Location Of Branch Point Research Articles

Crashworthiness analysis of gradient branch circular tubes inspired by the structure of leaf vein

The gradient branch circular tubes (GBCTs) were proposed based on the structure of leaf vein. Crashworthiness performances of GBCTs are investigated via finite element simulation. The results show that the specific energy absorption (SEA) of GBCTs is much higher than the conventional circular tube, and it increases with the increase of hierarchical level under the condition of the same mass. GBCTs with large wall thickness have better energy absorption performance, but they also increase the fluctuation of the force-displacement curve. Moreover, the branch point location and gradient wall thickness of GBCTs have a great impact on their crashworthiness performance.

Anatomical location of motor branch points in the flexor digitorum superficialis for the injection site of botulinum toxin.

To locate the intramuscular nerve branches of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and determine the accurate site for botulinum toxin injection. This study anatomically dissected 24 arms of 12 fresh adult cadavers to find intramuscular nerve endings in the FDS. The motor branch points (MBPs), proximal limit points (PLPs), and distal limit points (DLPs) of the terminal intramuscular nerve endings were identified. These three parameters were expressed in longitudinal and transverse coordinates in relation to the FDS driving as a reference line. The mean length of the reference line was 234.6 ± 11.2mm. In the longitudinal coordinate, the MBPs, PLPs, and DLPs were located at 41.6% (standard deviation (SD) 2.6%), 35.1% (SD 4.1%), and 53.4% (SD 4.6%) of the reference line in the first main branch and 72.4% (SD 4.5%), 67.5% (SD 1.5%), and 82.0% (SD 5.7%) in the second main branch, respectively. The mean value of the transverse coordinate was not greatly deviated from the reference line. The MBPs of the first and second main branches are located approximately 41.6% and 72.4% of the reference line, which considers the FDS direction, respectively. This finding helps determine the optimal injection site for botulinum toxin in the FDS.

Convergent Synthesis of Branched Metathesis Polymers with Enyne Reagents.

Branched polymers have found utility in an array of fields due to the high density of functional groups combined with unique physical properties. Despite the abundant methods reported to synthesize various branched structures, controlling parameters such as the location of branch points and molecular weight distribution still remains a challenge. This report explores the ability of enyne-containing branching agents to synthesize star and miktoarm star polymers through a convergent synthesis pathway using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The branching agents contain an enyne metathesis terminator covalently linked to a norbornene monomer. When these agents are introduced into a living ROMP, macromonomers are generated in situ that continue to propagate via a grafting-through process with the remaining living chains. This strategy permits control over the degree of polymerization of the star arms, control of the number of star arms, and chain-extension with additional monomer to produce functional asymmetric miktoarm star polymers.

Rigorous vibrational Fermi resonance criterion revealed: two different approaches yield the same result

Molecular vibrational resonances are manifest by abnormally small energy differences in denominators of anharmonic constants derived within the second-order vibrational perturbation theory (VPT2), or in abnormally large coefficients Ξ of unitary transformation generators in the canonical Van Vleck perturbation theory (CVPT). A quantitative measure of the vibrational resonance can be derived by assuming the perturbation parameter to be a complex variable , and the numerical analysis of the diverging high order Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory (RSPT) expansions for closely spaced states. The location of branch points for complex values of within the unit circle serves as the definitive evidence for a resonance. In practice, RSPT series for diverging resonant states can be treated by resummation using quadratic Padé-Hermite approximants. The critical values of can be further found and checked against the condition . A comparative analysis of selected resonances for some molecules (HO, HDO, HS and HCO) revealed a threshold value of that is equivalent to the RSPT parameter . The fundamentally different approach based on the polyad analysis of the resonance vectors spanning the ()-dimensional subspace for the ethylene molecule led to nearly the same value for the resonance criterion.

