher than 10,000 (~6 months), a sensitivity of about 166 Hz/kPa and a reduced nonlinear error of 0.033% F.S. Based on the differential output, the sensitivity was increased to two times and the temperature-caused frequency drift was decreased to 25%. PMID:26402679

Automatic classification of patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy using diffusion MRI datasets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talai, Sahand; Boelmans, Kai; Sedlacik, Jan; Forkert, Nils D.

2017-03-01

Parkinsonian syndromes encompass a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, which can be classified into various subtypes. The differentiation of these subtypes is typically conducted based on clinical criteria. Due to the overlap of intra-syndrome symptoms, the accurate differential diagnosis based on clinical guidelines remains a challenge with failure rates up to 25%. The aim of this study is to present an image-based classification method of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), an atypical variant of PD. Therefore, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameter maps were calculated based on diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets. Mean ADC values were determined in 82 brain regions using an atlas-based approach. The extracted mean ADC values for each patient were then used as features for classification using a linear kernel support vector machine classifier. To increase the classification accuracy, a feature selection was performed, which resulted in the top 17 attributes to be used as the final input features. A leave-one-out cross validation based on 56 PD and 21 PSP subjects revealed that the proposed method is capable of differentiating PD and PSP patients with an accuracy of 94.8%. In conclusion, the classification of PD and PSP patients based on ADC features obtained from diffusion MRI datasets is a promising new approach for the differentiation of Parkinsonian syndromes in the broader context of decision support systems.

Microarray and network-based identification of functional modules and pathways of active tuberculosis.

PubMed

Bian, Zhong-Rui; Yin, Juan; Sun, Wen; Lin, Dian-Jie

2017-04-01

Diagnose of active tuberculosis (TB) is challenging and treatment response is also difficult to efficiently monitor. The aim of this study was to use an integrated analysis of microarray and network-based method to the samples from publically available datasets to obtain a diagnostic module set and pathways in active TB. Towards this goal, background protein-protein interactions (PPI) network was generated based on global PPI information and gene expression data, following by identification of differential expression network (DEN) from the background PPI network. Then, ego genes were extracted according to the degree features in DEN. Next, module collection was conducted by ego gene expansion based on EgoNet algorithm. After that, differential expression of modules between active TB and controls was evaluated using random permutation test. Finally, biological significance of differential modules was detected by pathways enrichment analysis based on Reactome database, and Fisher's exact test was implemented to extract differential pathways for active TB. Totally, 47 ego genes and 47 candidate modules were identified from the DEN. By setting the cutoff-criteria of gene size >5 and classification accuracy ≥0.9, 7 ego modules (Module 4, Module 7, Module 9, Module 19, Module 25, Module 38 and Module 43) were extracted, and all of them had the statistical significance between active TB and controls. Then, Fisher's exact test was conducted to capture differential pathways for active TB. Interestingly, genes in Module 4, Module 25, Module 38, and Module 43 were enriched in the same pathway, formation of a pool of free 40S subunits. Significant pathway for Module 7 and Module 9 was eukaryotic translation termination, and for Module 19 was nonsense mediated decay enhanced by the exon junction complex (EJC). Accordingly, differential modules and pathways might be potential biomarkers for treating active TB, and provide valuable clues for better understanding of molecular mechanism of active TB. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Observation of room temperature negative differential resistance in multi-layer heterostructures of quantum dots and conducting polymers.

PubMed

Kannan, V; Kim, M R; Chae, Y S; Ramana, Ch V V; Rhee, J K

2011-01-14

Multi-layer heterostructure negative differential resistance devices based on poly-[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) conducting polymer and CdSe quantum dots is reported. The conducting polymer MEH-PPV acts as a barrier while CdSe quantum dots form the well layer. The devices exhibit negative differential resistance (NDR) at low voltages. For these devices, strong negative differential resistance is observed at room temperature. A maximum value of 51 for the peak-to-valley ratio of current is reported. Tunneling of electrons through the discrete quantum confined states in the CdSe quantum dots is believed to be responsible for the multiple peaks observed in the I-V measurement. Depending on the observed NDR signature, operating mechanisms are explored based on resonant tunneling and Coulomb blockade effects.

Accurate spectral solutions for the parabolic and elliptic partial differential equations by the ultraspherical tau method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doha, E. H.; Abd-Elhameed, W. M.

2005-09-01

We present a double ultraspherical spectral methods that allow the efficient approximate solution for the parabolic partial differential equations in a square subject to the most general inhomogeneous mixed boundary conditions. The differential equations with their boundary and initial conditions are reduced to systems of ordinary differential equations for the time-dependent expansion coefficients. These systems are greatly simplified by using tensor matrix algebra, and are solved by using the step-by-step method. Numerical applications of how to use these methods are described. Numerical results obtained compare favorably with those of the analytical solutions. Accurate double ultraspherical spectral approximations for Poisson's and Helmholtz's equations are also noted. Numerical experiments show that spectral approximation based on Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind is not always better than others based on ultraspherical polynomials.

Differential Sarcomere and Electrophysiological Maturation of Human iPSC-Derived Cardiac Myocytes in Monolayer vs. Aggregation-Based Differentiation Protocols

PubMed Central

Jeziorowska, Dorota; Fontaine, Vincent; Jouve, Charlène; Villard, Eric; Dussaud, Sébastien; Akbar, David; Letang, Valérie; Cervello, Pauline; Itier, Jean-Michiel; Pruniaux, Marie-Pierre; Hulot, Jean-Sébastien

2017-01-01

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a powerful human model to study cardiac disease in vitro, notably channelopathies and sarcomeric cardiomyopathies. Different protocols for cardiac differentiation of iPSCs have been proposed either based on embroid body formation (3D) or, more recently, on monolayer culture (2D). We performed a direct comparison of the characteristics of the derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) on day 27 ± 2 of differentiation between 3D and 2D differentiation protocols with two different Wnt-inhibitors were compared: IWR1 (inhibitor of Wnt response) or IWP2 (inhibitor of Wnt production). We firstly found that the level of Troponin T (TNNT2) expression measured by FACS was significantly higher for both 2D protocols as compared to the 3D protocol. In the three methods, iPSC-CM show sarcomeric structures. However, iPSC-CM generated in 2D protocols constantly displayed larger sarcomere lengths as compared to the 3D protocol. In addition, mRNA and protein analyses reveal higher cTNi to ssTNi ratios in the 2D protocol using IWP2 as compared to both other protocols, indicating a higher sarcomeric maturation. Differentiation of cardiac myocytes with 2D monolayer-based protocols and the use of IWP2 allows the production of higher yield of cardiac myocytes that have more suitable characteristics to study sarcomeric cardiomyopathies. PMID:28587156

Differentially Private Frequent Sequence Mining via Sampling-based Candidate Pruning

PubMed Central

Xu, Shengzhi; Cheng, Xiang; Li, Zhengyi; Xiong, Li

2016-01-01

In this paper, we study the problem of mining frequent sequences under the rigorous differential privacy model. We explore the possibility of designing a differentially private frequent sequence mining (FSM) algorithm which can achieve both high data utility and a high degree of privacy. We found, in differentially private FSM, the amount of required noise is proportionate to the number of candidate sequences. If we could effectively reduce the number of unpromising candidate sequences, the utility and privacy tradeoff can be significantly improved. To this end, by leveraging a sampling-based candidate pruning technique, we propose a novel differentially private FSM algorithm, which is referred to as PFS2. The core of our algorithm is to utilize sample databases to further prune the candidate sequences generated based on the downward closure property. In particular, we use the noisy local support of candidate sequences in the sample databases to estimate which sequences are potentially frequent. To improve the accuracy of such private estimations, a sequence shrinking method is proposed to enforce the length constraint on the sample databases. Moreover, to decrease the probability of misestimating frequent sequences as infrequent, a threshold relaxation method is proposed to relax the user-specified threshold for the sample databases. Through formal privacy analysis, we show that our PFS2 algorithm is ε-differentially private. Extensive experiments on real datasets illustrate that our PFS2 algorithm can privately find frequent sequences with high accuracy. PMID:26973430

Stochastic Evolution Equations Driven by Fractional Noises

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-28

rate of convergence to zero or the error and the limit in distribution of the error fluctuations. We have studied time discrete numerical schemes...error fluctuations. We have studied time discrete numerical schemes based on Taylor expansions for rough differential equations and for stochastic...variations of the time discrete Taylor schemes for rough differential equations and for stochastic differential equations driven by fractional Brownian

Localized committed differentiation of neural stem cells based on the topographical regulation effects of TiO2 nanostructured ceramics.

PubMed

Mou, Xiaoning; Wang, Shu; Guo, Weibo; Ji, Shaozheng; Qiu, Jichuan; Li, Deshuai; Zhang, Xiaodi; Zhou, Jin; Tang, Wei; Wang, Changyong; Liu, Hong

2016-07-21

In this study, a porous-flat TiO2 micropattern was fabricated with flat and nanoporous TiO2 ceramics for investigating the effect of topography on neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation. This finding demonstrates that localized committed differentiation could be achieved in one system by integrating materials with different topographies.

A Fresh Look at Linear Ordinary Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients. Revisiting the Impulsive Response Method Using Factorization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camporesi, Roberto

2016-01-01

We present an approach to the impulsive response method for solving linear constant-coefficient ordinary differential equations of any order based on the factorization of the differential operator. The approach is elementary, we only assume a basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra. In particular, we avoid the use of distribution theory, as…

The Effect of Differentiation Approach Developed on Creativity of Gifted Students: Cognitive and Affective Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altintas, Esra; Özdemir, Ahmet S.

2015-01-01

The aim of the study is to develop a differentiation approach for the mathematics education of gifted middle school students and to determine the effect of the differentiation approach on creative thinking skills of gifted students based on both cognitive and affective factors. In this context, the answer to the following question was searched:…

PodNet, a protein-protein interaction network of the podocyte.

PubMed

Warsow, Gregor; Endlich, Nicole; Schordan, Eric; Schordan, Sandra; Chilukoti, Ravi K; Homuth, Georg; Moeller, Marcus J; Fuellen, Georg; Endlich, Karlhans

2013-07-01

Interactions between proteins crucially determine cellular structure and function. Differential analysis of the interactome may help elucidate molecular mechanisms during disease development; however, this analysis necessitates mapping of expression data on protein-protein interaction networks. These networks do not exist for the podocyte; therefore, we built PodNet, a literature-based mouse podocyte network in Cytoscape format. Using database protein-protein interactions, we expanded PodNet to XPodNet with enhanced connectivity. In order to test the performance of XPodNet in differential interactome analysis, we examined podocyte developmental differentiation and the effect of cell culture. Transcriptomes of podocytes in 10 different states were mapped on XPodNet and analyzed with the Cytoscape plugin ExprEssence, based on the law of mass action. Interactions between slit diaphragm proteins are most significantly upregulated during podocyte development and most significantly downregulated in culture. On the other hand, our analysis revealed that interactions lost during podocyte differentiation are not regained in culture, suggesting a loss rather than a reversal of differentiation for podocytes in culture. Thus, we have developed PodNet as a valuable tool for differential interactome analysis in podocytes, and we have identified established and unexplored regulated interactions in developing and cultured podocytes.

A Model of Differential Growth-Guided Apical Hook Formation in Plants

PubMed Central

Žádníková, Petra; Wabnik, Krzysztof; Abuzeineh, Anas; Prusinkiewicz, Przemysław

2016-01-01

Differential cell growth enables flexible organ bending in the presence of environmental signals such as light or gravity. A prominent example of the developmental processes based on differential cell growth is the formation of the apical hook that protects the fragile shoot apical meristem when it breaks through the soil during germination. Here, we combined in silico and in vivo approaches to identify a minimal mechanism producing auxin gradient-guided differential growth during the establishment of the apical hook in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Computer simulation models based on experimental data demonstrate that asymmetric expression of the PIN-FORMED auxin efflux carrier at the concave (inner) versus convex (outer) side of the hook suffices to establish an auxin maximum in the epidermis at the concave side of the apical hook. Furthermore, we propose a mechanism that translates this maximum into differential growth, and thus curvature, of the apical hook. Through a combination of experimental and in silico computational approaches, we have identified the individual contributions of differential cell elongation and proliferation to defining the apical hook and reveal the role of auxin-ethylene crosstalk in balancing these two processes. PMID:27754878

Astragalus-containing Traditional Chinese Medicine, with and without prescription based on syndrome differentiation, combined with chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wang, S F; Wang, Q; Jiao, L J; Huang, Y L; Garfield, D; Zhang, J; Xu, L

2016-06-01

Traditional Chinese Medicine (tcm) is used in China as part of the treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) and often includes prescription of herbal therapy based on syndrome differentiation. Studies of various Astragalus-based Chinese medicines combined with platinum-based chemotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer are popular in East Asia, particularly in China. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing platinum-based chemotherapy alone with platinum-based chemotherapy plus Astragalus-based Chinese botanicals, with and without prescription based on syndrome differentiation, as first-line treatment for advanced nsclc. We searched the Chinese Biomedical Literature database, the China National Knowledge Internet, the VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database, PubMed, embase, the Cochrane databases, and abstracts presented at meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the World Conference on Lung Cancer, the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology for all eligible studies. Endpoints were overall survival; 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates; performance status; overall response rate; and grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Subgroup analyses based on herbal formulae individualized using syndrome differentiation or on oral or injection patent medicines were performed using the Stata software application (version 11.0: StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, U.S.A.) and a fixed-effects or random-effects model in case of heterogeneity. Results are expressed as a hazard ratio (hr) or relative risk (rr), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (cis). Seventeen randomized studies with scores on the Jadad quality scale of 2 or more, representing 1552 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone, the addition of Astragalus-based tcm to chemotherapy was associated with significantly increased overall survival (hr: 0.61; 95% ci: 0.42 to 0.89; p = 0.011); 1-year (rr: 0.73; 95% ci: 0.65 to 0.82; p < 0.001), 2-year (rr: 0.3344; 95% ci: 0.237 to 0.4773; p < 0.001), and 3-year survival rates (rr: 0.30; 95% ci: 0.17 to 0.53; p < 0.001); performance status (rr: 0.43; 95% ci: 0.34 to 0.55; p < 0.001); and tumour overall response rate (rr: 0.7982; 95% ci: 0.715 to 0.89; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that Astragalus herbal formulae given based on syndrome differentiation were more effective than Astragalus-based oral and injection patent medicines. Side effects-including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting-were significantly more frequent with platinum-based chemotherapy alone than when platinum-based chemotherapy was combined with Astragalus-based tcm. Astragalus-based Chinese botanical therapy, especially when based on syndrome differentiation, is associated with increased efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy and decreased platinum-derived toxicities for patients with advanced nsclc.

Dynamic Hop Service Differentiation Model for End-to-End QoS Provisioning in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youn, Joo-Sang; Seok, Seung-Joon; Kang, Chul-Hee

This paper presents a new QoS model for end-to-end service provisioning in multi-hop wireless networks. In legacy IEEE 802.11e based multi-hop wireless networks, the fixed assignment of service classes according to flow's priority at every node causes priority inversion problem when performing end-to-end service differentiation. Thus, this paper proposes a new QoS provisioning model called Dynamic Hop Service Differentiation (DHSD) to alleviate the problem and support effective service differentiation between end-to-end nodes. Many previous works for QoS model through the 802.11e based service differentiation focus on packet scheduling on several service queues with different service rate and service priority. Our model, however, concentrates on a dynamic class selection scheme, called Per Hop Class Assignment (PHCA), in the node's MAC layer, which selects a proper service class for each packet, in accordance with queue states and service requirement, in every node along the end-to-end route of the packet. The proposed QoS solution is evaluated using the OPNET simulator. The simulation results show that the proposed model outperforms both best-effort and 802.11e based strict priority service models in mobile ad hoc environments.

Genetic differentiation among North Atlantic killer whale populations.

PubMed

Foote, Andrew D; Vilstrup, Julia T; De Stephanis, Renaud; Verborgh, Philippe; Abel Nielsen, Sandra C; Deaville, Robert; Kleivane, Lars; Martín, Vidal; Miller, Patrick J O; Oien, Nils; Pérez-Gil, Monica; Rasmussen, Morten; Reid, Robert J; Robertson, Kelly M; Rogan, Emer; Similä, Tiu; Tejedor, Maria L; Vester, Heike; Víkingsson, Gísli A; Willerslev, Eske; Gilbert, M Thomas P; Piertney, Stuart B

2011-02-01

Population genetic structure of North Atlantic killer whale samples was resolved from differences in allele frequencies of 17 microsatellite loci, mtDNA control region haplotype frequencies and for a subset of samples, using complete mitogenome sequences. Three significantly differentiated populations were identified. Differentiation based on microsatellite allele frequencies was greater between the two allopatric populations than between the two pairs of partially sympatric populations. Spatial clustering of individuals within each of these populations overlaps with the distribution of particular prey resources: herring, mackerel and tuna, which each population has been seen predating. Phylogenetic analyses using complete mitogenomes suggested two populations could have resulted from single founding events and subsequent matrilineal expansion. The third population, which was sampled at lower latitudes and lower density, consisted of maternal lineages from three highly divergent clades. Pairwise population differentiation was greater for estimates based on mtDNA control region haplotype frequencies than for estimates based on microsatellite allele frequencies, and there were no mitogenome haplotypes shared among populations. This suggests low or no female migration and that gene flow was primarily male mediated when populations spatially and temporally overlap. These results demonstrate that genetic differentiation can arise through resource specialization in the absence of physical barriers to gene flow. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

CyTOF workflow: differential discovery in high-throughput high-dimensional cytometry datasets

PubMed Central

Nowicka, Malgorzata; Krieg, Carsten; Weber, Lukas M.; Hartmann, Felix J.; Guglietta, Silvia; Becher, Burkhard; Levesque, Mitchell P.; Robinson, Mark D.

2017-01-01

High dimensional mass and flow cytometry (HDCyto) experiments have become a method of choice for high throughput interrogation and characterization of cell populations.Here, we present an R-based pipeline for differential analyses of HDCyto data, largely based on Bioconductor packages. We computationally define cell populations using FlowSOM clustering, and facilitate an optional but reproducible strategy for manual merging of algorithm-generated clusters. Our workflow offers different analysis paths, including association of cell type abundance with a phenotype or changes in signaling markers within specific subpopulations, or differential analyses of aggregated signals. Importantly, the differential analyses we show are based on regression frameworks where the HDCyto data is the response; thus, we are able to model arbitrary experimental designs, such as those with batch effects, paired designs and so on. In particular, we apply generalized linear mixed models to analyses of cell population abundance or cell-population-specific analyses of signaling markers, allowing overdispersion in cell count or aggregated signals across samples to be appropriately modeled. To support the formal statistical analyses, we encourage exploratory data analysis at every step, including quality control (e.g. multi-dimensional scaling plots), reporting of clustering results (dimensionality reduction, heatmaps with dendrograms) and differential analyses (e.g. plots of aggregated signals). PMID:28663787

Prmt7 is dispensable in tissue culture models for adipogenic differentiation.

PubMed

Hu, Yu-Jie; Sif, Saïd; Imbalzano, Anthony N

2013-01-01

Protein arginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification that has been implicated in numerous biological processes including gene expression. The mammalian genome encodes nine protein arginine methyltransferases (Prmts) that catalyze monomethylation, asymmetric dimethylation, and symmetric dimethylation on arginine residues. Protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (Prmt7) is categorized as a type II and type III enzyme that produces symmetric dimethylated arginine and monomethylated arginine, respectively. However, the biological role of Prmt7 is not well characterized. We previously showed that Prmt5, a type II Prmt that associates with Brg1-based SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is required for adipocyte differentiation. Since Prmt7 also associates with Brg1-based SWI/SNF complex and modifies core histones, we hypothesized that Prmt7 might play a role in transcriptional regulation of adipogenesis. In the present study, we determined that the expression of Prmt7 did not change throughout adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells. Knockdown or over-expression of Prmt7 had no effect on lipid accumulation or adipogenic gene expression in differentiating C3H10T1/2 cells or in C/EBPα-reprogrammed NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Based on these results, we conclude that Prmt7, unlike Prmt5, is dispensable for adipogenic differentiation in tissue culture models.

Prmt7 is dispensable in tissue culture models for adipogenic differentiation

PubMed Central

Imbalzano, Anthony N.

2013-01-01

Protein arginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification that has been implicated in numerous biological processes including gene expression. The mammalian genome encodes nine protein arginine methyltransferases (Prmts) that catalyze monomethylation, asymmetric dimethylation, and symmetric dimethylation on arginine residues. Protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (Prmt7) is categorized as a type II and type III enzyme that produces symmetric dimethylated arginine and monomethylated arginine, respectively. However, the biological role of Prmt7 is not well characterized. We previously showed that Prmt5, a type II Prmt that associates with Brg1-based SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is required for adipocyte differentiation. Since Prmt7 also associates with Brg1-based SWI/SNF complex and modifies core histones, we hypothesized that Prmt7 might play a role in transcriptional regulation of adipogenesis. In the present study, we determined that the expression of Prmt7 did not change throughout adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells. Knockdown or over-expression of Prmt7 had no effect on lipid accumulation or adipogenic gene expression in differentiating C3H10T1/2 cells or in C/EBPα-reprogrammed NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Based on these results, we conclude that Prmt7, unlike Prmt5, is dispensable for adipogenic differentiation in tissue culture models. PMID:24715966

Nationwide survey on the 2005 Guidelines for the Management of Community-Acquired Adult Pneumonia: validation of differentiation between bacterial pneumonia and atypical pneumonia.

PubMed

Watanabe, Akira; Goto, Hajime; Kohno, Shigeru; Matsushima, Toshiharu; Abe, Shosaku; Aoki, Nobuki; Shimokata, Kaoru; Mikasa, Keiichi; Niki, Yoshihito

2012-03-01

The Japanese Respiratory Society Guidelines for the Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in Adults (JRS 2005) was published as a revision of the Basic Concept for the Management of CAP in Adults (JRS 2000). To evaluate the JRS 2005 criteria for differentiating between disease types and assessing the status of antimicrobial agent use in initial treatment, we conducted a prospective survey. The survey was conducted from July 2006 to March 2007 as a nationwide joint study by 200 institutions. The study subjects included patients aged ≥16 years of age who had CAP, and patients who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled. Disease type differentiation based on JRS 2005 and JRS 2000 was conducted. Disease type diagnosis was also performed based on test results. The sensitivity and specificity of disease type differentiation were calculated. The antimicrobial agents used in the initial treatment were classified as recommended or non-recommended based on JRS 2005. The validity of non-recommended antimicrobial agent use was investigated. A total of 1875 patients were analyzed. Differentiation of atypical pneumonia using the JRS 2005 criteria had higher sensitivity and lower specificity than differentiation using the JRS 2000 criteria. The antimicrobial agents recommended by JRS 2005 were used as initial treatment in a low number of cases. The efficacy of the recommended antimicrobial agents was similar to that of the non-recommended agents. JRS 2005 is advantageous in terms of reducing the number of items used in disease type differentiation. The recommended antimicrobial agents used for the initial treatment are believed to be appropriate. Copyright © 2012 The Japanese Respiratory Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interior tomography from differential phase contrast data via Hilbert transform based on spline functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Qingsong; Cong, Wenxiang; Wang, Ge

2016-10-01

X-ray phase contrast imaging is an important mode due to its sensitivity to subtle features of soft biological tissues. Grating-based differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging is one of the most promising phase imaging techniques because it works with a normal x-ray tube of a large focal spot at a high flux rate. However, a main obstacle before this paradigm shift is the fabrication of large-area gratings of a small period and a high aspect ratio. Imaging large objects with a size-limited grating results in data truncation which is a new type of the interior problem. While the interior problem was solved for conventional x-ray CT through analytic extension, compressed sensing and iterative reconstruction, the difficulty for interior reconstruction from DPC data lies in that the implementation of the system matrix requires the differential operation on the detector array, which is often inaccurate and unstable in the case of noisy data. Here, we propose an iterative method based on spline functions. The differential data are first back-projected to the image space. Then, a system matrix is calculated whose components are the Hilbert transforms of the spline bases. The system matrix takes the whole image as an input and outputs the back-projected interior data. Prior information normally assumed for compressed sensing is enforced to iteratively solve this inverse problem. Our results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can successfully reconstruct an interior region of interest (ROI) from the differential phase data through the ROI.

The management of deep-seated, lowgrade lipomatous lesions.

PubMed

Al-Ani, Zeid; Fernando, Malee; Wilkinson, Victoria; Kotnis, Nikhil

2018-06-01

Deep-seated, low-grade lipomatous lesions detected on imaging often cause uncertainty for diagnosis and treatment. Confidently distinguishing lipomas from well-differentiated liposarcomas is often not possible on imaging. The approach to management of such lesions varies widely between institutions. Applying an evidenced-based approach set around published literature that clearly highlights how criteria such as lesion size, location, age and imaging features can be used to predict the risk of well-differentiated liposarcomas and subsequent de-differentiation would seem sensible. Our aim is to review the literature and produce a unified, evidence-based guideline that will be a useful tool for managing these lesions.

Differential BPFs with Multiple Transmission Zeros Based on Terminated Coupled Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Yiming; Yang, Guo; Wu, Wen

2018-04-01

Differential bandpass filters (BPFs) named Filter A and Filter B based on Terminated Coupled Lines (TCLs) are proposed in this letter. The TCLs contributes to not only three poles in differential-mode (DM) for wideband filtering response but also multiple zeros in both DM and common-mode (CM) offering wide DM out-of-band rejection and good CM suppression. Fabricated filters centred at 3.5 GHz with wide DM passband and wideband CM suppression have been designed and measured. The filters improved the noise suppression capability of the communication and radiometer systems. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement.

Novel molecular markers differentiate Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout and steelhead) and the O. clarki (cutthroat trout) subspecies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ostberg, C.O.; Rodriguez, R.J.

2002-01-01

A suite of 26 PCR-based markers was developed that differentiates rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coastal cutthroat trout (O. clarki clarki). The markers also differentiated rainbow from other cutthroat trout subspecies (O. clarki), and several of the markers differentiated between cutthroat trout subspecies. This system has numerous positive attributes, including: nonlethal sampling, high species-specificity and products that are easily identified and scored using agarose gel electrophoresis. The methodology described for developing the markers can be applied to virtually any system in which numerous markers are desired for identifying or differentiating species or subspecies.

A gradual update method for simulating the steady-state solution of stiff differential equations in metabolic circuits.

PubMed

Shiraishi, Emi; Maeda, Kazuhiro; Kurata, Hiroyuki

2009-02-01

Numerical simulation of differential equation systems plays a major role in the understanding of how metabolic network models generate particular cellular functions. On the other hand, the classical and technical problems for stiff differential equations still remain to be solved, while many elegant algorithms have been presented. To relax the stiffness problem, we propose new practical methods: the gradual update of differential-algebraic equations based on gradual application of the steady-state approximation to stiff differential equations, and the gradual update of the initial values in differential-algebraic equations. These empirical methods show a high efficiency for simulating the steady-state solutions for the stiff differential equations that existing solvers alone cannot solve. They are effective in extending the applicability of dynamic simulation to biochemical network models.

Natural stimulus responsive scaffolds/cells for bone tissue engineering: influence of lysozyme upon scaffold degradation and osteogenic differentiation of cultured marrow stromal cells induced by CaP coatings.

PubMed

Martins, Ana M; Pham, Quynh P; Malafaya, Patrícia B; Raphael, Robert M; Kasper, F Kurtis; Reis, Rui L; Mikos, Antonios G

2009-08-01

This work proposes the use of nonporous, smart, and stimulus responsive chitosan-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. The overall vision is to use biodegradable scaffolds based on chitosan and starch that present properties that will be regulated by bone regeneration, with the capability of gradual in situ pore formation. Biomimetic calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings were used as a strategy to incorporate lysozyme at the surface of chitosan-based materials with the main objective of controlling and tailoring their degradation profile as a function of immersion time. To confirm the concept, degradation tests with a lysozyme concentration similar to that incorporated into CaP chitosan-based scaffolds were used to study the degradation of the scaffolds and the formation of pores as a function of immersion time. Degradation studies with lysozyme (1.5 g/L) showed the formation of pores, indicating an increase of porosity ( approximately 5-55% up to 21 days) resulting in porous three-dimensional structures with interconnected pores. Additional studies investigated the influence of a CaP biomimetic coating on osteogenic differentiation of rat marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and showed enhanced differentiation of rat MSCs seeded on the CaP-coated chitosan-based scaffolds with lysozyme incorporated. At all culture times, CaP-coated chitosan-based scaffolds with incorporated lysozyme demonstrated greater osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, bone matrix production, and mineralization as demonstrated by calcium deposition measurements, compared with controls (uncoated scaffolds). The ability of these CaP-coated chitosan-based scaffolds with incorporated lysozyme to create an interconnected pore network in situ coupled with the demonstrated positive effect of these scaffolds upon osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and mineralized matrix production illustrates the strong potential of these scaffolds for application in bone tissue engineering strategies.

A reconstruction method for cone-beam differential x-ray phase-contrast computed tomography.

PubMed

Fu, Jian; Velroyen, Astrid; Tan, Renbo; Zhang, Junwei; Chen, Liyuan; Tapfer, Arne; Bech, Martin; Pfeiffer, Franz

2012-09-10

Most existing differential phase-contrast computed tomography (DPC-CT) approaches are based on three kinds of scanning geometries, described by parallel-beam, fan-beam and cone-beam. Due to the potential of compact imaging systems with magnified spatial resolution, cone-beam DPC-CT has attracted significant interest. In this paper, we report a reconstruction method based on a back-projection filtration (BPF) algorithm for cone-beam DPC-CT. Due to the differential nature of phase contrast projections, the algorithm restrains from differentiation of the projection data prior to back-projection, unlike BPF algorithms commonly used for absorption-based CT data. This work comprises a numerical study of the algorithm and its experimental verification using a dataset measured with a three-grating interferometer and a micro-focus x-ray tube source. Moreover, the numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can deal with several classes of truncated cone-beam datasets. We believe that this feature is of particular interest for future medical cone-beam phase-contrast CT imaging applications.

On the systematic approach to the classification of differential equations by group theoretical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andriopoulos, K.; Dimas, S.; Leach, P. G. L.; Tsoubelis, D.

2009-08-01

Complete symmetry groups enable one to characterise fully a given differential equation. By considering the reversal of an approach based upon complete symmetry groups we construct new classes of differential equations which have the equations of Bateman, Monge-Ampère and Born-Infeld as special cases. We develop a symbolic algorithm to decrease the complexity of the calculations involved.

Differential formulation of the gyrokinetic Landau operator

DOE PAGES

Hirvijoki, Eero; Brizard, Alain J.; Pfefferlé, David

2017-01-05

Subsequent to the recent rigorous derivation of an energetically consistent gyrokinetic collision operator in the so-called Landau representation, this work investigates the possibility of finding a differential formulation of the gyrokinetic Landau collision operator. It is observed that, while a differential formulation is possible in the gyrokinetic phase space, reduction of the resulting system of partial differential equations to five dimensions via gyroaveraging poses a challenge. Finally, based on the present work, it is likely that the gyrocentre analogues of the Rosenbluth–MacDonald–Judd potential functions must be kept gyroangle dependent.

[Syncope, transient ischemic attacks, transient global amnesia and migraine].

PubMed

Hartl, E

2017-10-01

Epileptic seizures can manifest with a variety of clinical symptoms. Depending on the dominant symptom, several differential diagnoses have to be considered. Their differentiation can be challenging, especially after the first episode. The review article summarizes the most common differential diagnoses as well as their characteristics compared to epileptic seizures, aiming at providing guidelines for their clinical differentiation. Whenever a clear diagnosis is not possible based on the patient history and clinical signs, diagnostic evaluation with, e. g. an electroencephalogram (EEG) and finally EEG video monitoring can be helpful.

TNF-α and Tumor Lysate Promote the Maturation of Dendritic Cells for Immunotherapy for Advanced Malignant Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors

PubMed Central

Miwa, Shinji; Nishida, Hideji; Tanzawa, Yoshikazu; Takata, Munetomo; Takeuchi, Akihiko; Yamamoto, Norio; Shirai, Toshiharu; Hayashi, Katsuhiro; Kimura, Hiroaki; Igarashi, Kentaro; Mizukoshi, Eishiro; Nakamoto, Yasunari; Kaneko, Shuichi; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki

2012-01-01

Background Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the immune system. There are many reports concerning DC-based immunotherapy. The differentiation and maturation of DCs is a critical part of DC-based immunotherapy. We investigated the differentiation and maturation of DCs in response to various stimuli. Methods Thirty-one patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors were enrolled in this study. All the patients had metastatic tumors and/or recurrent tumors. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were suspended in media containing interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These cells were then treated with or without 1) tumor lysate (TL), 2) TL + TNF-α, 3) OK-432. The generated DCs were mixed and injected in the inguinal or axillary region. Treatment courses were performed every week and repeated 6 times. A portion of the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the degree of differentiation and maturation of the DCs. Serum IFN-γ and serum IL-12 were measured in order to determine the immune response following the DC-based immunotherapy. Results Approximately 50% of PBMCs differentiated into DCs. Maturation of the lysate-pulsed DCs was slightly increased. Maturation of the TL/TNF-α-pulsed DCs was increased, commensurate with OK-432-pulsed DCs. Serum IFN-γ and serum IL-12 showed significant elevation at one and three months after DC-based immunotherapy. Conclusions Although TL-pulsed DCs exhibit tumor specific immunity, TL-pulsed cells showed low levels of maturation. Conversely, the TL/TNF-α-pulsed DCs showed remarkable maturation. The combination of IL-4/GM-CSF/TL/TNF-α resulted in the greatest differentiation and maturation for DC-based immunotherapy for patients with bone and soft tissue tumors. PMID:23300824

GENDER BASED DIFFERENCES IN ENDOCRINE AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY

EPA Science Inventory

Basic differences in male versus female reproductive physiology lead to differentials in their respective susceptibilities to chemical insult as evidenced by a variety of observations. As individuals undergo maturation from prenatal sex differentiation through pubertal developme...

Analysis of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation in vitro using classification association rule mining.

PubMed

Wang, Weiqi; Wang, Yanbo Justin; Bañares-Alcántara, René; Coenen, Frans; Cui, Zhanfeng

2009-12-01

In this paper, data mining is used to analyze the data on the differentiation of mammalian Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), aiming at discovering known and hidden rules governing MSC differentiation, following the establishment of a web-based public database containing experimental data on the MSC proliferation and differentiation. To this effect, a web-based public interactive database comprising the key parameters which influence the fate and destiny of mammalian MSCs has been constructed and analyzed using Classification Association Rule Mining (CARM) as a data-mining technique. The results show that the proposed approach is technically feasible and performs well with respect to the accuracy of (classification) prediction. Key rules mined from the constructed MSC database are consistent with experimental observations, indicating the validity of the method developed and the first step in the application of data mining to the study of MSCs.

Model-Based Phenotypic Signatures Governing the Dynamics of the Stem and Semi-differentiated Cell Populations in Dysplastic Colonic Crypts.

PubMed

Nikolov, Svetoslav; Santos, Guido; Wolkenhauer, Olaf; Vera, Julio

2018-02-01

Mathematical modeling of cell differentiated in colonic crypts can contribute to a better understanding of basic mechanisms underlying colonic tissue organization, but also its deregulation during carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Here, we combined bifurcation analysis to assess the effect that time delay has in the complex interplay of stem cells and semi-differentiated cells at the niche of colonic crypts, and systematic model perturbation and simulation to find model-based phenotypes linked to cancer progression. The models suggest that stem cell and semi-differentiated cell population dynamics in colonic crypts can display chaotic behavior. In addition, we found that clinical profiling of colorectal cancer correlates with the in silico phenotypes proposed by the mathematical model. Further, potential therapeutic targets for chemotherapy resistant phenotypes are proposed, which in any case will require experimental validation.

Speed Measurement and Motion Analysis of Chang'E-3 Rover Based on Differential Phase Delay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, C.; Liu, Q. H.; Zheng, X.; He, Q. B.; Wu, Y. J.

2015-07-01

On 2013 December 14, the Chang'E-3 made a successful soft landing on the lunar surface, and then carried out the tasks of separating the lander and the rover, and taking the photos of each other. With the same beam VLBI (Very long baseline interferometry) technique to observe the signals transmitted by the lander and the rover simultaneously, the differential phase delay between them is calculated, which can reflect a minor change of the rover's position on a scale of a few centimeters. Based on the high sensitivity of differential phase delay, the rover's speeds during 5 movements are obtained with an average of 0.056 m/s. The relationship between the rover's shake in moving process, and lunar terrain is analyzed by using the spectrum of the residual of the differential phase delay after the first-order polynomial fitting.

Speed Measurement and Motion Analysis of Chang'E-3 Rover Based on Differential Phase Delay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Pan; Qing-hui, Liu; Xin, Zheng; Qing-bao, He; Ya-jun, Wu

2016-04-01

On 14th December 2013, the Chang'E-3 made a successful soft landing on the lunar surface, and then carried out the tasks of separating the lander and the rover, and taking pictures of each other. With the same beam VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) technique to observe the signals transmitted by the lander and the rover simultaneously, the differential phase delay between them is calculated, which can reflect the minor changes of the rover's position on a scale of a few centimeters. Based on the high sensitivity of differential phase delay, the rover's speeds during 5 movements are obtained with an average of 0.056 m/s. The relationship between the rover's shake in the moving process and the lunar terrain is analyzed by using the spectrum of the residual of the differential phase delay after the first-order polynomial fitting.

A multi-domain spectral method for time-fractional differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Feng; Xu, Qinwu; Hesthaven, Jan S.

2015-07-01

This paper proposes an approach for high-order time integration within a multi-domain setting for time-fractional differential equations. Since the kernel is singular or nearly singular, two main difficulties arise after the domain decomposition: how to properly account for the history/memory part and how to perform the integration accurately. To address these issues, we propose a novel hybrid approach for the numerical integration based on the combination of three-term-recurrence relations of Jacobi polynomials and high-order Gauss quadrature. The different approximations used in the hybrid approach are justified theoretically and through numerical examples. Based on this, we propose a new multi-domain spectral method for high-order accurate time integrations and study its stability properties by identifying the method as a generalized linear method. Numerical experiments confirm hp-convergence for both time-fractional differential equations and time-fractional partial differential equations.

A protocol describing the use of a recombinant protein-based, animal product-free medium (APEL) for human embryonic stem cell differentiation as spin embryoid bodies.

PubMed

Ng, Elizabeth S; Davis, Richard; Stanley, Edouard G; Elefanty, Andrew G

2008-01-01

In order to promote the uniform and reproducible differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) in response to exogenously added growth factors, we have developed a method (spin embryoid bodies (EBs)) that uses a recombinant protein-based, animal product-free medium in which HESCs are aggregated by centrifugation to form EBs. In this protocol we describe the formulation of this medium, denoted APEL (Albumin Polyvinylalcohol Essential Lipids), and its use in spin EB differentiation of HESCs. We also describe a more economical variant, BPEL (Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Polyvinylalchohol Essential Lipids), in which BSA replaces the recombinant human albumin. The integration of a medium that includes only defined and recombinant components with a defined number of cells to initiate EB formation results in a generally applicable, robust platform for growth factor-directed HESC differentiation.

Trait anxiety and attenuated negative affect differentiation: a vulnerability factor to consider?

PubMed

Matt, Lindsey M; Fresco, David M; Coifman, Karin G

2016-11-01

Describing emotional experiences using distinct terms, or affect differentiation, has been associated with emotion regulation and adaptive behavior under stress. There is little data, however, examining the association between differentiation and dispositional factors underlying psychopathology. The current study examines the association between differentiation and trait anxiety (TA) given prior evidence of cognitive biases in TA relevant to higher order processing of emotional experiences. We examined cross-sectionally, via lab-based repeated assessment, the association between differentiation of negative and positive experiences and TA. Two hundred twenty-two adults completed an emotion reactivity task including repeated assessments of affect. We hypothesized that individuals higher in trait anxiety (HTA) would have greater difficulty differentiating their experiences. HTA individuals exhibited lower levels of negative affect (NA) differentiation even when controlling for depression. Although negative emotion intensity was consistently associated with lower differentiation, this did not account for the influence of HTA on differentiation. These data suggest that HTA individuals have greater difficulty differentiating negative emotions, regardless of negative emotion intensity and depression. As HTA is common to many emotional disorders; this evidence suggests that poor differentiation may also be an important transdiagnostic consideration in models of risk and of affective disease.

Recommended Mass Spectrometry-Based Strategies to Identify Ricin-Containing Samples

PubMed Central

Kalb, Suzanne R.; Schieltz, David M.; Becher, François; Astot, Crister; Fredriksson, Sten-Åke; Barr, John R.

2015-01-01

Ricin is a protein toxin produced by the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) together with a related protein known as R. communis agglutinin (RCA120). Mass spectrometric (MS) assays have the capacity to unambiguously identify ricin and to detect ricin’s activity in samples with complex matrices. These qualitative and quantitative assays enable detection and differentiation of ricin from the less toxic RCA120 through determination of the amino acid sequence of the protein in question, and active ricin can be monitored by MS as the release of adenine from the depurination of a nucleic acid substrate. In this work, we describe the application of MS-based methods to detect, differentiate and quantify ricin and RCA120 in nine blinded samples supplied as part of the EQuATox proficiency test. Overall, MS-based assays successfully identified all samples containing ricin or RCA120 with the exception of the sample spiked with the lowest concentration (0.414 ng/mL). In fact, mass spectrometry was the most successful method for differentiation of ricin and RCA120 based on amino acid determination. Mass spectrometric methods were also successful at ranking the functional activities of the samples, successfully yielding semi-quantitative results. These results indicate that MS-based assays are excellent techniques to detect, differentiate, and quantify ricin and RCA120 in complex matrices. PMID:26610568

An absolute calibration method of an ethyl alcohol biosensor based on wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi Jun; Mandelis, Andreas; Guo, Xinxin

2015-11-01

In this work, laser-based wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry (WM-DPTR) is applied to develop a non-invasive in-vehicle alcohol biosensor. WM-DPTR features unprecedented ethanol-specificity and sensitivity by suppressing baseline variations through a differential measurement near the peak and baseline of the mid-infrared ethanol absorption spectrum. Biosensor signal calibration curves are obtained from WM-DPTR theory and from measurements in human blood serum and ethanol solutions diffused from skin. The results demonstrate that the WM-DPTR-based calibrated alcohol biosensor can achieve high precision and accuracy for the ethanol concentration range of 0-100 mg/dl. The high-performance alcohol biosensor can be incorporated into ignition interlocks that could be fitted as a universal accessory in vehicles in an effort to reduce incidents of drinking and driving.

Speedup for quantum optimal control from automatic differentiation based on graphics processing units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Nelson; Abdelhafez, Mohamed; Koch, Jens; Schuster, David

2017-04-01

We implement a quantum optimal control algorithm based on automatic differentiation and harness the acceleration afforded by graphics processing units (GPUs). Automatic differentiation allows us to specify advanced optimization criteria and incorporate them in the optimization process with ease. We show that the use of GPUs can speedup calculations by more than an order of magnitude. Our strategy facilitates efficient numerical simulations on affordable desktop computers and exploration of a host of optimization constraints and system parameters relevant to real-life experiments. We demonstrate optimization of quantum evolution based on fine-grained evaluation of performance at each intermediate time step, thus enabling more intricate control on the evolution path, suppression of departures from the truncated model subspace, as well as minimization of the physical time needed to perform high-fidelity state preparation and unitary gates.

Modeling of delays in PKPD: classical approaches and a tutorial for delay differential equations.

PubMed

Koch, Gilbert; Krzyzanski, Wojciech; Pérez-Ruixo, Juan Jose; Schropp, Johannes

2014-08-01

In pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKPD) the measured response is often delayed relative to drug administration, individuals in a population have a certain lifespan until they maturate or the change of biomarkers does not immediately affects the primary endpoint. The classical approach in PKPD is to apply transit compartment models (TCM) based on ordinary differential equations to handle such delays. However, an alternative approach to deal with delays are delay differential equations (DDE). DDEs feature additional flexibility and properties, realize more complex dynamics and can complementary be used together with TCMs. We introduce several delay based PKPD models and investigate mathematical properties of general DDE based models, which serve as subunits in order to build larger PKPD models. Finally, we review current PKPD software with respect to the implementation of DDEs for PKPD analysis.

An absolute calibration method of an ethyl alcohol biosensor based on wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry.

PubMed

Liu, Yi Jun; Mandelis, Andreas; Guo, Xinxin

2015-11-01

In this work, laser-based wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry (WM-DPTR) is applied to develop a non-invasive in-vehicle alcohol biosensor. WM-DPTR features unprecedented ethanol-specificity and sensitivity by suppressing baseline variations through a differential measurement near the peak and baseline of the mid-infrared ethanol absorption spectrum. Biosensor signal calibration curves are obtained from WM-DPTR theory and from measurements in human blood serum and ethanol solutions diffused from skin. The results demonstrate that the WM-DPTR-based calibrated alcohol biosensor can achieve high precision and accuracy for the ethanol concentration range of 0-100 mg/dl. The high-performance alcohol biosensor can be incorporated into ignition interlocks that could be fitted as a universal accessory in vehicles in an effort to reduce incidents of drinking and driving.

Oxidative Stress, Redox Regulation and Diseases of Cellular Differentiation

PubMed Central

Ye, Zhi-Wei; Zhang, Jie; Townsend, Danyelle M.; Tew, Kenneth D.

2015-01-01

Background Within cells, there is a narrow concentration threshold that governs whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce toxicity or act as second messengers. Scope of review We discuss current understanding of how ROS arise, facilitate cell signaling, cause toxicities and disease related to abnormal cell differentiation and those (primarily) sulfur based pathways that provide nucleophilicity to offset these effects. Primary conclusions Cellular redox homeostasis mediates a plethora of cellular pathways that determine life and death events. For example, ROS intersect with GSH based enzyme pathways to influence cell differentiation, a process integral to normal hematopoiesis, but also affecting a number of diverse cell differentiation related human diseases. Recent attempts to manage such pathologies have focused on intervening in some of these pathways, with the consequence that differentiation therapy targeting redox homeostasis has provided a platform for drug discovery and development. General Significance The balance between electrophilic oxidative stress and protective biomolecular nucleophiles predisposes the evolution of modern life forms. Imbalances of the two can produce aberrant redox homeostasis with resultant pathologies. Understanding the pathways involved provides opportunities to consider interventional strategies. PMID:25445706

Reverse engineering life: physical and chemical mimetics for controlled stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Skuse, Gary R; Lamkin-Kennard, Kathleen A

2013-01-01

Our ability to manipulate stem cells in order to induce differentiation along a desired developmental pathway has improved immeasurably in recent years. That is in part because we have a better understanding of the intracellular and extracellular signals that regulate differentiation. However, there has also been a realization that stem cell differentiation is not regulated only by chemical signals but also by the physical milieu in which a particular stem cell exists. In this regard we are challenged to mimic both chemical and physical environments. Herein we describe a method to induce stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes using a combination of chemical and physical cues. This method can be applied to produce differentiated cells for research and potentially for cell-based therapy of cardiomyopathies.

LTCC-based differential photo acoustic cell for ppm gas sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karioja, P.; Keränen, K.; Kautio, K.; Ollila, J.; Heikkinen, M.; Kauppinen, I.; Kuusela, T.; Matveev, B.; McNie, M. E.; Jenkins, R. M.; Palve, J.

2010-04-01

Silicon MEMS cantilever-based photoacoustic technology allows for the sensing of ultra low gas concentrations with very wide dynamic range. The sensitivity enhancement is achieved with a cantilever microphone system in which the cantilever displacement is probed with an optical interferometer providing a pico-meter resolution. In the gas sensor, the silicon cantilever microphone is placed in a two-chamber differential gas cell. By monitoring differential pressure changes between the two chambers, the differential cell operates as a differential infra-red detector for optical absorption signals through a measurement and reference path. The differential pressure signal is proportional to gas concentration in the optical measurement path. We have designed, implemented and tested a differential photo acoustic gas cell based on Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) multilayer substrate technology. Standard LTCC technology enables implementation of 2.5D structures including holes, cavities and channels into the electronic substrate. The implemented differential photoacoustic gas cell structure includes two 10 mm long cylindrical cells, diameter of 2.4 mm. Reflectance measurements of the cell showed that reflectivity of the substrate material can be improved by a factor 15 - 90 in the 3 - 8 μm spectral region using gold or silver paste coatings. A transparent window is required in the differential gas cell structure in order to probe the displacement of the silicon cantilever. The transparent sapphire window was sealed to the LTCC substrate using two methods: screen printed Au80/Sn20 solder paste and pre-attached glass solder paste (Diemat DM2700P/H848). Both methods were shown to provide hermetic sealing of sapphire windows to LTCC substrate. The measured He-leak rate for the 10 sealed test samples implemented using glass paste were less than 2.0 ×10-9 atm×cm3/s, which meets the requirement for the leak rate according to MIL-STD 883. The achieved hermetic level suggests that the proof-of-principle packaging demonstrator paves the way for implementing a novel differential photoacoustic gas cell for a future miniature gas sensor module. The future module consisting of a sample gas cell and immersion lens IR-LEDs together with interferometric probing of the cantilever microphone is expected to be capable of measuring ultra low concentrations of a wide range of gases with their fundamental absorption bands at 3 - 7 μm wavelength, such as CO, CO2 and CH4.

Comparison of three models to estimate breeding values for percentage of loin intramuscular fat in Duroc swine.

PubMed

Newcom, D W; Baas, T J; Stalder, K J; Schwab, C R

2005-04-01

Three selection models were evaluated to compare selection candidate rankings based on EBV and to evaluate subsequent effects of model-derived EBV on the selection differential and expected genetic response in the population. Data were collected from carcass- and ultrasound-derived estimates of loin i.m. fat percent (IMF) in a population of Duroc swine under selection to increase IMF. The models compared were Model 1, a two-trait animal model used in the selection experiment that included ultrasound IMF from all pigs scanned and carcass IMF from pigs slaughtered to estimate breeding values for both carcass (C1) and ultrasound IMF (U1); Model 2, a single-trait animal model that included ultrasound IMF values on all pigs scanned to estimate breeding values for ultrasound IMF (U2); and Model 3, a multiple-trait animal model including carcass IMF from slaughtered pigs and the first three principal components from a total of 10 image parameters averaged across four longitudinal ultrasound images to estimate breeding values for carcass IMF (C3). Rank correlations between breeding value estimates for U1 and C1, U1 and U2, and C1 and C3 were 0.95, 0.97, and 0.92, respectively. Other rank correlations were 0.86 or less. In the selection experiment, approximately the top 10% of boars and 50% of gilts were selected. Selection differentials for pigs in Generation 3 were greatest when ranking pigs based on C1, followed by U1, U2, and C3. In addition, selection differential and estimated response were evaluated when simulating selection of the top 1, 5, and 10% of sires and 50% of dams. Results of this analysis indicated the greatest selection differential was for selection based on C1. The greatest loss in selection differential was found for selection based on C3 when selecting the top 10 and 1% of boars and 50% of gilts. The loss in estimated response when selecting varying percentages of boars and the top 50% of gilts was greatest when selection was based on C3 (16.0 to 25.8%) and least for selection based on U1 (1.3 to 10.9%). Estimated genetic change from selection based on carcass IMF was greater than selection based on ultrasound IMF. Results show that selection based on a combination of ultrasonically predicted IMF and sib carcass IMF produced the greatest selection differentials and should lead to the greatest genetic change.

In vitro regulation of proliferation and differentiation within a postnatal growth plate of the cranial base by parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP).

PubMed

Wealthall, Rosamund J

2009-06-01

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is known to be an important regulator of chondrocyte differentiation in embryonic growth plates, but little is known of its role in postnatal growth plates. The present study explores the role of PTHrP in regulating postnatal chondrocyte differentiation using a novel in vitro organ culture model based on the ethmoidal growth plate of the cranial base taken from the postnatal day 10 mouse. In vitro the ethmoidal growth plate continued to mineralize and the chondrocytes progressed to hypertrophy, as observed in vivo, but the proliferative zone was not maintained. Treatment with PTHrP inhibited mineralization and reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the hypertrophic zone in the ethmoidal growth plates grown ex vivo, and also increased the proliferation of non-hypertrophic chondrocytes. In addition, exogenous PTHrP reduced the expression of genes associated with terminal differentiation: type X collagen, Runx2, and ALP, as well as the PTH/PTHrP receptor (PPR). Activation of the protein kinase A pathway using 8-Br-cAMP mimicked some of these pro-proliferative/anti-differentiative effects of PTHrP. PTHrP and PPR were found to be expressed within the ethmoidal growth plate using semi-quantitative PCR, and in other cranial growth plates such as the spheno-occipital and pre-sphenoidal synchondroses. These results provide the first functional evidence that PTHrP regulates proliferation and differentiation within the postnatal, cranial growth plate. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 688-697, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived beating cardiac tissues on paper.

PubMed

Wang, Li; Xu, Cong; Zhu, Yujuan; Yu, Yue; Sun, Ning; Zhang, Xiaoqing; Feng, Ke; Qin, Jianhua

2015-11-21

There is a growing interest in using paper as a biomaterial scaffold for cell-based applications. In this study, we made the first attempt to fabricate a paper-based array for the culture, proliferation, and direct differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into functional beating cardiac tissues and create "a beating heart on paper." This array was simply constructed by binding a cured multi-well polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold with common, commercially available paper substrates. Three types of paper material (print paper, chromatography paper and nitrocellulose membrane) were tested for adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of human-derived iPSCs. We found that hiPSCs grew well on these paper substrates, presenting a three-dimensional (3D)-like morphology with a pluripotent property. The direct differentiation of human iPSCs into functional cardiac tissues on paper was also achieved using our modified differentiation approach. The cardiac tissue retained its functional activities on the coated print paper and chromatography paper with a beating frequency of 40-70 beats per min for up to three months. Interestingly, human iPSCs could be differentiated into retinal pigment epithelium on nitrocellulose membrane under the conditions of cardiac-specific induction, indicating the potential roles of material properties and mechanical cues that are involved in regulating stem cell differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that different grades of paper could offer great opportunities as bioactive, low-cost, and 3D in vitro platforms for stem cell-based high-throughput drug testing at the tissue/organ level and for tissue engineering applications.

Differential results integrated with continuous and discrete gravity measurements between nearby stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Weimin; Chen, Shi; Lu, Hongyan

2016-04-01

Integrated gravity is an efficient way in studying spatial and temporal characteristics of the dynamics and tectonics. Differential measurements based on the continuous and discrete gravity observations shows highly competitive in terms of both efficiency and precision with single result. The differential continuous gravity variation between the nearby stations, which is based on the observation of Scintrex g-Phone relative gravimeters in every single station. It is combined with the repeated mobile relative measurements or absolute results to study the regional integrated gravity changes. Firstly we preprocess the continuous records by Tsoft software, and calculate the theoretical earth tides and ocean tides by "MT80TW" program through high precision tidal parameters from "WPARICET". The atmospheric loading effects and complex drift are strictly considered in the procedure. Through above steps we get the continuous gravity in every station and we can calculate the continuous gravity variation between nearby stations, which is called the differential continuous gravity changes. Then the differential results between related stations is calculated based on the repeated gravity measurements, which are carried out once or twice every year surrounding the gravity stations. Hence we get the discrete gravity results between the nearby stations. Finally, the continuous and discrete gravity results are combined in the same related stations, including the absolute gravity results if necessary, to get the regional integrated gravity changes. This differential gravity results is more accurate and effective in dynamical monitoring, regional hydrologic effects studying, tectonic activity and other geodynamical researches. The time-frequency characteristics of continuous gravity results are discussed to insure the accuracy and efficiency in the procedure.

Investigating market efficiency through a forecasting model based on differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Resende, Charlene C.; Pereira, Adriano C. M.; Cardoso, Rodrigo T. N.; de Magalhães, A. R. Bosco

2017-05-01

A new differential equation based model for stock price trend forecast is proposed as a tool to investigate efficiency in an emerging market. Its predictive power showed statistically to be higher than the one of a completely random model, signaling towards the presence of arbitrage opportunities. Conditions for accuracy to be enhanced are investigated, and application of the model as part of a trading strategy is discussed.

Soft matrix supports osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viale-Bouroncle, Sandra; Voellner, Florian; Moehl, Christoph

Highlights: {yields} Rigid stiffness supports osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). {yields} Our study examined stiffness and differentiation of dental follicle cells (DFCs). {yields} Soft ECMs have a superior capacity to support the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs. {yields} DFCs and MSCs react contrarily to soft and rigid surface stiffness. -- Abstract: The differentiation of stem cells can be directed by the grade of stiffness of the developed tissue cells. For example a rigid extracellular matrix supports the osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, less is known about the relation of extracellular matrix stiffness andmore » cell differentiation of ectomesenchymal dental precursor cells. Our study examined for the first time the influence of the surface stiffness on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells (DFCs). Cell proliferation of DFCs was only slightly decreased on cell culture surfaces with a bone-like stiffness. The osteogenic differentiation in DFCs could only be initiated with a dexamethasone based differentiation medium after using varying stiffness. Here, the softest surface improved the induction of osteogenic differentiation in comparison to that with the highest stiffness. In conclusion, different to bone marrow derived MSCs, soft ECMs have a superior capacity to support the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs.« less

78 FR 74210 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-10

...'') available, and the Exchange did not have a systemically enforced narrow-width bid-ask differential... is a systemic solution which renders the rules-based narrow bid-ask differential moot. Further, in...

A Microfluidics-HPLC/Differential Mobility Spectrometer Macromolecular Detection System for Human and Robotic Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coy, S. L.; Killeen, K.; Han, J.; Eiceman, G. A.; Kanik, I.; Kidd, R. D.

2011-01-01

Our goal is to develop a unique, miniaturized, solute analyzer based on microfluidics technology. The analyzer consists of an integrated microfluidics High Performance Liquid Chromatographic chip / Differential Mobility Spectrometer (?HPLCchip/ DMS) detection system

Differential correction system of laser beam directional dithering based on symmetrical beamsplitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hongwei, Yang; Wei, Tao; Xiaoqia, Yin; Hui, Zhao

2018-02-01

This paper proposes a differential correction system with a differential optical path and a symmetrical beamsplitter for correcting the directional dithering of the laser beams. This system can split a collimated laser beam into two laser beams with equal and opposite movements. Thus, the positional averages of the two split laser beams remain constant irrespective of the dithering angle. The symmetrical beamsplitter designed based on transfer matrix principle is to balance the optical paths and irradiances of the two laser beams. Experimental results show that the directional dithering is reduced to less than one-pixel value. Finally, two examples show that this system can be widely used in one-dimensional measurement.

Novel Bioreactor Platform for Scalable Cardiomyogenic Differentiation from Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Embryoid Bodies.

PubMed

Rungarunlert, Sasitorn; Ferreira, Joao N; Dinnyes, Andras

2016-01-01

Generation of cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is a common and valuable approach to produce large amount of cells for various applications, including assays and models for drug development, cell-based therapies, and tissue engineering. All these applications would benefit from a reliable bioreactor-based methodology to consistently generate homogenous PSC-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) at a large scale, which can further undergo cardiomyogenic differentiation. The goal of this chapter is to describe a scalable method to consistently generate large amount of homogeneous and synchronized EBs from PSCs. This method utilizes a slow-turning lateral vessel bioreactor to direct the EB formation and their subsequent cardiomyogenic lineage differentiation.

A calculus based on a q-deformed Heisenberg algebra

DOE PAGES

Cerchiai, B. L.; Hinterding, R.; Madore, J.; ...

1999-04-27

We show how one can construct a differential calculus over an algebra where position variables $x$ and momentum variables p have be defined. As the simplest example we consider the one-dimensional q-deformed Heisenberg algebra. This algebra has a subalgebra generated by cursive Greek chi and its inverse which we call the coordinate algebra. A physical field is considered to be an element of the completion of this algebra. We can construct a derivative which leaves invariant the coordinate algebra and so takes physical fields into physical fields. A generalized Leibniz rule for this algebra can be found. Based on thismore » derivative differential forms and an exterior differential calculus can be constructed.« less

Wage Equity and Female Faculty Job-Satisfaction: The Role of Wage Differentials in a Job Satisfaction Causal Model. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagedorn, Linda Serra

This study examined the role of female/male wage differentials in a model of job satisfaction. It is based on data from 5,021 respondents to the 1989 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching national faculty survey. The model considers the interrelated effects of the calculated wage differential, stress, social perceptions of students,…

The Internationalization of Industry. Annex B. Offshore Production in the International Semiconductor Industry,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

essence of these arrangements is specialization based in international differentials in * 379 the costs of labor services. The availability of low...of electronic equipment vary with the complexity and cost of the equipment, a differentiated market for chips of varying densities, for use in...level of chip density, while more complex products will be most economically produced with higher levels of chip density. Thuse a differentiated

Multiple-Bit Differential Detection of OQPSK

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Marvin

2005-01-01

A multiple-bit differential-detection method has been proposed for the reception of radio signals modulated with offset quadrature phase-shift keying (offset QPSK or OQPSK). The method is also applicable to other spectrally efficient offset quadrature modulations. This method is based partly on the same principles as those of a multiple-symbol differential-detection method for M-ary QPSK, which includes QPSK (that is, non-offset QPSK) as a special case. That method was introduced more than a decade ago by the author of the present method as a means of improving performance relative to a traditional (two-symbol observation) differential-detection scheme. Instead of symbol-by-symbol detection, both that method and the present one are based on a concept of maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE). As applied to the modulations in question, MLSE involves consideration of (1) all possible binary data sequences that could have been received during an observation time of some number, N, of symbol periods and (2) selection of the sequence that yields the best match to the noise-corrupted signal received during that time. The performance of the prior method was shown to range from that of traditional differential detection for short observation times (small N) to that of ideal coherent detection (with differential encoding) for long observation times (large N).

Nanotechnology-based approaches for regenerative medicine and biosensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solanki, Aniruddh P.

The recent emergence of nanotechnology has set high expectations in many fields of science, especially in biology and medicine. Nanotechnology-based approaches are expected to solve key questions in the emerging field of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine essentially deals with regeneration of cells, ultimately leading to the formation of tissues and organs. For this purpose, stem cells, embryonic stem cells or adult stem cells, are thought to be ideal resources. However, many challenges need to be addressed before the full therapeutic potential of stem cells can be harnessed. Controlling the differentiation of stem cells into cells of a specific lineage is extremely vital and challenging. Addressing this challenge, in this work, novel nanotechnology-based approaches for controlling the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons has been presented. Regeneration of damaged neurons, due to traumatic injuries or degenerative diseases, is extremely challenging. For this purpose, NSCs can be used as resources that can differentiate into neurons, thus having great potential in solving needs of many patients suffering from such conditions. For controlling the differentiation of stem cells, soluble cues (comprising of small molecules and biomolecules) and insoluble cues (cell-cell interactions and cell-microenvironment interactions) play a very important role. The delivery of soluble cues, such as genetic material, into stem cells is extremely challenging. The initial part of this work presents the use of nanomaterials for efficiently delivering soluble cues such as small molecules and small interfering RNA (siRNA) into NSCs for controlling their differentiation into neurons. However, for regenerative purposes, it is preferred that least amounts of the delivery vehicle be used. Thus, the following part of the thesis presents the development and applications of nanotechnology-based approaches for enhancing the differentiation of NSCs into neurons using insoluble cues. The cellular microenvironment, consisting for the extracellular matrix (ECM) was modified by the use of nanostructures, to deliver siRNA into NSCs to enhance neuronal differentiation. Nanotopography-mediated reverse uptake of only the siRNA molecules from the ECM was achieved by the NSCs. NSC differentiation was also controlled by the use of protein micropatterns, wherein the pattern geometry and size defined the fate of the NSCs. Lastly, graphene, in combination with nanoparticles was used as component of the ECM to not only enhance the differentiation of NSCs into neurons, but also align the axons of the differentiated NSCs, having significant implications for its use in regenerating injured spinal cords. The final portion of the thesis presents the applications of nanotechnology for developing highly sensitive and selective biosensors, for detecting biomarkers implicated in various diseases such as cancer and acute pancreatitis.

High throughput pyrosequencing technology for molecular differential detection of Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in canine blood samples.

PubMed

Kaewkong, Worasak; Intapan, Pewpan M; Sanpool, Oranuch; Janwan, Penchom; Thanchomnang, Tongjit; Kongklieng, Amornmas; Tantrawatpan, Chairat; Boonmars, Thidarut; Lulitanond, Viraphong; Taweethavonsawat, Piyanan; Chungpivat, Sudchit; Maleewong, Wanchai

2014-06-01

Canine babesiosis, hepatozoonosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are tick-borne diseases caused by different hemopathogens. These diseases are causes of morbidity and mortality in dogs. The classic method for parasite detection and differentiation is based on microscopic observation of blood smears. The limitations of the microscopic method are that its performance requires a specially qualified person with professional competence, and it is ineffective in differentiating closely related species. This study applied PCR amplification with high throughput pyrosequencing for molecular differential detection of the following 4 hemoparasites common to tropical areas in dog blood samples: Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma platys. PCR was initially used to amplify specific target regions of the ribosomal RNA genes of each parasite using 2 primer pairs that included 18S rRNA for protozoa (B. vogeli and H. canis) and 16S rRNA for rickettsia (E. canis and A. platys). Babesia vogeli and H. canis were discriminated using 9 nucleotide positions out of 30 base pairs, whereas E. canis and A. platys were differentiated using 15 nucleotide positions out of 34 base pairs that were determined from regions adjacent to 3' ends of the sequencing primers. This method provides a challenging alternative for a rapid diagnosis and surveillance of these tick-borne diseases in canines. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Promotion of osteoblast differentiation in 3D biomaterial micro-chip arrays comprising fibronectin-coated poly(methyl methacrylate) polycarbonate.

PubMed

Altmann, Brigitte; Steinberg, Thorsten; Giselbrecht, Stefan; Gottwald, Eric; Tomakidi, Pascal; Bächle-Haas, Maria; Kohal, Ralf-Joachim

2011-12-01

Due to the architecture of solid body tissues including bone, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro microenvironments appear favorable, since herein cell growth proceeds under more physiological conditions compared to conventional 2D systems. In the present study we show that a 3D microenvironment comprising a fibronectin-coated PMMA/PC-based micro-chip promotes differentiation of primary human osteoblasts as reflected by the densely-packed 3D bone cell aggregates and expression of biomarkers indicating osteoblast differentiation. Morphogenesis and fluorescence dye-based live/dead staining revealed homogenous cell coverage of the microcavities of the chip array, whereat cells showed high viability up to 14 days. Moreover, Azur II staining proved formation of uniform sized multilayered aggregates, exhibiting progressive intracellular deposition of extracellular bone matrix constituents comprising fibronectin, osteocalcin and osteonectin from day 7 on. Compared to 2D monolayers, osteoblasts grown in the 3D chip environment displayed differential mostly higher gene expression for osteocalcin, osteonectin, and alkaline phosphatase, while collagen type I remained fairly constant in both culture environments. Our results indicate that the 3D microenvironment, based on the PMMA biomaterial chip array promotes osteoblast differentiation, and hereby renders a promising tool for tissue-specific in vitro preconditioning of osteoblasts designated for clinically-oriented bone augmentation or regeneration. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Astragalus-containing Traditional Chinese Medicine, with and without prescription based on syndrome differentiation, combined with chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Wang, S.F.; Wang, Q.; Jiao, L.J.; Huang, Y.L.; Garfield, D.; Zhang, J.; Xu, L.

2016-01-01

Objective Traditional Chinese Medicine (tcm) is used in China as part of the treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) and often includes prescription of herbal therapy based on syndrome differentiation. Studies of various Astragalus-based Chinese medicines combined with platinum-based chemotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer are popular in East Asia, particularly in China. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing platinum-based chemotherapy alone with platinum-based chemotherapy plus Astragalus-based Chinese botanicals, with and without prescription based on syndrome differentiation, as first-line treatment for advanced nsclc. Methods We searched the Chinese Biomedical Literature database, the China National Knowledge Internet, the VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database, PubMed, embase, the Cochrane databases, and abstracts presented at meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the World Conference on Lung Cancer, the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology for all eligible studies. Endpoints were overall survival; 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates; performance status; overall response rate; and grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Subgroup analyses based on herbal formulae individualized using syndrome differentiation or on oral or injection patent medicines were performed using the Stata software application (version 11.0: StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, U.S.A.) and a fixed-effects or random-effects model in case of heterogeneity. Results are expressed as a hazard ratio (hr) or relative risk (rr), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (cis). Results Seventeen randomized studies with scores on the Jadad quality scale of 2 or more, representing 1552 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone, the addition of Astragalus-based tcm to chemotherapy was associated with significantly increased overall survival (hr: 0.61; 95% ci: 0.42 to 0.89; p = 0.011); 1-year (rr: 0.73; 95% ci: 0.65 to 0.82; p < 0.001), 2-year (rr: 0.3344; 95% ci: 0.237 to 0.4773; p < 0.001), and 3-year survival rates (rr: 0.30; 95% ci: 0.17 to 0.53; p < 0.001); performance status (rr: 0.43; 95% ci: 0.34 to 0.55; p < 0.001); and tumour overall response rate (rr: 0.7982; 95% ci: 0.715 to 0.89; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that Astragalus herbal formulae given based on syndrome differentiation were more effective than Astragalus-based oral and injection patent medicines. Side effects—including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting—were significantly more frequent with platinum-based chemotherapy alone than when platinum-based chemotherapy was combined with Astragalus-based tcm. Conclusions Astragalus-based Chinese botanical therapy, especially when based on syndrome differentiation, is associated with increased efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy and decreased platinum-derived toxicities for patients with advanced nsclc. PMID:27330356

Proximity-Based Differential Single-Cell Analysis of the Niche to Identify Stem/Progenitor Cell Regulators.

PubMed

Silberstein, Lev; Goncalves, Kevin A; Kharchenko, Peter V; Turcotte, Raphael; Kfoury, Youmna; Mercier, Francois; Baryawno, Ninib; Severe, Nicolas; Bachand, Jacqueline; Spencer, Joel A; Papazian, Ani; Lee, Dongjun; Chitteti, Brahmananda Reddy; Srour, Edward F; Hoggatt, Jonathan; Tate, Tiffany; Lo Celso, Cristina; Ono, Noriaki; Nutt, Stephen; Heino, Jyrki; Sipilä, Kalle; Shioda, Toshihiro; Osawa, Masatake; Lin, Charles P; Hu, Guo-Fu; Scadden, David T

2016-10-06

Physiological stem cell function is regulated by secreted factors produced by niche cells. In this study, we describe an unbiased approach based on the differential single-cell gene expression analysis of mesenchymal osteolineage cells close to, and further removed from, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) to identify candidate niche factors. Mesenchymal cells displayed distinct molecular profiles based on their relative location. We functionally examined, among the genes that were preferentially expressed in proximal cells, three secreted or cell-surface molecules not previously connected to HSPC biology-the secreted RNase angiogenin, the cytokine IL18, and the adhesion molecule Embigin-and discovered that all of these factors are HSPC quiescence regulators. Therefore, our proximity-based differential single-cell approach reveals molecular heterogeneity within niche cells and can be used to identify novel extrinsic stem/progenitor cell regulators. Similar approaches could also be applied to other stem cell/niche pairs to advance the understanding of microenvironmental regulation of stem cell function. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Epigenetic Library Screen Identifies Abexinostat as Novel Regulator of Adipocytic and Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Skeletal (Mesenchymal) Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Ali, Dalia; Hamam, Rimi; Alfayez, Musaed; Kassem, Moustapha; Aldahmash, Abdullah

2016-01-01

The epigenetic mechanisms promoting lineage-specific commitment of human skeletal (mesenchymal or stromal) stem cells (hMSCs) into adipocytes or osteoblasts are still not fully understood. Herein, we performed an epigenetic library functional screen and identified several novel compounds, including abexinostat, which promoted adipocytic and osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs. Using gene expression microarrays, chromatin immunoprecipitation for H3K9Ac combined with high-throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq), and bioinformatics, we identified several key genes involved in regulating stem cell proliferation and differentiation that were targeted by abexinostat. Concordantly, ChIP-quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed marked increase in H3K9Ac epigenetic mark on the promoter region of AdipoQ, FABP4, PPARγ, KLF15, CEBPA, SP7, and ALPL in abexinostat-treated hMSCs. Pharmacological inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (PF-573228) or insulin-like growth factor-1R/insulin receptor (NVP-AEW51) signaling exhibited significant inhibition of abexinostat-mediated adipocytic differentiation, whereas inhibition of WNT (XAV939) or transforming growth factor-β (SB505124) signaling abrogated abexinostat-mediated osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Our findings provide insight into the understanding of the relationship between the epigenetic effect of histone deacetylase inhibitors, transcription factors, and differentiation pathways governing adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation. Manipulating such pathways allows a novel use for epigenetic compounds in hMSC-based therapies and tissue engineering. Significance This unbiased epigenetic library functional screen identified several novel compounds, including abexinostat, that promoted adipocytic and osteoblastic differentiation of human skeletal (mesenchymal or stromal) stem cells (hMSCs). These data provide new insight into the understanding of the relationship between the epigenetic effect of histone deacetylase inhibitors, transcription factors, and differentiation pathways controlling adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation of hMSCs. Manipulating such pathways allows a novel use for epigenetic compounds in hMSC-based therapies for tissue engineering, bone disease, obesity, and metabolic-disorders. PMID:27194745

Temporal analysis of reciprocal miRNA-mRNA expression patterns predicts regulatory networks during differentiation in human skeletal muscle cells

PubMed Central

Sjögren, Rasmus J. O.; Egan, Brendan; Katayama, Mutsumi; Zierath, Juleen R.

2014-01-01

microRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through posttranscriptional repression of target genes. miRNAs exert a fundamental level of control over many developmental processes, but their role in the differentiation and development of skeletal muscle from myogenic progenitor cells in humans remains incompletely understood. Using primary cultures established from human skeletal muscle satellite cells, we performed microarray profiling of miRNA expression during differentiation of myoblasts (day 0) into myotubes at 48 h intervals (day 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10). Based on a time-course analysis, we identified 44 miRNAs with altered expression [false discovery rate (FDR) < 5%, fold change > ±1.2] during differentiation, including the marked upregulation of the canonical myogenic miRNAs miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206. Microarray profiling of mRNA expression at day 0, 4, and 10 identified 842 and 949 genes differentially expressed (FDR < 10%) at day 4 and 10, respectively. At day 10, 42% of altered transcripts demonstrated reciprocal expression patterns in relation to the directional change of their in silico predicted regulatory miRNAs based on analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis microRNA Target Filter. Bioinformatic analysis predicted networks of regulation during differentiation including myomiRs miR-1/206 and miR-133a/b, miRNAs previously established in differentiation including miR-26 and miR-30, and novel miRNAs regulated during differentiation of human skeletal muscle cells such as miR-138-5p and miR-20a. These reciprocal expression patterns may represent new regulatory nodes in human skeletal muscle cell differentiation. This analysis serves as a reference point for future studies of human skeletal muscle differentiation and development in healthy and disease states. PMID:25547110

DIFFERENTIATING HUMAN FROM ANIMAL ISOLATES OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM

EPA Science Inventory

We analyzed 9s Cryptosporidium parvum isolates from humans and animals by a polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method based on the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein 2 gene sequence. Used as a molecular marker, this method can differentiate ...

Pipette-based Method to Study Embryoid Body Formation Derived from Mouse and Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Partially Recapitulating Early Embryonic Development Under Simulated Microgravity Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinde, Vaibhav; Brungs, Sonja; Hescheler, Jürgen; Hemmersbach, Ruth; Sachinidis, Agapios

2016-06-01

The in vitro differentiation of pluripotent stem cells partially recapitulates early in vivo embryonic development. More recently, embryonic development under the influence of microgravity has become a primary focus of space life sciences. In order to integrate the technique of pluripotent stem cell differentiation with simulated microgravity approaches, the 2-D clinostat compatible pipette-based method was experimentally investigated and adapted for investigating stem cell differentiation processes under simulated microgravity conditions. In order to keep residual accelerations as low as possible during clinorotation, while also guaranteeing enough material for further analysis, stem cells were exposed in 1-mL pipettes with a diameter of 3.5 mm. The differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells inside the pipettes resulted in the formation of embryoid bodies at normal gravity (1 g) after 24 h and 3 days. Differentiation of the mouse pluripotent stem cells on a 2-D pipette-clinostat for 3 days also resulted in the formation of embryoid bodies. Interestingly, the expression of myosin heavy chain was downregulated when cultivation was continued for an additional 7 days at normal gravity. This paper describes the techniques for culturing and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and exposure to simulated microgravity during culturing or differentiation on a 2-D pipette clinostat. The implementation of these methodologies along with -omics technologies will contribute to understand the mechanisms regulating how microgravity influences early embryonic development.

A new medical image segmentation model based on fractional order differentiation and level set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Bo; Huang, Shan; Xie, Feifei; Li, Lihong; Chen, Wensheng; Liang, Zhengrong

2018-03-01

Segmenting medical images is still a challenging task for both traditional local and global methods because the image intensity inhomogeneous. In this paper, two contributions are made: (i) on the one hand, a new hybrid model is proposed for medical image segmentation, which is built based on fractional order differentiation, level set description and curve evolution; and (ii) on the other hand, three popular definitions of Fourier-domain, Grünwald-Letnikov (G-L) and Riemann-Liouville (R-L) fractional order differentiation are investigated and compared through experimental results. Because of the merits of enhancing high frequency features of images and preserving low frequency features of images in a nonlinear manner by the fractional order differentiation definitions, one fractional order differentiation definition is used in our hybrid model to perform segmentation of inhomogeneous images. The proposed hybrid model also integrates fractional order differentiation, fractional order gradient magnitude and difference image information. The widely-used dice similarity coefficient metric is employed to evaluate quantitatively the segmentation results. Firstly, experimental results demonstrated that a slight difference exists among the three expressions of Fourier-domain, G-L, RL fractional order differentiation. This outcome supports our selection of one of the three definitions in our hybrid model. Secondly, further experiments were performed for comparison between our hybrid segmentation model and other existing segmentation models. A noticeable gain was seen by our hybrid model in segmenting intensity inhomogeneous images.

Evaluation of Uncertainty in Runoff Analysis Incorporating Theory of Stochastic Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimi, Kazuhiro; Wang, Chao-Wen; Yamada, Tadashi

2015-04-01

The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework of uncertainty estimate on rainfall-runoff analysis based on theory of stochastic process. SDE (stochastic differential equation) based on this theory has been widely used in the field of mathematical finance due to predict stock price movement. Meanwhile, some researchers in the field of civil engineering have investigated by using this knowledge about SDE (stochastic differential equation) (e.g. Kurino et.al, 1999; Higashino and Kanda, 2001). However, there have been no studies about evaluation of uncertainty in runoff phenomenon based on comparisons between SDE (stochastic differential equation) and Fokker-Planck equation. The Fokker-Planck equation is a partial differential equation that describes the temporal variation of PDF (probability density function), and there is evidence to suggest that SDEs and Fokker-Planck equations are equivalent mathematically. In this paper, therefore, the uncertainty of discharge on the uncertainty of rainfall is explained theoretically and mathematically by introduction of theory of stochastic process. The lumped rainfall-runoff model is represented by SDE (stochastic differential equation) due to describe it as difference formula, because the temporal variation of rainfall is expressed by its average plus deviation, which is approximated by Gaussian distribution. This is attributed to the observed rainfall by rain-gauge station and radar rain-gauge system. As a result, this paper has shown that it is possible to evaluate the uncertainty of discharge by using the relationship between SDE (stochastic differential equation) and Fokker-Planck equation. Moreover, the results of this study show that the uncertainty of discharge increases as rainfall intensity rises and non-linearity about resistance grows strong. These results are clarified by PDFs (probability density function) that satisfy Fokker-Planck equation about discharge. It means the reasonable discharge can be estimated based on the theory of stochastic processes, and it can be applied to the probabilistic risk of flood management.

Precise automatic differential stellar photometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Andrew T.; Genet, Russell M.; Boyd, Louis J.; Borucki, William J.; Lockwood, G. Wesley

1991-01-01

The factors limiting the precision of differential stellar photometry are reviewed. Errors due to variable atmospheric extinction can be reduced to below 0.001 mag at good sites by utilizing the speed of robotic telescopes. Existing photometric systems produce aliasing errors, which are several millimagnitudes in general but may be reduced to about a millimagnitude in special circumstances. Conventional differential photometry neglects several other important effects, which are discussed in detail. If all of these are properly handled, it appears possible to do differential photometry of variable stars with an overall precision of 0.001 mag with ground based robotic telescopes.

Asymptotic (h tending to infinity) absolute stability for BDFs applied to stiff differential equations. [Backward Differentiation Formulas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krogh, F. T.; Stewart, K.

1984-01-01

Methods based on backward differentiation formulas (BDFs) for solving stiff differential equations require iterating to approximate the solution of the corrector equation on each step. One hope for reducing the cost of this is to make do with iteration matrices that are known to have errors and to do no more iterations than are necessary to maintain the stability of the method. This paper, following work by Klopfenstein, examines the effect of errors in the iteration matrix on the stability of the method. Application of the results to an algorithm is discussed briefly.

Linear ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients. Revisiting the impulsive response method using factorization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camporesi, Roberto

2011-06-01

We present an approach to the impulsive response method for solving linear constant-coefficient ordinary differential equations based on the factorization of the differential operator. The approach is elementary, we only assume a basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra. In particular, we avoid the use of distribution theory, as well as of the other more advanced approaches: Laplace transform, linear systems, the general theory of linear equations with variable coefficients and the variation of constants method. The approach presented here can be used in a first course on differential equations for science and engineering majors.

High-Throughput Screening Assay for Embryoid Body Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Outten, Joel T.; Gadue, Paul; French, Deborah L.; Diamond, Scott L.

2012-01-01

Serum-free human pluripotent stem cell media offer the potential to develop reproducible clinically applicable differentiation strategies and protocols. The vast array of possible growth factor and cytokine combinations for media formulations makes differentiation protocol optimization both labor and cost-intensive. This unit describes a 96-well plate, 4-color flow cytometry-based screening assay to optimize pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocols. We provide conditions both to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to the three primary germ layers, ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm, and to utilize flow cytometry to distinguish between them. This assay exhibits low inter-well variability and can be utilized to efficiently screen a variety of media formulations, reducing cost, incubator space, and labor. Protocols can be adapted to a variety of differentiation stages and lineages. PMID:22415836

15 CFR Appendix Vi to Subpart P of... - Special-Use Areas Boundary Coordinates and Use Designations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...)—[Based on differential Global Positioning Systems data] Point Latitude Longitude 1 24 deg.56.83′ N 80 deg... Global Positioning Systems data] Point Latitude Longitude 1 24 deg.29.84′ N 81 deg.39.59′ W. 2 24 deg.29....29.84′ N 81 deg.39.59′ W. Looe Key (Research Only)—[Based on differential Global Positioning Systems...

Systems-based decomposition schemes for the approximate solution of multi-term fractional differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ford, Neville J.; Connolly, Joseph A.

2009-07-01

We give a comparison of the efficiency of three alternative decomposition schemes for the approximate solution of multi-term fractional differential equations using the Caputo form of the fractional derivative. The schemes we compare are based on conversion of the original problem into a system of equations. We review alternative approaches and consider how the most appropriate numerical scheme may be chosen to solve a particular equation.

Multipotent Stem Cell and Reproduction.

PubMed

Khanlarkhani, Neda; Baazm, Maryam; Mohammadzadeh, Farzaneh; Najafi, Atefeh; Mehdinejadiani, Shayesteh; Sobhani, Aligholi

Stem cells are self-renewing and undifferentiated cell types that can be differentiate into functional cells. Stem cells can be classified into two main types based on their source of origin: Embryonic and Adult stem cells. Stem cells also classified based on the range of differentiation potentials into Totipotent, Pluripotent, Multipotent, and Unipotent. Multipotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into all cell types within one particular lineage. There are plentiful advantages and usages for multipotent stem cells. Multipotent Stem cells act as a significant key in procedure of development, tissue repair, and protection. The accessibility and adaptability of these amazing cells create them a great therapeutic choice for different part of medical approaches, and it becomes interesting topic in the scientific researches to found obvious method for the most advantageous use of MSC-based therapies. Recent studies in the field of stem cell biology have provided new perspectives and opportunities for the treatment of infertility disorders.

Uncertainty Quantification in Simulations of Epidemics Using Polynomial Chaos

PubMed Central

Santonja, F.; Chen-Charpentier, B.

2012-01-01

Mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations are a useful tool to study the processes involved in epidemiology. Many models consider that the parameters are deterministic variables. But in practice, the transmission parameters present large variability and it is not possible to determine them exactly, and it is necessary to introduce randomness. In this paper, we present an application of the polynomial chaos approach to epidemiological mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations with random coefficients. Taking into account the variability of the transmission parameters of the model, this approach allows us to obtain an auxiliary system of differential equations, which is then integrated numerically to obtain the first-and the second-order moments of the output stochastic processes. A sensitivity analysis based on the polynomial chaos approach is also performed to determine which parameters have the greatest influence on the results. As an example, we will apply the approach to an obesity epidemic model. PMID:22927889

An absolute calibration method of an ethyl alcohol biosensor based on wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Yi Jun; Mandelis, Andreas, E-mail: mandelis@mie.utoronto.ca; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9

In this work, laser-based wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry (WM-DPTR) is applied to develop a non-invasive in-vehicle alcohol biosensor. WM-DPTR features unprecedented ethanol-specificity and sensitivity by suppressing baseline variations through a differential measurement near the peak and baseline of the mid-infrared ethanol absorption spectrum. Biosensor signal calibration curves are obtained from WM-DPTR theory and from measurements in human blood serum and ethanol solutions diffused from skin. The results demonstrate that the WM-DPTR-based calibrated alcohol biosensor can achieve high precision and accuracy for the ethanol concentration range of 0-100 mg/dl. The high-performance alcohol biosensor can be incorporated into ignition interlocks that couldmore » be fitted as a universal accessory in vehicles in an effort to reduce incidents of drinking and driving.« less

Existence of a coupled system of fractional differential equations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ibrahim, Rabha W.; Siri, Zailan

2015-10-22

We manage the existence and uniqueness of a fractional coupled system containing Schrödinger equations. Such a system appears in quantum mechanics. We confirm that the fractional system under consideration admits a global solution in appropriate functional spaces. The solution is shown to be unique. The method is based on analytic technique of the fixed point theory. The fractional differential operator is considered from the virtue of the Riemann-Liouville differential operator.

Functional differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells on a chip.