Branch Point Selection in RNA Splicing Using Deep Learning

Alternative splicing (AS) is a regulated process that takes place during gene expression by which a single gene may code for multiple proteins. This mechanism is controlled by a complex called spliceosome by which certain exons of a gene may be included in or excluded out from the final mRNA produced from that gene. In AS, at least three remarkable signals exist in introns and they are 5’ splice site (5’ss), the donor ss where GU nucleotides are more frequently present, 3’ss, the acceptor ss where AG nucleotides are more frequently present, and branch site. Generally, branch point site is located at 20 to 50 nucleotides upstream from the 3’ss. In this paper, we identify the branch point location using a computational model based on deep learning. We propose a hybrid model based on a combination of dilated convolution neural network and recurrent neural network. Integrating additional inputs to the raw RNA sequence has been studied such as conservation, binding energy, and di-nucleotide. The proposed model has been evaluated on two publicly available datasets and outperformed the current state-of-the-art methods. More specifically, the proposed model achieved for the first dataset 97.29% and 67.08% of the area under curve (ROC-AUC) and the area under precision recall curve (prAUC), respectively, for the second dataset 96.86% and 69.62% of ROC-AUC and prAUC, respectively. In addition, pathogenic variants have been studied by the proposed model and agreed with the reported ones biologically. To study RNA branch point selection, an easy-to-use Web server has been established for free access at: https://home.jbnu.ac.kr/NSCL/rnabps.htm .

Diversity of reaction characteristics of glucan branching enzymes and the fine structure of α-glucan from various sources

To investigate the functional properties of 10 α-glucan branching enzymes (BEs) from various sources, we determined the chain-length distribution of BE enzymatic products and their phosphorylase-limit dextrins (Φ-LD). All BEs could be classified into either of the three rice BE isozymes: OsBEI, OsBEIIa, or OsBEIIb. Escherichia coli BE (EcoBE) had the same enzymatic properties as OsBEI, while Synechococcus elongatus BE (ScoBE) and Chlorella kessleri BE (ChlBE) had BEIIb-type properties. Human BE (HosBE), yeast BE (SacBE), and two Porphyridium purpureum BEs (PopBE1 and PopBE2) exhibited the OsBEIIa-type properties. Analysis of chain-length profile of Φ-LD of the BE reaction products revealed that EcoBE, ScoBE, PopBE1, and PopBE2 preferred A-chains as acceptors, while OsBEIIb used B-chains more frequently than A-chains. Both EcoBE and ScoBE specifically formed the branch linkages at the third glucose residue from the reducing end of the acceptor chain. The present results provide evidence for the first time that great variation exists as to the preference of BEs for their acceptor chain, either A-chain or B-chain. In addition, EcoBE and ScoBE recognize the location of branching points in their acceptor chain during their branching reaction. Nevertheless, no correlation exists between the primary structure of BE proteins and their enzymatic characteristics.

LaSSO, a strategy for genome-wide mapping of intronic lariats and branch points using RNA-seq

Both canonical and alternative splicing of RNAs are governed by intronic sequence elements and produce transient lariat structures fastened by branch points within introns. To map precisely the location of branch points on a genomic scale, we developed LaSSO (Lariat Sequence Site Origin), a data-driven algorithm which utilizes RNA-seq data. Using fission yeast cells lacking the debranching enzyme Dbr1, LaSSO not only accurately identified canonical splicing events, but also pinpointed novel, but rare, exon-skipping events, which may reflect aberrantly spliced transcripts. Compromised intron turnover perturbed gene regulation at multiple levels, including splicing and protein translation. Notably, Dbr1 function was also critical for the expression of mitochondrial genes and for the processing of self-spliced mitochondrial introns. LaSSO showed better sensitivity and accuracy than algorithms used for computational branch-point prediction or for empirical branch-point determination. Even when applied to a human data set acquired in the presence of debranching activity, LaSSO identified both canonical and exon-skipping branch points. LaSSO thus provides an effective approach for defining high-resolution maps of branch-site sequences and intronic elements on a genomic scale. LaSSO should be useful to validate introns and uncover branch-point sequences in any eukaryote, and it could be integrated into RNA-seq pipelines.