PubMed

Giobbe, Giovanni G; Michielin, Federica; Luni, Camilla; Giulitti, Stefano; Martewicz, Sebastian; Dupont, Sirio; Floreani, Annarosa; Elvassore, Nicola

2015-07-01

Microengineering human "organs-on-chips" remains an open challenge. Here, we describe a robust microfluidics-based approach for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells directly on a chip. Extrinsic signal modulation, achieved through optimal frequency of medium delivery, can be used as a parameter for improved germ layer specification and cell differentiation. Human cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes derived on chips showed functional phenotypes and responses to temporally defined drug treatments.

Fluorescent polymer-based post-translational differentiation and subtyping of breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Scott, Michael D; Dutta, Rinku; Haldar, Manas K; Wagh, Anil; Gustad, Thomas R; Law, Benedict; Friesner, Daniel L; Mallik, Sanku

2012-12-07

Herein, we report the application of synthesized fluorescent, water soluble polymers for post-translational subtyping and differentiation of breast cancer cells in vitro. The fluorescence emission spectra from these polymers were modulated differently in the presence of conditioned cell culture media from various breast cancer cells. These polymers differentiate at a post-translation level possibly due to their ability to interact with extracellular enzymes that are over-expressed in cancerous conditions.

Temperature Dependences of the Product of the Differential Resistance by the Area in MIS-Structures Based on Cd x Hg1- x Te Grown by Molecularbeam Epitaxy on Alternative Si and GaAs Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voitsekhovskii, A. V.; Nesmelov, S. N.; Dzyadukh, S. M.; Varavin, V. S.; Vasil'ev, V. V.; Dvoretskii, S. A.; Mikhailov, N. N.; Yakushev, M. V.; Sidorov, G. Yu.

2017-06-01

In a temperature range of 9-200 K, temperature dependences of the differential resistance of space-charge region in the strong inversion mode are experimentally studied for MIS structures based on CdxHg1-xTe (x = 0.22-0.40) grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. The effect of various parameters of structures: the working layer composition, the type of a substrate, the type of insulator coating, and the presence of a near-surface graded-gap layer on the value of the product of differential resistance by the area is studied. It is shown that the values of the product RSCRA for MIS structures based on n-CdHgTe grown on a Si(013) substrate are smaller than those for structures based on the material grown on a GaAs(013) substrate. The values of the product RSCRA for MIS structures based on p-CdHgTe grown on a Si(013) substrate are comparable with the value of the analogous parameter for MIS structures based on p-CdHgTe grown on a GaAs(013) substrate.

Differential diagnosis between gallbladder adenomas and cholesterol polyps on contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography.

PubMed

Park, Chan Hyuk; Chung, Moon Jae; Oh, Tak Geun; Park, Jeong Youp; Bang, Seungmin; Park, Seung Woo; Kim, Hyunki; Hwang, Ho Kyoung; Lee, Woo Jung; Song, Si Young

2013-04-01

Differential diagnosis between gallbladder (GB) adenomas and cholesterol polyps based on ultrasonography or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is challenging because they have similar echogenicity and morphology. We evaluated the usefulness of contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS) for differentiating between GB adenomas and cholesterol polyps. Between June 2010 and December 2011, a total of 87 patients with GB polyps who underwent a CEH-EUS were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 87 patients, 57 had a cholecystectomy. Of these, 34 patients were diagnosed with adenoma, cholesterol polyp, adenocarcinoma, or adenomyomatosis pathology. The remaining 23 patients were not diagnosed with GB polyps because their lesions separated from the GB mucosal layer during pathological sampling. On CEH-EUS, homogeneous and heterogeneous enhancement was shown in 6 and 2 patients with adenoma and in 4 and 8 patients with cholesterol polyps, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of CEH-EUS for differential diagnosis of GB adenomas from cholesterol polyps based on the enhancement pattern were 75.0 and 66.6 %, respectively. CEH-EUS might be useful for distinguishing GB adenomas and cholesterol polyps based on enhancement patterns. However, an additional technique such as quantitative perfusion analysis is necessary because visual assessment of CEH-EUS images is subjective.

Population-genetic properties of differentiated copy number variations in cattle.

PubMed

Xu, Lingyang; Hou, Yali; Bickhart, Derek M; Zhou, Yang; Hay, El Hamidi Abdel; Song, Jiuzhou; Sonstegard, Tad S; Van Tassell, Curtis P; Liu, George E

2016-03-23

While single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is typically the variant of choice for population genetics, copy number variation (CNV) which comprises insertion, deletion and duplication of genomic sequence, is an informative type of genetic variation. CNVs have been shown to be both common in mammals and important for understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype. However, CNV differentiation, selection and its population genetic properties are not well understood across diverse populations. We performed a population genetics survey based on CNVs derived from the BovineHD SNP array data of eight distinct cattle breeds. We generated high resolution results that show geographical patterns of variations and genome-wide admixture proportions within and among breeds. Similar to the previous SNP-based studies, our CNV-based results displayed a strong correlation of population structure and geographical location. By conducting three pairwise comparisons among European taurine, African taurine, and indicine groups, we further identified 78 unique CNV regions that were highly differentiated, some of which might be due to selection. These CNV regions overlapped with genes involved in traits related to parasite resistance, immunity response, body size, fertility, and milk production. Our results characterize CNV diversity among cattle populations and provide a list of lineage-differentiated CNVs.

New closed-form approximation for skin chromophore mapping.

PubMed

Välisuo, Petri; Kaartinen, Ilkka; Tuchin, Valery; Alander, Jarmo

2011-04-01

The concentrations of blood and melanin in skin can be estimated based on the reflectance of light. Many models for this estimation have been built, such as Monte Carlo simulation, diffusion models, and the differential modified Beer-Lambert law. The optimization-based methods are too slow for chromophore mapping of high-resolution spectral images, and the differential modified Beer-Lambert is not often accurate enough. Optimal coefficients for the differential Beer-Lambert model are calculated by differentiating the diffusion model, optimized to the normal skin spectrum. The derivatives are then used in predicting the difference in chromophore concentrations from the difference in absorption spectra. The accuracy of the method is tested both computationally and experimentally using a Monte Carlo multilayer simulation model, and the data are measured from the palm of a hand during an Allen's test, which modulates the blood content of skin. The correlations of the given and predicted blood, melanin, and oxygen saturation levels are correspondingly r = 0.94, r = 0.99, and r = 0.73. The prediction of the concentrations for all pixels in a 1-megapixel image would take ∼ 20 min, which is orders of magnitude faster than the methods based on optimization during the prediction.

Preference for Color and Form in Preschoolers as Related to Color and Form Differentiation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melkman, Rachel; And Others

1976-01-01

The preference for color or form as bases for similarity judgments among preschoolers (ages 2-5) and its relationship to the differentiation of form and color concepts as indexed by discrimination, identification, and labeling were investigated. (SB)

Experiments with a Differential Transformer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aguilar, Horacio Munguía

2016-01-01

An experiment with an electric transformer based on single coils shows how electromagnetic induction changes when the magnetic coupling between coils is adjusted. This transformer has two secondary outputs which are taken differentially. This is the basis for a widely used position transducer known as LVDT.

Issues in Differential Response

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hughes, Ronald C.; Rycus, Judith S.; Saunders-Adams, Stacey M.; Hughes, Laura K.; Hughes, Kelli N.

2013-01-01

Differential response (DR), also referred to as alternative response (AR), family assessment response (FAR), or multiple track response, was developed to incorporate family-centered, strengths-based practices into child protective services (CPS), primarily by diverting lower risk families into an assessment track rather than requiring the…

Chronology of Planetesimal Differentiation Based on the Timing of Achondrite Formation in the Early Solar System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunlap, D. R.; Wadhwa, M.

2018-05-01

Chronology of achondrites provide critical insights into accretion and differentiation timescales in the early solar system. A diverse suite of achondrites are presented here to constrain the thermal histories of a number of distinct planetesimals.

Preparing Preservice Teacher Candidates to Differentiate Instructional Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ochoa, Bianca R.

2013-01-01

This action research study focused on how various grouping strategies influenced preservice teachers' differentiation of instruction. The participants included a third grade mentor teacher and three preservice teacher candidates. The candidate preparation curriculum consisted of seminars, daily field-based learning experiences, and ongoing…

On Polynomial Solutions of Linear Differential Equations with Polynomial Coefficients

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Si, Do Tan

1977-01-01

Demonstrates a method for solving linear differential equations with polynomial coefficients based on the fact that the operators z and D + d/dz are known to be Hermitian conjugates with respect to the Bargman and Louck-Galbraith scalar products. (MLH)

Concept for a Differential Lock and Traction Control Model in Automobiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukul, A. K.; Hansra, S. K.

2014-01-01

The automobile is a complex integration of electronics and mechanical components. One of the major components is the differential which is limited due to its shortcomings. The paper proposes a concept of a cost effective differential lock and traction for passenger cars to sports utility vehicles alike, employing a parallel braking mechanism coming into action based on the relative speeds of the wheels driven by the differential. The paper highlights the employment of minimum number of components unlike the already existing systems. The system was designed numerically for the traction control and differential lock for the world's cheapest car. The paper manages to come up with all the system parameters and component costing making it a cost effective system.

Superior Red Blood Cell Generation from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Through a Novel Microcarrier-Based Embryoid Body Platform.

PubMed

Sivalingam, Jaichandran; Lam, Alan Tin-Lun; Chen, Hong Yu; Yang, Bin Xia; Chen, Allen Kuan-Liang; Reuveny, Shaul; Loh, Yuin-Han; Oh, Steve Kah-Weng

2016-08-01

In vitro generation of red blood cells (RBCs) from human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells appears to be a promising alternate approach to circumvent shortages in donor-derived blood supplies for clinical applications. Conventional methods for hematopoietic differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) rely on embryoid body (EB) formation and/or coculture with xenogeneic cell lines. However, most current methods for hPSC expansion and EB formation are not amenable for scale-up to levels required for large-scale RBC generation. Moreover, differentiation methods that rely on xenogenic cell lines would face obstacles for future clinical translation. In this study, we report the development of a serum-free and chemically defined microcarrier-based suspension culture platform for scalable hPSC expansion and EB formation. Improved survival and better quality EBs generated with the microcarrier-based method resulted in significantly improved mesoderm induction and, when combined with hematopoietic differentiation, resulted in at least a 6-fold improvement in hematopoietic precursor expansion, potentially culminating in a 80-fold improvement in the yield of RBC generation compared to a conventional EB-based differentiation method. In addition, we report efficient terminal maturation and generation of mature enucleated RBCs using a coculture system that comprised primary human mesenchymal stromal cells. The microcarrier-based platform could prove to be an appealing strategy for future scale-up of hPSC culture, EB generation, and large-scale generation of RBCs under defined and xeno-free conditions.

Interpreting experimental data on egg production--applications of dynamic differential equations.

PubMed

France, J; Lopez, S; Kebreab, E; Dijkstra, J

2013-09-01

This contribution focuses on applying mathematical models based on systems of ordinary first-order differential equations to synthesize and interpret data from egg production experiments. Models based on linear systems of differential equations are contrasted with those based on nonlinear systems. Regression equations arising from analytical solutions to linear compartmental schemes are considered as candidate functions for describing egg production curves, together with aspects of parameter estimation. Extant candidate functions are reviewed, a role for growth functions such as the Gompertz equation suggested, and a function based on a simple new model outlined. Structurally, the new model comprises a single pool with an inflow and an outflow. Compartmental simulation models based on nonlinear systems of differential equations, and thus requiring numerical solution, are next discussed, and aspects of parameter estimation considered. This type of model is illustrated in relation to development and evaluation of a dynamic model of calcium and phosphorus flows in layers. The model consists of 8 state variables representing calcium and phosphorus pools in the crop, stomachs, plasma, and bone. The flow equations are described by Michaelis-Menten or mass action forms. Experiments that measure Ca and P uptake in layers fed different calcium concentrations during shell-forming days are used to evaluate the model. In addition to providing a useful management tool, such a simulation model also provides a means to evaluate feeding strategies aimed at reducing excretion of potential pollutants in poultry manure to the environment.

Differentiating location- and distance-based processes in memory for time: an ERP study.

PubMed

Curran, Tim; Friedman, William J

2003-09-01

Memory for the time of events may benefit from reconstructive, location-based, and distance-based processes, but these processes are difficult to dissociate with behavioral methods. Neuropsychological research has emphasized the contribution of prefrontal brain mechanisms to memory for time but has not clearly differentiated location- from distance-based processing. The present experiment recorded event-related brain potentials (ERPs) while subjects completed two different temporal memory tests, designed to emphasize either location- or distance-based processing. The subjects' reports of location-based versus distance-based strategies and the reaction time pattern validated our experimental manipulation. Late (800-1,800 msec) frontal ERP effects were related to location-based processing. The results provide support for a two-process theory of memory for time and suggest that frontal memory mechanisms are specifically related to reconstructive, location-based processing.

Bioprinting of human pluripotent stem cells and their directed differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells for the generation of mini-livers in 3D.

PubMed

Faulkner-Jones, Alan; Fyfe, Catherine; Cornelissen, Dirk-Jan; Gardner, John; King, Jason; Courtney, Aidan; Shu, Wenmiao

2015-10-21

We report the first investigation into the bioprinting of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), their response to a valve-based printing process as well as their post-printing differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). HLCs differentiated from both hiPSCs and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) sources were bioprinted and examined for the presence of hepatic markers to further validate the compatibility of the valve-based bioprinting process with fragile cell transfer. Examined cells were positive for nuclear factor 4 alpha and were demonstrated to secrete albumin and have morphology that was also found to be similar to that of hepatocytes. Both hESC and hiPSC lines were tested for post-printing viability and pluripotency and were found to have negligible difference in terms of viability and pluripotency between the printed and non-printed cells. hESC-derived HLCs were 3D printed using alginate hydrogel matrix and tested for viability and albumin secretion during the remaining differentiation and were found to be hepatic in nature. 3D printed with 40-layer of HLC-containing alginate structures reached peak albumin secretion at day 21 of the differentiation protocol. This work demonstrates that the valve-based printing process is gentle enough to print human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) (both hESCs and hiPSCs) while either maintaining their pluripotency or directing their differentiation into specific lineages. The ability to bioprint hPSCs will pave the way for producing organs or tissues on demand from patient specific cells which could be used for animal-free drug development and personalized medicine.

Study on TCM Syndrome Differentiation of Primary Liver Cancer Based on the Analysis of Latent Structural Model.

PubMed

Gu, Zhan; Qi, Xiuzhong; Zhai, Xiaofeng; Lang, Qingbo; Lu, Jianying; Ma, Changping; Liu, Long; Yue, Xiaoqiang

2015-01-01

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors because of its high incidence and high mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an active role in the treatment of PLC. As the most important part in the TCM system, syndrome differentiation based on the clinical manifestations from traditional four diagnostic methods has met great challenges and questions with the lack of statistical validation support. In this study, we provided evidences for TCM syndrome differentiation of PLC using the method of analysis of latent structural model from clinic data, thus providing basis for establishing TCM syndrome criteria. And also we obtain the common syndromes of PLC as well as their typical clinical manifestations, respectively.

FIND: difFerential chromatin INteractions Detection using a spatial Poisson process

PubMed Central

Chen, Yang; Zhang, Michael Q.

2018-01-01

Polymer-based simulations and experimental studies indicate the existence of a spatial dependency between the adjacent DNA fibers involved in the formation of chromatin loops. However, the existing strategies for detecting differential chromatin interactions assume that the interacting segments are spatially independent from the other segments nearby. To resolve this issue, we developed a new computational method, FIND, which considers the local spatial dependency between interacting loci. FIND uses a spatial Poisson process to detect differential chromatin interactions that show a significant difference in their interaction frequency and the interaction frequency of their neighbors. Simulation and biological data analysis show that FIND outperforms the widely used count-based methods and has a better signal-to-noise ratio. PMID:29440282

An optimized digital watermarking algorithm in wavelet domain based on differential evolution for color image.

PubMed

Cui, Xinchun; Niu, Yuying; Zheng, Xiangwei; Han, Yingshuai

2018-01-01

In this paper, a new color watermarking algorithm based on differential evolution is proposed. A color host image is first converted from RGB space to YIQ space, which is more suitable for the human visual system. Then, apply three-level discrete wavelet transformation to luminance component Y and generate four different frequency sub-bands. After that, perform singular value decomposition on these sub-bands. In the watermark embedding process, apply discrete wavelet transformation to a watermark image after the scrambling encryption processing. Our new algorithm uses differential evolution algorithm with adaptive optimization to choose the right scaling factors. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a better performance in terms of invisibility and robustness.

Earth fissures and localized differential subsidence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holzer, Thomas L.; Pampeyan, Earl H.

1981-01-01

Long linear tension cracks associated with declining groundwater levels at four sites in subsiding areas in south-central Arizona, Fremont Valley, California, and Las Vegas Valley, Nevada, occur near points of maximum convex-upward curvature in subsidence profiles oriented perpendicular to the cracks. Profiles are based on repeated precise vertical control surveys of lines of closely spaced bench marks. Association of these fissures with zones of localized differential subsidence indicates that linear earth fissures are caused by horizontal tensile strains probably resulting from localized differential compaction. Horizontal tensile strains across the fissures at the point of maximum convex-upward curvature, ranging from approximately 100 to 700 microstrains (0.01 to 0.07% per year), were indicated based on measurements with a tape or electronic distance meter.

Molecular differentiation of Entamoeba spp. in a rural community of Loja province, South Ecuador.

PubMed

Levecke, B; Dreesen, L; Barrionuevo-Samaniego, M; Ortiz, W Benitez; Praet, N; Brandt, J; Dorny, P

2011-12-01

Although previous epidemiological surveys in Ecuador indicate the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, prevalence data of this parasite remain scarce. Most of the studies were based on microscopic examination, which does not allow a morphological differentiation from the non-pathogenic Ent. dispar and Ent. moshkovskii. In the present study, 674 stool samples from a South Ecuadorian rural community were screened for Entamoeba spp. Subsequently, molecular identification was performed on 101 samples containing Ent. histolytica/Ent. dispar/Ent. moshkovskii cysts. The study indicated the absence of Ent. histolytica in this South Ecuadorian community and confirmed the difficulty of differentiating Entamoeba spp. based on morphological features. Copyright © 2011 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multigrid methods for differential equations with highly oscillatory coefficients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engquist, Bjorn; Luo, Erding

1993-01-01

New coarse grid multigrid operators for problems with highly oscillatory coefficients are developed. These types of operators are necessary when the characters of the differential equations on coarser grids or longer wavelengths are different from that on the fine grid. Elliptic problems for composite materials and different classes of hyperbolic problems are practical examples. The new coarse grid operators can be constructed directly based on the homogenized differential operators or hierarchically computed from the finest grid. Convergence analysis based on the homogenization theory is given for elliptic problems with periodic coefficients and some hyperbolic problems. These are classes of equations for which there exists a fairly complete theory for the interaction between shorter and longer wavelengths in the problems. Numerical examples are presented.

PLC-beta2 monitors the drug-induced release of differentiation blockade in tumoral myeloid precursors.

PubMed

Brugnoli, Federica; Bovolenta, Matteo; Benedusi, Mascia; Miscia, Sebastianó; Capitani, Silvano; Bertagnolo, Valeria

2006-05-01

The differentiation therapy in treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), based on the administration of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is currently flanked with the use of As2O3, a safe and effective agent for patients showing a resistance to ATRA treatment. A synergy between ATRA and As3O3 was also reported in inducing granulocytic differentiation of APL-derived cells. We have demonstrated that phospholipase C-beta2 (PLC-beta2), highly expressed in neutrophils and nearly absent in tumoral promyelocytes, largely increases during ATRA treatment of APL-derived cells and strongly correlates with the responsiveness of APL patients to ATRA-based differentiating therapies. Here we report that, in APL-derived cells, low doses of As3O3 induce a slight increase of PLC-beta2 together with a moderate maturation, and cooperate with ATRA to provoke a significant increase of PLC-beta2 expression. Remarkably, the amounts of PLC-beta2 draw a parallel with the differentiation levels reached by both ATRA-responsive and -resistant cells treated with ATRA/As2O3 combinations. PLC-beta2 is not necessary for the progression of tumoral promyelocytes along the granulocytic lineage and is unable to overcome the differentiation block or to potentiate the agonist-induced maturation. On the other hand, since its expression closely correlates with the differentiation level reached by APL-derived cells induced to maturate by drugs presently employed in APL therapies, PLC-beta2 represents indeed a specific marker to test the ability of differentiation agents to induce the release of the maturation blockade of tumoral myeloid precursors.

Insights from ecological niche modeling on the taxonomic distinction and niche differentiation between the black-spotted and red-spotted tokay geckoes (Gekko gecko).

PubMed

Zhang, Yueyun; Chen, Chongtao; Li, Li; Zhao, Chengjian; Chen, Weicai; Huang, Yong

2014-09-01

The black-spotted tokay and the red-spotted tokay are morphologically distinct and have largely allopatric distributions. The black-spotted tokay is characterized by a small body size and dark skin with sundry spots, while the red-spotted tokay has a relatively large body size and red spots. Based on morphological, karyotypic, genetic, and distribution differences, recent studies suggested their species status; however, their classifications remain controversial, and additional data such as ecological niches are necessary to establish firm hypotheses regarding their taxonomic status. We reconstructed their ecological niches models using climatic and geographic data. We then performed niche similarity tests (niche identity and background tests) and point-based analyses to explore whether ecological differentiation has occurred, and whether such differences are sufficient to explain the maintenance of their separate segments of environmental ranges. We found that both niche models of the black- and the red-spotted tokay had a good fit and a robust performance, as indicated by the high area under the curve (AUC) values ("black" = 0.982, SD = ± 0.002, "red" = 0.966 ± 0.02). Significant ecological differentiation across the entire geographic range was found, indicating that the involvement of ecological differentiation is important for species differentiation. Divergence along the environmental axes is highly associated with climatic conditions, with isothermality being important for the "black" form, while temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, and annual temperature range together being important for the "red" form. These factors are likely important factors in niche differentiation between the two forms, which result in morphological replacement. Overall, beside morphological and genetic differentiation information, our results contribute to additional insights into taxonomic distinction and niche differentiation between the black- and the red-spotted tokay.

Differential Expression of Adhesion-Related Proteins and MAPK Pathways Lead to Suitable Osteoblast Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Subpopulations.

PubMed

Leyva-Leyva, Margarita; López-Díaz, Annia; Barrera, Lourdes; Camacho-Morales, Alberto; Hernandez-Aguilar, Felipe; Carrillo-Casas, Erika M; Arriaga-Pizano, Lourdes; Calderón-Pérez, Jaime; García-Álvarez, Jorge; Orozco-Hoyuela, Gabriel; Piña-Barba, Cristina; Rojas-Martínez, Augusto; Romero-Díaz, Víktor; Lara-Arias, Jorge; Rivera-Bolaños, Nancy; López-Camarillo, César; Moncada-Saucedo, Nidia; Galván-De los Santos, Alejandra; Meza-Urzúa, Fátima; Villarreal-Gómez, Luis; Fuentes-Mera, Lizeth

2015-11-01

Cellular adhesion enables communication between cells and their environment. Adhesion can be achieved throughout focal adhesions and its components influence osteoblast differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Because cell adhesion and osteoblast differentiation are closely related, this article aimed to analyze the expression profiles of adhesion-related proteins during osteoblastic differentiation of two hMSCs subpopulations (CD105(+) and CD105(-)) and propose a strategy for assembling bone grafts based on its adhesion ability. In vitro experiments of osteogenic differentiation in CD105(-) cells showed superior adhesion efficiency and 2-fold increase of α-actinin expression compared with CD105(+) cells at the maturation stage. Interestingly, levels of activated β1-integrin increased in CD105(-) cells during the process. Additionally, the CD105(-) subpopulation showed 3-fold increase of phosphorylated FAK(Y397) compared to CD105(+) cells. Results also indicate that ERK1/2 was activated during CD105(-) bone differentiation and participation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-p38 in CD105(+) differentiation through a focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-independent pathway. In vivo trial demonstrated that grafts containing CD105(-) showed osteocytes embedded in a mineralized matrix, promoted adequate graft integration, increased host vascular infiltration, and efficient intramembranous repairing. In contrast, grafts containing CD105(+) showed deficient endochondral ossification and fibrocartilaginous tissue. Based on the expression of α-actinin, FAKy,(397) and ERK1/2 activation, we define maturation stage as critical for bone graft assembling. By in vitro assays, CD105(-) subpopulation showed superior adhesion efficiency compared to CD105(+) cells. Considering in vitro and in vivo assays, this study suggests that integration of a scaffold with CD105(-) subpopulation at the maturation stage represents an attractive strategy for clinical use in orthopedic bioengineering.

Simple agarose micro-confinement array and machine-learning-based classification for analyzing the patterned differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

PubMed Central

Sato, Asako; Vogel, Viola; Tanaka, Yo

2017-01-01

The geometrical confinement of small cell colonies gives differential cues to cells sitting at the periphery versus the core. To utilize this effect, for example to create spatially graded differentiation patterns of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in vitro or to investigate underpinning mechanisms, the confinement needs to be robust for extended time periods. To create highly repeatable micro-fabricated structures for cellular patterning and high-throughput data mining, we employed here a simple casting method to fabricate more than 800 adhesive patches confined by agarose micro-walls. In addition, a machine learning based image processing software was developed (open code) to detect the differentiation patterns of the population of hMSCs automatically. Utilizing the agarose walls, the circular patterns of hMSCs were successfully maintained throughout 15 days of cell culture. After staining lipid droplets and alkaline phosphatase as the markers of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, respectively, the mega-pixels of RGB color images of hMSCs were processed by the software on a laptop PC within several minutes. The image analysis successfully showed that hMSCs sitting on the more central versus peripheral sections of the adhesive circles showed adipogenic versus osteogenic differentiation as reported previously, indicating the compatibility of patterned agarose walls to conventional microcontact printing. In addition, we found a considerable fraction of undifferentiated cells which are preferentially located at the peripheral part of the adhesive circles, even in differentiation-inducing culture media. In this study, we thus successfully demonstrated a simple framework for analyzing the patterned differentiation of hMSCs in confined microenvironments, which has a range of applications in biology, including stem cell biology. PMID:28380036

Abnormal DNA methylation may contribute to the progression of osteosarcoma.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Gang; Ma, Liang; Xu, Jia-Xin

2018-01-01

The identification of optimal methylation biomarkers to achieve maximum diagnostic ability remains a challenge. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying osteosarcoma (OS) using DNA methylation analysis. Based on the GSE36002 dataset obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, differentially methylated genes were extracted between patients with OS and controls using t‑tests. Subsequently, hierarchical clustering was performed to segregate the samples into two distinct clusters, OS and normal. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses for differentially methylated genes were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery tool. A protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network was established, followed by hub gene identification. Using the cut‑off threshold of ≥0.2 average β‑value difference, 3,725 unique CpGs (2,862 genes) were identified to be differentially methylated between the OS and normal groups. Among these 2,862 genes, 510 genes were differentially hypermethylated and 2,352 were differentially hypomethylated. The differentially hypermethylated genes were primarily involved in 20 GO terms, and the top 3 terms were associated with potassium ion transport. For differentially hypomethylated genes, GO functions principally included passive transmembrane transporter activity, channel activity and metal ion transmembrane transporter activity. In addition, a total of 10 significant pathways were enriched by differentially hypomethylated genes; notably, neuroactive ligand‑receptor interaction was the most significant pathway. Based on a connectivity degree >90, 7 hub genes were selected from the PPI network, including neuromedin U (NMU; degree=103) and NMU receptor 1 (NMUR1; degree=103). Functional terms (potassium ion transport, transmembrane transporter activity, and neuroactive ligand‑receptor interaction) and hub genes (NMU and NMUR1) may serve as potential targets for the treatment and diagnosis of OS.

Population stochastic modelling (PSM)--an R package for mixed-effects models based on stochastic differential equations.

PubMed

Klim, Søren; Mortensen, Stig Bousgaard; Kristensen, Niels Rode; Overgaard, Rune Viig; Madsen, Henrik

2009-06-01

The extension from ordinary to stochastic differential equations (SDEs) in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling is an emerging field and has been motivated in a number of articles [N.R. Kristensen, H. Madsen, S.H. Ingwersen, Using stochastic differential equations for PK/PD model development, J. Pharmacokinet. Pharmacodyn. 32 (February(1)) (2005) 109-141; C.W. Tornøe, R.V. Overgaard, H. Agersø, H.A. Nielsen, H. Madsen, E.N. Jonsson, Stochastic differential equations in NONMEM: implementation, application, and comparison with ordinary differential equations, Pharm. Res. 22 (August(8)) (2005) 1247-1258; R.V. Overgaard, N. Jonsson, C.W. Tornøe, H. Madsen, Non-linear mixed-effects models with stochastic differential equations: implementation of an estimation algorithm, J. Pharmacokinet. Pharmacodyn. 32 (February(1)) (2005) 85-107; U. Picchini, S. Ditlevsen, A. De Gaetano, Maximum likelihood estimation of a time-inhomogeneous stochastic differential model of glucose dynamics, Math. Med. Biol. 25 (June(2)) (2008) 141-155]. PK/PD models are traditionally based ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with an observation link that incorporates noise. This state-space formulation only allows for observation noise and not for system noise. Extending to SDEs allows for a Wiener noise component in the system equations. This additional noise component enables handling of autocorrelated residuals originating from natural variation or systematic model error. Autocorrelated residuals are often partly ignored in PK/PD modelling although violating the hypothesis for many standard statistical tests. This article presents a package for the statistical program R that is able to handle SDEs in a mixed-effects setting. The estimation method implemented is the FOCE(1) approximation to the population likelihood which is generated from the individual likelihoods that are approximated using the Extended Kalman Filter's one-step predictions.

Exploring the Therapeutic Mechanism of Desmodium styracifolium on Oxalate Crystal-Induced Kidney Injuries Using Comprehensive Approaches Based on Proteomics and Network Pharmacology.

PubMed

Hou, Jiebin; Chen, Wei; Lu, Hongtao; Zhao, Hongxia; Gao, Songyan; Liu, Wenrui; Dong, Xin; Guo, Zhiyong

2018-01-01

Purpose: As a Chinese medicinal herb, Desmodium styracifolium (Osb.) Merr (DS) has been applied clinically to alleviate crystal-induced kidney injuries, but its effective components and their specific mechanisms still need further exploration. This research first combined the methods of network pharmacology and proteomics to explore the therapeutic protein targets of DS on oxalate crystal-induced kidney injuries to provide a reference for relevant clinical use. Methods: Oxalate-induced kidney injury mouse, rat, and HK-2 cell models were established. Proteins differentially expressed between the oxalate and control groups were respectively screened using iTRAQ combined with MALDI-TOF-MS. The common differential proteins of the three models were further analyzed by molecular docking with DS compounds to acquire differential targets. The inverse docking targets of DS were predicted through the platform of PharmMapper. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) relationship between the inverse docking targets and the differential proteins was established by STRING. Potential targets were further validated by western blot based on a mouse model with DS treatment. The effects of constituent compounds, including luteolin, apigenin, and genistein, were investigated based on an oxalate-stimulated HK-2 cell model. Results: Thirty-six common differentially expressed proteins were identified by proteomic analysis. According to previous research, the 3D structures of 15 major constituents of DS were acquired. Nineteen differential targets, including cathepsin D (CTSD), were found using molecular docking, and the component-differential target network was established. Inverse-docking targets including p38 MAPK and CDK-2 were found, and the network of component-reverse docking target was established. Through PPI analysis, 17 inverse-docking targets were linked to differential proteins. The combined network of component-inverse docking target-differential proteins was then constructed. The expressions of CTSD, p-p38 MAPK, and p-CDK-2 were shown to be increased in the oxalate group and decreased in kidney tissue by the DS treatment. Luteolin, apigenin, and genistein could protect oxalate-stimulated tubular cells as active components of DS. Conclusion: The potential targets including the CTSD, p38 MAPK, and CDK2 of DS in oxalate-induced kidney injuries and the active components (luteolin, apigenin, and genistein) of DS were successfully identified in this study by combining proteomics analysis, network pharmacology prediction, and experimental validation.

A Comprehensive Comparison of Multiparty Secure Additions with Differential Privacy

PubMed Central

Goryczka, Slawomir; Xiong, Li

2016-01-01

This paper considers the problem of secure data aggregation (mainly summation) in a distributed setting, while ensuring differential privacy of the result. We study secure multiparty addition protocols using well known security schemes: Shamir’s secret sharing, perturbation-based, and various encryptions. We supplement our study with our new enhanced encryption scheme EFT, which is efficient and fault tolerant. Differential privacy of the final result is achieved by either distributed Laplace or Geometric mechanism (respectively DLPA or DGPA), while approximated differential privacy is achieved by diluted mechanisms. Distributed random noise is generated collectively by all participants, which draw random variables from one of several distributions: Gamma, Gauss, Geometric, or their diluted versions. We introduce a new distributed privacy mechanism with noise drawn from the Laplace distribution, which achieves smaller redundant noise with efficiency. We compare complexity and security characteristics of the protocols with different differential privacy mechanisms and security schemes. More importantly, we implemented all protocols and present an experimental comparison on their performance and scalability in a real distributed environment. Based on the evaluations, we identify our security scheme and Laplace DLPA as the most efficient for secure distributed data aggregation with privacy. PMID:28919841

Estimating Soil Hydraulic Parameters using Gradient Based Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, P. K.; Tripathi, S.

2017-12-01

The conventional way of estimating parameters of a differential equation is to minimize the error between the observations and their estimates. The estimates are produced from forward solution (numerical or analytical) of differential equation assuming a set of parameters. Parameter estimation using the conventional approach requires high computational cost, setting-up of initial and boundary conditions, and formation of difference equations in case the forward solution is obtained numerically. Gaussian process based approaches like Gaussian Process Ordinary Differential Equation (GPODE) and Adaptive Gradient Matching (AGM) have been developed to estimate the parameters of Ordinary Differential Equations without explicitly solving them. Claims have been made that these approaches can straightforwardly be extended to Partial Differential Equations; however, it has been never demonstrated. This study extends AGM approach to PDEs and applies it for estimating parameters of Richards equation. Unlike the conventional approach, the AGM approach does not require setting-up of initial and boundary conditions explicitly, which is often difficult in real world application of Richards equation. The developed methodology was applied to synthetic soil moisture data. It was seen that the proposed methodology can estimate the soil hydraulic parameters correctly and can be a potential alternative to the conventional method.

A Comprehensive Comparison of Multiparty Secure Additions with Differential Privacy.

PubMed

Goryczka, Slawomir; Xiong, Li

2017-01-01

This paper considers the problem of secure data aggregation (mainly summation) in a distributed setting, while ensuring differential privacy of the result. We study secure multiparty addition protocols using well known security schemes: Shamir's secret sharing, perturbation-based, and various encryptions. We supplement our study with our new enhanced encryption scheme EFT, which is efficient and fault tolerant. Differential privacy of the final result is achieved by either distributed Laplace or Geometric mechanism (respectively DLPA or DGPA), while approximated differential privacy is achieved by diluted mechanisms. Distributed random noise is generated collectively by all participants, which draw random variables from one of several distributions: Gamma, Gauss, Geometric, or their diluted versions. We introduce a new distributed privacy mechanism with noise drawn from the Laplace distribution, which achieves smaller redundant noise with efficiency. We compare complexity and security characteristics of the protocols with different differential privacy mechanisms and security schemes. More importantly, we implemented all protocols and present an experimental comparison on their performance and scalability in a real distributed environment. Based on the evaluations, we identify our security scheme and Laplace DLPA as the most efficient for secure distributed data aggregation with privacy.

TCR Signal Strength Alters T–DC Activation and Interaction Times and Directs the Outcome of Differentiation

PubMed Central

van Panhuys, Nicholas

2016-01-01

The ability of CD4+ T cells to differentiate into effector subsets underpins their ability to shape the immune response and mediate host protection. During T cell receptor-induced activation of CD4+ T cells, both the quality and quantity of specific activatory peptide/MHC ligands have been shown to control the polarization of naive CD4+ T cells in addition to co-stimulatory and cytokine-based signals. Recently, advances in two-­photon microscopy and tetramer-based cell tracking methods have allowed investigators to greatly extend the study of the role of TCR signaling in effector differentiation under in vivo conditions. In this review, we consider data from recent in vivo studies analyzing the role of TCR signal strength in controlling the outcome of CD4+ T cell differentiation and discuss the role of TCR in controlling the critical nature of CD4+ T cell interactions with dendritic cells during activation. We further propose a model whereby TCR signal strength controls the temporal aspects of T–DC interactions and the implications for this in mediating the downstream signaling events, which influence the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of effector differentiation. PMID:26834747

Comparison of Plasma Exosomes by Differential Ultracentrifugation and Solvent Precipitation Methods.

PubMed

Peng, Qiao; Zhang, Jing; Zhou, Gang

2018-06-01

Emerging evidence has identified that exosomes play a pivotal role in intercellular signal transmission. However, the standardized purification techniques to isolate high quality exosomes are still deficient at present. This study was to evaluate reproducibility and efficiency of differential ultracentrifugation and solvent precipitation-based kits by isolating plasma-derived exosomes from oral lichen planus patients. Morphology, exosomal biomarkers, particle size distribution, proteomic components, and protein yield of isolated exosomes were evaluated by transmission electron microscope, western blot, laser diffraction instrument, Coomassie staining, and BCA protein assay kit, respectively. TEM displayed representative cup-shaped morphology of exosomes and western blot identified exosomal biomarkers CD9 and CD63. The size distribution showed that particles by differential ultracentrifugation were mainly from 26.15 nm to 166.5 nm, while some of the particles obtained by solvent precipitation kits were larger than 1,000 nm. In addition, exosomes isolated by solvent precipitation kits showed a significantly higher amount of protein yield due to plasma albumin contamination. Both differential ultracentrifugation and precipitation based kits could successfully isolate plasma exosomes, and exosomes by differential ultracentrifugation were purer and more appropriate for further proteomic analysis.

The role of valence focus and appraisal overlap in emotion differentiation.

PubMed

Erbas, Yasemin; Ceulemans, Eva; Koval, Peter; Kuppens, Peter

2015-06-01

Emotion differentiation refers to the level of specificity with which people distinguish between their emotional states and is considered to play an important role for psychological well-being. Yet, not much is known about what characterizes people high or low in emotion differentiation and what underlies these differences. In 2 studies involving experience sampling (Studies 1-2) and lab based (Study 2) methods, we investigated how emotion differentiation is related to individual differences in valence focus and the overlap in appraisal patterns between emotions. In line with expectations, results showed that high levels of both positive and negative emotion differentiation are related to lower levels of valence focus and lower levels of appraisal overlap between emotions. These findings suggest that individuals who are low in emotion differentiation mainly emphasize the valence aspect of emotions while individuals who are high in emotion differentiation make stronger distinctions between emotions in terms of their underlying appraisal profiles. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of parental personality traits in differential parenting.

PubMed

Browne, Dillon T; Meunier, Jean Christophe; O'Connor, Thomas G; Jenkins, Jennifer M

2012-08-01

Significant relationships have been demonstrated between parental personality and parenting toward individual children, but there is little research exploring the relationship between parental personality and differential parenting (DP). The present study examined the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and differential positivity and negativity in parenting (observed and self-report measures). The analyses are based on a sample of 867 children nested within 381 families. Using multilevel modeling and controlling for child age, gender, birth order, behavior, and family socioeconomic status analyses revealed that maternal and paternal agreeableness were inversely related to reports of differential positivity. Agreeableness predicted observed differential negativity, and the relationship was curvilinear (at both high and low levels of agreeableness, differential negativity was higher). Finally, mothers with the most openness to experience exhibited the highest levels of reported differential negativity. The findings suggest that parental personality is a modest yet important influence to consider when conceptualizing the sources of DP. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved.

Differential-Evolution Control Parameter Optimization for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Path Planning

PubMed Central

Kok, Kai Yit; Rajendran, Parvathy

2016-01-01

The differential evolution algorithm has been widely applied on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning. At present, four random tuning parameters exist for differential evolution algorithm, namely, population size, differential weight, crossover, and generation number. These tuning parameters are required, together with user setting on path and computational cost weightage. However, the optimum settings of these tuning parameters vary according to application. Instead of trial and error, this paper presents an optimization method of differential evolution algorithm for tuning the parameters of UAV path planning. The parameters that this research focuses on are population size, differential weight, crossover, and generation number. The developed algorithm enables the user to simply define the weightage desired between the path and computational cost to converge with the minimum generation required based on user requirement. In conclusion, the proposed optimization of tuning parameters in differential evolution algorithm for UAV path planning expedites and improves the final output path and computational cost. PMID:26943630

Genetic and Chemical Screenings Identify HDAC3 as a Key Regulator in Hepatic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.

PubMed

Li, Shuang; Li, Mushan; Liu, Xiaojian; Yang, Yuanyuan; Wei, Yuda; Chen, Yanhao; Qiu, Yan; Zhou, Tingting; Feng, Zhuanghui; Ma, Danjun; Fang, Jing; Ying, Hao; Wang, Hui; Musunuru, Kiran; Shao, Zhen; Zhao, Yongxu; Ding, Qiurong

2018-05-24

Hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer a promising cell resource for disease modeling and transplantation. However, differentiated HLCs exhibit an immature phenotype and comprise a heterogeneous population. Thus, a better understanding of HLC differentiation will improve the likelihood of future application. Here, by taking advantage of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-wide screening technology and a high-throughput hPSC screening platform with a reporter readout, we identified several potential genetic regulators of HLC differentiation. By using a chemical screening approach within our platform, we also identified compounds that can further promote HLC differentiation and preserve the characteristics of in vitro cultured primary hepatocytes. Remarkably, both screenings identified histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) as a key regulator in hepatic differentiation. Mechanistically, HDAC3 formed a complex with liver transcriptional factors, e.g., HNF4, and co-regulated the transcriptional program during hepatic differentiation. This study highlights a broadly useful approach for studying and optimizing hPSC differentiation. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lithium Chloride can Induce Differentiation of Human Immortalized RenVm Cells into Dopaminergic Neurons.

PubMed

Soleimani, Mitra; Ghasemi, Nazem

2017-01-01

Stem cell-based therapy is a novel strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The transplantation of fully differentiated cells instead of stem cells in order to decrease serious adverse complications of stem cell therapy is a new idea. In this study, the effect of lithium chloride on dopaminergic differentiation of human immortalized RenVm cells was investigated in order to access a population of fully differentiated cells for transplantation in Parkinson disease. The immortalized RenVm cells were induced to dopaminergic differentiation using a neurobasal medium supplemented with N2 and different concentrations (1, 3, 6 mM ) of Lithium Chloride (LiCl) for 4, 8 and 12 days. The efficiency of dopaminergic differentiation was evaluated using immunocytochemistry and western blot techniques for tyrosine hydroxylase and β-catenin marker expression. Our results indicated that LiCl can promote dopaminergic differentiation of RenVm cells in a dose-dependent manner. It can be concluded that LiCl is able to facilitate dopaminergic differentiation of cultured cells by affecting Wnt-frizzled signaling pathway.

Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistor Differential Amplifier Circuit Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Thomas A.; MacLeod, Todd C.; Ho, Fat D.

2008-01-01

There has been considerable research investigating the Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistor (FeFET) in memory circuits. However, very little research has been performed in applying the FeFET to analog circuits. This paper investigates the use of FeFETs in a common analog circuit, the differential amplifier. The two input Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) transistors in a general MOS differential amplifier circuit are replaced with FeFETs. Resistors are used in place of the other three MOS transistors. The FeFET model used in the analysis has been previously reported and was based on experimental device data. Because of the FeFET hysteresis, the FeFET differential amplifier has four different operating modes depending on whether the FeFETs are positively or negatively polarized. The FeFET differential amplifier operation in the different modes was analyzed by calculating the amplifier voltage transfer and gain characteristics shown in figures 2 through 5. Comparisons were made between the FeFET differential amplifier and the standard MOS differential amplifier. Possible applications and benefits of the FeFET differential amplifier are discussed.

Passivity-based sliding mode control for a polytopic stochastic differential inclusion system.

PubMed

Liu, Leipo; Fu, Zhumu; Song, Xiaona

2013-11-01

Passivity-based sliding mode control for a polytopic stochastic differential inclusion (PSDI) system is considered. A control law is designed such that the reachability of sliding motion is guaranteed. Moreover, sufficient conditions for mean square asymptotic stability and passivity of sliding mode dynamics are obtained by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2013 ISA. Published by ISA. All rights reserved.

Legendre-tau approximation for functional differential equations. Part 2: The linear quadratic optimal control problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ito, K.; Teglas, R.

1984-01-01

The numerical scheme based on the Legendre-tau approximation is proposed to approximate the feedback solution to the linear quadratic optimal control problem for hereditary differential systems. The convergence property is established using Trotter ideas. The method yields very good approximations at low orders and provides an approximation technique for computing closed-loop eigenvalues of the feedback system. A comparison with existing methods (based on averaging and spline approximations) is made.

Legendre-tau approximation for functional differential equations. II - The linear quadratic optimal control problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ito, Kazufumi; Teglas, Russell

1987-01-01

The numerical scheme based on the Legendre-tau approximation is proposed to approximate the feedback solution to the linear quadratic optimal control problem for hereditary differential systems. The convergence property is established using Trotter ideas. The method yields very good approximations at low orders and provides an approximation technique for computing closed-loop eigenvalues of the feedback system. A comparison with existing methods (based on averaging and spline approximations) is made.

Performance comparison of classifiers for differentiation among obstructive lung diseases based on features of texture analysis at HRCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Youngjoo; Seo, Joon Beom; Kang, Bokyoung; Kim, Dongil; Lee, June Goo; Kim, Song Soo; Kim, Namkug; Kang, Suk Ho

2007-03-01

The performance of classification algorithms for differentiating among obstructive lung diseases based on features from texture analysis using HRCT (High Resolution Computerized Tomography) images was compared. HRCT can provide accurate information for the detection of various obstructive lung diseases, including centrilobular emphysema, panlobular emphysema and bronchiolitis obliterans. Features on HRCT images can be subtle, however, particularly in the early stages of disease, and image-based diagnosis is subject to inter-observer variation. To automate the diagnosis and improve the accuracy, we compared three types of automated classification systems, naÃve Bayesian classifier, ANN (Artificial Neural Net) and SVM (Support Vector Machine), based on their ability to differentiate among normal lung and three types of obstructive lung diseases. To assess the performance and cross-validation of these three classifiers, 5 folding methods with 5 randomly chosen groups were used. For a more robust result, each validation was repeated 100 times. SVM showed the best performance, with 86.5% overall sensitivity, significantly different from the other classifiers (one way ANOVA, p<0.01). We address the characteristics of each classifier affecting performance and the issue of which classifier is the most suitable for clinical applications, and propose an appropriate method to choose the best classifier and determine its optimal parameters for optimal disease discrimination. These results can be applied to classifiers for differentiation of other diseases.

Control of AUVs using differential flatness theory and the derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rigatos, Gerasimos; Raffo, Guilerme

2015-12-01

The paper proposes nonlinear control and filtering for Autonomous Underwater Vessels (AUVs) based on differential flatness theory and on the use of the Derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter. First, it is shown that the 6-DOF dynamic model of the AUV is a differentially flat one. This enables its transformation into the linear canonical (Brunovsky) form and facilitates the design of a state feedback controller. A problem that has to be dealt with is the uncertainty about the parameters of the AUV's dynamic model, as well the external perturbations which affect its motion. To cope with this, it is proposed to use a disturbance observer which is based on the Derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter. The considered filtering method consists of the standard Kalman Filter recursion applied on the linearized model of the vessel and of an inverse transformation based on differential flatness theory, which enables to obtain estimates of the state variables of the initial nonlinear model of the vessel. The Kalman Filter-based disturbance observer performs simultaneous estimation of the non-measurable state variables of the AUV and of the perturbation terms that affect its dynamics. By estimating such disturbances, their compensation is also succeeded through suitable modification of the feedback control input. The efficiency of the proposed AUV control and estimation scheme is confirmed through simulation experiments.

Identification of a TAAT-containing motif required for high level expression of the COL1A1 promoter in differentiated osteoblasts of transgenic mice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodig, M.; Kronenberg, M. S.; Bedalov, A.; Kream, B. E.; Gronowicz, G.; Clark, S. H.; Mack, K.; Liu, Y. H.; Maxon, R.; Pan, Z. Z.;

Morphological and molecular differentiation of Staphylocystis clydesengeri n. sp. (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae) from the vagrant shrew, Sorex vagrans (Soricomorpha, Soricidae), in North America.

PubMed

Tkach, Vasyl V; Makarikov, Arseny A; Kinsella, John M

2013-01-01

Staphylocystis clydesengeri n. sp. is described from shrews Sorex vagrans in Montana and Washington, United States. It differs from the only previously known North American representative of the genus, S. schilleri, in having more numerous (37-42 vs. 22-30) and larger (39-44 microm vs. 27-30 microm) rostellar hooks. The two species also differ in several other important characters such as relative length of the cirrus pouch, position of gonads and shape of mature proglottides. Morphological differentiation of the new species from all previously known Palearctic species of Staphylocystis from Sorex is also provided. Differentiation from Staphylocystis parasitic in crocidurine shrews is not provided due to the high level of specificity among shrew hymenolepidids to the host genera and much greater levels of sequence divergence between Staphylocystis from the two groups of shrews. Molecular differentiation based on 2,800 base pair long sequences of nuclear ribosomal RNA (complete ITS region and partial 28S region), 663 base pair long sequences of mitochondrial nad1 gene and 542 base pair long sequences of mitochondrial ribosomal 16S gene strongly support the status of Staphylocystis clydesengeri n. sp. Relative utility of the DNA fragments used in this study for reliable differentiation among closely related species of mammalian hymenolepidids is discussed. Nuclear ribosomal RNA region appears to be too conserved for this purpose. Use of at least one mitochondrial gene in addition to nuclear ribosomal RNA or without it, is recommended. Vampirolepis novosibirskiensis Sawada & Kobayashi, 1994 is transferred to Staphylocystis as a junior synonym of S. furcara (Stieda, 1862). Rodentolepis gnoskei Greiman & Tkach, 2012 is transferred to Pararodentolepis Makarikov and Gulyaev, 2009 as a new combination Pararodentolepis gnoskei (Greiman & Tkach, 2012) n. comb.

Diffracting aperture based differential phase contrast for scanning X-ray microscopy.

PubMed

Kaulich, Burkhard; Polack, Francois; Neuhaeusler, Ulrich; Susini, Jean; di Fabrizio, Enzo; Wilhein, Thomas

2002-10-07

It is demonstrated that in a zone plate based scanning X-ray microscope, used to image low absorbing, heterogeneous matter at a mesoscopic scale, differential phase contrast (DPC) can be implemented without adding any additional optical component to the normal scheme of the microscope. The DPC mode is simply generated by an appropriate positioning and alignment of microscope apertures. Diffraction from the apertures produces a wave front with a non-uniform intensity. The signal recorded by a pinhole photo diode located in the intensity gradient is highly sensitive to phase changes introduced by the specimen to be recorded. The feasibility of this novel DPC technique was proven with the scanning X-ray microscope at the ID21 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation facility (ESRF) operated at 6 keV photon energy. We observe a differential phase contrast, similar to Nomarski's differential interference contrast for the light microscope, which results in a tremendous increase in image contrast of up to 20 % when imaging low absorbing specimen.

Range overlap and individual movements during breeding season influence genetic relationships of caribou herds in south-central Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roffler, Gretchen H.; Adams, Layne G.; Talbot, Sandra L.; Sage, George K.; Dale, Bruce W.

2012-01-01

North American caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herds commonly exhibit little nuclear genetic differentiation among adjacent herds, although available evidence supports strong demographic separation, even for herds with seasonal range overlap. During 1997–2003, we studied the Mentasta and Nelchina caribou herds in south-central Alaska using radiotelemetry to determine individual movements and range overlap during the breeding season, and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers to assess levels of genetic differentiation. Although the herds were considered discrete because females calved in separate regions, individual movements and breeding-range overlap in some years provided opportunity for male-mediated gene flow, even without demographic interchange. Telemetry results revealed strong female philopatry, and little evidence of female emigration despite overlapping seasonal distributions. Analyses of 13 microsatellites indicated the Mentasta and Nelchina herds were not significantly differentiated using both traditional population-based analyses and individual-based Bayesian clustering analyses. However, we observed mtDNA differentiation between the 2 herds (FSTM = 0.041, P

Small-molecule-directed, efficient generation of retinal pigment epithelium from human pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Maruotti, Julien; Sripathi, Srinivas R; Bharti, Kapil; Fuller, John; Wahlin, Karl J; Ranganathan, Vinod; Sluch, Valentin M; Berlinicke, Cynthia A; Davis, Janine; Kim, Catherine; Zhao, Lijun; Wan, Jun; Qian, Jiang; Corneo, Barbara; Temple, Sally; Dubey, Ramin; Olenyuk, Bogdan Z; Bhutto, Imran; Lutty, Gerard A; Zack, Donald J

2015-09-01

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with dysfunction and death of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Cell-based approaches using RPE-like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are being developed for AMD treatment. However, most efficient RPE differentiation protocols rely on complex, stepwise treatments and addition of growth factors, whereas small-molecule-only approaches developed to date display reduced yields. To identify new compounds that promote RPE differentiation, we developed and performed a high-throughput quantitative PCR screen complemented by a novel orthogonal human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based RPE reporter assay. Chetomin, an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factors, was found to strongly increase RPE differentiation; combination with nicotinamide resulted in conversion of over one-half of the differentiating cells into RPE. Single passage of the whole culture yielded a highly pure hPSC-RPE cell population that displayed many of the morphological, molecular, and functional characteristics of native RPE.

Small-molecule–directed, efficient generation of retinal pigment epithelium from human pluripotent stem cells

PubMed Central

Maruotti, Julien; Sripathi, Srinivas R.; Bharti, Kapil; Fuller, John; Wahlin, Karl J.; Ranganathan, Vinod; Sluch, Valentin M.; Berlinicke, Cynthia A.; Davis, Janine; Kim, Catherine; Zhao, Lijun; Wan, Jun; Qian, Jiang; Corneo, Barbara; Temple, Sally; Dubey, Ramin; Olenyuk, Bogdan Z.; Bhutto, Imran; Lutty, Gerard A.; Zack, Donald J.

2015-01-01

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with dysfunction and death of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Cell-based approaches using RPE-like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are being developed for AMD treatment. However, most efficient RPE differentiation protocols rely on complex, stepwise treatments and addition of growth factors, whereas small-molecule–only approaches developed to date display reduced yields. To identify new compounds that promote RPE differentiation, we developed and performed a high-throughput quantitative PCR screen complemented by a novel orthogonal human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based RPE reporter assay. Chetomin, an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factors, was found to strongly increase RPE differentiation; combination with nicotinamide resulted in conversion of over one-half of the differentiating cells into RPE. Single passage of the whole culture yielded a highly pure hPSC-RPE cell population that displayed many of the morphological, molecular, and functional characteristics of native RPE. PMID:26269569

Three-dimensional neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells with ACM induction in microfibrous matrices in bioreactors.

PubMed

Liu, Ning; Ouyang, Anli; Li, Yan; Yang, Shang-Tian

2013-01-01

The clinical use of pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived neural cells requires an efficient differentiation process for mass production in a bioreactor. Toward this goal, neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in three-dimensional (3D) polyethylene terephthalate microfibrous matrices was investigated in this study. To streamline the process and provide a platform for process integration, the neural differentiation of ESCs was induced with astrocyte-conditioned medium without the formation of embryoid bodies, starting from undifferentiated ESC aggregates expanded in a suspension bioreactor. The 3D neural differentiation was able to generate a complex neural network in the matrices. When compared to 2D differentiation, 3D differentiation in microfibrous matrices resulted in a higher percentage of nestin-positive cells (68% vs. 54%) and upregulated gene expressions of nestin, Nurr1, and tyrosine hydroxylase. High purity of neural differentiation in 3D microfibrous matrix was also demonstrated in a spinner bioreactor with 74% nestin + cells. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a scalable process based on 3D differentiation in microfibrous matrices for the production of ESC-derived neural cells. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Enhancement of neuronal differentiation by using small molecules modulating Nodal/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, and FGF signaling.

PubMed

Song, Yonghee; Lee, Somyung; Jho, Eek-Hoon

2018-06-08

Pluripotent embryonic stem cells are one of the best modalities for the disease treatment due to their potential for self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. Induction of stem cell differentiation into specific cell lineages has been investigated for decades, especially in vitro neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem cells. However, in vitro differentiation methods do not yield sufficient amounts of neurons for use in the therapeutic treatment of neurological disorders. Here, we provide an improved neuronal differentiation method based on a combination of small regulatory molecules for specific signaling pathways (FGF4 for FGF signaling, SB431542 for Nodal/Smad signaling, and XAV939 and BIO for Wnt signaling) in N2B27 media. We found that FGF4 was required for neural induction, SB431542 accelerated neural precursor differentiation, and treatment with XAV939 and BIO at different periods enhanced neuronal differentiation. These optimized neuronal differentiation conditions may allow a greater neuron cell yield within a shorter time than current methods and be the basis for treatment of neurological dysfunction using stem cells. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Mapping human pluripotent stem cell differentiation pathways using high throughput single-cell RNA-sequencing.

PubMed

Han, Xiaoping; Chen, Haide; Huang, Daosheng; Chen, Huidong; Fei, Lijiang; Cheng, Chen; Huang, He; Yuan, Guo-Cheng; Guo, Guoji

2018-04-05

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provide powerful models for studying cellular differentiations and unlimited sources of cells for regenerative medicine. However, a comprehensive single-cell level differentiation roadmap for hPSCs has not been achieved. We use high throughput single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), based on optimized microfluidic circuits, to profile early differentiation lineages in the human embryoid body system. We present a cellular-state landscape for hPSC early differentiation that covers multiple cellular lineages, including neural, muscle, endothelial, stromal, liver, and epithelial cells. Through pseudotime analysis, we construct the developmental trajectories of these progenitor cells and reveal the gene expression dynamics in the process of cell differentiation. We further reprogram primed H9 cells into naïve-like H9 cells to study the cellular-state transition process. We find that genes related to hemogenic endothelium development are enriched in naïve-like H9. Functionally, naïve-like H9 show higher potency for differentiation into hematopoietic lineages than primed cells. Our single-cell analysis reveals the cellular-state landscape of hPSC early differentiation, offering new insights that can be harnessed for optimization of differentiation protocols.

Physicochemical Control of Adult Stem Cell Differentiation: Shedding Light on Potential Molecular Mechanisms

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

stem - cell -based biomedical and therapeutic applications, including tissue engineering, requires an understanding of the cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. To this end, recent efforts have been focused on the manipulation of adult stem cell differentiation using inductive soluble factors, designing suitable mechanical environments, and applying noninvasive physical forces. Although each of these different approaches has been successfully applied to regulate stem cell differentiation, it would be of great interest and

Some problems in fractal differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Weiyi

2016-06-01

Based upon the fractal calculus on local fields, or p-type calculus, or Gibbs-Butzer calculus ([1],[2]), we suggest a constructive idea for "fractal differential equations", beginning from some special examples to a general theory. However, this is just an original idea, it needs lots of later work to support. In [3], we show example "two dimension wave equations with fractal boundaries", and in this note, other examples, as well as an idea to construct fractal differential equations are shown.

On computing Gröbner bases in rings of differential operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaodong; Sun, Yao; Wang, Dingkang

2011-05-01

Insa and Pauer presented a basic theory of Groebner basis for differential operators with coefficients in a commutative ring in 1998, and a criterion was proposed to determine if a set of differential operators is a Groebner basis. In this paper, we will give a new criterion such that Insa and Pauer's criterion could be concluded as a special case and one could compute the Groebner basis more efficiently by this new criterion.

D1/D2 domain of large-subunit ribosomal DNA for differentiation of Orpinomyces spp.

PubMed

Dagar, Sumit S; Kumar, Sanjay; Mudgil, Priti; Singh, Rameshwar; Puniya, Anil K

2011-09-01

This study presents the suitability of D1/D2 domain of large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) for differentiation of Orpinomyces joyonii and Orpinomyces intercalaris based on PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). A variation of G/T in O. intercalaris created an additional restriction site for AluI, which was used as an RFLP marker. The results demonstrate adequate heterogeneity in the LSU rDNA for species-level differentiation.

On the Number of Periodic Solutions of Delay Differential Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Maoan; Xu, Bing; Tian, Huanhuan; Bai, Yuzhen

In this paper, we consider the existence and number of periodic solutions for a class of delay differential equations of the form ẋ(t) = bx(t ‑ 1) + 𝜀f(x(t),x(t ‑ 1),𝜀), based on the Kaplan-Yorke method. Especially, we consider a kind of delay differential equations with f as a polynomial having parameters and find the number of periodic solutions with period 4 4k+1 or 4 4k+3.

Design of TIR collimating lens for ordinary differential equation of extended light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Qianjing; Liu, Xiaoqin; Hou, Zaihong; Wu, Yi

2017-10-01

The source of LED has been widely used in our daily life. The intensity angle distribution of single LED is lambert distribution, which does not satisfy the requirement of people. Therefore, we need to distribute light and change the LED's intensity angle distribution. The most commonly method to change its intensity angle distribution is the free surface. Generally, using ordinary differential equations to calculate free surface can only be applied in a point source, but it will lead to a big error for the expand light. This paper proposes a LED collimating lens based on the ordinary differential equation, combined with the LED's light distribution curve, and adopt the method of calculating the center gravity of the extended light to get the normal vector. According to the law of Snell, the ordinary differential equations are constructed. Using the runge-kutta method for solution of ordinary differential equation solution, the curve point coordinates are gotten. Meanwhile, the edge point data of lens are imported into the optical simulation software TracePro. Based on 1mm×1mm single lambert body for light conditions, The degrees of collimating light can be close to +/-3. Furthermore, the energy utilization rate is higher than 85%. In this paper, the point light source is used to calculate partial differential equation method and compared with the simulation of the lens, which improve the effect of 1 degree of collimation.

[Phenotype-based primary screening for drugs promoting neuronal subtype differentiation in embryonic stem cells with light microscope].

PubMed

Gao, Yi-ning; Wang, Dan-ying; Pan, Zong-fu; Mei, Yu-qin; Wang, Zhi-qiang; Zhu, Dan-yan; Lou, Yi-jia

2012-07-01

To set up a platform for phenotype-based primary screening of drug candidates promoting neuronal subtype differentiation in embryonic stem cells (ES) with light microscope. Hanging drop culture 4-/4+ method was employed to harvest the cells around embryoid body (EB) at differentiation endpoint. Morphological evaluation for neuron-like cells was performed with light microscope. Axons for more than three times of the length of the cell body were considered as neuron-like cells. The compound(s) that promote neuron-like cells was further evaluated. Icariin (ICA, 10(-6)mol/L) and Isobavachin (IBA, 10(-7)mol/L) were selected to screen the differentiation-promoting activity on ES cells. Immunofluorescence staining with specific antibodies (ChAT, GABA) was used to evaluate the neuron subtypes. The cells treated with IBA showed neuron-like phenotype, but the cells treated with ICA did not exhibit the morphological changes. ES cells treated with IBA was further confirmed to be cholinergic and GABAergic neurons. Phenotypic screening with light microscope for molecules promoting neuronal differentiation is an effective method with advantages of less labor and material consuming and time saving, and false-positive results derived from immunofluorescence can be avoided. The method confirms that IBA is able to facilitate ES cells differentiating into neuronal cells, including cholinergic neurons and GABAergic neurons.

Enhanced chondrogenesis of human bone marrow mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC) on nanofiber-based polyethersulfone (PES) scaffold.

PubMed

Mahboudi, Hossein; Kazemi, Bahram; Soleimani, Masoud; Hanaee-Ahvaz, Hana; Ghanbarian, Hossein; Bandehpour, Mojgan; Enderami, Seyed Ehsan; Kehtari, Mousa; Barati, Ghasem

2018-02-15

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from bone marrow hold great potential as a cell source for cartilage repair. The objective of our study was differentiation of MSC toward chondrocyte by using Nanofiber-based polyethersulfone (PES) scaffold and also enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of BMSC in vitro. MSCs were harvested from bone marrow of human and PES scaffold was fabricated via Electrospinning. The isolated cells were cultured on the PES scaffold and scaffold free method. After 21days, Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the cartilage-specific genes in the mRNA levels. Also, in order to confirm our results, we have done immunocytochemistry and SEM imaging. Flowcytometry confirmed the nature of the isolated adherent cells. Immunocytochemistry and SEM imaging confirmed the differentiation of MSC toward chondrocyte. Also, real time PCR showed a significant increased gene expression of collagen type II and aggrecan on the PES scaffold method when compared to the mRNA levels measured in scaffold free method. Down regulation of Collagen type I was observed in PES scaffold compared to scaffold free at day 21. Also, both methods showed a similar pattern of expression of SOX9. Our results showed that PES scaffold maintains BMSC proliferation and differentiation, and can significantly enhance chondrogenic differentiation of BMSC. PES scaffold seeded BMSC showed the highest capacity for differentiation into chondrocyte-like cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differential photo-acoustic gas cell based on LTCC for ppm gas sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keränen, K.; Kautio, K.; Ollila, J.; Heikkinen, M.; Kauppinen, I.; Kuusela, T.; Matveev, B.; McNie, M. E.; Jenkins, R. M.; Karioja, P.

2010-02-01

Silicon MEMS cantilever-based photoacoustic technology allows for the sensing of ultra low gas concentrations with very wide dynamic range. The sensitivity enhancement is achieved with a cantilever microphone system in which the cantilever displacement is probed with an optical interferometer providing a pico-meter resolution. In the gas sensor, the silicon cantilever microphone is placed in a two-chamber differential gas cell. By monitoring differential pressure changes between the two chambers, the differential cell operates as a differential infra-red detector for optical absorption signals through a measurement and reference path. The differential pressure signal is proportional to gas concentration in the optical measurement path. We have designed, implemented and tested a differential photo-acoustic gas cell based on Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) multilayer substrate technology. Standard LTCC technology enables implementation of 2.5D structures including holes, cavities and channels into the electronic substrate. The implemented differential photoacoustic gas cell structure includes two 10 mm long cylindrical cells, diameter of 2.4 mm. Reflectance measurements of the cell showed that reflectivity of the substrate material can be improved by a factor 15 - 90 in the 3 - 8 μm spectral region using gold or silver paste coatings. A transparent window is required in the differential gas cell structure in order to probe the displacement of the silicon cantilever. The transparent sapphire window was sealed to the LTCC substrate using two methods: screen printed Au80/Sn20 solder paste and pre-attached glass solder paste (Diemat DM2700P/H848). Both methods were shown to provide hermetic sealing of sapphire windows to LTCC substrate. The measured He-leak rate for the 10 sealed test samples implemented using glass paste were under 2.0 ×10-9 atm×cm3/s, which meets the requirement for the leak rate according to MIL-STD 883. The achieved hermeticity level suggests that the proof-of-principle packaging demonstrator paves the way for implementing a novel differential photoacoustic gas cell for a future miniature gas sensor module. The future module consisting of a sample gas cell and immersion lens IR LEDs together with interferometric probing of the cantilever microphone is expected to be capable of measuring ultra low concentrations of a wide range of gases with their fundamental absorption bands at 3 - 7 μm wavelength, such as CO, CO2 and CH4.

A chemically defined substrate for the expansion and neuronal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells.

PubMed

Tsai, Yihuan; Cutts, Josh; Kimura, Azuma; Varun, Divya; Brafman, David A

2015-07-01

Due to the limitation of current pharmacological therapeutic strategies, stem cell therapies have emerged as a viable option for treating many incurable neurological disorders. Specifically, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (hNPCs), a multipotent cell population that is capable of near indefinite expansion and subsequent differentiation into the various cell types that comprise the central nervous system (CNS), could provide an unlimited source of cells for such cell-based therapies. However the clinical application of these cells will require (i) defined, xeno-free conditions for their expansion and neuronal differentiation and (ii) scalable culture systems that enable their expansion and neuronal differentiation in numbers sufficient for regenerative medicine and drug screening purposes. Current extracellular matrix protein (ECMP)-based substrates for the culture of hNPCs are expensive, difficult to isolate, subject to batch-to-batch variations, and, therefore, unsuitable for clinical application of hNPCs. Using a high-throughput array-based screening approach, we identified a synthetic polymer, poly(4-vinyl phenol) (P4VP), that supported the long-term proliferation and self-renewal of hNPCs. The hNPCs cultured on P4VP maintained their characteristic morphology, expressed high levels of markers of multipotency, and retained their ability to differentiate into neurons. Such chemically defined substrates will eliminate critical roadblocks for the utilization of hNPCs for human neural regenerative repair, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Fiber-optic temperature sensors based on differential spectral transmittance/reflectivity and multiplexed sensing systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Anbo; Wang, George Z.; Murphy, Kent A.; Claus, Richard O.

1995-05-01

Dielectric-multilayer-filter-based, optical-fiber temperature sensors based on differential spectral transmittance/reflectivity were shown experimentally. A resolution of 0.2 C was achieved over a measurement range of 30-120 C. The sensor was shown to possess low immunity to variations in light-source power and fiber-bending loss. A wavelength-division-multiplexed sensing system was also fabricated by cascading three such filters with distinct cutoff wavelengths along a single multimode fiber. A resolution of 0.5 C was achieved over a temperature spectrum of 50-100 C. Furthermore, cross talk between sensors was examined.

Theory of liquid crystal elastomers and polymer networks : Connection between neoclassical theory and differential geometry.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thanh-Son; Selinger, Jonathan V

2017-09-01

In liquid crystal elastomers and polymer networks, the orientational order of liquid crystals is coupled with elastic distortions of crosslinked polymers. Previous theoretical research has described these materials through two different approaches: a neoclassical theory based on the liquid crystal director and the deformation gradient tensor, and a geometric elasticity theory based on the difference between the actual metric tensor and a reference metric. Here, we connect those two approaches using a formalism based on differential geometry. Through this connection, we determine how both the director and the geometry respond to a change of temperature.

Complicating the "soccer mom:"the cultural politics of forming class-based identity, distinction, and necessity.

PubMed

Swanson, Lisa

2009-06-01

Using Pierre Bourdieu's theories of social class differentiation and class reproduction, this paper provides an analysis of class-based identity politics in contemporary suburban America. Through a critical ethnography of the emergent, American, upper-middle-class "soccer mom" phenomenon, this study contributes to a growing body of research that interrogates class-based, cultural practices of status differentiation. As part of a larger; longitudinal ethnographic study, this paper specifically focuses on the ways in which women, who are driven by upper-middle-class habitus, contest and construct their identity as mothers of young, soccer-playing children.

Recent progress in GM-CSF-based cancer immunotherapy.

PubMed

Yan, Wan-Lun; Shen, Kuan-Yin; Tien, Chun-Yuan; Chen, Yu-An; Liu, Shih-Jen

2017-03-01

Cancer immunotherapy is a growing field. GM-CSF, a potent cytokine promoting the differentiation of myeloid cells, can also be used as an immunostimulatory adjuvant to elicit antitumor immunity. Additionally, GM-CSF is essential for the differentiation of dendritic cells, which are responsible for processing and presenting tumor antigens for the priming of antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Some strategies have been developed for GM-CSF-based cancer immunotherapy in clinical practice: GM-CSF monotherapy, GM-CSF-secreting cancer cell vaccines, GM-CSF-fused tumor-associated antigen protein-based vaccines, GM-CSF-based DNA vaccines and GM-CSF combination therapy. GM-CSF also contributes to the regulation of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. This review provides recommendations regarding GM-CSF-based cancer immunotherapy.

Carboxyl methylation of 21-23 kDa membrane proteins in intact neuroblastoma cells is increased with differentiation.

PubMed

Haklai, R; Kloog, Y

1990-01-01

Evidence is presented for specific enzymatic methylation of 21-23 kDa membrane proteins in intact neuroblastoma N1E 115 cells, which is increased in dimethylsulfoxide-induced differentiated cells. Methylation of these proteins has characteristics typical of enzymatic reactions in which base labile volatile methyl groups are incorporated into proteins, consistent with the formation of protein carboxyl methylesters. However, these methylesters of the 21-23 kDa proteins are relatively stable compared to other protein carboxyl methylesters. The 3-fold increase in methylated 21-23 kDa proteins in the differentiated cells suggest biological significance in differentiation of the cell membranes.

Differential GPS/inertial navigation approach/landing flight test results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, Scott; Schipper, Brian; Vallot, Larry; Parker, Nigel; Spitzer, Cary

1992-01-01

Results of a joint Honeywell/NASA-Langley differential GPS/inertial flight test conducted in November 1990 are discussed focusing on postflight data analysis. The test was aimed at acquiring a system performance database and demonstrating automatic landing based on an integrated differential GPS/INS with barometric and radar altimeters. Particular attention is given to characteristics of DGPS/inertial error and the magnitude of the differential corrections and vertical channel performance with and without altimeter augmentation. It is shown that DGPS/inertial integrated with a radar altimeter is capable of providing a precision approach and autoland guidance of manned return space vehicles within the Space Shuttle accuracy requirements.

Low-Power Differential SRAM design for SOC Based on the 25-um Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godugunuri, Sivaprasad; Dara, Naveen; Sambasiva Nayak, R.; Nayeemuddin, Md; Singh, Yadu, Dr.; Veda, R. N. S. Sunil

2017-08-01

In recent, the SOC styles area unit the vast complicated styles in VLSI these SOC styles having important low-power operations problems, to comprehend this we tend to enforced low-power SRAM. However these SRAM Architectures critically affects the entire power of SOC and competitive space. To beat the higher than disadvantages, during this paper, a low-power differential SRAM design is planned. The differential SRAM design stores multiple bits within the same cell, operates at minimum in operation low-tension and space per bit. The differential SRAM design designed supported the 25-um technology using Tanner-EDA Tool.

A fresh look at linear ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients. Revisiting the impulsive response method using factorization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camporesi, Roberto

2016-01-01

We present an approach to the impulsive response method for solving linear constant-coefficient ordinary differential equations of any order based on the factorization of the differential operator. The approach is elementary, we only assume a basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra. In particular, we avoid the use of distribution theory, as well as of the other more advanced approaches: Laplace transform, linear systems, the general theory of linear equations with variable coefficients and variation of parameters. The approach presented here can be used in a first course on differential equations for science and engineering majors.

Single-Cell-Based Analysis Highlights a Surge in Cell-to-Cell Molecular Variability Preceding Irreversible Commitment in a Differentiation Process

PubMed Central

Boullu, Loïs; Morin, Valérie; Vallin, Elodie; Guillemin, Anissa; Papili Gao, Nan; Cosette, Jérémie; Arnaud, Ophélie; Kupiec, Jean-Jacques; Espinasse, Thibault

2016-01-01

In some recent studies, a view emerged that stochastic dynamics governing the switching of cells from one differentiation state to another could be characterized by a peak in gene expression variability at the point of fate commitment. We have tested this hypothesis at the single-cell level by analyzing primary chicken erythroid progenitors through their differentiation process and measuring the expression of selected genes at six sequential time-points after induction of differentiation. In contrast to population-based expression data, single-cell gene expression data revealed a high cell-to-cell variability, which was masked by averaging. We were able to show that the correlation network was a very dynamical entity and that a subgroup of genes tend to follow the predictions from the dynamical network biomarker (DNB) theory. In addition, we also identified a small group of functionally related genes encoding proteins involved in sterol synthesis that could act as the initial drivers of the differentiation. In order to assess quantitatively the cell-to-cell variability in gene expression and its evolution in time, we used Shannon entropy as a measure of the heterogeneity. Entropy values showed a significant increase in the first 8 h of the differentiation process, reaching a peak between 8 and 24 h, before decreasing to significantly lower values. Moreover, we observed that the previous point of maximum entropy precedes two paramount key points: an irreversible commitment to differentiation between 24 and 48 h followed by a significant increase in cell size variability at 48 h. In conclusion, when analyzed at the single cell level, the differentiation process looks very different from its classical population average view. New observables (like entropy) can be computed, the behavior of which is fully compatible with the idea that differentiation is not a “simple” program that all cells execute identically but results from the dynamical behavior of the underlying molecular network. PMID:28027290

Single-Cell-Based Analysis Highlights a Surge in Cell-to-Cell Molecular Variability Preceding Irreversible Commitment in a Differentiation Process.

PubMed

Richard, Angélique; Boullu, Loïs; Herbach, Ulysse; Bonnafoux, Arnaud; Morin, Valérie; Vallin, Elodie; Guillemin, Anissa; Papili Gao, Nan; Gunawan, Rudiyanto; Cosette, Jérémie; Arnaud, Ophélie; Kupiec, Jean-Jacques; Espinasse, Thibault; Gonin-Giraud, Sandrine; Gandrillon, Olivier

2016-12-01

In some recent studies, a view emerged that stochastic dynamics governing the switching of cells from one differentiation state to another could be characterized by a peak in gene expression variability at the point of fate commitment. We have tested this hypothesis at the single-cell level by analyzing primary chicken erythroid progenitors through their differentiation process and measuring the expression of selected genes at six sequential time-points after induction of differentiation. In contrast to population-based expression data, single-cell gene expression data revealed a high cell-to-cell variability, which was masked by averaging. We were able to show that the correlation network was a very dynamical entity and that a subgroup of genes tend to follow the predictions from the dynamical network biomarker (DNB) theory. In addition, we also identified a small group of functionally related genes encoding proteins involved in sterol synthesis that could act as the initial drivers of the differentiation. In order to assess quantitatively the cell-to-cell variability in gene expression and its evolution in time, we used Shannon entropy as a measure of the heterogeneity. Entropy values showed a significant increase in the first 8 h of the differentiation process, reaching a peak between 8 and 24 h, before decreasing to significantly lower values. Moreover, we observed that the previous point of maximum entropy precedes two paramount key points: an irreversible commitment to differentiation between 24 and 48 h followed by a significant increase in cell size variability at 48 h. In conclusion, when analyzed at the single cell level, the differentiation process looks very different from its classical population average view. New observables (like entropy) can be computed, the behavior of which is fully compatible with the idea that differentiation is not a "simple" program that all cells execute identically but results from the dynamical behavior of the underlying molecular network.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kohli, K; Liu, F; Krishnan, K

Purpose: Multi-frequency EIT has been reported to be a potential tool in distinguishing a tissue anomaly from background. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of acquiring functional information by comparing multi-frequency EIT images in reference to the structural information from the CT image through fusion. Methods: EIT data was acquired from a slice of winter melon using sixteen electrodes around the phantom, injecting a current of 0.4mA at 100, 66, 24.8 and 9.9 kHz. Differential EIT images were generated by considering different combinations of pair frequencies, one serving as reference data and the other as test data. The experimentmore » was repeated after creating an anomaly in the form of an off-centered cavity of diameter 4.5 cm inside the melon. All EIT images were reconstructed using Electrical Impedance Tomography and Diffuse Optical Tomography Reconstruction Software (EIDORS) package in 2-D differential imaging mode using one-step Gaussian Newton minimization solver. CT image of the melon was obtained using a Phillips CT Scanner. A segmented binary mask image was generated based on the reference electrode position and the CT image to define the regions of interest. The region selected by the user was fused with the CT image through logical indexing. Results: Differential images based on the reference and test signal frequencies were reconstructed from EIT data. Result illustrated distinct structural inhomogeneity in seeded region compared to fruit flesh. The seeded region was seen as a higherimpedance region if the test frequency was lower than the base frequency in the differential EIT reconstruction. When the test frequency was higher than the base frequency, the signal experienced less electrical impedance in the seeded region during the EIT data acquisition. Conclusion: Frequency-based differential EIT imaging can be explored to provide additional functional information along with structural information from CT for identifying different tissues.« less

Automated Measurement of P- and S-Wave Differential Times for Imaging Spatial Distributions of Vp/Vs Ratio, with Moving-Window Cross-Correlation Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taira, T.; Kato, A.

2013-12-01

A high-resolution Vp/Vs ratio estimate is one of the key parameters to understand spatial variations of composition and physical state within the Earth. Lin and Shearer (2007, BSSA) recently developed a methodology to obtain local Vp/Vs ratios in individual similar earthquake clusters, based on P- and S-wave differential times. A waveform cross-correlation approach is typically employed to measure those differential times for pairs of seismograms from similar earthquakes clusters, at narrow time windows around the direct P and S waves. This approach effectively collects P- and S-wave differential times and however requires the robust P- and S-wave time windows that are extracted based on either manually or automatically picked P- and S-phases. We present another technique to estimate P- and S-wave differential times by exploiting temporal properties of delayed time as a function of elapsed time on the seismograms with a moving-window cross-correlation analysis (e.g., Snieder, 2002, Phys. Rev. E; Niu et al. 2003, Nature). Our approach is based on the principle that the delayed time for the direct S wave differs from that for the direct P wave. Two seismograms aligned by the direct P waves from a pair of similar earthquakes yield that delayed times become zero around the direct P wave. In contrast, delayed times obtained from time windows including the direct S wave have non-zero value. Our approach, in principle, is capable of measuring both P- and S-wave differential times from single-component seismograms. In an ideal case, the temporal evolution of delayed time becomes a step function with its discontinuity at the onset of the direct S wave. The offset in the resulting step function would be the S-wave differential time, relative to the P-wave differential time as the two waveforms are aligned by the direct P wave. We apply our moving-window cross-correlation technique to the two different data sets collected at: 1) the Wakayama district, Japan and 2) the Geysers geothermal field, California. The both target areas are characterized by earthquake swarms that provide a number of similar events clusters. We use the following automated procedure to systematically analyze the two data sets: 1) the identification of the direct P arrivals by using an Akaike Information Criterion based phase picking algorithm introduced by Zhang and Thurber (2003, BSSA), 2) the waveform alignment by the P-wave with a waveform cross-correlation to obtain P-wave differential time, 3) the moving-time window analysis to estimate the S-differential time. Kato et al. (2010, GRL) have estimated the Vp/Vs ratios for a few similar earthquake clusters from the Wakayama data set, by a conventional approach to obtain differential times. We find that the resulting Vp/Vs ratios from our approach for the same earthquake clusters are comparable with those obtained from Kato et al. (2010, GRL). We show that the moving-window cross-correlation technique effectively measures both P- and S-wave differential times for the seismograms in which the clear P and S phases are not observed. We will show spatial distributions in Vp/Vs ratios in our two target areas.

Effects of Tier I Differentiation and Reading Intervention on Reading Fluency, Comprehension, and High Stakes Measures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jefferson, Ruth E.; Grant, Christina E.; Sander, Janay B.

2017-01-01

This quasi-experimental study examined differences in student reading outcomes. Participants were third grade non-struggling readers. Intervention classrooms included core curriculum instruction plus evidence-based reading comprehension instruction and differentiated repeated readings. Comparison classrooms provided core curriculum instruction…

Teachers' Perceptions of Curriculum Modification for Students Who Are Gifted.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ehlers, Kristy; Montgomery, Diane

Differentiating instruction for diverse learners means planning and implementing curriculum based on each student's level of readiness. Appropriate curriculum development for gifted and talented students involves differentiation of content, teaching and learning strategies, and student products in a student-centered environment. A study used Q…

Evidence for cucurbit powdery mildew pathogen races based on watermelon differentials

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Powdery mildew (PM) caused by Podosphaera xanthii occurs in open fields and greenhouses and can severely limit cucurbit production. Presently seven races of P. xanthii have been identified using melon (Cucumis melo) differentials. Physiological races of this pathogen have not been classified for ot...

Tree-Based Global Model Tests for Polytomous Rasch Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Komboz, Basil; Strobl, Carolin; Zeileis, Achim

2018-01-01

Psychometric measurement models are only valid if measurement invariance holds between test takers of different groups. Global model tests, such as the well-established likelihood ratio (LR) test, are sensitive to violations of measurement invariance, such as differential item functioning and differential step functioning. However, these…

Unique differentiation profile of mouse embryonic stem cells in rotary and stirred tank bioreactors.

PubMed

Fridley, Krista M; Fernandez, Irina; Li, Mon-Tzu Alice; Kettlewell, Robert B; Roy, Krishnendu

2010-11-01

Embryonic stem (ES)-cell-derived lineage-specific stem cells, for example, hematopoietic stem cells, could provide a potentially unlimited source for transplantable cells, especially for cell-based therapies. However, reproducible methods must be developed to maximize and scale-up ES cell differentiation to produce clinically relevant numbers of therapeutic cells. Bioreactor-based dynamic culture conditions are amenable to large-scale cell production, but few studies have evaluated how various bioreactor types and culture parameters influence ES cell differentiation, especially hematopoiesis. Our results indicate that cell seeding density and bioreactor speed significantly affect embryoid body formation and subsequent generation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in both stirred tank (spinner flask) and rotary microgravity (Synthecon™) type bioreactors. In general, high percentages of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells were generated in both bioreactors, especially at high cell densities. In addition, Synthecon bioreactors produced more sca-1(+) progenitors and spinner flasks generated more c-Kit(+) progenitors, demonstrating their unique differentiation profiles. cDNA microarray analysis of genes involved in pluripotency, germ layer formation, and hematopoietic differentiation showed that on day 7 of differentiation, embryoid bodies from both bioreactors consisted of all three germ layers of embryonic development. However, unique gene expression profiles were observed in the two bioreactors; for example, expression of specific hematopoietic genes were significantly more upregulated in the Synthecon cultures than in spinner flasks. We conclude that bioreactor type and culture parameters can be used to control ES cell differentiation, enhance unique progenitor cell populations, and provide means for large-scale production of transplantable therapeutic cells.

Steering redundancy for self-driving vehicles using differential braking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonasson, M.; Thor, M.

2018-05-01

This paper describes how differential braking can be used to turn a vehicle in the context of providing fail-operational control for self-driving vehicles. Two vehicle models are developed with differential input. The models are used to explain the bounds of curvature that differential braking provides and they are then validated with measurements in a test vehicle. Particular focus is paid on wheel suspension effects that significantly influence the obtained curvature. The vehicle behaviour and its limitations due to wheel suspension effects are, owing to the vehicle models, defined and explained. Finally, a model-based controller is developed to control the vehicle curvature during a fault by differential braking. The controller is designed to compensate for wheel angle disturbance that is likely to occur during the control event.

A high-content morphological screen identifies novel microRNAs that regulate neuroblastoma cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Zhao, Zhenze; Ma, Xiuye; Hsiao, Tzu-Hung; Lin, Gregory; Kosti, Adam; Yu, Xiaojie; Suresh, Uthra; Chen, Yidong; Tomlinson, Gail E.; Pertsemlidis, Alexander; Du, Liqin

2014-01-01

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, arises from neural crest cell precursors that fail to differentiate. Inducing cell differentiation is an important therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma. We developed a direct functional high-content screen to identify differentiation-inducing microRNAs, in order to develop microRNA-based differentiation therapy for neuroblastoma. We discovered novel microRNAs, and more strikingly, three microRNA seed families that induce neuroblastoma cell differentiation. In addition, we showed that microRNA seed families were overrepresented in the identified group of fourteen differentiation-inducing microRNAs, suggesting that microRNA seed families are functionally more important in neuroblastoma differentiation than microRNAs with unique sequences. We further investigated the differentiation-inducing function of the microRNA-506-3p/microRNA-124-3p seed family, which was the most potent inducer of differentiation. We showed that the differentiation-inducing function of microRNA-506-3p/microRNA-124-3p is mediated, at least partially, by down-regulating expression of their targets CDK4 and STAT3. We further showed that expression of miR-506-3p, but not miR-124-3p, is dramatically upregulated in differentiated neuroblastoma cells, suggesting the important role of endogenous miR-506-3p in differentiation and tumorigenesis. Overall, our functional screen on microRNAs provided the first comprehensive analysis on the involvements of microRNA species in neuroblastoma cell differentiation and identified novel differentiation-inducing microRNAs. Further investigations are certainly warranted to fully characterize the function of the identified microRNAs in order to eventually benefit neuroblastoma therapy. PMID:24811707

Low cost, microcontroller based heating device for multi-wavelength differential scanning fluorimetry.

PubMed

Hoeser, Jo; Gnandt, Emmanuel; Friedrich, Thorsten

2018-01-23

Differential scanning fluorimetry is a popular method to estimate the stability of a protein in distinct buffer conditions by determining its 'melting point'. The method requires a temperature controlled fluorescence spectrometer or a RT-PCR machine. Here, we introduce a low-budget version of a microcontroller based heating device implemented into a 96-well plate reader that is connected to a standard fluorescence spectrometer. We demonstrate its potential to determine the 'melting point' of soluble and membranous proteins at various buffer conditions.

PCR Methods for Rapid Identification and Characterization of Actinobacillus seminis Strains

PubMed Central

Appuhamy, S.; Coote, J. G.; Low, J. C.; Parton, R.

1998-01-01

Twenty-four isolates of Actinobacillus seminis were typed by PCR ribotyping, repetitive extragenic palindromic element (REP)-based PCR, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-based PCR. Five types were distinguished by REP-PCR, and nine types were distinguished by ERIC-PCR. PCR ribotyping produced the simplest pattern and could be useful for identification of A. seminis and for its differentiation from related species. REP- and ERIC-PCR could be used for strain differentiation in epidemiological studies of A. seminis. PMID:9508320

Machine Learning–Based Differential Network Analysis: A Study of Stress-Responsive Transcriptomes in Arabidopsis[W

PubMed Central

Ma, Chuang; Xin, Mingming; Feldmann, Kenneth A.; Wang, Xiangfeng

2014-01-01

Machine learning (ML) is an intelligent data mining technique that builds a prediction model based on the learning of prior knowledge to recognize patterns in large-scale data sets. We present an ML-based methodology for transcriptome analysis via comparison of gene coexpression networks, implemented as an R package called machine learning–based differential network analysis (mlDNA) and apply this method to reanalyze a set of abiotic stress expression data in Arabidopsis thaliana. The mlDNA first used a ML-based filtering process to remove nonexpressed, constitutively expressed, or non-stress-responsive “noninformative” genes prior to network construction, through learning the patterns of 32 expression characteristics of known stress-related genes. The retained “informative” genes were subsequently analyzed by ML-based network comparison to predict candidate stress-related genes showing expression and network differences between control and stress networks, based on 33 network topological characteristics. Comparative evaluation of the network-centric and gene-centric analytic methods showed that mlDNA substantially outperformed traditional statistical testing–based differential expression analysis at identifying stress-related genes, with markedly improved prediction accuracy. To experimentally validate the mlDNA predictions, we selected 89 candidates out of the 1784 predicted salt stress–related genes with available SALK T-DNA mutagenesis lines for phenotypic screening and identified two previously unreported genes, mutants of which showed salt-sensitive phenotypes. PMID:24520154

Temporal Impact of Substrate Mechanics on Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Cardiomyocytes

PubMed Central

Hazeltine, Laurie B.; Badur, Mehmet G.; Lian, Xiaojun; Das, Amritava; Han, Wenqing; Palecek, Sean P.

2014-01-01

A significant clinical need exists to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into cardiomyocytes, enabling tissue modeling for in vitro discovery of new drugs or cell-based therapies for heart repair in vivo. Chemical and mechanical microenvironmental factors are known to impact efficiency of stem cell differentiation, but cardiac differentiation protocols in hPSCs are typically performed on rigid tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) surfaces which do not present a physiological mechanical setting. To investigate the temporal effects of mechanics on cardiac differentiation, we cultured human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their derivatives on polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates with a physiologically relevant range of stiffnesses. In directed differentiation and embryoid body culture systems, differentiation of hESCs to cardiac Troponin T-expressing (cTnT+) cardiomyocytes peaked on hydrogels of intermediate stiffness. Brachyury expression also peaked on intermediate stiffness hydrogels at day 1 of directed differentiation, suggesting that stiffness impacted the initial differentiation trajectory of hESCs to mesendoderm. To investigate the impact of substrate mechanics during cardiac specification of mesodermal progenitors, we initiated directed cardiomyocyte differentiation on TCPS and transferred cells to hydrogels at the Nkx2.5/Isl1+ cardiac progenitor cell stage. No differences in cardiomyocyte purity with stiffness were observed on day 15. These experiments indicate that differentiation of hESCs is sensitive to substrate mechanics at early stages of mesodermal induction, and proper application of substrate mechanics can increase the propensity of hESCs to differentiate to cardiomyocytes. PMID:24200714

Formation of Stomach Tissue by Organoid Culture Using Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.

PubMed

Noguchi, Taka-Aki K; Kurisaki, Akira

2017-01-01

In this chapter, we describe a method for the induction of stomach organoids from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. We used an embryoid body-based differentiation method to induce gastric primordial epithelium covered with mesenchyme and further differentiate it in Matrigel by 3D culture. The differentiated organoid contains both corpus- and antrum-specific mature gastric tissue cells. This protocol may be useful for a variety of studies in developmental biology and disease modeling of the stomach.

Quantum optimal control with automatic differentiation using graphics processors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Nelson; Abdelhafez, Mohamed; Chakram, Srivatsan; Naik, Ravi; Groszkowski, Peter; Koch, Jens; Schuster, David

We implement quantum optimal control based on automatic differentiation and harness the acceleration afforded by graphics processing units (GPUs). Automatic differentiation allows us to specify advanced optimization criteria and incorporate them into the optimization process with ease. We will describe efficient techniques to optimally control weakly anharmonic systems that are commonly encountered in circuit QED, including coupled superconducting transmon qubits and multi-cavity circuit QED systems. These systems allow for a rich variety of control schemes that quantum optimal control is well suited to explore.

The convolutional differentiator method for numerical modelling of acoustic and elastic wavefields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhong-Jie; Teng, Ji-Wen; Yang, Ding-Hui

1996-02-01

Based on the techniques of forward and inverse Fourier transformation, the authors discussed the design scheme of ordinary differentiator used and applied in the simulation of acoustic and elastic wavefields in isotropic media respectively. To compress Gibbs effects by truncation effectively, Hanning window is introduced in. The model computation shows that, the convolutional differentiator method has the advantages of rapidity, low requirements of computer’s inner storage and high precision, which is a potential method of numerical simulation.

Structure and Fabrication of a Microscale Flow-Rate/Skin Friction Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chandrasekharan, Vijay (Inventor); Sells, Jeremy (Inventor); Sheplak, Mark (Inventor); Arnold, David P. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A floating element shear sensor and method for fabricating the same are provided. According to an embodiment, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based capacitive floating element shear stress sensor is provided that can achieve time-resolved turbulence measurement. In one embodiment, a differential capacitive transduction scheme is used for shear stress measurement. The floating element structure for the differential capacitive transduction scheme incorporates inter digitated comb fingers forming differential capacitors, which provide electrical output proportional to the floating element deflection.

D1/D2 Domain of Large-Subunit Ribosomal DNA for Differentiation of Orpinomyces spp.▿

PubMed Central

Dagar, Sumit S.; Kumar, Sanjay; Mudgil, Priti; Singh, Rameshwar; Puniya, Anil K.

2011-01-01

This study presents the suitability of D1/D2 domain of large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) for differentiation of Orpinomyces joyonii and Orpinomyces intercalaris based on PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). A variation of G/T in O. intercalaris created an additional restriction site for AluI, which was used as an RFLP marker. The results demonstrate adequate heterogeneity in the LSU rDNA for species-level differentiation. PMID:21784906

On service differentiation in mobile Ad Hoc networks.

PubMed

Zhang, Shun-liang; Ye, Cheng-qing

2004-09-01

A network model is proposed to support service differentiation for mobile Ad Hoc networks by combining a fully distributed admission control approach and the DIFS based differentiation mechanism of IEEE802.11. It can provide different kinds of QoS (Quality of Service) for various applications. Admission controllers determine a committed bandwidth based on the reserved bandwidth of flows and the source utilization of networks. Packets are marked when entering into networks by markers according to the committed rate. By the mark in the packet header, intermediate nodes handle the received packets in different manners to provide applications with the QoS corresponding to the pre-negotiated profile. Extensive simulation experiments showed that the proposed mechanism can provide QoS guarantee to assured service traffic and increase the channel utilization of networks.

Trajectory data privacy protection based on differential privacy mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Ke; Yang, Lihao; Liu, Yongzhi; Liao, Niandong

2018-05-01

In this paper, we propose a trajectory data privacy protection scheme based on differential privacy mechanism. In the proposed scheme, the algorithm first selects the protected points from the user’s trajectory data; secondly, the algorithm forms the polygon according to the protected points and the adjacent and high frequent accessed points that are selected from the accessing point database, then the algorithm calculates the polygon centroids; finally, the noises are added to the polygon centroids by the differential privacy method, and the polygon centroids replace the protected points, and then the algorithm constructs and issues the new trajectory data. The experiments show that the running time of the proposed algorithms is fast, the privacy protection of the scheme is effective and the data usability of the scheme is higher.

Directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells using a bead-based combinatorial screening method.

PubMed

Tarunina, Marina; Hernandez, Diana; Johnson, Christopher J; Rybtsov, Stanislav; Ramathas, Vidya; Jeyakumar, Mylvaganam; Watson, Thomas; Hook, Lilian; Medvinsky, Alexander; Mason, Chris; Choo, Yen

2014-01-01

We have developed a rapid, bead-based combinatorial screening method to determine optimal combinations of variables that direct stem cell differentiation to produce known or novel cell types having pre-determined characteristics. Here we describe three experiments comprising stepwise exposure of mouse or human embryonic cells to 10,000 combinations of serum-free differentiation media, through which we discovered multiple novel, efficient and robust protocols to generate a number of specific hematopoietic and neural lineages. We further demonstrate that the technology can be used to optimize existing protocols in order to substitute costly growth factors with bioactive small molecules and/or increase cell yield, and to identify in vitro conditions for the production of rare developmental intermediates such as an embryonic lymphoid progenitor cell that has not previously been reported.

FIND: difFerential chromatin INteractions Detection using a spatial Poisson process.

PubMed

Djekidel, Mohamed Nadhir; Chen, Yang; Zhang, Michael Q

2018-02-12

Polymer-based simulations and experimental studies indicate the existence of a spatial dependency between the adjacent DNA fibers involved in the formation of chromatin loops. However, the existing strategies for detecting differential chromatin interactions assume that the interacting segments are spatially independent from the other segments nearby. To resolve this issue, we developed a new computational method, FIND, which considers the local spatial dependency between interacting loci. FIND uses a spatial Poisson process to detect differential chromatin interactions that show a significant difference in their interaction frequency and the interaction frequency of their neighbors. Simulation and biological data analysis show that FIND outperforms the widely used count-based methods and has a better signal-to-noise ratio. © 2018 Djekidel et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Optical solver for a system of ordinary differential equations based on an external feedback assisted microring resonator.

PubMed

Hou, Jie; Dong, Jianji; Zhang, Xinliang

2017-06-15

Systems of ordinary differential equations (SODEs) are crucial for describing the dynamic behaviors in various systems such as modern control systems which require observability and controllability. In this Letter, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an all-optical SODE solver based on the silicon-on-insulator platform. We use an add/drop microring resonator to construct two different ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and then introduce two external feedback waveguides to realize the coupling between these ODEs, thus forming the SODE solver. A temporal coupled mode theory is used to deduce the expression of the SODE. A system experiment is carried out for further demonstration. For the input 10 GHz NRZ-like pulses, the measured output waveforms of the SODE solver agree well with the calculated results.

The Usefulness of Differential Item Functioning Methodology in Longitudinal Intervention Studies

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Perceived self-efficacy (SE) for engaging in physical activity (PA) is a key variable mediating PA change in interventions. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness of item response modeling-based (IRM) differential item functioning (DIF) in the investigation of group differences ...

From Mendel’s discovery on pea to today´s plant genetics and breeding

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In 2015 we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the presentation of the seminal work of Gregor Johann Mendel. While Darwin's theory was based on differential survival and differential reproductive success, Mendel's on equality throughout all stages of the life cycle. Darwin's concepts were continuou...

29 CFR 1620.32 - Recordkeeping requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment, and which may be pertinent to a determination whether such differential is based on a factor other than sex. (c) Each employer shall preserve for at... payment of any wage differential to employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment. (Approved by...

29 CFR 1620.32 - Recordkeeping requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment, and which may be pertinent to a determination whether such differential is based on a factor other than sex. (c) Each employer shall preserve for at... payment of any wage differential to employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment. (Approved by...

29 CFR 1620.32 - Recordkeeping requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment, and which may be pertinent to a determination whether such differential is based on a factor other than sex. (c) Each employer shall preserve for at... payment of any wage differential to employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment. (Approved by...

29 CFR 1620.32 - Recordkeeping requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment, and which may be pertinent to a determination whether such differential is based on a factor other than sex. (c) Each employer shall preserve for at... payment of any wage differential to employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment. (Approved by...

Ramsay-Curve Differential Item Functioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, Carol M.

2011-01-01

Differential item functioning (DIF) occurs when an item on a test, questionnaire, or interview has different measurement properties for one group of people versus another, irrespective of true group-mean differences on the constructs being measured. This article is focused on item response theory based likelihood ratio testing for DIF (IRT-LR or…

The Promise of Differentiated Instruction for Enhancing the Mathematical Understandings of College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chamberlin, Michelle; Powers, Robert

2010-01-01

Mathematics instructors must respond to diverse needs of individual students, including different abilities, interests, learning styles and cultural backgrounds. To do so, grade kindergarten-12 teachers have been using differentiated instruction, a process of proactively modifying instruction based on students' needs. It is supported by literature…

Factors Affecting Intervention Fidelity of Differentiated Instruction in Kindergarten

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dijkstra, Elma M.; Walraven, Amber; Mooij, Ton; Kirschner, Paul A.

2017-01-01

This paper reports on the findings in the first phase of a design-based research project as part of a large-scale intervention study in Dutch kindergartens. The project aims at enhancing differentiated instruction and evaluating its effects on children's development, in particular high-ability children. This study investigates relevant…

If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woloshin, Phyllis

1986-01-01

Argues that salary differentials among community college faculty are unrealistic and based on the inaccurate assumptions that people are motivated primarily by money; that high-demand disciplines will remain constant over time; that attitudes toward other disciplines and faculty members are unaffected by salary differentials; and that teaching is…

Cubication of Conservative Nonlinear Oscillators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belendez, Augusto; Alvarez, Mariela L.; Fernandez, Elena; Pascual, Immaculada

2009-01-01

A cubication procedure of the nonlinear differential equation for conservative nonlinear oscillators is analysed and discussed. This scheme is based on the Chebyshev series expansion of the restoring force, and this allows us to approximate the original nonlinear differential equation by a Duffing equation in which the coefficients for the linear…

Invited Commentary on "Issues in Differential Response"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaughan-Eden, Viola; Vandervort, Frank E.

2013-01-01

Ronald Hughes and his colleagues have written a groundbreaking article on child welfare's use of differential response. Their research addresses the matter from a "lessons learned" and "ways to improve" approach. Our comments focused on three key issues: (1) the importance of evidence-based practice; (2) the recognition…

An orthologous transcriptional signature differentiates responses towards closely related chemicals in Arabidopsis thaliana and brassica napus

EPA Science Inventory

Herbicides are structurally diverse chemicals that inhibit plant-specific targets, however their off-target and potentially differentiating side-effects are less well defined. In this study, genome-wide expression profiling based on Affymetrix AtH1 arrays was used to identify dis...

Differential Prediction Generalization in College Admissions Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aguinis, Herman; Culpepper, Steven A.; Pierce, Charles A.

2016-01-01

We introduce the concept of "differential prediction generalization" in the context of college admissions testing. Specifically, we assess the extent to which predicted first-year college grade point average (GPA) based on high-school grade point average (HSGPA) and SAT scores depends on a student's ethnicity and gender and whether this…

Supplementary biochemical tests useful for the differentiation of oxidase positive staphylococci.

PubMed

Stepanović, Srdjan; Dakić, Ivana; Hauschild, Tomasz; Vuković, Dragana; Morrison, Donald; Jezek, Petr; Cirković, Ivana; Petrás, Petr

2007-06-01

Differentiation of the oxidase positive staphylococci, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus lentus, Staphylococcus vitulinus and Staphylococcus fleurettii, based on tributyrin, urease, caseinase, gelatinase and DNase activity is described. These tests may be used for preliminary identification of oxidase positive isolates of staphylococci resulting in more accurate identification of these species.

Genetic differentiation of Ganaspis brasiliensis (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) from East and Southeast Asia

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study aims to clarify genetic differentiation of the Drosophila parasitoid Ganaspis brasiliensis (Hymenoptera; Figitidae; Eucoilinae) based on the nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and three nuclear DNA regions, the inter-transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2) ...

Student Perceptions of Writing Projects in a University Differential-Equations Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Latulippe, Christine; Latulippe, Joe

2014-01-01

This qualitative study surveyed 102 differential-equations students in order to investigate how students participating in writing projects in university-level mathematics courses perceive the benefits of writing in the mathematics classroom. Based on previous literature on writing in mathematics, students were asked specifically about the benefits…

Retinoblastoma-like RRB gene of arabidopsis thaliana

DOEpatents

Durfee, Tim; Feiler, Heidi; Gruissem, Wilhelm; Jenkins, Susan; Roe, Judith; Zambryski, Patricia

2004-02-24

This invention provides methods and compositions for altering the growth, organization, and differentiation of plant tissues. The invention is based on the discovery that, in plants, genetically altering the levels of Retinoblastoma-related gene (RRB) activity produces dramatic effects on the growth, proliferation, organization, and differentiation of plant meristem.

Implications of prognostic factors and risk groups in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer.

PubMed

Shaha, Ashok R

2004-03-01

The outcome in differentiated thyroid cancer generally depends on the stage of the disease at the time of presentation; prognostic factors such as age, grade, size, extension, or distant metastasis; and risk groups (eg, low or high risk). The author has reviewed a large number of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer to analyze their hypothesis and to confirm that various risk groups have a major implication in relation to extent of the treatment and outcome. Differentiated thyroid cancers make up 90% of all thyroid tumors. The prognostic factors are well defined, such as age, size of the tumor, extrathyroidal extension, presence of distant metastasis, histological appearance, and grade of the tumor. The author has previously divided the risk groups into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories based on prognostic factors. The study describes the author's treatment approach related to the extent of thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy based on various risk groups and the long-term survival. Retrospective. In a retrospective review of 1038 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, various prognostic factors were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. The significant prognostic factors were studied in detail and, based on these prognostic factors, the patients were divided into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups. The survival curves were plotted by Kaplan-Meier method. The long-term survivals in low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups were 99%, 87%, and 57% respectively. Based on these risk groups, a decision tree was made regarding extent of thyroidectomy and adjuvant treatment. In the high-risk group and selected patients in the intermediate-risk group, aggressive surgery including removal of all gross disease and extrathyroidal extension with postoperative radioactive iodine ablation is recommended. In the low-risk group and selected patients in the intermediate-risk group, lobectomy appears to be satisfactory with excellent long-term outcome. The surgical treatment offers the best long-term results in low-risk patients, and the role of adjuvant treatment in this group is questionable. The decisions in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer should be based on various prognostic factors and risk groups. The long-term survival in the low-risk group is excellent, and consideration should be given to conservative surgical resection depending on the extent of the disease. In the high-risk group and selected patients in the intermediate-risk group, total thyroidectomy with radioactive ablation is warranted. A consideration may be given to external-beam radiation therapy in selected high-risk patients. It is apparent, based on the author's clinical experience and critical retrospective analysis, that the author's hypothesis that risk groups are extremely important in the long-term outcome of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer is correct. Based on various risk groups, the author currently is able to guide the treatment policies for thyroid cancer.

Differential activity staining: its use in characterization of guanylyl-specific ribonuclease in the genus Ustilago.

PubMed Central

Blank, A; Dekker, C A

1975-01-01

Guanylyl-specific ribonuclease can be identified by a novel technique employing electrophoresis in polyacrylamide slabs followed by differential activity staining. The technique requires as little as 7 ng of enzyme which may be grossly admixed with contaminants, including other ribonucleases. Upon electrophoresis and activity staining, a variety of ribonucleases can be visualized as light or clear bands in a colored background formed by toluidine blue complexed with oligonucleotide substrate. Guanylyl-specific ribonuclease, which is detectable when using an oligonucleotide substrate of random base sequence, does not yield a band when using oligonucleotides bearing guanylyl residues at the 3'-termini only and containing, therefore, no susceptible internucleotide bonds; in contrast, a ribonuclease with a different base specificity or no base specificity yields a band with either substrate. This differential activity staining method for establishing guanylyl specificity permits estimation of the extent of nonspecific cleavage of internucleotide linkages by a putatively guanylyl-specific enzyme and is at least as sensitive as conventional procedures for determination of base specificity. With this new technique guanyloribonuclease has been identified in the unfractionated culture medium of 10 organisms belonging to the phytopathogenic fungal genus Ustilago. It is suggested that guanylyl-specific ribonuclease is widely distributed among Ustilago species; its electrophoretic properties may be revealing of phylogenetic relationships among these plant parasites and among their hosts. The general technique of differential activity staining, developed for determination of the base specificity of ribonucleases, may be widely applicable to analysis of enzymes catalyzing depolymerization reactions. Images PMID:813217

On-the-spot lung cancer differential diagnosis by label-free, molecular vibrational imaging and knowledge-based classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Liang; Li, Fuhai; Thrall, Michael J.; Yang, Yaliang; Xing, Jiong; Hammoudi, Ahmad A.; Zhao, Hong; Massoud, Yehia; Cagle, Philip T.; Fan, Yubo; Wong, Kelvin K.; Wang, Zhiyong; Wong, Stephen T. C.

2011-09-01

We report the development and application of a knowledge-based coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy system for label-free imaging, pattern recognition, and classification of cells and tissue structures for differentiating lung cancer from non-neoplastic lung tissues and identifying lung cancer subtypes. A total of 1014 CARS images were acquired from 92 fresh frozen lung tissue samples. The established pathological workup and diagnostic cellular were used as prior knowledge for establishment of a knowledge-based CARS system using a machine learning approach. This system functions to separate normal, non-neoplastic, and subtypes of lung cancer tissues based on extracted quantitative features describing fibrils and cell morphology. The knowledge-based CARS system showed the ability to distinguish lung cancer from normal and non-neoplastic lung tissue with 91% sensitivity and 92% specificity. Small cell carcinomas were distinguished from nonsmall cell carcinomas with 100% sensitivity and specificity. As an adjunct to submitting tissue samples to routine pathology, our novel system recognizes the patterns of fibril and cell morphology, enabling medical practitioners to perform differential diagnosis of lung lesions in mere minutes. The demonstration of the strategy is also a necessary step toward in vivo point-of-care diagnosis of precancerous and cancerous lung lesions with a fiber-based CARS microendoscope.

Hydrogen sulfide deactivates common nitrobenzofurazan-based fluorescent thiol labeling reagents.

PubMed

Montoya, Leticia A; Pluth, Michael D

2014-06-17

Sulfhydryl-containing compounds, including thiols and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), play important but differential roles in biological structure and function. One major challenge in separating the biological roles of thiols and H2S is developing tools to effectively separate the reactivity of these sulfhydryl-containing compounds. To address this challenge, we report the differential responses of common electrophilic fluorescent thiol labeling reagents, including nitrobenzofurazan-based scaffolds, maleimides, alkylating agents, and electrophilic aldehydes, toward cysteine and H2S. Although H2S reacted with all of the investigated scaffolds, the photophysical response to each scaffold was significantly different. Maleimide-based, alkylating, and aldehydic thiol labeling reagents provided a diminished fluorescence response when treated with H2S. By contrast, nitrobenzofurazan-based labeling reagents were deactivated by H2S addition. Furthermore, the addition of H2S to thiol-activated nitrobenzofurazan-based reagents reduced the fluorescence signal, thus establishing the incompatibility of nitrobenzofurazan-based thiol labeling reagents in the presence of H2S. Taken together, these studies highlight the differential reactivity of thiols and H2S toward common thiol-labeling reagents and suggest that sufficient care must be taken when labeling or measuring thiols in cellular environments that produce H2S due to the potential for both false-positive and eroded responses.

Quantitative proteome analysis of pluripotent cells by iTRAQ mass tagging reveals post-transcriptional regulation of proteins required for ES cell self-renewal.

PubMed

O'Brien, Robert N; Shen, Zhouxin; Tachikawa, Kiyoshi; Lee, Pei Angel; Briggs, Steven P

2010-10-01

Embryonic stem cells and embryonal carcinoma cells share two key characteristics: pluripotency (the ability to differentiate into endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm) and self-renewal (the ability to grow without change in an untransformed, euploid state). Much has been done to identify and characterize transcription factors that are necessary or sufficient to maintain these characteristics. Oct-4 and Nanog are necessary to maintain pluripotency; they are down-regulated at the mRNA level by differentiation. There may be additional regulatory genes whose mRNA levels are unchanged but whose proteins are destabilized during differentiation. We generated proteome-wide, quantitative profiles of ES and embryonal carcinoma cells during differentiation, replicating a microarray-based study by Aiba et al. (Aiba, K., Sharov, A. A., Carter, M. G., Foroni, C., Vescovi, A. L., and Ko, M. S. (2006) Defining a developmental path to neural fate by global expression profiling of mouse embryonic stem cells and adult neural stem/progenitor cells. Stem Cells 24, 889-895) who triggered differentiation by treatment with 1 μM all-trans-retinoic acid. We identified several proteins whose levels decreased during differentiation in both cell types but whose mRNA levels were unchanged. We confirmed several of these cases by RT-PCR and Western blot. Racgap1 (also known as mgcRacgap) was particularly interesting because it is required for viability of preimplantation embryos and hematopoietic stem cells, and it is also required for differentiation. To confirm our observation that RACGAP-1 declines during retinoic acid-mediated differentiation, we used multiple reaction monitoring, a targeted mass spectrometry-based quantitation method, and determined that RACGAP-1 levels decline by half during retinoic acid-mediated differentiation. We knocked down Racgap-1 mRNA levels using a panel of five shRNAs. This resulted in a loss of self-renewal that correlated with the level of knockdown. We conclude that RACGAP-1 is post-transcriptionally regulated during blastocyst development to enable differentiation by inhibiting ES cell self-renewal.

Distributional fold change test – a statistical approach for detecting differential expression in microarray experiments

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Because of the large volume of data and the intrinsic variation of data intensity observed in microarray experiments, different statistical methods have been used to systematically extract biological information and to quantify the associated uncertainty. The simplest method to identify differentially expressed genes is to evaluate the ratio of average intensities in two different conditions and consider all genes that differ by more than an arbitrary cut-off value to be differentially expressed. This filtering approach is not a statistical test and there is no associated value that can indicate the level of confidence in the designation of genes as differentially expressed or not differentially expressed. At the same time the fold change by itself provide valuable information and it is important to find unambiguous ways of using this information in expression data treatment. Results A new method of finding differentially expressed genes, called distributional fold change (DFC) test is introduced. The method is based on an analysis of the intensity distribution of all microarray probe sets mapped to a three dimensional feature space composed of average expression level, average difference of gene expression and total variance. The proposed method allows one to rank each feature based on the signal-to-noise ratio and to ascertain for each feature the confidence level and power for being differentially expressed. The performance of the new method was evaluated using the total and partial area under receiver operating curves and tested on 11 data sets from Gene Omnibus Database with independently verified differentially expressed genes and compared with the t-test and shrinkage t-test. Overall the DFC test performed the best – on average it had higher sensitivity and partial AUC and its elevation was most prominent in the low range of differentially expressed features, typical for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample sets. Conclusions The distributional fold change test is an effective method for finding and ranking differentially expressed probesets on microarrays. The application of this test is advantageous to data sets using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples or other systems where degradation effects diminish the applicability of correlation adjusted methods to the whole feature set. PMID:23122055

Analysis of host response to bacterial infection using error model based gene expression microarray experiments

PubMed Central

Stekel, Dov J.; Sarti, Donatella; Trevino, Victor; Zhang, Lihong; Salmon, Mike; Buckley, Chris D.; Stevens, Mark; Pallen, Mark J.; Penn, Charles; Falciani, Francesco

2005-01-01

A key step in the analysis of microarray data is the selection of genes that are differentially expressed. Ideally, such experiments should be properly replicated in order to infer both technical and biological variability, and the data should be subjected to rigorous hypothesis tests to identify the differentially expressed genes. However, in microarray experiments involving the analysis of very large numbers of biological samples, replication is not always practical. Therefore, there is a need for a method to select differentially expressed genes in a rational way from insufficiently replicated data. In this paper, we describe a simple method that uses bootstrapping to generate an error model from a replicated pilot study that can be used to identify differentially expressed genes in subsequent large-scale studies on the same platform, but in which there may be no replicated arrays. The method builds a stratified error model that includes array-to-array variability, feature-to-feature variability and the dependence of error on signal intensity. We apply this model to the characterization of the host response in a model of bacterial infection of human intestinal epithelial cells. We demonstrate the effectiveness of error model based microarray experiments and propose this as a general strategy for a microarray-based screening of large collections of biological samples. PMID:15800204

Analysis of differential gene expression by bead-based fiber-optic array in growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhiquan; Gui, Songbo; Zhang, Yazhuo

2010-09-01

Growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHomas) account for approximately 20% of all pituitary neoplasms. However, the pathogenesis of GHomas remains to be elucidated. To explore the possible pathogenesis of GHomas, we used bead-based fiber-optic arrays to examine the gene expression in five GHomas and compared them to three healthy pituitaries. Four differentially expressed genes were chosen randomly for validation by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We then performed pathway analysis on the identified differentially expressed genes using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Array analysis showed significant increases in the expression of 353 genes and 206 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and decreases in 565 genes and 29 ESTs. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the genes HIGD1B, HOXB2, ANGPT2, HPGD and BTG2 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of GHomas. Pathway analysis showed that the wingless-type signaling pathway and extracellular-matrix receptor interactions may play a key role in the tumorigenesis and progression of GHomas. Our data suggested that there are numerous aberrantly expressed genes and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of GHomas. Bead-based fiber-optic arrays combined with pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes appear to be a valid method for investigating the pathogenesis of tumors.

Analysis of differential gene expression by bead-based fiber-optic array in growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas

PubMed Central

JIANG, ZHIQUAN; GUI, SONGBO; ZHANG, YAZHUO

2010-01-01

Growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHomas) account for approximately 20% of all pituitary neoplasms. However, the pathogenesis of GHomas remains to be elucidated. To explore the possible pathogenesis of GHomas, we used bead-based fiber-optic arrays to examine the gene expression in five GHomas and compared them to three healthy pituitaries. Four differentially expressed genes were chosen randomly for validation by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We then performed pathway analysis on the identified differentially expressed genes using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Array analysis showed significant increases in the expression of 353 genes and 206 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and decreases in 565 genes and 29 ESTs. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the genes HIGD1B, HOXB2, ANGPT2, HPGD and BTG2 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of GHomas. Pathway analysis showed that the wingless-type signaling pathway and extracellular-matrix receptor interactions may play a key role in the tumorigenesis and progression of GHomas. Our data suggested that there are numerous aberrantly expressed genes and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of GHomas. Bead-based fiber-optic arrays combined with pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes appear to be a valid method for investigating the pathogenesis of tumors. PMID:22993617

Epigenetic differentiation and relationship to adaptive genetic divergence in discrete populations of the violet Viola cazorlensis.

PubMed

Herrera, Carlos M; Bazaga, Pilar

2010-08-01

*In plants, epigenetic variations based on DNA methylation are often heritable and could influence the course of evolution. Before this hypothesis can be assessed, fundamental questions about epigenetic variation remain to be addressed in a real-world context, including its magnitude, structuring within and among natural populations, and autonomy in relation to the genetic context. *Extent and patterns of cytosine methylation, and the relationship to adaptive genetic divergence between populations, were investigated for wild populations of the southern Spanish violet Viola cazorlensis (Violaceae) using the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) technique, a modification of the amplified fragment length polymorphism method (AFLP) based on the differential sensitivity of isoschizomeric restriction enzymes to site-specific cytosine methylation. *The genome of V. cazorlensis plants exhibited extensive levels of methylation, and methylation-based epigenetic variation was structured into distinct between- and within- population components. Epigenetic differentiation of populations was correlated with adaptive genetic divergence revealed by a Bayesian population-genomic analysis of AFLP data. Significant associations existed at the individual genome level between adaptive AFLP loci and the methylation state of methylation-susceptible MSAP loci. *Population-specific, divergent patterns of correlated selection on epigenetic and genetic individual variation could account for the coordinated epigenetic-genetic adaptive population differentiation revealed by this study.

Polymerase chain reaction-hybridization method using urease gene sequences for high-throughput Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum detection and differentiation.

PubMed

Xu, Chen; Zhang, Nan; Huo, Qianyu; Chen, Minghui; Wang, Rengfeng; Liu, Zhili; Li, Xue; Liu, Yunde; Bao, Huijing

2016-04-15

In this article, we discuss the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-hybridization assay that we developed for high-throughput simultaneous detection and differentiation of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum using one set of primers and two specific DNA probes based on urease gene nucleotide sequence differences. First, U. urealyticum and U. parvum DNA samples were specifically amplified using one set of biotin-labeled primers. Furthermore, amine-modified DNA probes, which can specifically react with U. urealyticum or U. parvum DNA, were covalently immobilized to a DNA-BIND plate surface. The plate was then incubated with the PCR products to facilitate sequence-specific DNA binding. Horseradish peroxidase-streptavidin conjugation and a colorimetric assay were used. Based on the results, the PCR-hybridization assay we developed can specifically differentiate U. urealyticum and U. parvum with high sensitivity (95%) compared with cultivation (72.5%). Hence, this study demonstrates a new method for high-throughput simultaneous differentiation and detection of U. urealyticum and U. parvum with high sensitivity. Based on these observations, the PCR-hybridization assay developed in this study is ideal for detecting and discriminating U. urealyticum and U. parvum in clinical applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional video-based analysis of 3D cardiac structures generated from human embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Nitsch, Scarlett; Braun, Florian; Ritter, Sylvia; Scholz, Michael; Schroeder, Insa S

2018-05-01

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiated into cardiomyocytes (CM) often develop into complex 3D structures that are composed of various cardiac cell types. Conventional methods to study the electrophysiology of cardiac cells are patch clamp and microelectrode array (MEAs) analyses. However, these methods are not suitable to investigate the contractile features of 3D cardiac clusters that detach from the surface of the culture dishes during differentiation. To overcome this problem, we developed a video-based motion detection software relying on the optical flow by Farnebäck that we call cBRA (cardiac beat rate analyzer). The beating characteristics of the differentiated cardiac clusters were calculated based on the local displacement between two subsequent images. Two differentiation protocols, which profoundly differ in the morphology of cardiac clusters generated and in the expression of cardiac markers, were used and the resulting CM were characterized. Despite these differences, beat rates and beating variabilities could be reliably determined using cBRA. Likewise, stimulation of β-adrenoreceptors by isoproterenol could easily be identified in the hESC-derived CM. Since even subtle changes in the beating features are detectable, this method is suitable for high throughput cardiotoxicity screenings. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In Vitro Differentiation of First Trimester Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular Cells into Contracting Cardiomyocyte-Like Cells.

PubMed

Szaraz, Peter; Librach, Matthew; Maghen, Leila; Iqbal, Farwah; Barretto, Tanya A; Kenigsberg, Shlomit; Gauthier-Fisher, Andrée; Librach, Clifford L

2016-01-01

Myocardial infarction (MI) causes an extensive loss of heart muscle cells and leads to congestive heart disease (CAD), the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Mesenchymal stromal cell- (MSC-) based cell therapy is a promising option to replace invasive interventions. However the optimal cell type providing significant cardiac regeneration after MI is yet to be found. The aim of our study was to investigate the cardiomyogenic differentiation potential of first trimester human umbilical cord perivascular cells (FTM HUCPVCs), a novel, young source of immunoprivileged mesenchymal stromal cells. Based on the expression of cardiomyocyte markers (cTnT, MYH6, SIRPA, and CX43) FTM and term HUCPVCs achieved significantly increased cardiomyogenic differentiation compared to bone marrow MSCs, while their immunogenicity remained significantly lower as indicated by HLA-A and HLA-G expression and susceptibility to T cell mediated cytotoxicity. When applying aggregate-based differentiation, FTM HUCPVCs showed increased aggregate formation potential and generated contracting cells within 1 week of coculture, making them the first MSC type with this ability. Our results indicate that young FTM HUCPVCs have superior cardiomyogenic potential coupled with beneficial immunogenic properties when compared to MSCs of older tissue sources, suggesting that in vitro predifferentiation could be a potential strategy to increase their effectiveness in vivo.

A stochastic hybrid systems based framework for modeling dependent failure processes

PubMed Central

Fan, Mengfei; Zeng, Zhiguo; Zio, Enrico; Kang, Rui; Chen, Ying

2017-01-01

In this paper, we develop a framework to model and analyze systems that are subject to dependent, competing degradation processes and random shocks. The degradation processes are described by stochastic differential equations, whereas transitions between the system discrete states are triggered by random shocks. The modeling is, then, based on Stochastic Hybrid Systems (SHS), whose state space is comprised of a continuous state determined by stochastic differential equations and a discrete state driven by stochastic transitions and reset maps. A set of differential equations are derived to characterize the conditional moments of the state variables. System reliability and its lower bounds are estimated from these conditional moments, using the First Order Second Moment (FOSM) method and Markov inequality, respectively. The developed framework is applied to model three dependent failure processes from literature and a comparison is made to Monte Carlo simulations. The results demonstrate that the developed framework is able to yield an accurate estimation of reliability with less computational costs compared to traditional Monte Carlo-based methods. PMID:28231313

Synchrotron radiation based STXM analysis and micro-XRF mapping of differential expression of extracellular thiol groups by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans grown on Fe(2+) and S(0).

PubMed

Xia, Jin-Lan; Liu, Hong-Chang; Nie, Zhen-Yuan; Peng, An-An; Zhen, Xiang-Jun; Yang, Yun; Zhang, Xiu-Li

2013-09-01

The differential expression of extracellular thiol groups by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans grown on substrates Fe(2+) and S(0) was investigated by using synchrotron radiation based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) imaging and microbeam X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) mapping. The extracellular thiol groups (SH) were first alkylated by iodoacetic acid forming Protein-SCH2COOH and then the P-SCH2COOH was marked by calcium ions forming P-SCH2COOCa. The STXM imaging and μ-XRF mapping of SH were based on analysis of SCH2COO-bonded Ca(2+). The results indicated that the thiol group content of A. ferrooxidans grown on S(0) is 3.88 times to that on Fe(2+). Combined with selective labeling of SH by Ca(2+), the STXM imaging and μ-XRF mapping provided an in situ and rapid analysis of differential expression of extracellular thiol groups. © 2013.

A stochastic hybrid systems based framework for modeling dependent failure processes.

PubMed

Fan, Mengfei; Zeng, Zhiguo; Zio, Enrico; Kang, Rui; Chen, Ying

2017-01-01

In this paper, we develop a framework to model and analyze systems that are subject to dependent, competing degradation processes and random shocks. The degradation processes are described by stochastic differential equations, whereas transitions between the system discrete states are triggered by random shocks. The modeling is, then, based on Stochastic Hybrid Systems (SHS), whose state space is comprised of a continuous state determined by stochastic differential equations and a discrete state driven by stochastic transitions and reset maps. A set of differential equations are derived to characterize the conditional moments of the state variables. System reliability and its lower bounds are estimated from these conditional moments, using the First Order Second Moment (FOSM) method and Markov inequality, respectively. The developed framework is applied to model three dependent failure processes from literature and a comparison is made to Monte Carlo simulations. The results demonstrate that the developed framework is able to yield an accurate estimation of reliability with less computational costs compared to traditional Monte Carlo-based methods.

Development of an Instrument for Measuring Clinicians’ Power Perceptions in the Workplace

PubMed Central

Bartos, Christa E.; Fridsma, Douglas B.; Butler, Brian S.; Penrod, Louis E.; Becich, Michael J.; Crowley, Rebecca S.

2008-01-01

We report on the development of an instrument to measure clinicians’ perceptions of their personal power in the workplace in relation to resistance to computerized physician order entry (CPOE). The instrument is based on French and Raven’s six bases of social power and uses a semantic differential methodology. A measurement study was conducted to determine the reliability and validity of the survey. The survey was administered online and distributed via a URL by email to 19 physicians, nurses, and health unit coordinators from a university hospital. Acceptable reliability was achieved by removing or moving some semantic differential word pairs used to represent the six power bases (alpha range from 0.76–0.89). The Semantic Differential Power Perception (SDPP) survey validity was tested against an already validated instrument and found to be acceptable (correlation range from 0.51–0.81). The SDPP survey instrument was determined to be both reliable and valid. PMID:18375189

Extracellular matrix elasticity and topography: material-based cues that affect cell function via conserved mechanisms

PubMed Central

Janson, Isaac A.; Putnam, Andrew J.

2014-01-01

Chemical, mechanical, and topographic extracellular matrix (ECM) cues have been extensively studied for their influence on cell behavior. These ECM cues alter cell adhesion, cell shape, and cell migration, and activate signal transduction pathways to influence gene expression, proliferation, and differentiation. ECM elasticity and topography, in particular, have emerged as material properties of intense focus based on strong evidence these physical cue can partially dictate stem cell differentiation. Cells generate forces to pull on their adhesive contacts, and these tractional forces appear to be a common element of cells’ responses to both elasticity and topography. This review focuses on recently published work that links ECM topography and mechanics and their influence on differentiation and other cell behaviors, We also highlight signaling pathways typically implicated in mechanotransduction that are (or may be) shared by cells subjected to topographic cues. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of the potential implications of these commonalities for cell based therapies and biomaterial design. PMID:24910444

Differential activation of brain regions involved with error-feedback and imitation based motor simulation when observing self and an expert's actions in pilots and non-pilots on a complex glider landing task.

PubMed

Callan, Daniel E; Terzibas, Cengiz; Cassel, Daniel B; Callan, Akiko; Kawato, Mitsuo; Sato, Masa-Aki

2013-05-15

In this fMRI study we investigate neural processes related to the action observation network using a complex perceptual-motor task in pilots and non-pilots. The task involved landing a glider (using aileron, elevator, rudder, and dive brake) as close to a target as possible, passively observing a replay of one's own previous trial, passively observing a replay of an expert's trial, and a baseline do nothing condition. The objective of this study is to investigate two types of motor simulation processes used during observation of action: imitation based motor simulation and error-feedback based motor simulation. It has been proposed that the computational neurocircuitry of the cortex is well suited for unsupervised imitation based learning, whereas, the cerebellum is well suited for error-feedback based learning. Consistent with predictions, pilots (to a greater extent than non-pilots) showed significant differential activity when observing an expert landing the glider in brain regions involved with imitation based motor simulation (including premotor cortex PMC, inferior frontal gyrus IFG, anterior insula, parietal cortex, superior temporal gyrus, and middle temporal MT area) than when observing one's own previous trial which showed significant differential activity in the cerebellum (only for pilots) thought to be concerned with error-feedback based motor simulation. While there was some differential brain activity for pilots in regions involved with both Execution and Observation of the flying task (potential Mirror System sites including IFG, PMC, superior parietal lobule) the majority was adjacent to these areas (Observation Only Sites) (predominantly in PMC, IFG, and inferior parietal loblule). These regions showing greater activity for observation than for action may be involved with processes related to motor-based representational transforms that are not necessary when actually carrying out the task. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adipocyte induction of preadipocyte differentiation in a gradient chamber.

PubMed

Lai, Ning; Sims, James K; Jeon, Noo Li; Lee, Kyongbum

2012-12-01

Adipose tissue expansion involves enlargement of mature adipocytes and the formation of new adipocytes through the differentiation of locally resident preadipocytes. Factors released by the enlarged adipocytes are potential cues that induce the differentiation of the preadipocytes. Currently, there are limited options to investigate these cues in isolation from confounding systemic influences. A gradient generating microfluidic channel-based cell culture system was designed to enable solution patterning, while supporting long-term culture and differentiation of preadipocytes. Solution patterning was confirmed by selectively staining a fraction of uniformly seeded preadipocytes. An adipogenic cocktail gradient was used to induce the differentiation of a fraction of uniformly seeded preadipocytes and establish a spatially defined coculture of adipocytes and preadipocytes. Varying the adipogenic cocktail gradient generated cocultures of preadipocytes and adipocytes with different compositions. Transient application of the cocktail gradient, followed by basal medium treatment showed a biphasic induction of differentiation. The two phases of differentiation correlated with a spatial gradient in adipocyte size. Our results provide in vitro data supporting the size-dependent release of preadipocyte differentiation factors by enlarged adipocytes. Prospectively, the coculture system developed in this study could facilitate controlled, yet physiologically meaningful studies on paracrine interactions between adipocytes and preadipocytes during adipose tissue development.

Transcriptional suppression of microRNA-27a contributes to laryngeal cancer differentiation via GSK-3β-involved Wnt/β-catenin pathway

PubMed Central

Chen, Sheng; Sun, Yuan-Yuan; Zhang, Zhao-Xiong; Li, Yun-Hui; Xu, Zhen-Ming; Fu, Wei-Neng

2017-01-01

miR-27a regulates cell differentiation in a variety of diseases. However, whether and how miR-27a participates in laryngeal cancer cell differentiation remains unknown. Therefore, we explored role and molecular mechanism of miR-27a in laryngeal cancer differentiation in the study. We found that miR-27a expression was inversely correlated with laryngeal cancer differentiation degree based on the clinical pathological diagnosis of each patient. miR-27 asignificantly rescued differentiation and inhibited β-catenin, LEF1, OCT4 and SOX2 in Wnt/β-catenin pathway in all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced laryngeal cancer cells. Bindings of RARα to miR-27a and miR-27a to GSK-3β were confirmed by ChIP and Luciferase reporter assays, respectively. In conclusion, miR-27a is a negative regulator in laryngeal cancer differentiation. RARα-mediated miR-27a transcriptional inactivation releases the inhibition of miR-27a on GSK-3β leading to laryngeal cancer differentiation through GSK-3β-involved Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that miR-27a is a usefully therapeutic target at least in ATRA-induced laryngeal cancer differentiation. PMID:28122350

Investigation of gene expressions in differentiated cell derived bone marrow stem cells during bone morphogenetic protein-4 treatments with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zafari, Jaber; Jouni, Fatemeh Javani; Ahmadvand, Ali; Abdolmaleki, Parviz; Soodi, Malihe; Zendehdel, Rezvan

2017-02-01

A model was set up to predict the differentiation patterns based on the data extracted from FTIR spectroscopy. For this reason, bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were differentiated to primordial germ cells (PGCs). Changes in cellular macromolecules in the time of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of differentiation, as different steps of the differentiation procedure were investigated by using FTIR spectroscopy. Also, the expression of pluripotency (Oct-4, Nanog and c-Myc) and specific genes (Mvh, Stella and Fragilis) were investigated by real-time PCR. However, the expression of genes in five steps of differentiation was predicted by FTIR spectroscopy. FTIR spectra showed changes in the template of band intensities at different differentiation steps. There are increasing changes in the stepwise differentiation procedure for the ratio area of CH2, which is symmetric to CH2 asymmetric stretching. An ensemble of expert methods, including regression tree (RT), boosting algorithm (BA), and generalized regression neural network (GRNN), was the best method to predict the gene expression by FTIR spectroscopy. In conclusion, the model was able to distinguish the pattern of different steps from cell differentiation by using some useful features extracted from FTIR spectra.

Avirulence (AVR) Gene-Based Diagnosis Complements Existing Pathogen Surveillance Tools for Effective Deployment of Resistance (R) Genes Against Rice Blast Disease.

PubMed

Selisana, S M; Yanoria, M J; Quime, B; Chaipanya, C; Lu, G; Opulencia, R; Wang, G-L; Mitchell, T; Correll, J; Talbot, N J; Leung, H; Zhou, B

2017-06-01

Avirulence (AVR) genes in Magnaporthe oryzae, the fungal pathogen that causes the devastating rice blast disease, have been documented to be major targets subject to mutations to avoid recognition by resistance (R) genes. In this study, an AVR-gene-based diagnosis tool for determining the virulence spectrum of a rice blast pathogen population was developed and validated. A set of 77 single-spore field isolates was subjected to pathotype analysis using differential lines, each containing a single R gene, and classified into 20 virulent pathotypes, except for 4 isolates that lost pathogenicity. In all, 10 differential lines showed low frequency (<24%) of resistance whereas 8 lines showed a high frequency (>95%), inferring the effectiveness of R genes present in the respective differential lines. In addition, the haplotypes of seven AVR genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing, if applicable. The calculated frequency of different AVR genes displayed significant variations in the population. AVRPiz-t and AVR-Pii were detected in 100 and 84.9% of the isolates, respectively. Five AVR genes such as AVR-Pik-D (20.5%) and AVR-Pik-E (1.4%), AVRPiz-t (2.7%), AVR-Pita (0%), AVR-Pia (0%), and AVR1-CO39 (0%) displayed low or even zero frequency. The frequency of AVR genes correlated almost perfectly with the resistance frequency of the cognate R genes in differential lines, except for International Rice Research Institute-bred blast-resistant lines IRBLzt-T, IRBLta-K1, and IRBLkp-K60. Both genetic analysis and molecular marker validation revealed an additional R gene, most likely Pi19 or its allele, in these three differential lines. This can explain the spuriously higher resistance frequency of each target R gene based on conventional pathotyping. This study demonstrates that AVR-gene-based diagnosis provides a precise, R-gene-specific, and differential line-free assessment method that can be used for determining the virulence spectrum of a rice blast pathogen population and for predicting the effectiveness of target R genes in rice varieties.

Resonance Parameter Adjustment Based on Integral Experiments

DOE PAGES

Sobes, Vladimir; Leal, Luiz; Arbanas, Goran; ...

2016-06-02

Our project seeks to allow coupling of differential and integral data evaluation in a continuous-energy framework and to use the generalized linear least-squares (GLLS) methodology in the TSURFER module of the SCALE code package to update the parameters of a resolved resonance region evaluation. We recognize that the GLLS methodology in TSURFER is identical to the mathematical description of a Bayesian update in SAMMY, the SAMINT code was created to use the mathematical machinery of SAMMY to update resolved resonance parameters based on integral data. Traditionally, SAMMY used differential experimental data to adjust nuclear data parameters. Integral experimental data, suchmore » as in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments Project, remain a tool for validation of completed nuclear data evaluations. SAMINT extracts information from integral benchmarks to aid the nuclear data evaluation process. Later, integral data can be used to resolve any remaining ambiguity between differential data sets, highlight troublesome energy regions, determine key nuclear data parameters for integral benchmark calculations, and improve the nuclear data covariance matrix evaluation. Moreover, SAMINT is not intended to bias nuclear data toward specific integral experiments but should be used to supplement the evaluation of differential experimental data. Using GLLS ensures proper weight is given to the differential data.« less

HYPERDIRE-HYPERgeometric functions DIfferential REduction: Mathematica-based packages for the differential reduction of generalized hypergeometric functions: Lauricella function FC of three variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bytev, Vladimir V.; Kniehl, Bernd A.

2016-09-01

We present a further extension of the HYPERDIRE project, which is devoted to the creation of a set of Mathematica-based program packages for manipulations with Horn-type hypergeometric functions on the basis of differential equations. Specifically, we present the implementation of the differential reduction for the Lauricella function FC of three variables. Catalogue identifier: AEPP_v4_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEPP_v4_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License, version 3 No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 243461 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 61610782 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Mathematica. Computer: All computers running Mathematica. Operating system: Operating systems running Mathematica. Classification: 4.4. Does the new version supersede the previous version?: No, it significantly extends the previous version. Nature of problem: Reduction of hypergeometric function FC of three variables to a set of basis functions. Solution method: Differential reduction. Reasons for new version: The extension package allows the user to handle the Lauricella function FC of three variables. Summary of revisions: The previous version goes unchanged. Running time: Depends on the complexity of the problem.

Establishment of a translational endothelial cell model using directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells from Cynomolgus monkey.

PubMed

Thoma, Eva C; Heckel, Tobias; Keller, David; Giroud, Nicolas; Leonard, Brian; Christensen, Klaus; Roth, Adrian; Bertinetti-Lapatki, Cristina; Graf, Martin; Patsch, Christoph

2016-10-25

Due to their broad differentiation potential, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) offer a promising approach for generating relevant cellular models for various applications. While human PSC-based cellular models are already advanced, similar systems for non-human primates (NHPs) are still lacking. However, as NHPs are the most appropriate animals for evaluating the safety of many novel pharmaceuticals, the availability of in vitro systems would be extremely useful to bridge the gap between cellular and animal models. Here, we present a NHP in vitro endothelial cell system using induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) from Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Based on an adapted protocol for human IPSCs, we directly differentiated macaque IPSCs into endothelial cells under chemically defined conditions. The resulting endothelial cells can be enriched using immuno-magnetic cell sorting and display endothelial marker expression and function. RNA sequencing revealed that the differentiation process closely resembled vasculogenesis. Moreover, we showed that endothelial cells derived from macaque and human IPSCs are highly similar with respect to gene expression patterns and key endothelial functions, such as inflammatory responses. These data demonstrate the power of IPSC differentiation technology to generate defined cell types for use as translational in vitro models to compare cell type-specific responses across species.

Protocol for the Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Mixed Cultures of Neurons and Glia for Neurotoxicity Testing.

PubMed

Pistollato, Francesca; Canovas-Jorda, David; Zagoura, Dimitra; Price, Anna

2017-06-09

Human pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into various cell types that can be applied to human-based in vitro toxicity assays. One major advantage is that the reprogramming of somatic cells to produce human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) avoids the ethical and legislative issues related to the use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). HiPSCs can be expanded and efficiently differentiated into different types of neuronal and glial cells, serving as test systems for toxicity testing and, in particular, for the assessment of different pathways involved in neurotoxicity. This work describes a protocol for the differentiation of hiPSCs into mixed cultures of neuronal and glial cells. The signaling pathways that are regulated and/or activated by neuronal differentiation are defined. This information is critical to the application of the cell model to the new toxicity testing paradigm, in which chemicals are assessed based on their ability to perturb biological pathways. As a proof of concept, rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiratory complex I, was used to assess the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, a key regulator of the antioxidant-response-element-(ARE)-driven cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress.

Synthetic data sets for the identification of key ingredients for RNA-seq differential analysis.

PubMed

Rigaill, Guillem; Balzergue, Sandrine; Brunaud, Véronique; Blondet, Eddy; Rau, Andrea; Rogier, Odile; Caius, José; Maugis-Rabusseau, Cathy; Soubigou-Taconnat, Ludivine; Aubourg, Sébastien; Lurin, Claire; Martin-Magniette, Marie-Laure; Delannoy, Etienne

2018-01-01

Numerous statistical pipelines are now available for the differential analysis of gene expression measured with RNA-sequencing technology. Most of them are based on similar statistical frameworks after normalization, differing primarily in the choice of data distribution, mean and variance estimation strategy and data filtering. We propose an evaluation of the impact of these choices when few biological replicates are available through the use of synthetic data sets. This framework is based on real data sets and allows the exploration of various scenarios differing in the proportion of non-differentially expressed genes. Hence, it provides an evaluation of the key ingredients of the differential analysis, free of the biases associated with the simulation of data using parametric models. Our results show the relevance of a proper modeling of the mean by using linear or generalized linear modeling. Once the mean is properly modeled, the impact of the other parameters on the performance of the test is much less important. Finally, we propose to use the simple visualization of the raw P-value histogram as a practical evaluation criterion of the performance of differential analysis methods on real data sets. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Dielectric screening of early differentiation patterns in mesenchymal stem cells induced by steroid hormones.

PubMed

Ron, Amit; Shur, Irena; Daniel, Ramiz; Singh, Ragini Raj; Fishelson, Nick; Croitoru, Nathan; Benayahu, Dafna; Shacham-Diamand, Yosi

2010-06-01

In the framework of this study, target identification and localization of differentiation patterns by means of dielectric spectroscopy is presented. Here, a primary pre-osteoblastic bone marrow-derived MBA-15 cellular system was used to study the variations in the dielectric properties of mesenchymal stem cells while exposed to differentiation regulators. Using the fundamentals of mixed dielectric theories combined with finite numerical tools, the permittivity spectra of MBA-15 cell suspensions have been uniquely analyzed after being activated by steroid hormones to express osteogenic phenotypes. Following the spectral analysis, significant variations were revealed in the dielectric properties of the activated cells in comparison to the untreated populations. Based on the differentiation patterns of MBA-15, the electrical modifications were found to be highly correlated with the activation of specific cellular mechanisms which directly react to the hormonal inductions. In addition, by describing the dielectric dispersion in terms of transfer functions, it is shown that the spectral perturbations are well adapted to variations in the electrical characteristics of the cells. The reported findings vastly emphasize the tight correlation between the cellular and electrical state of the differentiated cells. It therefore emphasizes the vast abilities of impedance-based techniques as potential screening tools for stem cell analysis. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pattern formation in Dictyostelium discoideum aggregates in confined microenvironments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallou, Adrien; Hersen, Pascal; di Meglio, Jean-Marc; Kabla, Alexandre

Dictyostelium Discoideum (Dd) is often viewed as a model system to study the complex collective cell behaviours which shape an embryo. Under starvation, Dd cells form multicellular aggregates which soon elongate, starting to display an anterior-posterior axis by differentiating into two distinct cell populations; prestalk (front) and prespore (rear) cells zones. Different models, either based on positional information or on differentiation followed up by cell sorting, have been proposed to explain the origin and the regulation of this spatial pattern.To decipher between the proposed hypotheses, we have developed am experimental platform where aggregates, made of genetically engineered Dd cells to express fluorescent reporters of cell differentiation in either prestalk or prespore cells, are allowed to develop in 20 to 400 μm wide hydrogel channels. Such a setup allows us to both mimic Dd confined natural soil environment and to follow the patterning dynamics using time-lapse microscopy. Tracking cell lineage commitments and positions in space and time, we demonstrate that Dd cells differentiate first into prestalk and prespore cells prior to sorting into an organized spatial pattern on the basis of collective motions based on differential motility and adhesion mechanisms. A. Hallou would like to thank the University of Cambridge for the Award of an ``Oliver Gatty Studentship in Biophysical and Colloid Science''.

Genetic network inference as a series of discrimination tasks.

PubMed

Kimura, Shuhei; Nakayama, Satoshi; Hatakeyama, Mariko

2009-04-01

Genetic network inference methods based on sets of differential equations generally require a great deal of time, as the equations must be solved many times. To reduce the computational cost, researchers have proposed other methods for inferring genetic networks by solving sets of differential equations only a few times, or even without solving them at all. When we try to obtain reasonable network models using these methods, however, we must estimate the time derivatives of the gene expression levels with great precision. In this study, we propose a new method to overcome the drawbacks of inference methods based on sets of differential equations. Our method infers genetic networks by obtaining classifiers capable of predicting the signs of the derivatives of the gene expression levels. For this purpose, we defined a genetic network inference problem as a series of discrimination tasks, then solved the defined series of discrimination tasks with a linear programming machine. Our experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method is capable of correctly inferring genetic networks, and doing so more than 500 times faster than the other inference methods based on sets of differential equations. Next, we applied our method to actual expression data of the bacterial SOS DNA repair system. And finally, we demonstrated that our approach relates to the inference method based on the S-system model. Though our method provides no estimation of the kinetic parameters, it should be useful for researchers interested only in the network structure of a target system. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Differential evolution algorithm-based kernel parameter selection for Fukunaga-Koontz Transform subspaces construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binol, Hamidullah; Bal, Abdullah; Cukur, Huseyin

2015-10-01

The performance of the kernel based techniques depends on the selection of kernel parameters. That's why; suitable parameter selection is an important problem for many kernel based techniques. This article presents a novel technique to learn the kernel parameters in kernel Fukunaga-Koontz Transform based (KFKT) classifier. The proposed approach determines the appropriate values of kernel parameters through optimizing an objective function constructed based on discrimination ability of KFKT. For this purpose we have utilized differential evolution algorithm (DEA). The new technique overcomes some disadvantages such as high time consumption existing in the traditional cross-validation method, and it can be utilized in any type of data. The experiments for target detection applications on the hyperspectral images verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Gender differences in the functional neuroanatomy of emotional episodic autobiographical memory.

PubMed

Piefke, Martina; Weiss, Peter H; Markowitsch, Hans J; Fink, Gereon R

2005-04-01

Autobiographical memory is based on interactions between episodic memory contents, associated emotions, and a sense of self-continuity along the time axis of one's life. The functional neuroanatomy subserving autobiographical memory is known to include prefrontal, medial and lateral temporal, as well as retrosplenial brain areas; however, whether gender differences exist in neural correlates of autobiographical memory remains to be clarified. We reanalyzed data from a previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment to investigate gender-related differences in the neural bases of autobiographical memories with differential remoteness and emotional valence. On the behavioral level, there were no significant gender differences in memory performance or emotional intensity of memories. Activations common to males and females during autobiographical memory retrieval were observed in a bilateral network of brain areas comprising medial and lateral temporal regions, including hippocampal and parahippocampal structures, posterior cingulate, as well as prefrontal cortex. In males (relative to females), all types of autobiographical memories investigated were associated with differential activation of the left parahippocampal gyrus. By contrast, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was activated differentially by females. In addition, the right insula was activated differentially in females during remote and negative memory retrieval. The data show gender-related differential neural activations within the network subserving autobiographical memory in both genders. We suggest that the differential activations may reflect gender-specific cognitive strategies during access to autobiographical memories that do not necessarily affect the behavioral level of memory performance and emotionality. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

An improved high order texture features extraction method with application to pathological diagnosis of colon lesions for CT colonography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Bowen; Zhang, Guopeng; Lu, Hongbing; Wang, Huafeng; Han, Fangfang; Zhu, Wei; Liang, Zhengrong

2014-03-01

Differentiation of colon lesions according to underlying pathology, e.g., neoplastic and non-neoplastic, is of fundamental importance for patient management. Image intensity based textural features have been recognized as a useful biomarker for the differentiation task. In this paper, we introduce high order texture features, beyond the intensity, such as gradient and curvature, for that task. Based on the Haralick texture analysis method, we introduce a virtual pathological method to explore the utility of texture features from high order differentiations, i.e., gradient and curvature, of the image intensity distribution. The texture features were validated on database consisting of 148 colon lesions, of which 35 are non-neoplastic lesions, using the random forest classifier and the merit of area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics. The results show that after applying the high order features, the AUC was improved from 0.8069 to 0.8544 in differentiating non-neoplastic lesion from neoplastic ones, e.g., hyperplastic polyps from tubular adenomas, tubulovillous adenomas and adenocarcinomas. The experimental results demonstrated that texture features from the higher order images can significantly improve the classification accuracy in pathological differentiation of colorectal lesions. The gain in differentiation capability shall increase the potential of computed tomography (CT) colonography for colorectal cancer screening by not only detecting polyps but also classifying them from optimal polyp management for the best outcome in personalized medicine.

Expansion and differentiation of neural progenitors derived from the human adult enteric nervous system.

PubMed

Metzger, Marco; Bareiss, Petra M; Danker, Timm; Wagner, Silvia; Hennenlotter, Joerg; Guenther, Elke; Obermayr, Florian; Stenzl, Arnulf; Koenigsrainer, Alfred; Skutella, Thomas; Just, Lothar

2009-12-01

Neural stem and progenitor cells from the enteric nervous system have been proposed for use in cell-based therapies against specific neurogastrointestinal disorders. Recently, enteric neural progenitors were generated from human neonatal and early postnatal (until 5 years after birth) gastrointestinal tract tissues. We investigated the proliferation and differentiation of enteric nervous system progenitors isolated from human adult gastrointestinal tract. Human enteric spheroids were generated from adult small and large intestine tissues and then expanded and differentiated, depending on the applied cell culture conditions. For implantation studies, spheres were grafted into fetal slice cultures and embryonic aganglionic hindgut explants from mice. Differentiating enteric neural progenitors were characterized by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine labeling, in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and electrophysiological studies. The yield of human neurosphere-like bodies was increased by culture in conditional medium derived from fetal mouse enteric progenitors. We were able to generate proliferating enterospheres from adult human small or large intestine tissues; these enterospheres could be subcultured and maintained for several weeks in vitro. Spheroid-derived cells could be differentiated into a variety of neuronal subtypes and glial cells with characteristics of the enteric nervous system. Experiments involving implantation into organotypic intestinal cultures showed the differentiation capacity of neural progenitors in a 3-dimensional environment. It is feasible to isolate and expand enteric progenitor cells from human adult tissue. These findings offer new strategies for enteric stem cell research and future cell-based therapies.

A Scalable Approach for Discovering Conserved Active Subnetworks across Species

PubMed Central

Verfaillie, Catherine M.; Hu, Wei-Shou; Myers, Chad L.

2010-01-01

Overlaying differential changes in gene expression on protein interaction networks has proven to be a useful approach to interpreting the cell's dynamic response to a changing environment. Despite successes in finding active subnetworks in the context of a single species, the idea of overlaying lists of differentially expressed genes on networks has not yet been extended to support the analysis of multiple species' interaction networks. To address this problem, we designed a scalable, cross-species network search algorithm, neXus (Network - cross(X)-species - Search), that discovers conserved, active subnetworks based on parallel differential expression studies in multiple species. Our approach leverages functional linkage networks, which provide more comprehensive coverage of functional relationships than physical interaction networks by combining heterogeneous types of genomic data. We applied our cross-species approach to identify conserved modules that are differentially active in stem cells relative to differentiated cells based on parallel gene expression studies and functional linkage networks from mouse and human. We find hundreds of conserved active subnetworks enriched for stem cell-associated functions such as cell cycle, DNA repair, and chromatin modification processes. Using a variation of this approach, we also find a number of species-specific networks, which likely reflect mechanisms of stem cell function that have diverged between mouse and human. We assess the statistical significance of the subnetworks by comparing them with subnetworks discovered on random permutations of the differential expression data. We also describe several case examples that illustrate the utility of comparative analysis of active subnetworks. PMID:21170309

High-Density ZnO Nanowires as a Reversible Myogenic-Differentiation Switch.

PubMed

Errico, Vito; Arrabito, Giuseppe; Fornetti, Ersilia; Fuoco, Claudia; Testa, Stefano; Saggio, Giovanni; Rufini, Stefano; Cannata, Stefano; Desideri, Alessandro; Falconi, Christian; Gargioli, Cesare

2018-04-25

Mesoangioblasts are outstanding candidates for stem-cell therapy and are already being explored in clinical trials. However, a crucial challenge in regenerative medicine is the limited availability of undifferentiated myogenic progenitor cells because growth is typically accompanied by differentiation. Here reversible myogenic-differentiation switching during proliferation is achieved by functionalizing the glass substrate with high-density ZnO nanowires (NWs). Specifically, mesoangioblasts grown on ZnO NWs present a spherical viable undifferentiated cell state without lamellopodia formation during the entire observation time (8 days). Consistently, the myosin heavy chain, typically expressed in skeletal muscle tissue and differentiated myogenic progenitors, is completely absent. Remarkably, NWs do not induce any damage while they reversibly block differentiation, so that the differentiation capabilities are completely recovered upon cell removal from the NW-functionalized substrate and replating on standard culture glass. This is the first evidence of a reversible myogenic-differentiation switch that does not affect the viability. These results can be the first step toward for the in vitro growth of a large number of undifferentiated stem/progenitor cells and therefore can represent a breakthrough for cell-based therapy and tissue engineering.

Two-dimensional integrating matrices on rectangular grids. [solving differential equations associated with rotating structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lakin, W. D.

1981-01-01

The use of integrating matrices in solving differential equations associated with rotating beam configurations is examined. In vibration problems, by expressing the equations of motion of the beam in matrix notation, utilizing the integrating matrix as an operator, and applying the boundary conditions, the spatial dependence is removed from the governing partial differential equations and the resulting ordinary differential equations can be cast into standard eigenvalue form. Integrating matrices are derived based on two dimensional rectangular grids with arbitrary grid spacings allowed in one direction. The derivation of higher dimensional integrating matrices is the initial step in the generalization of the integrating matrix methodology to vibration and stability problems involving plates and shells.

Razumikhin-Type Stability Criteria for Differential Equations with Delayed Impulses.

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Zhu, Quanxin

2013-01-01

This paper studies stability problems of general impulsive differential equations where time delays occur in both differential and difference equations. Based on the method of Lyapunov functions, Razumikhin technique and mathematical induction, several stability criteria are obtained for differential equations with delayed impulses. Our results show that some systems with delayed impulses may be exponentially stabilized by impulses even if the system matrices are unstable. Some less restrictive sufficient conditions are also given to keep the good stability property of systems subject to certain type of impulsive perturbations. Examples with numerical simulations are discussed to illustrate the theorems. Our results may be applied to complex problems where impulses depend on both current and past states.

A program to evaluate a control system based on feedback of aerodynamic pressure differentials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levy, D. W.; Finn, P.; Roskam, J.

1981-01-01

The use of aerodynamic pressure differentials to position a control surface is evaluated. The system is a differential pressure command loop, analogous to a position command loop, where the surface is commanded to move until a desired differential pressure across the surface is achieved. This type of control is more direct and accurate because it is the differential pressure which causes the control forces and moments. A frequency response test was performed in a low speed wind tunnel to measure the performance of the system. Both pressure and position feedback were tested. The pressure feedback performed as well as position feedback implying that the actuator, with a break frequency on the order of 10 Rad/sec, was the limiting component. Theoretical considerations indicate that aerodynamic lags will not appear below frequencies of 50 Rad/sec, or higher.

Molecular differential diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma and adenoma based on gene expression profiling by using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Differential diagnosis between malignant follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) and benign follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is a great challenge for even an experienced pathologist and requires special effort. Molecular markers may potentially support a differential diagnosis between FTC and FTA in postoperative specimens. The purpose of this study was to derive molecular support for differential post-operative diagnosis, in the form of a simple multigene mRNA-based classifier that would differentiate between FTC and FTA tissue samples. Methods A molecular classifier was created based on a combined analysis of two microarray datasets (using 66 thyroid samples). The performance of the classifier was assessed using an independent dataset comprising 71 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples (31 FTC and 40 FTA), which were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In addition, three other microarray datasets (62 samples) were used to confirm the utility of the classifier. Results Five of 8 genes selected from training datasets (ELMO1, EMCN, ITIH5, KCNAB1, SLCO2A1) were amplified by qPCR in FFPE material from an independent sample set. Three other genes did not amplify in FFPE material, probably due to low abundance. All 5 analysed genes were downregulated in FTC compared to FTA. The sensitivity and specificity of the 5-gene classifier tested on the FFPE dataset were 71% and 72%, respectively. Conclusions The proposed approach could support histopathological examination: 5-gene classifier may aid in molecular discrimination between FTC and FTA in FFPE material. PMID:24099521

Correlation between differential renal function estimation using CT-based functional renal parenchymal volume and (99m)Tc - DTPA renal scan.

PubMed

Sarma, Debanga; Barua, Sasanka K; Rajeev, T P; Baruah, Saumar J

2012-10-01

Nuclear renal scan is currently the gold standard imaging study to determine differential renal function. We propose helical CT as single modality for both the anatomical and functional evaluation of kidney with impaired function. In the present study renal parenchymal volume is measured and percent total renal volume is used as a surrogate marker for differential renal function. The objective of this study is to correlate between differential renal function estimation using CT-based renal parenchymal volume measurement with differential renal function estimation using (99m)TC - DTPA renal scan. Twenty-one patients with unilateral obstructive uropathy were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. They were subjected to (99m)Tc - DTPA renal scan and 64 slice helical CT scan which estimates the renal volume depending on the reconstruction of arterial phase images followed by volume rendering and percent renal volume was calculated. Percent renal volume was correlated with percent renal function, as determined by nuclear renal scan using Pearson coefficient. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: A strong correlation is observed between percent renal volume and percent renal function in obstructed units (r = 0.828, P < 0.001) as well as in nonobstructed units (r = 0.827, P < 0.001). There is a strong correlation between percent renal volume determined by CT scan and percent renal function determined by (99m)TC - DTPA renal scan both in obstructed and in normal units. CT-based percent renal volume can be used as a single radiological tests for both functional and anatomical assessment of impaired renal units.

Population Genetics of a Trochid Gastropod Broadens Picture of Caribbean Sea Connectivity

PubMed Central

Díaz-Ferguson, Edgardo; Haney, Robert; Wares, John; Silliman, Brian

2010-01-01

Background Regional genetic connectivity models are critical for successful conservation and management of marine species. Even though rocky shore invertebrates have been used as model systems to understand genetic structure in some marine environments, our understanding of connectivity in Caribbean communities is based overwhelmingly on studies of tropical fishes and corals. In this study, we investigate population connectivity and diversity of Cittarium pica, an abundant rocky shore trochid gastropod that is commercially harvested across its natural range, from the Bahamas to Venezuela. Methodology/Principal Findings We tested for genetic structure using DNA sequence variation at the mitochondrial COI and 16S loci, AMOVA and distance-based methods. We found substantial differentiation among Caribbean sites. Yet, genetic differentiation was associated only with larger geographic scales within the Caribbean, and the pattern of differentiation only partially matched previous assessments of Caribbean connectivity, including those based on larval dispersal from hydrodynamic models. For instance, the Bahamas, considered an independent region by previous hydrodynamic studies, showed strong association with Eastern Caribbean sites in our study. Further, Bonaire (located in the east and close to the meridional division of the Caribbean basin) seems to be isolated from other Eastern sites. Conclusions/Significance The significant genetic structure and observed in C. pica has some commonalities in pattern with more commonly sampled taxa, but presents features, such as the differentiation of Bonaire, that appear unique. Further, the level of differentiation, together with regional patterns of diversity, has important implications for the application of conservation and management strategies in this commercially harvested species. PMID:20844767

Specific minor groove solvation is a crucial determinant of DNA binding site recognition

PubMed Central

Harris, Lydia-Ann; Williams, Loren Dean; Koudelka, Gerald B.

2014-01-01

The DNA sequence preferences of nearly all sequence specific DNA binding proteins are influenced by the identities of bases that are not directly contacted by protein. Discrimination between non-contacted base sequences is commonly based on the differential abilities of DNA sequences to allow narrowing of the DNA minor groove. However, the factors that govern the propensity of minor groove narrowing are not completely understood. Here we show that the differential abilities of various DNA sequences to support formation of a highly ordered and stable minor groove solvation network are a key determinant of non-contacted base recognition by a sequence-specific binding protein. In addition, disrupting the solvent network in the non-contacted region of the binding site alters the protein's ability to recognize contacted base sequences at positions 5–6 bases away. This observation suggests that DNA solvent interactions link contacted and non-contacted base recognition by the protein. PMID:25429976

Assessment of stem cell differentiation based on genome-wide expression profiles.

PubMed

Godoy, Patricio; Schmidt-Heck, Wolfgang; Hellwig, Birte; Nell, Patrick; Feuerborn, David; Rahnenführer, Jörg; Kattler, Kathrin; Walter, Jörn; Blüthgen, Nils; Hengstler, Jan G

2018-07-05

In recent years, protocols have been established to differentiate stem and precursor cells into more mature cell types. However, progress in this field has been hampered by difficulties to assess the differentiation status of stem cell-derived cells in an unbiased manner. Here, we present an analysis pipeline based on published data and methods to quantify the degree of differentiation and to identify transcriptional control factors explaining differences from the intended target cells or tissues. The pipeline requires RNA-Seq or gene array data of the stem cell starting population, derived 'mature' cells and primary target cells or tissue. It consists of a principal component analysis to represent global expression changes and to identify possible problems of the dataset that require special attention, such as: batch effects; clustering techniques to identify gene groups with similar features; over-representation analysis to characterize biological motifs and transcriptional control factors of the identified gene clusters; and metagenes as well as gene regulatory networks for quantitative cell-type assessment and identification of influential transcription factors. Possibilities and limitations of the analysis pipeline are illustrated using the example of human embryonic stem cell and human induced pluripotent cells to generate 'hepatocyte-like cells'. The pipeline quantifies the degree of incomplete differentiation as well as remaining stemness and identifies unwanted features, such as colon- and fibroblast-associated gene clusters that are absent in real hepatocytes but typically induced by currently available differentiation protocols. Finally, transcription factors responsible for incomplete and unwanted differentiation are identified. The proposed method is widely applicable and allows an unbiased and quantitative assessment of stem cell-derived cells.This article is part of the theme issue 'Designer human tissue: coming to a lab near you'. © 2018 The Author(s).

Hepatic differentiation of human iPSCs in different 3D models: A comparative study.

PubMed

Meier, Florian; Freyer, Nora; Brzeszczynska, Joanna; Knöspel, Fanny; Armstrong, Lyle; Lako, Majlinda; Greuel, Selina; Damm, Georg; Ludwig-Schwellinger, Eva; Deschl, Ulrich; Ross, James A; Beilmann, Mario; Zeilinger, Katrin

2017-12-01

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a promising source from which to derive distinct somatic cell types for in vitro or clinical use. Existent protocols for hepatic differentiation of hiPSCs are primarily based on 2D cultivation of the cells. In the present study, the authors investigated the generation of hiPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells using two different 3D culture systems: A 3D scaffold-free microspheroid culture system and a 3D hollow-fiber perfusion bioreactor. The differentiation outcome in these 3D systems was compared with that in conventional 2D cultures, using primary human hepatocytes as a control. The evaluation was made based on specific mRNA expression, protein secretion, antigen expression and metabolic activity. The expression of α-fetoprotein was lower, while cytochrome P450 1A2 or 3A4 activities were higher in the 3D culture systems as compared with the 2D differentiation system. Cells differentiated in the 3D bioreactor showed an increased expression of albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, as well as secretion of α-1-antitrypsin as compared with the 2D differentiation system, suggesting a higher degree of maturation. In contrast, the 3D scaffold-free microspheroid culture provides an easy and robust method to generate spheroids of a defined size for screening applications, while the bioreactor culture model provides an instrument for complex investigations under physiological-like conditions. In conclusion, the present study introduces two 3D culture systems for stem cell derived hepatic differentiation each demonstrating advantages for individual applications as well as benefits in comparison with 2D cultures.

Hepatic differentiation of human iPSCs in different 3D models: A comparative study

PubMed Central

Brzeszczynska, Joanna; Knöspel, Fanny; Armstrong, Lyle; Lako, Majlinda; Greuel, Selina; Damm, Georg; Ludwig-Schwellinger, Eva; Deschl, Ulrich; Ross, James A.

2017-01-01

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a promising source from which to derive distinct somatic cell types for in vitro or clinical use. Existent protocols for hepatic differentiation of hiPSCs are primarily based on 2D cultivation of the cells. In the present study, the authors investigated the generation of hiPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells using two different 3D culture systems: A 3D scaffold-free microspheroid culture system and a 3D hollow-fiber perfusion bioreactor. The differentiation outcome in these 3D systems was compared with that in conventional 2D cultures, using primary human hepatocytes as a control. The evaluation was made based on specific mRNA expression, protein secretion, antigen expression and metabolic activity. The expression of α-fetoprotein was lower, while cytochrome P450 1A2 or 3A4 activities were higher in the 3D culture systems as compared with the 2D differentiation system. Cells differentiated in the 3D bioreactor showed an increased expression of albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, as well as secretion of α-1-antitrypsin as compared with the 2D differentiation system, suggesting a higher degree of maturation. In contrast, the 3D scaffold-free microspheroid culture provides an easy and robust method to generate spheroids of a defined size for screening applications, while the bioreactor culture model provides an instrument for complex investigations under physiological-like conditions. In conclusion, the present study introduces two 3D culture systems for stem cell derived hepatic differentiation each demonstrating advantages for individual applications as well as benefits in comparison with 2D cultures. PMID:29039463

A 3-D Cardiac Muscle Construct for Exploring Adult Marrow Stem Cell Based Myocardial Regeneration

PubMed Central

Valarmathi, Mani T.; Goodwin, Richard L.; Fuseler, John W.; Davis, Jeffrey M.; Yost, Michael J.; Potts, Jay D.

2010-01-01

Adult bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are capable of differentiating into cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro and contribute to myocardial regeneration in vivo. Consequently, BMSCs may potentially play a vital role in cardiac repair and regeneration. However, this concept has been limited by inadequate and inconsistent differentiation of BMSCs into cardiomyocytes along with poor survival and integration of neo-cardiomyocytes after implantation into ischemic myocardium. In order to overcome these barriers and to explore adult stem cell based myocardial regeneration, we have developed an in vitro model of three-dimensional (3-D) cardiac muscle using rat ventricular embryonic cardiomyocytes (ECMs) and BMSCs. When ECMs and BMSCs were seeded sequentially onto a 3-D tubular scaffold engineered from topographically aligned type I collagen fibers and cultured in basal medium for 7, 14, 21, or 28 days, the maturation and co-differentiation into a cardiomyocyte lineage was observed. Phenotypic induction was characterized at morphological, immunological, biochemical and molecular levels. The observed expression of transcripts coding for cardiomyocyte phenotypic markers and the immunolocalization of cardiomyogenic lineage-associated proteins revealed typical expression patterns of neo-cardiomyogenesis. At the biochemical level differentiating cells exhibited appropriate metabolic activity and at the ultrastructural level myofibrillar and sarcomeric organization were indicative of an immature phenotype. Our 3-D co-culture system sustains the ECMs in vitro continuum of differentiation process and simultaneously induces the maturation and differentiation of BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Thus, this novel 3-D co-culture system provides a useful in vitro model to investigate the functional role and interplay of developing ECMs and BMSCs during cardiomyogenic differentiation. PMID:20129663

Characterisation of insulin-producing cells differentiated from tonsil derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Kim, So-Yeon; Kim, Ye-Ryung; Park, Woo-Jae; Kim, Han Su; Jung, Sung-Chul; Woo, So-Youn; Jo, Inho; Ryu, Kyung-Ha; Park, Joo-Won

2015-01-01

Tonsil-derived (T-) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display mutilineage differentiation potential and self-renewal capacity and have potential as a banking source. Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent disease in modern society, and the transplantation of pancreatic progenitor cells or various stem cell-derived insulin-secreting cells has been suggested as a novel therapy for diabetes. The potential of T-MSCs to trans-differentiate into pancreatic progenitor cells or insulin-secreting cells has not yet been investigated. We examined the potential of human T-MSCs to trans-differentiate into pancreatic islet cells using two different methods based on β-mercaptoethanol and insulin-transferin-selenium, respectively. First, we compared the efficacy of the two methods for inducing differentiation into insulin-producing cells. We demonstrated that the insulin-transferin-selenium method is more efficient for inducing differentiation into insulin-secreting cells regardless of the source of the MSCs. Second, we compared the differentiation potential of two different MSC types: T-MSCs and adipose-derived MSCs (A-MSCs). T-MSCs had a differentiation capacity similar to that of A-MSCs and were capable of secreting insulin in response to glucose concentration. Islet-like clusters differentiated from T-MSCs had lower synaptotagmin-3, -5, -7, and -8 levels, and consequently lower secreted insulin levels than cells differentiated from A-MSCs. These results imply that T-MSCs can differentiate into functional pancreatic islet-like cells and could provide a novel, alternative cell therapy for diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2015 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temporal impact of substrate mechanics on differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Hazeltine, Laurie B; Badur, Mehmet G; Lian, Xiaojun; Das, Amritava; Han, Wenqing; Palecek, Sean P

2014-02-01

A significant clinical need exists to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into cardiomyocytes, enabling tissue modeling for in vitro discovery of new drugs or cell-based therapies for heart repair in vivo. Chemical and mechanical microenvironmental factors are known to impact the efficiency of stem cell differentiation, but cardiac differentiation protocols in hPSCs are typically performed on rigid tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) surfaces, which do not present a physiological mechanical setting. To investigate the temporal effects of mechanics on cardiac differentiation, we cultured human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their derivatives on polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates with a physiologically relevant range of stiffnesses. In directed differentiation and embryoid body culture systems, differentiation of hESCs to cardiac troponin T-expressing (cTnT+) cardiomyocytes peaked on hydrogels of intermediate stiffness. Brachyury expression also peaked on intermediate stiffness hydrogels at day 1 of directed differentiation, suggesting that stiffness impacted the initial differentiation trajectory of hESCs to mesendoderm. To investigate the impact of substrate mechanics during cardiac specification of mesodermal progenitors, we initiated directed cardiomyocyte differentiation on TCPS and transferred cells to hydrogels at the Nkx2.5/Isl1+ cardiac progenitor cell stage. No differences in cardiomyocyte purity with stiffness were observed on day 15. These experiments indicate that differentiation of hESCs is sensitive to substrate mechanics at early stages of mesodermal induction, and proper application of substrate mechanics can increase the propensity of hESCs to differentiate to cardiomyocytes. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MicroRNA Profiling as Tool for In Vitro Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing: The Case of Sodium Valproate

PubMed Central

Smirnova, Lena; Block, Katharina; Sittka, Alexandra; Oelgeschläger, Michael; Seiler, Andrea E. M.; Luch, Andreas

2014-01-01

Studying chemical disturbances during neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) has been established as an alternative in vitro testing approach for the identification of developmental neurotoxicants. miRNAs represent a class of small non-coding RNA molecules involved in the regulation of neural development and ESC differentiation and specification. Thus, neural differentiation of mESCs in vitro allows investigating the role of miRNAs in chemical-mediated developmental toxicity. We analyzed changes in miRNome and transcriptome during neural differentiation of mESCs exposed to the developmental neurotoxicant sodium valproate (VPA). A total of 110 miRNAs and 377 mRNAs were identified differently expressed in neurally differentiating mESCs upon VPA treatment. Based on miRNA profiling we observed that VPA shifts the lineage specification from neural to myogenic differentiation (upregulation of muscle-abundant miRNAs, mir-206, mir-133a and mir-10a, and downregulation of neural-specific mir-124a, mir-128 and mir-137). These findings were confirmed on the mRNA level and via immunochemistry. Particularly, the expression of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) as well as muscle-specific genes (Actc1, calponin, myosin light chain, asporin, decorin) were found elevated, while genes involved in neurogenesis (e.g. Otx1, 2, and Zic3, 4, 5) were repressed. These results were specific for valproate treatment and―based on the following two observations―most likely due to the inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity: (i) we did not observe any induction of muscle-specific miRNAs in neurally differentiating mESCs exposed to the unrelated developmental neurotoxicant sodium arsenite; and (ii) the expression of muscle-abundant mir-206 and mir-10a was similarly increased in cells exposed to the structurally different HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). Based on our results we conclude that miRNA expression profiling is a suitable molecular endpoint for developmental neurotoxicity. The observed lineage shift into myogenesis, where miRNAs may play an important role, could be one of the developmental neurotoxic mechanisms of VPA. PMID:24896083

Stretchable degradable and electroactive shape memory copolymers with tunable recovery temperature enhance myogenic differentiation.

PubMed

Deng, Zexing; Guo, Yi; Zhao, Xin; Li, Longchao; Dong, Ruonan; Guo, Baolin; Ma, Peter X

2016-12-01

Development of flexible degradable electroactive shape memory polymers (ESMPs) with tunable switching temperature (around body temperature) for tissue engineering is still a challenge. Here we designed and synthesized a series of shape memory copolymers with electroactivity, super stretchability and tunable recovery temperature based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with different molecular weight and conductive amino capped aniline trimer, and demonstrated their potential to enhance myogenic differentiation from C2C12 myoblast cells. We characterized the copolymers by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), shape memory test, tensile test and in vitro enzymatic degradation study. The electroactive biodegradable shape memory copolymers showed great elasticity, tunable recovery temperature around 37°C, and good shape memory properties. Furthermore, proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts were investigated on electroactive copolymers films, and they greatly enhanced the proliferation, myotube formation and related myogenic differentiation genes expression of C2C12 myoblasts compared to the pure PCL with molecular weight of 80,000. Our study suggests that these electroactive, highly stretchable, biodegradable shape memory polymers with tunable recovery temperature near the body temperature have great potential in skeletal muscle tissue engineering application. Conducting polymers can regulate cell behavior such cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation with or without electrical stimulation. Therefore, they have great potential for electrical signal sensitive tissue regeneration. Although conducting biomaterials with degradability have been developed, highly stretchable and electroactive degradable copolymers for soft tissue engineering have been rarely reported. On the other hand, shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been widely used in biomedical fields. However, SMPs based on polyesters usually are biologically inert. This work reported the design of super stretchable electroactive degradable SMPs based on polycaprolactone and aniline trimer with tunable recovery temperature around body temperature. These flexible electroactive SMPs facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells compared with polycaprolactone, indicating that they are excellent scaffolding biomaterials in tissue engineering to repair skeletal muscle and possibly other tissues. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

THY-1 Receptor Expression Differentiates Cardiosphere-Derived Cells with Divergent Cardiogenic Differentiation Potential

PubMed Central

Gago-Lopez, Nuria; Awaji, Obinna; Zhang, Yiqiang; Ko, Christopher; Nsair, Ali; Liem, David; Stempien-Otero, April; MacLellan, W. Robb

2014-01-01

Summary Despite over a decade of intense research, the identity and differentiation potential of human adult cardiac progenitor cells (aCPC) remains controversial. Cardiospheres have been proposed as a means to expand aCPCs in vitro, but the identity of the progenitor cell within these 3D structures is unknown. We show that clones derived from cardiospheres could be subdivided based on expression of thymocyte differentiation antigen 1 (THY-1/CD90) into two distinct populations that exhibit divergent cardiac differentiation potential. One population, which is CD90+, expressed markers consistent with a mesenchymal/myofibroblast cell. The second clone type was CD90− and could form mature, functional myocytes with sarcomeres albeit at a very low rate. These two populations of cardiogenic clones displayed distinct cell surface markers and unique transcriptomes. Our study suggests that a rare aCPC exists in cardiospheres along with a mesenchymal/myofibroblast cell, which demonstrates incomplete cardiac myocyte differentiation. PMID:24936447

Selection of Differential Isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae for Postulation of Blast Resistance Genes.

PubMed

Fang, W W; Liu, C C; Zhang, H W; Xu, H; Zhou, S; Fang, K X; Peng, Y L; Zhao, W S

2018-05-21

A set of differential isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae is needed for the postulation of blast resistance genes in numerous rice varieties and breeding materials. In this study, the pathotypes of 1,377 M. oryzae isolates from different regions of China were determined by inoculating detached rice leaves of 24 monogenic lines. Among them, 25 isolates were selected as differential isolates based on the following characteristics: they had distinct responses on the monogenic lines, contained the minimum number of avirulence genes, were stable in pathogenicity and conidiation during consecutive culture, were consistent colony growth rate, and, together, could differentiate combinations of the 24 major blast resistance genes. Seedlings of rice cultivars were inoculated with this differential set of isolates to postulate whether they contain 1 or more than 1 of the 24 blast resistance genes. The results were consistent with those from polymerase chain reaction analysis of target resistance genes. Establishment of a standard set of differential isolates will facilitate breeding for blast resistance and improved management of rice blast disease.

Generation of iPS-derived model cells for analyses of hair shaft differentiation.

PubMed

Kido, Takumi; Horigome, Tomoatsu; Uda, Minori; Adachi, Naoki; Hirai, Yohei

2017-09-01

Biological evaluation of hair growth/differentiation activity in vitro has been a formidable challenge, primarily due to the lack of relevant model cell systems. To solve this problem, we generated a stable model cell line in which successive differentiation via epidermal progenitors to hair components is easily inducible and traceable. Mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cells were selected to stably express a tetracycline (Tet)-inducible bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) expression cassette and a luciferase reporter driven by a hair-specific keratin 31 gene (krt31) promoter (Tet-BMP4-KRT31-Luc iPS). While Tet- BMP4-KRT31-Luc iPS cells could be maintained as stable iPS cells, the cells differentiated to produce luciferase luminescence in the presence of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and doxycycline (Dox), and addition of a hair differentiation factor significantly increased luciferase fluorescence. Thus, this cell line may provide a reliable cell-based screening system to evaluate drug candidates for hair differentiation activity.

[Cloning and characterization of genes differentially expressed in human dental pulp cells and gingival fibroblasts].

PubMed

Wang, Zhong-dong; Wu, Ji-nan; Zhou, Lin; Ling, Jun-qi; Guo, Xi-min; Xiao, Ming-zhen; Zhu, Feng; Pu, Qin; Chai, Yu-bo; Zhao, Zhong-liang

2007-02-01

To study the biological properties of human dental pulp cells (HDPC) by cloning and analysis of genes differentially expressed in HDPC in comparison with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). HDPC and HGF were cultured and identified by immunocytochemistry. HPDC and HGF subtractive cDNA library was established by PCR-based modified subtractive hybridization, genes differentially expressed by HPDC were cloned, sequenced and compared to find homogeneous sequence in GenBank by BLAST. Cloning and sequencing analysis indicate 12 genes differentially expressed were obtained, in which two were unknown genes. Among the 10 known genes, 4 were related to signal transduction, 2 were related to trans-membrane transportation (both cell membrane and nuclear membrane), and 2 were related to RNA splicing mechanisms. The biological properties of HPDC are determined by the differential expression of some genes and the growth and differentiation of HPDC are associated to the dynamic protein synthesis and secretion activities of the cell.

Inference for High-dimensional Differential Correlation Matrices.

PubMed

Cai, T Tony; Zhang, Anru

2016-01-01

Motivated by differential co-expression analysis in genomics, we consider in this paper estimation and testing of high-dimensional differential correlation matrices. An adaptive thresholding procedure is introduced and theoretical guarantees are given. Minimax rate of convergence is established and the proposed estimator is shown to be adaptively rate-optimal over collections of paired correlation matrices with approximately sparse differences. Simulation results show that the procedure significantly outperforms two other natural methods that are based on separate estimation of the individual correlation matrices. The procedure is also illustrated through an analysis of a breast cancer dataset, which provides evidence at the gene co-expression level that several genes, of which a subset has been previously verified, are associated with the breast cancer. Hypothesis testing on the differential correlation matrices is also considered. A test, which is particularly well suited for testing against sparse alternatives, is introduced. In addition, other related problems, including estimation of a single sparse correlation matrix, estimation of the differential covariance matrices, and estimation of the differential cross-correlation matrices, are also discussed.

Dynamic Hydrostatic Pressure Promotes Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Yu, V; Damek-Poprawa, M.; Nicoll, S. B.; Akintoye, S.O.

2009-01-01

The masticatory apparatus absorbs high occlusal forces, but uncontrolled parafunctional or orthodontic forces damage periodontal ligament (PDL), cause pulpal calcification, pulp necrosis and tooth loss. Morphology and functional differentiation of connective tissue cells can be controlled by mechanical stimuli but effects of uncontrolled forces on intra-pulpal homeostasis and ability of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to withstand direct external forces are unclear. Using dynamic hydrostatic pressure (HSP), we tested the hypothesis that direct HSP disrupts DPSC survival and odontogenic differentiation. DPSCs from four teenage patients were subjected to HSP followed by assessment of cell adhesion, survival and recovery capacity based on odontogenic differentiation, mineralization and responsiveness to bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). HSP down-regulated DPSC adhesion and survival but promoted differentiation by increasing mineralization, in vivo hard tissue regeneration and BMP-2 responsiveness despite reduced cell numbers. HSP-treated DPSCs displayed enhanced odontogenic differentiation, an indication of favorable recovery from HSP-induced cellular stress. PMID:19555657

Differential detection in quadrature-quadrature phase shift keying (Q2PSK) systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Ghandour, Osama M.; Saha, Debabrata

1991-05-01

A generalized quadrature-quadrature phase shift keying (Q2PSK) signaling format is considered for differential encoding and differential detection. Performance in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is analyzed. Symbol error rate is found to be approximately twice the symbol error rate in a quaternary DPSK system operating at the same Eb/N0. However, the bandwidth efficiency of differential Q2PSK is substantially higher than that of quaternary DPSK. When the error is due to AWGN, the ratio of double error rate to single error rate can be very high, and the ratio may approach zero at high SNR. To improve error rate, differential detection through maximum-likelihood decoding based on multiple or N symbol observations is considered. If N and SNR are large this decoding gives a 3-dB advantage in error rate over conventional N = 2 differential detection, fully recovering the energy loss (as compared to coherent detection) if the observation is extended to a large number of symbol durations.

Utility of the Mantel-Haenszel Procedure for Detecting Differential Item Functioning in Small Samples

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fidalgo, Angel M.; Ferreres, Doris; Muniz, Jose

2004-01-01

Sample-size restrictions limit the contingency table approaches based on asymptotic distributions, such as the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) procedure, for detecting differential item functioning (DIF) in many practical applications. Within this framework, the present study investigated the power and Type I error performance of empirical and inferential…

Power and Sample Size Calculations for Logistic Regression Tests for Differential Item Functioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Zhushan

2014-01-01

Logistic regression is a popular method for detecting uniform and nonuniform differential item functioning (DIF) effects. Theoretical formulas for the power and sample size calculations are derived for likelihood ratio tests and Wald tests based on the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimators for the logistic regression model.…

Gender-Based Differential Item Performance in Mathematics Achievement Items.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doolittle, Allen E.; Cleary, T. Anne

1987-01-01

Eight randomly equivalent samples of high school seniors were each given a unique form of the ACT Assessment Mathematics Usage Test (ACTM). Signed measures of differential item performance (DIP) were obtained for each item in the eight ACTM forms. DIP estimates were analyzed and a significant item category effect was found. (Author/LMO)

The Iron Law of Hierarchy? Institutional Differentiation in UK Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Croxford, Linda; Raffe, David

2015-01-01

This paper maps the main dimensions of differentiation among institutions and "faculties" (subject areas within institutions) of higher education in the United Kingdom. It does so through a principal components analysis based on the characteristics of applicants and entrants. A single status dimension accounts for a quarter of the…

Differentiating Instruction with Menus Grades 3-5: Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westphal, Laurie E.

2007-01-01

"Differentiating Instruction With Menus Grades 3-5" offers teachers everything they need to create a student-centered learning environment based on choice. Addressing the four main subject areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and the major concepts taught within these areas, these books provide a number of different types of…

Differentiating Instruction with Menus Grades 3-5: Social Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westphal, Laurie E.

2007-01-01

"Differentiating Instruction With Menus Grades 3-5" offers teachers everything they need to create a student-centered learning environment based on choice. Addressing the four main subject areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and the major concepts taught within these areas, these books provide a number of different types of…

Differentiating Instruction with Menus Grades 3-5: Language Arts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westphal, Laurie E.

2007-01-01

"Differentiating Instruction With Menus Grades 3-5" offers teachers everything they need to create a student-centered learning environment based on choice. Addressing the four main subject areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and the major concepts taught within these areas, these books provide a number of different types of…

Hedonic, Instrumental, and Normative Motives: Differentiating Patterns for Popular, Accepted, and Rejected Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dijkstra, Jan Kornelis; Kretschmer, Tina; Lindenberg, Siegwart; Veenstra, René

2015-01-01

This study examined to what extent motives for behavior differentiated between popular, accepted, and rejected adolescents. Based on goal-framing theory, three types of motives were distinguished: hedonic (aimed at short-term gratification), instrumental (aimed at improvement of one's situation), and normative (aimed at acting in accordance with…

Thomson's Theorem of Electrostatics: Its Applications and Mathematical Verification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bakhoum, Ezzat G.

2008-01-01

A 100 years-old formula that was given by J. J. Thomson recently found numerous applications in computational electrostatics and electromagnetics. Thomson himself never gave a proof for the formula; but a proof based on Differential Geometry was suggested by Jackson and later published by Pappas. Unfortunately, Differential Geometry, being a…

Differentiating Instruction with Menus Grades 3-5: Math

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westphal, Laurie E.

2007-01-01

"Differentiating Instruction With Menus Grades 3-5" offers teachers everything they need to create a student-centered learning environment based on choice. Addressing the four main subject areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and the major concepts taught within these areas, these books provide a number of different types of…

Examining Sources of Gender DIF in Mathematics Assessments Using a Confirmatory Multidimensional Model Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mendes-Barnett, Sharon; Ercikan, Kadriye

2006-01-01

This study contributes to understanding sources of gender differential item functioning (DIF) on mathematics tests. This study focused on identifying sources of DIF and differential bundle functioning for boys and girls on the British Columbia Principles of Mathematics Exam (Grade 12) using a confirmatory SIBTEST approach based on a…

Comparing Performance of Methods to Deal with Differential Attrition in Lottery Based Evaluations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zamarro, Gema; Anderson, Kaitlin; Steele, Jennifer; Miller, Trey

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to study the performance of different methods (inverse probability weighting and estimation of informative bounds) to control for differential attrition by comparing the results of different methods using two datasets: an original dataset from Portland Public Schools (PPS) subject to high rates of differential…

Concurrent Schedules of Positive and Negative Reinforcement: Differential-Impact and Differential-Outcomes Hypotheses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magoon, Michael A.; Critchfield, Thomas S.

2008-01-01

Considerable evidence from outside of operant psychology suggests that aversive events exert greater influence over behavior than equal-sized positive-reinforcement events. Operant theory is largely moot on this point, and most operant research is uninformative because of a scaling problem that prevents aversive events and those based on positive…

Earth fissures and localized differential subsidence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holzer, Thomas L.; Pampeyan, Earl Haig

1979-01-01

Long tension cracks caused by declines of ground-water level at four sites in Arizona, California, and Nevada occur at points of maximum, convex-upward curvature in subsidence profiles based on relevelings of closely-spaced bench marks aligned perpendicular to the cracks. We conclude the cracks are caused by horizontal strains associated with the differential subsidence.

The Impact of Performance Ratings on Job Satisfaction for Public School Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koedel, Cory; Li, Jiaxi; Springer, Matthew G.; Tan, Li

2017-01-01

Spurred by the federal Race to the Top competition, the state of Tennessee implemented a comprehensive statewide educator evaluation system in 2011. The new system is designed to increase the rigor of evaluations and better differentiate teachers based on performance. The use of more differentiated ratings represents a significant shift in…

Differential Response: Response to Hughes and Colleagues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samuels, Bryan; Brown, Brett Vaughn

2013-01-01

In their critique of differential response (DR), Hughes and colleagues raise a number of important issues that are central to broader efforts at the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) including the need for greater reliance on evidence-based practice in child welfare, more rigorous evaluation methodologies, and a robust set of…

Response to the Hughes et al. Paper on Differential Response

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baird, Christopher; Park, Katherine; Lohrbach, Suzanne

2013-01-01

Ronald Hughes, Judith Rycus, and their colleagues have produced a seminal review of differential response (DR) programs implemented across the nation. Their review questions nearly every aspect of the DR movement, beginning with the concept on which all DR programs are based and ending with serious concerns about the quality of evaluations…

Alteration of plant meristem function by manipulation of the Retinoblastoma-like plant RRB gene

DOEpatents

Durfee, Tim [Madison, WI; Feiler, Heidi [Albany, CA; Gruissem, Wilhelm [Forch, CH; Jenkins, Susan [Martinez, CA; Roe, Judith [Manhattan, KS; Zambryski, Patricia [Berkeley, CA

2007-01-16

This invention provides methods and compositions for altering the growth, organization, and differentiation of plant tissues. The invention is based on the discovery that, in plants, genetically altering the levels of Retinoblastoma-related gene (RRB) activity produces dramatic effects on the growth, proliferation, organization, and differentiation of plant meristem.

Educational Differentiation Policies and the Performance of Disadvantaged Students across OECD Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castejón, Alba; Zancajo, Adrián

2015-01-01

This article focuses on analysing the effect of educational differentiation policies of OECD educational systems on socioeconomically disadvantaged students, based on data from PISA 2009. The analysis is conducted on the basis of a definition of two subgroups of disadvantaged students: those that achieve high scores, and those obtaining scores…

Differentially expressed proteins of soybean (Glycine max) pulvinus in light and dark conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soybean leaves (Glycine max) both track and avoid the sun through turgor changes of the pulvinus tissue at the base of leaves. Pulvinar response is known to be affected by both diurnally varying environmental factors and circadian patterns. Differential expression of the proteins between light and d...

Detection of Gender-Based Differential Item Functioning in a Mathematics Performance Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Ning; Lane, Suzanne

This study used three different differential item functioning (DIF) procedures to examine the extent to which items in a mathematics performance assessment functioned differently for matched gender groups. In addition to examining the appropriateness of individual items in terms of DIF with respect to gender, an attempt was made to identify…

30 CFR 206.104 - What publications are acceptable to MMS?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... price and ANS spot price based on certain criteria, including, but not limited to: (1) Publications... daily surveys of buyers and sellers of crude oil, and, for ANS spot prices, buyers and sellers of ANS... represent NYMEX prices or differentials or ANS spot market prices or differentials. [65 FR 14088, Mar. 15...

Building Context with Tumor Growth Modeling Projects in Differential Equations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beier, Julie C.; Gevertz, Jana L.; Howard, Keith E.

2015-01-01

The use of modeling projects serves to integrate, reinforce, and extend student knowledge. Here we present two projects related to tumor growth appropriate for a first course in differential equations. They illustrate the use of problem-based learning to reinforce and extend course content via a writing or research experience. Here we discuss…

Partnering for Compensation Reform: Collaborations between Union and District Leadership in Four School Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sommerfeld, Meg

2011-01-01

A growing number of American school systems are experimenting with innovative and varied methods of tying educators' salaries more closely to their work through differential pay. Differential pay means paying teachers differently based on their performance, their responsibilities, and/or their teaching assignments. For instance, it can mean…

Use of a Progress Monitoring System to Enable Teachers to Differentiate Mathematics Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ysseldyke, Jim; Tardrew, Steve

2007-01-01

We explored how a progress monitoring and instructional management system can be used to help educators differentiate instruction and meet the wide-ranging learning needs of their increasingly diverse classrooms. We compared classrooms in 24 states that used a curriculum-based progress monitoring and instructional management system, Accelerated…

Effects of a History of Differential Reinforcement on Preference for Choice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karsina, Allen; Thompson, Rachel H.; Rodriguez, Nicole M.

2011-01-01

The effects of a history of differential reinforcement for selecting a free-choice versus a restricted-choice stimulus arrangement on the subsequent responding of 7 undergraduates in a computer-based game of chance were examined using a concurrent-chains arrangement and a multiple-baseline-across-participants design. In the free-choice…

Equitable Instruction for Secondary Latino English Learners: Examining Critical Principles of Differentiation in Lesson Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elsbree, Anne René; Hernández, Ana M.; Daoud, Annette

2014-01-01

The research emphasizes the need for educators to take more ownership of Latino English Learners (ELs) and identify effective lesson differentiation through subject area content (instruction), process (activities), and products (assessments). Based on the literature review, school achievement improves when practices address students' culture,…

Simultaneous differential detection of human pathogenic and nonpathogenic Vibrio species using a multiplex PCR based on gyrB and pntA genes.

PubMed

Teh, C S J; Chua, K H; Thong, K L

2010-06-01

To develop a multiplex PCR targeting the gyrB and pntA genes for Vibrio species differentiation. Four pairs of primers targeting gyrB gene of Vibrios at genus level and pntA gene of Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus were designed. This PCR method precisely identified 250 Vibrio species and demonstrated sensitivity in the range of 4 x 10(4) CFU ml(-1) (c. 200 CFU per PCR) to 2 x 10(3) CFU ml(-1) (c. 10 CFU per PCR). Overall, the gyrB gene marker showed a higher specificity than the dnaJ gene marker for Vibrio detection and was able to distinguish Aeromonas from Vibrio species. The multiplex PCR based on combined gyrB and pntA provides a high discriminatory power in the differentiation between Vibrio alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus, and between V. cholerae and Vibrio mimicus. This assay will be useful for rapid differentiation of various Vibrio species from clinical and environmental sources and significantly overcomes the limitations of the conventional methods.

Pre-buckling responses of Timoshenko nanobeams based on the integral and differential models of nonlocal elasticity: an isogeometric approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norouzzadeh, A.; Ansari, R.; Rouhi, H.

2017-05-01

Differential form of Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory is widely employed to capture the small-scale effects on the behavior of nanostructures. However, paradoxical results are obtained via the differential nonlocal constitutive relations in some cases such as in the vibration and bending analysis of cantilevers, and recourse must be made to the integral (original) form of Eringen's theory. Motivated by this consideration, a novel nonlocal formulation is developed herein based on the original formulation of Eringen's theory to study the buckling behavior of nanobeams. The governing equations are derived according to the Timoshenko beam theory, and are represented in a suitable vector-matrix form which is applicable to the finite-element analysis. In addition, an isogeometric analysis (IGA) is conducted for the solution of buckling problem. Construction of exact geometry using non-uniform rational B-splines and easy implementation of geometry refinement tools are the main advantages of IGA. A comparison study is performed between the predictions of integral and differential nonlocal models for nanobeams under different kinds of end conditions.

A sandwich-like differential B-dot based on EACVD polycrystalline diamond slice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, P.; Yu, Y.; Xu, L.; Zhou, H. Y.; Qiu, C. J.

2018-06-01

In this article, we present a method of mass production of a standardized high-performance differential B-dot magnetic probe together with the magnetic field measurement in a pulsed current device with the current up to hundreds of kilo-Amperes. A polycrystalline diamond slice produced in an Electron Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition device is used as the base and insulating material to imprint two symmetric differential loops for the magnetic field measurement. The SP3 carbon bond in the cubic lattice structure of diamond is confirmed by Raman spectra. The thickness of this slice is 20 μm. A gold loop is imprinted onto each surface of the slice by using the photolithography technique. The inner diameter, width, and thickness of each loop are 0.8 mm, 50 μm, and 1 μm, respectively. It provides a way of measuring the pulsed magnetic field with a high spatial and temporal resolution, especially in limited space. This differential magnetic probe has demonstrated a very good common-mode rejection rate through the pulsed magnetic field measurement.

Differential-Drive Mobile Robot Control Design based-on Linear Feedback Control Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurmaini, Siti; Dewi, Kemala; Tutuko, Bambang

2017-04-01

This paper deals with the problem of how to control differential driven mobile robot with simple control law. When mobile robot moves from one position to another to achieve a position destination, it always produce some errors. Therefore, a mobile robot requires a certain control law to drive the robot’s movement to the position destination with a smallest possible error. In this paper, in order to reduce position error, a linear feedback control is proposed with pole placement approach to regulate the polynoms desired. The presented work leads to an improved understanding of differential-drive mobile robot (DDMR)-based kinematics equation, which will assist to design of suitable controllers for DDMR movement. The result show by using the linier feedback control method with pole placement approach the position error is reduced and fast convergence is achieved.

Investigation of Transport Parameters of Graphene-Based Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sergeyev, D. M.; Shunkeyev, K. Sh.

2018-03-01

The paper presents results of computer simulation of the main transport parameters of nanostructures obtained through the row-by-row removal of carbon atoms from graphene ribbon. Research into the electrical parameters is carried out within the density functional theory using the non-equilibrium Green functions in the local-density approximation. Virtual NanoLab based on Atomistix ToolKit is used to construct structures and analyze simulation results. Current-voltage characteristics, differential conductivity and transmittance spectra of nanostructures are calculated at different values of bias voltage. It is found that there is a large region of negative differential resistance in current-voltage characteristics of nanostructures caused by resonant tunneling of quasi-particles. Differential (dI/dV) characteristic also has similar changes. The obtained results can be useful for building novel electronic devices in the field of nanoelectronics.

Directed Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells Using a Bead-Based Combinatorial Screening Method

PubMed Central

Tarunina, Marina; Hernandez, Diana; Johnson, Christopher J.; Rybtsov, Stanislav; Ramathas, Vidya; Jeyakumar, Mylvaganam; Watson, Thomas; Hook, Lilian; Medvinsky, Alexander; Mason, Chris; Choo, Yen

2014-01-01

We have developed a rapid, bead-based combinatorial screening method to determine optimal combinations of variables that direct stem cell differentiation to produce known or novel cell types having pre-determined characteristics. Here we describe three experiments comprising stepwise exposure of mouse or human embryonic cells to 10,000 combinations of serum-free differentiation media, through which we discovered multiple novel, efficient and robust protocols to generate a number of specific hematopoietic and neural lineages. We further demonstrate that the technology can be used to optimize existing protocols in order to substitute costly growth factors with bioactive small molecules and/or increase cell yield, and to identify in vitro conditions for the production of rare developmental intermediates such as an embryonic lymphoid progenitor cell that has not previously been reported. PMID:25251366

Novel utilization of the outer membrane proteins for the identification and differentiation of pathogenic versus nonpathogenic microbial strains using mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabbour, Rabih E.; Wade, Mary; Deshpande, Samir V.; McCubbin, Patrick; Snyder, A. Peter; Bevilacqua, Vicky

2012-06-01

Mass spectrometry based proteomic approaches are showing promising capabilities in addressing various biological and biochemical issues. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are often associated with virulence in gram-negative pathogens and could prove to be excellent model biomarkers for strain level differentiation among bacteria. Whole cells and OMP extracts were isolated from pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Francisella tularensis, Burkholderia thailandensis, and Burkholderia mallei. OMP extracts were compared for their ability to differentiate and delineate the correct database organism to an experimental sample and for the degree of dissimilarity to the nearest-neighbor database strains. This study addresses the comparative experimental proteome analyses of OMPs vs. whole cell lysates on the strain-level discrimination among gram negative pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains.

SU-E-E-16: The Application of Texture Analysis for Differentiation of Central Cancer From Atelectasis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gao, M; Fan, T; Duan, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: Prospectively assess the potential utility of texture analysis for differentiation of central cancer from atelectasis. Methods: 0 consecutive central lung cancer patients who were referred for CT imaging and PET-CT were enrolled. Radiotherapy doctor delineate the tumor and atelectasis according to the fusion imaging based on CT image and PET-CT image. The texture parameters (such as energy, correlation, sum average, difference average, difference entropy), were obtained respectively to quantitatively discriminate tumor and atelectasis based on gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) Results: The texture analysis results showed that the parameters of correlation and sum average had an obviously statistical significance(P<0.05).more » Conclusion: the results of this study indicate that texture analysis may be useful for the differentiation of central lung cancer and atelectasis.« less

Hybrid Differential Dynamic Programming with Stochastic Search

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aziz, Jonathan; Parker, Jeffrey; Englander, Jacob

2016-01-01

Differential dynamic programming (DDP) has been demonstrated as a viable approach to low-thrust trajectory optimization, namely with the recent success of NASAs Dawn mission. The Dawn trajectory was designed with the DDP-based Static Dynamic Optimal Control algorithm used in the Mystic software. Another recently developed method, Hybrid Differential Dynamic Programming (HDDP) is a variant of the standard DDP formulation that leverages both first-order and second-order state transition matrices in addition to nonlinear programming (NLP) techniques. Areas of improvement over standard DDP include constraint handling, convergence properties, continuous dynamics, and multi-phase capability. DDP is a gradient based method and will converge to a solution nearby an initial guess. In this study, monotonic basin hopping (MBH) is employed as a stochastic search method to overcome this limitation, by augmenting the HDDP algorithm for a wider search of the solution space.

Differential proteomics analysis to identify proteins and pathways associated with male sterility of soybean using iTRAQ-based strategy.

PubMed

Li, Jiajia; Ding, Xianlong; Han, Shaohuai; He, Tingting; Zhang, Hao; Yang, Longshu; Yang, Shouping; Gai, Junyi

2016-04-14

To further elucidate the molecular mechanism of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in soybean, a differential proteomic analysis was completed between the CMS line NJCMS1A and its maintainer NJCMS1B using iTRAQ-based strategy. As a result, 180 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were identified, of which, 60 were down-regulated and 120 were up-regulated in NJCMS1A compared with NJCMS1B. Bioinformatic analysis showed that 167 DAPs were annotated in 41 Gene Ontology functional groups, 106 DAPs were classified into 20 clusters of orthologous groups of protein categories, and 128 DAPs were enrichment in 53 KEGG pathways. Fifteen differential level proteins/genes with the same expression pattern were identified in the further conjoint analysis of DAPs and the previously reported differential expression genes. Moreover, multiple reaction monitoring test, qRT-PCR analysis and enzyme activity assay validated that the iTRAQ results were reliable. Based on functional analysis of DAPs, we concluded that male sterility in NJCMS1A might be related to insufficiencies in energy supply, unbalance of protein synthesis and degradation, disruption of flavonoid synthesis, programmed cell death, abnormalities of substance metabolism, etc. These results might facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind CMS in soybean. Soybean is an important global crop that provides protein and oil. Heterosis is a significantly potential approach to increase the yield of soybean. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) plays a vital role in the production of hybrid seeds. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms of male sterility in soybean still need to be further elucidated. In the present paper, a differential proteomic analysis was carried out and the results showed that several key proteins involved in key pathways were associated with male sterility in soybean. This work provides a new insight to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying CMS in soybean. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cell Potential and the Importance of Dog Breed: Implication for Cell-Based Therapies.

PubMed

Bertolo, Alessandro; Steffen, Frank; Malonzo-Marty, Cherry; Stoyanov, Jivko

2015-01-01

The study of canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has a prominent position in veterinary cell-based applications. Yet the plethora of breeds, their different life spans, and interbreed variations provide unclearness on what can be achieved specifically by such therapies. In this study, we compared a set of morphological, physiological, and genetic markers of MSCs derived from large dog breeds, namely, Border collie, German shepherd, Labrador, Malinois, Golden retriever, and Hovawart. We compared colony-forming units (CFUs) assay, population doubling time (PDT), senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, telomere length, and gene expression of MSCs, as well as the ability of cells to differentiate to osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic phenotypes. The influence of the culture media α-MEM, low-glucose DMEM, and high-glucose DMEM, used in cell isolation and expansion, was investigated in the presence and absence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Initial cell yield was not affected by culturing medium, but MSCs expanded best in α-MEM supplemented with bFGF. After isolation, the number of MSCs was similar among breeds--as shown by equivalent CFUs--except in the Hovawart samples, which had fivefold less CFU. Telomere lengths were similar among breeds. MSCs divided actively only for 4 weeks in culture (PDT = ∼50 h/division), except Border collie cells divided for a longer time than cells from other groups. The percentage of senescent cells increased linearly in all breeds with time, with a faster rate in German shepherd, Labrador, and Golden retriever. Border collie cells underwent efficient osteogenic differentiation, Hovawart cells performed the best in chondrogenic differentiation, and Labrador cells in both, while German shepherd cells had the lower differentiation potential. MSCs from all breeds preserved the same adipogenic differentiation potential. In conclusion, despite variations, isolated MSCs can be expanded and differentiated in vitro, and all breeds are eligible for MSC-based therapies.

Automated method to differentiate between native and mirror protein models obtained from contact maps.

PubMed

Kurczynska, Monika; Kotulska, Malgorzata

2018-01-01

Mirror protein structures are often considered as artifacts in modeling protein structures. However, they may soon become a new branch of biochemistry. Moreover, methods of protein structure reconstruction, based on their residue-residue contact maps, need methodology to differentiate between models of native and mirror orientation, especially regarding the reconstructed backbones. We analyzed 130 500 structural protein models obtained from contact maps of 1 305 SCOP domains belonging to all 7 structural classes. On average, the same numbers of native and mirror models were obtained among 100 models generated for each domain. Since their structural features are often not sufficient for differentiating between the two types of model orientations, we proposed to apply various energy terms (ETs) from PyRosetta to separate native and mirror models. To automate the procedure for differentiating these models, the k-means clustering algorithm was applied. Using total energy did not allow to obtain appropriate clusters-the accuracy of the clustering for class A (all helices) was no more than 0.52. Therefore, we tested a series of different k-means clusterings based on various combinations of ETs. Finally, applying two most differentiating ETs for each class allowed to obtain satisfying results. To unify the method for differentiating between native and mirror models, independent of their structural class, the two best ETs for each class were considered. Finally, the k-means clustering algorithm used three common ETs: probability of amino acid assuming certain values of dihedral angles Φ and Ψ, Ramachandran preferences and Coulomb interactions. The accuracies of clustering with these ETs were in the range between 0.68 and 0.76, with sensitivity and selectivity in the range between 0.68 and 0.87, depending on the structural class. The method can be applied to all fully-automated tools for protein structure reconstruction based on contact maps, especially those analyzing big sets of models.

Automated method to differentiate between native and mirror protein models obtained from contact maps

PubMed Central

Kurczynska, Monika

2018-01-01

Mirror protein structures are often considered as artifacts in modeling protein structures. However, they may soon become a new branch of biochemistry. Moreover, methods of protein structure reconstruction, based on their residue-residue contact maps, need methodology to differentiate between models of native and mirror orientation, especially regarding the reconstructed backbones. We analyzed 130 500 structural protein models obtained from contact maps of 1 305 SCOP domains belonging to all 7 structural classes. On average, the same numbers of native and mirror models were obtained among 100 models generated for each domain. Since their structural features are often not sufficient for differentiating between the two types of model orientations, we proposed to apply various energy terms (ETs) from PyRosetta to separate native and mirror models. To automate the procedure for differentiating these models, the k-means clustering algorithm was applied. Using total energy did not allow to obtain appropriate clusters–the accuracy of the clustering for class A (all helices) was no more than 0.52. Therefore, we tested a series of different k-means clusterings based on various combinations of ETs. Finally, applying two most differentiating ETs for each class allowed to obtain satisfying results. To unify the method for differentiating between native and mirror models, independent of their structural class, the two best ETs for each class were considered. Finally, the k-means clustering algorithm used three common ETs: probability of amino acid assuming certain values of dihedral angles Φ and Ψ, Ramachandran preferences and Coulomb interactions. The accuracies of clustering with these ETs were in the range between 0.68 and 0.76, with sensitivity and selectivity in the range between 0.68 and 0.87, depending on the structural class. The method can be applied to all fully-automated tools for protein structure reconstruction based on contact maps, especially those analyzing big sets of models. PMID:29787567

Application of the principal fractional meta-trigonometric functions for the solution of linear commensurate-order time-invariant fractional differential equations.

PubMed

Lorenzo, C F; Hartley, T T; Malti, R

2013-05-13

A new and simplified method for the solution of linear constant coefficient fractional differential equations of any commensurate order is presented. The solutions are based on the R-function and on specialized Laplace transform pairs derived from the principal fractional meta-trigonometric functions. The new method simplifies the solution of such fractional differential equations and presents the solutions in the form of real functions as opposed to fractional complex exponential functions, and thus is directly applicable to real-world physics.

An efficient computer based wavelets approximation method to solve Fuzzy boundary value differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alam Khan, Najeeb; Razzaq, Oyoon Abdul

2016-03-01

In the present work a wavelets approximation method is employed to solve fuzzy boundary value differential equations (FBVDEs). Essentially, a truncated Legendre wavelets series together with the Legendre wavelets operational matrix of derivative are utilized to convert FB- VDE into a simple computational problem by reducing it into a system of fuzzy algebraic linear equations. The capability of scheme is investigated on second order FB- VDE considered under generalized H-differentiability. Solutions are represented graphically showing competency and accuracy of this method.

Shape Optimization of Rubber Bushing Using Differential Evolution Algorithm

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The objective of this study is to design rubber bushing at desired level of stiffness characteristics in order to achieve the ride quality of the vehicle. A differential evolution algorithm based approach is developed to optimize the rubber bushing through integrating a finite element code running in batch mode to compute the objective function values for each generation. Two case studies were given to illustrate the application of proposed approach. Optimum shape parameters of 2D bushing model were determined by shape optimization using differential evolution algorithm. PMID:25276848

Origin of Volatiles in Earth: Indigenous Versus Exogenous Sources Based on Highly Siderophile, Volatile Siderophile, and Light Volatile Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.; Danielson, L.; Pando, K. M.; Marin, N.; Nickodem, K.

2015-01-01

Origin of Earth's volatiles has traditionally been ascribed to late accretion of material after major differentiation events - chondrites, comets, ice or other exogenous sources. A competing theory is that the Earth accreted its volatiles as it was built, thus water and other building blocks were present early and during differentiation and core formation (indigenous). Here we discuss geochemical evidence from three groups of elements that suggests Earth's volatiles were acquired during accretion and did not require additional sources after differentiation.

D{sub {infinity}}-differential E{sub {infinity}}-algebras and spectral sequences of fibrations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lapin, Sergei V

2007-10-31

The notion of an E{sub {infinity}}-algebra with a filtration is introduced. The connections are established between E{sub {infinity}}-algebras with filtrations and the theory of D{sub {infinity}}-differential E{sub {infinity}}-algebras over fields. Based on the technique of D{sub {infinity}}-differential E{sub {infinity}}-algebras, the apparatus of spectral sequences is developed for E{sub {infinity}}-algebras with filtrations, and applications of this apparatus to the multiplicative cohomology spectral sequences of fibrations are given. Bibliography: 21 titles.

Differentiation among isolates of prunus necrotic ringspot virus by transcript conformation polymorphism.

PubMed

Rosner, A; Maslenin, L; Spiegel, S

1998-09-01

A method based on differences in electrophoretic mobility of RNA transcripts made from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products was used for differentiation among virus isolates. A T7 RNA polymerase promoter was attached to amplified prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) sequences by PCR. The PCR products then served as a template for transcription. Single-stranded transcripts originated from different PNRSV isolates varied in electrophoretic mobility in polyacrylamide gels, presumably because of transcript conformation polymorphism (TCP). This procedure was applied for the differentiation of PNRSV isolates.

A Novel Automated Slide-Based Technology for Visualization, Counting, and Characterization of the Formed Elements of Blood: A Proof of Concept Study.

PubMed

Winkelman, James W; Tanasijevic, Milenko J; Zahniser, David J

2017-08-01

- A novel automated slide-based approach to the complete blood count and white blood cell differential count is introduced. - To present proof of concept for an image-based approach to complete blood count, based on a new slide preparation technique. A preliminary data comparison with the current flow-based technology is shown. - A prototype instrument uses a proprietary method and technology to deposit a precise volume of undiluted peripheral whole blood in a monolayer onto a glass microscope slide so that every cell can be distinguished, counted, and imaged. The slide is stained, and then multispectral image analysis is used to measure the complete blood count parameters. Images from a 600-cell white blood cell differential count, as well as 5000 red blood cells and a variable number of platelets, that are present in 600 high-power fields are made available for a technologist to view on a computer screen. An initial comparison of the basic complete blood count parameters was performed, comparing 1857 specimens on both the new instrument and a flow-based hematology analyzer. - Excellent correlations were obtained between the prototype instrument and a flow-based system. The primary parameters of white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts resulted in correlation coefficients (r) of 0.99, 0.99, and 0.98, respectively. Other indices included hemoglobin (r = 0.99), hematocrit (r = 0.99), mean cellular volume (r = 0.90), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (r = 0.97), and mean platelet volume (r = 0.87). For the automated white blood cell differential counts, r values were calculated for neutrophils (r = 0.98), lymphocytes (r = 0.97), monocytes (r = 0.76), eosinophils (r = 0.96), and basophils (r = 0.63). - Quantitative results for components of the complete blood count and automated white blood cell differential count can be developed by image analysis of a monolayer preparation of a known volume of peripheral blood.

Differentiation of red wines using an electronic nose based on surface acoustic wave devices.

PubMed

García, M; Fernández, M J; Fontecha, J L; Lozano, J; Santos, J P; Aleixandre, M; Sayago, I; Gutiérrez, J; Horrillo, M C

2006-02-15

An electronic nose, utilizing the principle of surface acoustic waves (SAW), was used to differentiate among different wines of the same variety of grapes which come from the same cellar. The electronic nose is based on eight surface acoustic wave sensors, one is a reference sensor and the others are coated by different polymers by spray coating technique. Data analysis was performed by two pattern recognition methods; principal component analysis (PCA) and probabilistic neuronal network (PNN). The results showed that electronic nose was able to identify the tested wines.

15 CFR Appendix Vi to Subpart P of... - Special-Use Areas Boundary Coordinates and Use Designations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...)—[Based on differential Global Positioning Systems data] Point Latitude Longitude 1 24 deg.56.83′ N 80 deg.27.26′ W. 2 24 deg.57.10′ N 80 deg.26.93′ W. 3 24 deg.56.99′ N 80 deg.27.42′ W. 4 24 deg.57.34′ N 80 deg.27.26′ W. 5 24 deg.56.83′ N 80 deg.27.26′ W. Eastern Sambo (Research Only)—[Based on differential...

Adaptive Failure Compensation for Aircraft Tracking Control Using Engine Differential Based Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Yu; Tang, Xidong; Tao, Gang; Joshi, Suresh M.

2006-01-01

An aircraft model that incorporates independently adjustable engine throttles and ailerons is employed to develop an adaptive control scheme in the presence of actuator failures. This model captures the key features of aircraft flight dynamics when in the engine differential mode. Based on this model an adaptive feedback control scheme for asymptotic state tracking is developed and applied to a transport aircraft model in the presence of two types of failures during operation, rudder failure and aileron failure. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the adaptive failure compensation scheme.

A Smoothed Eclipse Model for Solar Electric Propulsion Trajectory Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aziz, Jonathan D.; Scheeres, Daniel J.; Parker, Jeffrey S.; Englander, Jacob A.

2017-01-01

Solar electric propulsion (SEP) is the dominant design option for employing low-thrust propulsion on a space mission. Spacecraft solar arrays power the SEP system but are subject to blackout periods during solar eclipse conditions. Discontinuity in power available to the spacecraft must be accounted for in trajectory optimization, but gradient-based methods require a differentiable power model. This work presents a power model that smooths the eclipse transition from total eclipse to total sunlight with a logistic function. Example trajectories are computed with differential dynamic programming, a second-order gradient-based method.

Tc-99m imaging in thyroidectomized differentiated thyroid cancer patients immediately before I-131 treatment.

PubMed

Tsai, Chi-Jung; Cheng, Cheng-Yi; Shen, Daniel Hueng-Yuan; Kuo, Shou Jen; Wang, Lien-Yen; Lee, Chiang-Hsuan; Wang, Jhi-Joung; Chang, Ming-Che; Huang, Wen-Sheng

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical role of technetium-99m pertechnetate (Tc-99m) imaging in thyroidectomized differentiated thyroid cancer patients immediately before radioiodine-131 (I-131) treatment (Tx). Eighty-six consecutive post-total-thyroidectomy patients (15 men, 71 women; mean age: 46.8 years) with pathologically diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer were retrospectively studied. Tc-99m imaging immediately before I-131 Tx using both patient-based and lesion-based measurements were analyzed and were further compared with those of post-Tx I-131 whole-body scans. For patients with unequivocally positive Tc-99m uptake, the sensitivity was 77% (patient-based) and 59% (site-based). The positive predictive value (PPV) was 100% for both patient-based and site-based measurements. If equivocal Tc-99m uptake was counted as positive, the sensitivity was 83 and 67%, and the PPV was 100 and 99% for patient-based and site-based measurements, respectively. (a) To increase sensitivity yet maintaining high PPV, equivocal Tc-99m uptake should be considered a positive finding. (b) The nearly 100% PPV of Tc-99m imaging immediately before I-131 Tx for remnant detection suggests that Tc-99m imaging not only serves as an alternative to low-dose I-131 scanning in the low-risk post-thyroidectomy patients but also provides a clue for the subsequent I-131 therapeutic dosage and even for the outcome prediction.

Flatness-based control in successive loops for stabilization of heart's electrical activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rigatos, Gerasimos; Melkikh, Alexey

2016-12-01

The article proposes a new flatness-based control method implemented in successive loops which allows for stabilization of the heart's electrical activity. Heart's pacemaking function is modeled as a set of coupled oscillators which potentially can exhibit chaotic behavior. It is shown that this model satisfies differential flatness properties. Next, the control and stabilization of this model is performed with the use of flatness-based control implemented in cascading loops. By applying a per-row decomposition of the state-space model of the coupled oscillators a set of nonlinear differential equations is obtained. Differential flatness properties are shown to hold for the subsystems associated with the each one of the aforementioned differential equations and next a local flatness-based controller is designed for each subsystem. For the i-th subsystem, state variable xi is chosen to be the flat output and state variable xi+1 is taken to be a virtual control input. Then the value of the virtual control input which eliminates the output tracking error for the i-th subsystem becomes reference setpoint for the i + 1-th subsystem. In this manner the control of the entire state-space model is performed by successive flatness-based control loops. By arriving at the n-th row of the state-space model one computes the control input that can be actually exerted on the aforementioned biosystem. This real control input of the coupled oscillators' system, contains recursively all virtual control inputs associated with the previous n - 1 rows of the state-space model. This control approach achieves asymptotically the elimination of the chaotic oscillation effects and the stabilization of the heart's pulsation rhythm. The stability of the proposed control scheme is proven with the use of Lyapunov analysis.

Differentiation of functional constipation and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome based on Rome III criteria: a population-based study.

PubMed

Koloski, N A; Jones, M; Young, M; Talley, N J

2015-05-01

While the Rome III classification recognises functional constipation (FC) and constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C) as distinct disorders, recent evidence has suggested that these disorders are difficult to separate in clinical practice. To identify whether clinical and lifestyle factors differentiate Rome III-defined IBS-C from FC based on gastrointestinal symptoms and lifestyle characteristics. 3260 people randomly selected from the Australian population returned a postal survey. FC and IBS-C were defined according to Rome III. The first model used logistic regression to differentiate IBS-C from FC based on lifestyle, quality-of-life and psychological characteristics. The second approach was data-driven employing latent class analysis (LCA) to identify naturally occurring clusters in the data considering all symptoms involved in the Rome III criteria for IBS-C and FC. We found n = 206 (6.5%; 95% CI 5.7-7.4%) people met strict Rome III FC whereas n = 109 (3.5%; 95% CI 2.8-4.1%) met strict Rome III IBS-C. The case-control approach indicated that FC patients reported an older age at onset of constipation, were less likely to exercise, had higher mental QoL and less health care seeking than IBS-C. LCA yielded one latent class that was predominantly (75%) FC, while the other class was approximately half IBS-C and half FC. The FC-dominated latent class had clearly lower levels of symptoms used to classify IBS (pain-related symptoms) and was more likely to be male (P = 0.046) but was otherwise similar in distribution of lifestyle factors to the mixed class. The latent class analysis approach suggests a differentiation based more on symptom severity rather than the Rome III view. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Xiaobing; Zheng, O'Neill; Niu, Fuxin

Most commercial ground source heat pump systems (GSHP) in the United States are in a distributed configuration. These systems circulate water or an anti-freeze solution through multiple heat pump units via a central pumping system, which usually uses variable speed pump(s). Variable speed pumps have potential to significantly reduce pumping energy use; however, the energy savings in reality could be far away from its potential due to improper pumping system design and controls. In this paper, a simplified hydronic pumping system was simulated with the dynamic Modelica models to evaluate three different pumping control strategies. This includes two conventional controlmore » strategies, which are to maintain a constant differential pressure across either the supply and return mains, or at the most hydraulically remote heat pump; and an innovative control strategy, which adjusts system flow rate based on the demand of each heat pump. The simulation results indicate that a significant overflow occurs at part load conditions when the variable speed pump is controlled to main a constant differential pressure across the supply and return mains of the piping system. On the other hand, an underflow occurs at part load conditions when the variable speed pump is controlled to maintain a constant differential pressure across the furthest heat pump. The flow-demand-based control can provide needed flow rate to each heat pump at any given time, and with less pumping energy use than the two conventional controls. Finally, a typical distributed GSHP system was studied to evaluate the energy saving potential of applying the flow-demand-based pumping control strategy. This case study shows that the annual pumping energy consumption can be reduced by 62% using the flow-demand-based control compared with that using the conventional pressure-based control to maintain a constant differential pressure a cross the supply and return mains.« less

Complex Conjugated certificateless-based signcryption with differential integrated factor for secured message communication in mobile network

PubMed Central

Rajagopalan, S. P.

2017-01-01

Certificateless-based signcryption overcomes inherent shortcomings in traditional Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Key Escrow problem. It imparts efficient methods to design PKIs with public verifiability and cipher text authenticity with minimum dependency. As a classic primitive in public key cryptography, signcryption performs validity of cipher text without decryption by combining authentication, confidentiality, public verifiability and cipher text authenticity much more efficiently than the traditional approach. In this paper, we first define a security model for certificateless-based signcryption called, Complex Conjugate Differential Integrated Factor (CC-DIF) scheme by introducing complex conjugates through introduction of the security parameter and improving secured message distribution rate. However, both partial private key and secret value changes with respect to time. To overcome this weakness, a new certificateless-based signcryption scheme is proposed by setting the private key through Differential (Diff) Equation using an Integration Factor (DiffEIF), minimizing computational cost and communication overhead. The scheme is therefore said to be proven secure (i.e. improving the secured message distributing rate) against certificateless access control and signcryption-based scheme. In addition, compared with the three other existing schemes, the CC-DIF scheme has the least computational cost and communication overhead for secured message communication in mobile network. PMID:29040290

Complex Conjugated certificateless-based signcryption with differential integrated factor for secured message communication in mobile network.

PubMed

Alagarsamy, Sumithra; Rajagopalan, S P

2017-01-01

Certificateless-based signcryption overcomes inherent shortcomings in traditional Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Key Escrow problem. It imparts efficient methods to design PKIs with public verifiability and cipher text authenticity with minimum dependency. As a classic primitive in public key cryptography, signcryption performs validity of cipher text without decryption by combining authentication, confidentiality, public verifiability and cipher text authenticity much more efficiently than the traditional approach. In this paper, we first define a security model for certificateless-based signcryption called, Complex Conjugate Differential Integrated Factor (CC-DIF) scheme by introducing complex conjugates through introduction of the security parameter and improving secured message distribution rate. However, both partial private key and secret value changes with respect to time. To overcome this weakness, a new certificateless-based signcryption scheme is proposed by setting the private key through Differential (Diff) Equation using an Integration Factor (DiffEIF), minimizing computational cost and communication overhead. The scheme is therefore said to be proven secure (i.e. improving the secured message distributing rate) against certificateless access control and signcryption-based scheme. In addition, compared with the three other existing schemes, the CC-DIF scheme has the least computational cost and communication overhead for secured message communication in mobile network.

Quantifying the driving factors for language shift in a bilingual region.

PubMed

Prochazka, Katharina; Vogl, Gero

2017-04-25

Many of the world's around 6,000 languages are in danger of disappearing as people give up use of a minority language in favor of the majority language in a process called language shift. Language shift can be monitored on a large scale through the use of mathematical models by way of differential equations, for example, reaction-diffusion equations. Here, we use a different approach: we propose a model for language dynamics based on the principles of cellular automata/agent-based modeling and combine it with very detailed empirical data. Our model makes it possible to follow language dynamics over space and time, whereas existing models based on differential equations average over space and consequently provide no information on local changes in language use. Additionally, cellular automata models can be used even in cases where models based on differential equations are not applicable, for example, in situations where one language has become dispersed and retreated to language islands. Using data from a bilingual region in Austria, we show that the most important factor in determining the spread and retreat of a language is the interaction with speakers of the same language. External factors like bilingual schools or parish language have only a minor influence.

1,5-Disubstituted benzimidazoles that direct cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Okolotowicz, Karl J; Bushway, Paul; Lanier, Marion; Gilley, Cynthia; Mercola, Mark; Cashman, John R

2015-09-01

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite progress in medical treatments, heart transplantation is one of the only current options for those with infarcted heart muscle. Stem cell differentiation technology may afford cell-based therapeutics that may lead to the generation of new, healthy heart muscle cells from undifferentiated stem cells. Our approach is to use small molecules to stimulate stem cell differentiation. Herein, we describe a novel class of 1,5-disubstituted benzimidazoles that induce differentiation of stem cells into cardiac cells. We report on the evaluation in vitro for cardiomyocyte differentiation and describe structure-activity relationship results that led to molecules with drug-like properties. The results of this study show the promise of small molecules to direct stem cell lineage commitment, to probe signaling pathways and to develop compounds for the stimulation of stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1,5-Disubstituted benzimidazoles that direct cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells

PubMed Central

Okolotowicz, Karl J.; Bushway, Paul; Lanier, Marion; Gilley, Cynthia; Cynthia, Mark; Cashman, John R.

2016-01-01

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite progress in medical treatments, heart transplantation is one of the only current options for those with infarcted heart muscle. Stem cell differentiation technology may afford cell-based therapeutics that may lead to the generation of new, healthy heart muscle cells from undifferentiated stem cells. Our approach is to use small molecules to stimulate stem cell differentiation. Herein, we describe a novel class of 1,5-disubstituted benzimidazoles that induce differentiation of stem cells into cardiac cells. We report on the evaluation in vitro for cardiomyocyte differentiation and describe structure–activity relationship results that led to molecules with drug-like properties. The results of this study show the promise of small molecules to direct stem cell lineage commitment, to probe signaling pathways and to develop compounds for the stimulation of stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue. PMID:26278027

Amniotic-Fluid Stem Cells: Growth Dynamics and Differentiation Potential after a CD-117-Based Selection Procedure

PubMed Central

Arnhold, S.; Glüer, S.; Hartmann, K.; Raabe, O.; Addicks, K.; Wenisch, S.; Hoopmann, M.

2011-01-01

Amniotic fluid (AF) has become an interesting source of fetal stem cells. However, AF contains heterogeneous and multiple, partially differentiated cell types. After isolation from the amniotic fluid, cells were characterized regarding their morphology and growth dynamics. They were sorted by magnetic associated cell sorting using the surface marker CD 117. In order to show stem cell characteristics such as pluripotency and to evaluate a possible therapeutic application of these cells, AF fluid-derived stem cells were differentiated along the adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic as well as the neuronal lineage under hypoxic conditions. Our findings reveal that magnetic associated cell sorting (MACS) does not markedly influence growth characteristics as demonstrated by the generation doubling time. There was, however, an effect regarding an altered adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacity in the selected cell fraction. In contrast, in the unselected cell population neuronal differentiation is enhanced. PMID:21437196

From stochastic processes to numerical methods: A new scheme for solving reaction subdiffusion fractional partial differential equations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Angstmann, C.N.; Donnelly, I.C.; Henry, B.I., E-mail: B.Henry@unsw.edu.au

We have introduced a new explicit numerical method, based on a discrete stochastic process, for solving a class of fractional partial differential equations that model reaction subdiffusion. The scheme is derived from the master equations for the evolution of the probability density of a sum of discrete time random walks. We show that the diffusion limit of the master equations recovers the fractional partial differential equation of interest. This limiting procedure guarantees the consistency of the numerical scheme. The positivity of the solution and stability results are simply obtained, provided that the underlying process is well posed. We also showmore » that the method can be applied to standard reaction–diffusion equations. This work highlights the broader applicability of using discrete stochastic processes to provide numerical schemes for partial differential equations, including fractional partial differential equations.« less

A new multi-step technique with differential transform method for analytical solution of some nonlinear variable delay differential equations.

PubMed

Benhammouda, Brahim; Vazquez-Leal, Hector

2016-01-01

This work presents an analytical solution of some nonlinear delay differential equations (DDEs) with variable delays. Such DDEs are difficult to treat numerically and cannot be solved by existing general purpose codes. A new method of steps combined with the differential transform method (DTM) is proposed as a powerful tool to solve these DDEs. This method reduces the DDEs to ordinary differential equations that are then solved by the DTM. Furthermore, we show that the solutions can be improved by Laplace-Padé resummation method. Two examples are presented to show the efficiency of the proposed technique. The main advantage of this technique is that it possesses a simple procedure based on a few straight forward steps and can be combined with any analytical method, other than the DTM, like the homotopy perturbation method.

Optical Spectroscopy for Noninvasive Monitoring of Stem Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Downes, Andrew; Mouras, Rabah; Elfick, Alistair

2010-01-01

There is a requirement for a noninvasive technique to monitor stem cell differentiation. Several candidates based on optical spectroscopy are discussed in this review: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. These techniques are briefly described, and the ability of each to distinguish undifferentiated from differentiated cells is discussed. FTIR spectroscopy has demonstrated its ability to distinguish between stem cells and their derivatives. Raman spectroscopy shows a clear reduction in DNA and RNA concentrations during embryonic stem cell differentiation (agreeing with the well-known reduction in the nucleus to cytoplasm ratio) and also shows clear increases in mineral content during differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. CARS microscopy can map these DNA, RNA, and mineral concentrations at high speed, and Mutliplex CARS spectroscopy/microscopy is highlighted as the technique with most promise for future applications. PMID:20182537

Differential Deposition Technique for Figure Corrections in Grazing Incidence X-ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kilaru, Kiranmayee; Ramsey, Brian D.; Gubarev, Mikhail

2009-01-01

A differential deposition technique is being developed to correct the low- and mid-spatial-frequency deviations in the axial figure profile of Wolter type grazing incidence X-ray optics. These deviations arise due to various factors in the fabrication process and they degrade the performance of the optics by limiting the achievable angular resolution. In the differential deposition technique, material of varying thickness is selectively deposited along the length of the optic to minimize these deviations, thereby improving the overall figure. High resolution focusing optics being developed at MSFC for small animal radionuclide imaging are being coated to test the differential deposition technique. The required spatial resolution for these optics is 100 m. This base resolution is achievable with the regular electroform-nickel-replication fabrication technique used at MSFC. However, by improving the figure quality of the optics through differential deposition, we aim at significantly improving the resolution beyond this value.

A Delphi study: Practitioners' perceptions of how the science curriculum is differentiated for academically gifted students at the middle school level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, Jean Mary

The purpose of this study was to identify, analyze, and compare the perceptions of selected district science educators and teachers of middle school science students regarding the following issues: (1) Current methods of differentiating science instruction for gifted middle school students. (2) Strengths of the current methods of differentiating science instruction for gifted middle school students. (3) Weaknesses of the current methods of differentiating science instruction for gifted middle school students. (4) The types of training/experience needed to prepare teachers to effectively differentiate science instruction for gifted middle school students. (5) The steps need to develop an effective differentiated science program at the middle school level. (6) Trends for the future development of differentiated science programs at the middle school level. The panel of educators was identified using the Delphi technique and asked to participate in the study by responding to the research questions. The responses to the first round were condensed into two lists of discrete statements, and in the second round, each group of panelists was asked to rank each statement on a Likert scale. A third round was sent to each group of panel members showing the median and interquartile ranges of the second round. Panelists could adjust their responses based on the results of the second round. The analysis of the data was computed using the computer program Statistics Package for the Social Sciences. Based on the data obtained, the following results and conclusions were determined. The coordinators and the teachers both considered training of teachers, strategies for differentiation, and future trends to be the most important considerations. The areas with the most differences were those dealing with the current methods of differentiating science instruction at the middle school level. There were several limitations identified in this study. Among them were the makeup of the sample of panelists and different definitions of the same term(s). If we are to address the needs of middle school students who are academically gifted in science, teachers and coordinators need to communicate more about expectations in the classroom and what is really happening.

Accuracy and coverage of the modernized Polish Maritime differential GPS system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Specht, Cezary

2011-01-01

The DGPS navigation service augments The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System by providing localized pseudorange correction factors and ancillary information which are broadcast over selected marine reference stations. The DGPS service position and integrity information satisfy requirements in coastal navigation and hydrographic surveys. Polish Maritime DGPS system has been established in 1994 and modernized (in 2009) to meet the requirements set out in IMO resolution for a future GNSS, but also to preserve backward signal compatibility of user equipment. Having finalized installation of the new technology L1, L2 reference equipment performance tests were performed.The paper presents results of the coverage modeling and accuracy measuring campaign based on long-term signal analyses of the DGPS reference station Rozewie, which was performed for 26 days in July 2009. Final results allowed to verify the coverage area of the differential signal from reference station and calculated repeatable and absolute accuracy of the system, after the technical modernization. Obtained field strength level area and position statistics (215,000 fixes) were compared to past measurements performed in 2002 (coverage) and 2005 (accuracy), when previous system infrastructure was in operation.So far, no campaigns were performed on differential Galileo. However, as signals, signal processing and receiver techniques are comparable to those know from DGPS. Because all satellite differential GNSS systems use the same transmission standard (RTCM), maritime DGPS Radiobeacons are standardized in all radio communication aspects (frequency, binary rate, modulation), then the accuracy results of differential Galileo can be expected as a similar to DGPS.Coverage of the reference station was calculated based on unique software, which calculate the signal strength level based on transmitter parameters or field signal strength measurement campaign, done in the representative points. The software works based on Baltic sea vector map, ground electric parameters and models atmospheric noise level in the transmission band.

Application of differential scanning calorimetry to measure the differential binding of ions, water and protons in the unfolding of DNA molecules.

PubMed

Olsen, Chris M; Shikiya, Ronald; Ganugula, Rajkumar; Reiling-Steffensmeier, Calliste; Khutsishvili, Irine; Johnson, Sarah E; Marky, Luis A

2016-05-01

The overall stability of DNA molecules globally depends on base-pair stacking, base-pairing, polyelectrolyte effect and hydration contributions. In order to understand how they carry out their biological roles, it is essential to have a complete physical description of how the folding of nucleic acids takes place, including their ion and water binding. To investigate the role of ions, water and protons in the stability and melting behavior of DNA structures, we report here an experimental approach i.e., mainly differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), to determine linking numbers: the differential binding of ions (Δnion), water (ΔnW) and protons (ΔnH(+)) in the helix-coil transition of DNA molecules. We use DSC and temperature-dependent UV spectroscopic techniques to measure the differential binding of ions, water, and protons for the unfolding of a variety of DNA molecules: salmon testes DNA (ST-DNA), one dodecamer, one undecamer and one decamer duplexes, nine hairpin loops, and two triplexes. These methods can be applied to any conformational transition of a biomolecule. We determined complete thermodynamic profiles, including all three linking numbers, for the unfolding of each molecule. The favorable folding of a DNA helix results from a favorable enthalpy-unfavorable entropy compensation. DSC thermograms and UV melts as a function of salt, osmolyte and proton concentrations yielded releases of ions and water. Therefore, the favorable folding of each DNA molecule results from the formation of base-pair stacks and uptake of both counterions and water molecules. In addition, the triplex with C(+)GC base triplets yielded an uptake of protons. Furthermore, the folding of a DNA duplex is accompanied by a lower uptake of ions and a similar uptake of four water molecules as the DNA helix gets shorter. In addition, the oligomer duplexes and hairpin thermodynamic data suggest ion and water binding depends on the DNA sequence rather than DNA composition. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Derivation of Continuum Models from An Agent-based Cancer Model: Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis.

PubMed

Voulgarelis, Dimitrios; Velayudhan, Ajoy; Smith, Frank

2017-01-01

Agent-based models provide a formidable tool for exploring complex and emergent behaviour of biological systems as well as accurate results but with the drawback of needing a lot of computational power and time for subsequent analysis. On the other hand, equation-based models can more easily be used for complex analysis in a much shorter timescale. This paper formulates an ordinary differential equations and stochastic differential equations model to capture the behaviour of an existing agent-based model of tumour cell reprogramming and applies it to optimization of possible treatment as well as dosage sensitivity analysis. For certain values of the parameter space a close match between the equation-based and agent-based models is achieved. The need for division of labour between the two approaches is explored. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Global exponential stability of inertial memristor-based neural networks with time-varying delays and impulses.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Huang, Tingwen; He, Xing; Li, Chuandong

2017-11-01

In this study, we investigate the global exponential stability of inertial memristor-based neural networks with impulses and time-varying delays. We construct inertial memristor-based neural networks based on the characteristics of the inertial neural networks and memristor. Impulses with and without delays are considered when modeling the inertial neural networks simultaneously, which are of great practical significance in the current study. Some sufficient conditions are derived under the framework of the Lyapunov stability method, as well as an extended Halanay differential inequality and a new delay impulsive differential inequality, which depend on impulses with and without delays, in order to guarantee the global exponential stability of the inertial memristor-based neural networks. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differentiation and sarcomere formation in skeletal myocytes directly prepared from human induced pluripotent stem cells using a sphere-based culture.

PubMed

Jiwlawat, Saowanee; Lynch, Eileen; Glaser, Jennifer; Smit-Oistad, Ivy; Jeffrey, Jeremy; Van Dyke, Jonathan M; Suzuki, Masatoshi

Human induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a promising resource for propagation of myogenic progenitors. Our group recently reported a unique protocol for the derivation of myogenic progenitors directly (without genetic modification) from human pluripotent cells using free-floating spherical culture. Here we expand our previous efforts and attempt to determine how differentiation duration, culture surface coatings, and nutrient supplements in the medium influence progenitor differentiation and formation of skeletal myotubes containing sarcomeric structures. A long differentiation period (over 6 weeks) promoted the differentiation of iPSC-derived myogenic progenitors and subsequent myotube formation. These iPSC-derived myotubes contained representative sarcomeric structures, consisting of organized myosin and actin filaments, and could spontaneously contract. We also found that a bioengineering approach using three-dimensional (3D) artificial muscle constructs could facilitate the formation of elongated myotubes. Lastly, we determined how culture surface coating matrices and different supplements would influence terminal differentiation. While both Matrigel and laminin coatings showed comparable effects on muscle differentiation, B27 serum-free supplement in the differentiation medium significantly enhanced myogenesis compared to horse serum. Our findings support the possibility to create an in vitro model of contractile sarcomeric myofibrils for disease modeling and drug screening to study neuromuscular diseases. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Therapeutic cloning. Biology, perspectives and alternatives].

PubMed

Maddox-Hyttel, Poul

2003-02-24

Certain diseases are caused by or cause irreversible loss of cells and may in the future be treated by cell-based therapies where spare cells are introduced into the body. Therapeutic cloning constitutes a scientifically and ethically challenging route to the generation of autologous patient specific spare cells: Stem cells for subsequent differentiation and transplantation are isolated from one week old embryos, which are produced by cloning by nuclear transfer from normal cells retrieved from a patient. Research in therapeutic cloning should be pursued in line with alternative strategies for obtaining stem cells. Finally, the molecular biology of cloning by nuclear transfer may hold the key to understanding trans-differentiation, which ultimately may allow for de-differentiation and subsequent re-differentiation of adult somatic cells for therapeutic purposes.

Generalised optical differentiation wavefront sensor: a sensitive high dynamic range wavefront sensor.

PubMed

Haffert, S Y

2016-08-22

Current wavefront sensors for high resolution imaging have either a large dynamic range or a high sensitivity. A new kind of wavefront sensor is developed which can have both: the Generalised Optical Differentiation wavefront sensor. This new wavefront sensor is based on the principles of optical differentiation by amplitude filters. We have extended the theory behind linear optical differentiation and generalised it to nonlinear filters. We used numerical simulations and laboratory experiments to investigate the properties of the generalised wavefront sensor. With this we created a new filter that can decouple the dynamic range from the sensitivity. These properties make it suitable for adaptive optic systems where a large range of phase aberrations have to be measured with high precision.

Simultaneous measurement of absolute strain and differential strain based on fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kuiru; Wang, Bo; Yan, Binbin; Sang, Xinzhu; Yuan, Jinhui; Peng, Gang-Ding

2013-10-01

We present a fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot (FBG-FP) sensor using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) demodulation for measuring the absolute strain and differential strain simultaneously. The amplitude and phase characteristics of Fourier transform spectrum have been studied. The relation between the amplitude of Fourier spectrum and the differential strain has been presented. We fabricate the fiber grating FP cavity sensor, and carry out the experiment on the measurement of absolute strain and differential strain. Experimental results verify the demodulation method, and show that this sensor has a good accuracy in the scope of measurement. The demodulating method can expand the number of multiplexed sensors combining with wavelength division multiplexing and time division multiplexing.

Negative differential conductance in InAs wire based double quantum dot induced by a charged AFM tip

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhukov, A. A., E-mail: azhukov@issp.ac.ru; Volk, Ch.; Winden, A.

We investigate the conductance of an InAs nanowire in the nonlinear regime in the case of low electron density where the wire is split into quantum dots connected in series. The negative differential conductance in the wire is initiated by means of a charged atomic force microscope tip adjusting the transparency of the tunneling barrier between two adjoining quantum dots. We confirm that the negative differential conductance arises due to the resonant tunneling between these two adjoining quantum dots. The influence of the transparency of the blocking barriers and the relative position of energy states in the adjoining dots onmore » a decrease of the negative differential conductance is investigated in detail.« less

Method and system of Jones-matrix mapping of blood plasma films with "fuzzy" analysis in differentiation of breast pathology changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabolotna, Natalia I.; Radchenko, Kostiantyn O.; Karas, Oleksandr V.

2018-01-01

A fibroadenoma diagnosing of breast using statistical analysis (determination and analysis of statistical moments of the 1st-4th order) of the obtained polarization images of Jones matrix imaginary elements of the optically thin (attenuation coefficient τ <= 0,1 ) blood plasma films with further intellectual differentiation based on the method of "fuzzy" logic and discriminant analysis were proposed. The accuracy of the intellectual differentiation of blood plasma samples to the "norm" and "fibroadenoma" of breast was 82.7% by the method of linear discriminant analysis, and by the "fuzzy" logic method is 95.3%. The obtained results allow to confirm the potentially high level of reliability of the method of differentiation by "fuzzy" analysis.

Progressive Recombination Suppression and Differentiation in Recently Evolved Neo-sex Chromosomes

PubMed Central

Natri, Heini M.; Shikano, Takahito; Merilä, Juha

2013-01-01

Recombination suppression leads to the structural and functional differentiation of sex chromosomes and is thus a crucial step in the process of sex chromosome evolution. Despite extensive theoretical work, the exact processes and mechanisms of recombination suppression and differentiation are not well understood. In threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a different sex chromosome system has recently evolved by a fusion between the Y chromosome and an autosome in the Japan Sea lineage, which diverged from the ancestor of other lineages approximately 2 Ma. We investigated the evolutionary dynamics and differentiation processes of sex chromosomes based on comparative analyses of these divergent lineages using 63 microsatellite loci. Both chromosome-wide differentiation patterns and phylogenetic inferences with X and Y alleles indicated that the ancestral sex chromosomes were extensively differentiated before the divergence of these lineages. In contrast, genetic differentiation appeared to have proceeded only in a small region of the neo-sex chromosomes. The recombination maps constructed for the Japan Sea lineage indicated that recombination has been suppressed or reduced over a large region spanning the ancestral and neo-sex chromosomes. Chromosomal regions exhibiting genetic differentiation and suppressed or reduced recombination were detected continuously and sequentially in the neo-sex chromosomes, suggesting that differentiation has gradually spread from the fusion point following the extension of recombination suppression. Our study illustrates an ongoing process of sex chromosome differentiation, providing empirical support for the theoretical model postulating that recombination suppression and differentiation proceed in a gradual manner in the very early stage of sex chromosome evolution. PMID:23436913

Mapping gene expression patterns during myeloid differentiation using the EML hematopoietic progenitor cell line.

PubMed

Du, Yang; Campbell, Janee L; Nalbant, Demet; Youn, Hyewon; Bass, Ann C Hughes; Cobos, Everardo; Tsai, Schickwann; Keller, Jonathan R; Williams, Simon C

2002-07-01

The detailed examination of the molecular events that control the early stages of myeloid differentiation has been hampered by the relative scarcity of hematopoietic stem cells and the lack of suitable cell line models. In this study, we examined the expression of several myeloid and nonmyeloid genes in the murine EML hematopoietic stem cell line. Expression patterns for 19 different genes were examined by Northern blotting and RT-PCR in RNA samples from EML, a variety of other immortalized cell lines, and purified murine hematopoietic stem cells. Representational difference analysis (RDA) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in EML. Expression patterns of genes encoding transcription factors (four members of the C/EBP family, GATA-1, GATA-2, PU.1, CBFbeta, SCL, and c-myb) in EML were examined and were consistent with the proposed functions of these proteins in hematopoietic differentiation. Expression levels of three markers of terminal myeloid differentiation (neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, and Mac-1) were highest in EML cells at the later stages of differentiation. In a search for genes that were differentially expressed in EML cells during myeloid differentiation, six cDNAs were isolated. These included three known genes (lysozyme, histidine decarboxylase, and tryptophan hydroxylase) and three novel genes. Expression patterns of known genes in differentiating EML cells accurately reflected their expected expression patterns based on previous studies. The identification of three novel genes, two of which encode proteins that may act as regulators of hematopoietic differentiation, suggests that EML is a useful model system for the molecular analysis of hematopoietic differentiation.

Optimal consistency in microRNA expression analysis using reference-gene-based normalization.

PubMed

Wang, Xi; Gardiner, Erin J; Cairns, Murray J

2015-05-01

Normalization of high-throughput molecular expression profiles secures differential expression analysis between samples of different phenotypes or biological conditions, and facilitates comparison between experimental batches. While the same general principles apply to microRNA (miRNA) normalization, there is mounting evidence that global shifts in their expression patterns occur in specific circumstances, which pose a challenge for normalizing miRNA expression data. As an alternative to global normalization, which has the propensity to flatten large trends, normalization against constitutively expressed reference genes presents an advantage through their relative independence. Here we investigated the performance of reference-gene-based (RGB) normalization for differential miRNA expression analysis of microarray expression data, and compared the results with other normalization methods, including: quantile, variance stabilization, robust spline, simple scaling, rank invariant, and Loess regression. The comparative analyses were executed using miRNA expression in tissue samples derived from subjects with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric controls. We proposed a consistency criterion for evaluating methods by examining the overlapping of differentially expressed miRNAs detected using different partitions of the whole data. Based on this criterion, we found that RGB normalization generally outperformed global normalization methods. Thus we recommend the application of RGB normalization for miRNA expression data sets, and believe that this will yield a more consistent and useful readout of differentially expressed miRNAs, particularly in biological conditions characterized by large shifts in miRNA expression.

The differentiation of oral soft- and hard tissues using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy - a prospect for tissue specific laser surgery.

PubMed

Rohde, Maximilian; Mehari, Fanuel; Klämpfl, Florian; Adler, Werner; Neukam, Friedrich-Wilhelm; Schmidt, Michael; Stelzle, Florian

2017-10-01

Compared to conventional techniques, Laser surgery procedures provide a number of advantages, but may be associated with an increased risk of iatrogenic damage to important anatomical structures. The type of tissue ablated in the focus spot is unknown. Laser-Induced Breakdown-Spectroscopy (LIBS) has the potential to gain information about the type of material that is being ablated by the laser beam. This may form the basis for tissue selective laser surgery. In the present study, 7 different porcine tissues (cortical and cancellous bone, nerve, mucosa, enamel, dentine and pulp) from 6 animals were analyzed for their qualitative and semiquantitative molecular composition using LIBS. The so gathered data was used to first differentiate between the soft- and hard-tissues using a Calcium-Carbon emission based classifier. The tissues were then further classified using emission-ratio based analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The relatively higher concentration of Calcium in the hard tissues allows for an accurate first differentiation of soft- and hard tissues (100% sensitivity and specificity). The ratio based statistical differentiation approach yields results in the range from 65% (enamel-dentine pair) to 100% (nerve-pulp, cancellous bone-dentine, cancellous bone-enamel pairs) sensitivity and specificity. Experimental LIBS measuring setup. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Estimating mean QALYs in trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis: the importance of controlling for baseline utility.

PubMed

Manca, Andrea; Hawkins, Neil; Sculpher, Mark J

2005-05-01

In trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis baseline mean utility values are invariably imbalanced between treatment arms. A patient's baseline utility is likely to be highly correlated with their quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) over the follow-up period, not least because it typically contributes to the QALY calculation. Therefore, imbalance in baseline utility needs to be accounted for in the estimation of mean differential QALYs, and failure to control for this imbalance can result in a misleading incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. This paper discusses the approaches that have been used in the cost-effectiveness literature to estimate absolute and differential mean QALYs alongside randomised trials, and illustrates the implications of baseline mean utility imbalance for QALY calculation. Using data from a recently conducted trial-based cost-effectiveness study and a micro-simulation exercise, the relative performance of alternative estimators is compared, showing that widely used methods to calculate differential QALYs provide incorrect results in the presence of baseline mean utility imbalance regardless of whether these differences are formally statistically significant. It is demonstrated that multiple regression methods can be usefully applied to generate appropriate estimates of differential mean QALYs and an associated measure of sampling variability, while controlling for differences in baseline mean utility between treatment arms in the trial. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Differential standard deviation of log-scale intensity based optical coherence tomography angiography.

PubMed

Shi, Weisong; Gao, Wanrong; Chen, Chaoliang; Yang, Victor X D

2017-12-01

In this paper, a differential standard deviation of log-scale intensity (DSDLI) based optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is presented for calculating microvascular images of human skin. The DSDLI algorithm calculates the variance in difference images of two consecutive log-scale intensity based structural images from the same position along depth direction to contrast blood flow. The en face microvascular images were then generated by calculating the standard deviation of the differential log-scale intensities within the specific depth range, resulting in an improvement in spatial resolution and SNR in microvascular images compared to speckle variance OCT and power intensity differential method. The performance of DSDLI was testified by both phantom and in vivo experiments. In in vivo experiments, a self-adaptive sub-pixel image registration algorithm was performed to remove the bulk motion noise, where 2D Fourier transform was utilized to generate new images with spatial interval equal to half of the distance between two pixels in both fast-scanning and depth directions. The SNRs of signals of flowing particles are improved by 7.3 dB and 6.8 dB on average in phantom and in vivo experiments, respectively, while the average spatial resolution of images of in vivo blood vessels is increased by 21%. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Characterization of distinct classes of differential gene expression in osteoblast cultures from non-syndromic craniosynostosis bone.

PubMed

Rojas-Peña, Monica L; Olivares-Navarrete, Rene; Hyzy, Sharon; Arafat, Dalia; Schwartz, Zvi; Boyan, Barbara D; Williams, Joseph; Gibson, Greg

2014-01-01

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of one or more skull sutures, occurs in approximately 1 in 2500 infants, with the majority of cases non-syndromic and of unknown etiology. Two common reasons proposed for premature suture fusion are abnormal compression forces on the skull and rare genetic abnormalities. Our goal was to evaluate whether different sub-classes of disease can be identified based on total gene expression profiles. RNA-Seq data were obtained from 31 human osteoblast cultures derived from bone biopsy samples collected between 2009 and 2011, representing 23 craniosynostosis fusions and 8 normal cranial bones or long bones. No differentiation between regions of the skull was detected, but variance component analysis of gene expression patterns nevertheless supports transcriptome-based classification of craniosynostosis. Cluster analysis showed 4 distinct groups of samples; 1 predominantly normal and 3 craniosynostosis subtypes. Similar constellations of sub-types were also observed upon re-analysis of a similar dataset of 199 calvarial osteoblast cultures. Annotation of gene function of differentially expressed transcripts strongly implicates physiological differences with respect to cell cycle and cell death, stromal cell differentiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and ribosomal activity. Based on these results, we propose non-syndromic craniosynostosis cases can be classified by differences in their gene expression patterns and that these may provide targets for future clinical intervention.

Characterization of Distinct Classes of Differential Gene Expression in Osteoblast Cultures from Non-Syndromic Craniosynostosis Bone

PubMed Central

Rojas-Peña, Monica L.; Olivares-Navarrete, Rene; Hyzy, Sharon; Arafat, Dalia; Schwartz, Zvi; Boyan, Barbara D.; Williams, Joseph; Gibson, Greg

2014-01-01

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of one or more skull sutures, occurs in approximately 1 in 2500 infants, with the majority of cases non-syndromic and of unknown etiology. Two common reasons proposed for premature suture fusion are abnormal compression forces on the skull and rare genetic abnormalities. Our goal was to evaluate whether different sub-classes of disease can be identified based on total gene expression profiles. RNA-Seq data were obtained from 31 human osteoblast cultures derived from bone biopsy samples collected between 2009 and 2011, representing 23 craniosynostosis fusions and 8 normal cranial bones or long bones. No differentiation between regions of the skull was detected, but variance component analysis of gene expression patterns nevertheless supports transcriptome-based classification of craniosynostosis. Cluster analysis showed 4 distinct groups of samples; 1 predominantly normal and 3 craniosynostosis subtypes. Similar constellations of sub-types were also observed upon re-analysis of a similar dataset of 199 calvarial osteoblast cultures. Annotation of gene function of differentially expressed transcripts strongly implicates physiological differences with respect to cell cycle and cell death, stromal cell differentiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and ribosomal activity. Based on these results, we propose non-syndromic craniosynostosis cases can be classified by differences in their gene expression patterns and that these may provide targets for future clinical intervention. PMID:25184005

QPROT: Statistical method for testing differential expression using protein-level intensity data in label-free quantitative proteomics.

PubMed

Choi, Hyungwon; Kim, Sinae; Fermin, Damian; Tsou, Chih-Chiang; Nesvizhskii, Alexey I

2015-11-03

We introduce QPROT, a statistical framework and computational tool for differential protein expression analysis using protein intensity data. QPROT is an extension of the QSPEC suite, originally developed for spectral count data, adapted for the analysis using continuously measured protein-level intensity data. QPROT offers a new intensity normalization procedure and model-based differential expression analysis, both of which account for missing data. Determination of differential expression of each protein is based on the standardized Z-statistic based on the posterior distribution of the log fold change parameter, guided by the false discovery rate estimated by a well-known Empirical Bayes method. We evaluated the classification performance of QPROT using the quantification calibration data from the clinical proteomic technology assessment for cancer (CPTAC) study and a recently published Escherichia coli benchmark dataset, with evaluation of FDR accuracy in the latter. QPROT is a statistical framework with computational software tool for comparative quantitative proteomics analysis. It features various extensions of QSPEC method originally built for spectral count data analysis, including probabilistic treatment of missing values in protein intensity data. With the increasing popularity of label-free quantitative proteomics data, the proposed method and accompanying software suite will be immediately useful for many proteomics laboratories. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Computational Proteomics. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of Protein Farnesylation Arrests Adipogenesis and Affects PPARγ Expression and Activation in Differentiating Mesenchymal Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Rivas, Daniel; Akter, Rahima; Duque, Gustavo

2007-01-01

Protein farnesylation is required for the activation of multiple proteins involved in cell differentiation and function. In white adipose tissue protein, farnesylation has shown to be essential for the successful differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. We hypothesize that protein farnesylation is required for PPARγ2 expression and activation, and therefore for the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into adipocytes. MSCs were plated and induced to differentiate into adipocytes for three weeks. Differentiating cells were treated with either an inhibitor of farnesylation (FTI-277) or vehicle alone. The effect of inhibition of farnesylation in differentiating adipocytes was determined by oil red O staining. Cell survival was quantified using MTS Formazan. Additionally, nuclear extracts were obtained and prelamin A, chaperon protein HDJ-2, PPARγ, and SREBP-1 were determined by western blot. Finally, DNA binding PPARγ activity was determined using an ELISA-based PPARγ activation quantification method. Treatment with an inhibitor of farnesylation (FTI-277) arrests adipogenesis without affecting cell survival. This effect was concomitant with lower levels of PPARγ expression and activity. Finally, accumulation of prelamin A induced an increased proportion of mature SREBP-1 which is known to affect PPARγ activity. In summary, inhibition of protein farnesylation arrests the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs and affects PPARγ expression and activity. PMID:18274630

Interrogation of weak Bragg grating sensors based on dual-wavelength differential detection.

PubMed

Cheng, Rui; Xia, Li

2016-11-15

It is shown that for weak Bragg gratings the logarithmic ratio of reflected intensities at any two wavelengths within the spectrum follows a linear relationship with the Bragg wavelength shift, with a slope proportional to their wavelength spacing. This finding is exploited to develop a flexible, efficient, and cheap interrogation solution of weak fiber Bragg grating (FBGs), especially ultra-short FBGs, in distributed sensing based on dual-wavelength differential detection. The concept is experimentally studied in both single and distributed sensing systems with ultra-short FBG sensors. The work may form the basis of new and promising FBG interrogation techniques based on detecting discrete rather than continuous spectra.

Behavior of stem cells under outer-space microgravity and ground-based microgravity simulation.

PubMed

Zhang, Cui; Li, Liang; Chen, Jianling; Wang, Jinfu

2015-06-01

With rapid development of space engineering, research on life sciences in space is being conducted extensively, especially cellular and molecular studies on space medicine. Stem cells, undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specialized cells, are considered a key resource for regenerative medicine. Research on stem cells under conditions of microgravity during a space flight or a ground-based simulation has generated several excellent findings. To help readers understand the effects of outer space and ground-based simulation conditions on stem cells, we reviewed recent studies on the effects of microgravity (as an obvious environmental factor in space) on morphology, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of stem cells. © 2015 International Federation for Cell Biology.

Second-order oriented partial-differential equations for denoising in electronic-speckle-pattern interferometry fringes.

PubMed

Tang, Chen; Han, Lin; Ren, Hongwei; Zhou, Dongjian; Chang, Yiming; Wang, Xiaohang; Cui, Xiaolong

2008-10-01

We derive the second-order oriented partial-differential equations (PDEs) for denoising in electronic-speckle-pattern interferometry fringe patterns from two points of view. The first is based on variational methods, and the second is based on controlling diffusion direction. Our oriented PDE models make the diffusion along only the fringe orientation. The main advantage of our filtering method, based on oriented PDE models, is that it is very easy to implement compared with the published filtering methods along the fringe orientation. We demonstrate the performance of our oriented PDE models via application to two computer-simulated and experimentally obtained speckle fringes and compare with related PDE models.