HYBRID BACKUP MODEL WITH GENETIC BRANCH POINT OPTIMIZATION FOR SINGLE ELEMENT FAILURE IN MPLS NETWORKS

In this paper, we present an approach for enhancing current MPLS resilience, called Hybrid Backup model (HB), in order to restore a QoS protection path from both node or link failures. At present, there are three main MPLS fault management methods, i.e., global, reverse and local backup models. Firstly, the global backup model is the cheapest model but it suffers from high packet losses and long restoration time. Secondly, the reverse backup model improves the packet loss problem; however, the delay problem still remains. Thirdly, the local backup method is seemed to be the best choice in case of the minimum restoration time and packet losses, nevertheless, it has high cost in term of number of path switch label switching router (PSL), path merge label switching router (PML), label usage, and bandwidth reserved. Therefore, we proposed a new approach based on hybrid of four switching types which are global, global reverse, local and local reverse switching types. To evaluate number and location of branch point, branch point optimization based on Genetic Algorithm is then proposed. The proposed model can be reduce the cost of the local backup model, while it still maintains fast restoration and low packet losses. Furthermore, it can improve some significant network performances such as bandwidth reserved, rejection probability, and total throughput. According to performance comparison between all backup models, numerical and simulation results are presented to support the proposed backup model.

BPCONT: An Auto Driver for the Continuation of Branch Points of Algebraic and Boundary-Value Problems

BPcont, a driver for the software package Auto for the numerical continuation of simple branch points of algebraic and boundary-value problems, is described in detail. Simple branch points are points in the continuation space where two solution branches intersect transversally. Detection and accurate location of branch points along the continuation of a solution branch and switching to the continuation of the other branch are implemented in Auto and other software packages, but branch point continuation has not been fully supported. BPcont fills this gap. It handles both generic problems, where branch point continuation is performed in two extra parameters, and nongeneric cases, where one extra parameter is typically involved due to problem-specific symmetries. This paper presents the extended algebraic and boundary-value problems which define branch point continuation, discusses their initialization at branch point detection and the symmetry-breaking technique used to automatically handle nongeneric cases, and describes the BPcont implementation. Several examples, including generic and nongeneric algebraic problems, generic and nongeneric periodic boundary-value problems, and a nongeneric nonperiodic boundary-value problem, are also presented. (A corrected version of this paper has been appended to the originally posted pdf.)

SU‐EE‐A3‐04: Comparison of Breath‐Hold and Free Breathing Approaches for 4DCT Data Acquisition

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare two separate respiratory techniques available for four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). Regional lung density and spatial displacement of airway tree bifurcations (BPs) were studied and compared between regulated (breath hold) and free breathing techniques. Method and Materials: Fifteen normal adult participants were subjected to CT scanning triggered by the lung volume controller system using breath hold and free breathing respiratory techniques. Lung volumes were compared using pneumotachometers (PNT) and respiratory inductance plethysmography. A LabVIEW‐based lung volume controller system that allows monitoring/control of lung volumes and provides gating capabilities for CT image acquisition was built. Each subject's slow vital capacity was measured and lung CT images were obtained at two volumes: ∼65% vital capacity and the end expiratory phase of tidal breathing (∼20% vital capacity). For the free breathing, these represent end inspiration and end expiration. Results: The mean difference in location of BPs between inspiration and expiration using breath hold technique [15.3 ± 5.0mm] and free breathing techniques [18.5 ± 7.3mm] were large but similar. Regional mean lung density differences between breath hold and free breathing was insignificant using paired t‐test (p > 0.05). The BPs spatial uncertainty between breath hold and free breathing, both at end inspiration and end expiration were small: the mean difference in the distance between the carina and any other branch point pair matched was 2.0 mm (±2.0 mm) at end inspiration and 2.8 mm (±2.0 mm) at end expiration. Conclusion: Both breath hold and free breathing respiratory techniques significantly (∼50%) reduce the uncertainty in branch point localization. In addition, both techniques produce similar regional lung densities. The uncertainty in branch point location with respect to the carina is reduced by 2–3 mm for breath hold compared to free breathing techniques.

Maize Starch-Branching Enzyme Isoforms and Amylopectin Structure. In the Absence of Starch-Branching Enzyme IIb, the Further Absence of Starch-Branching Enzyme Ia Leads to Increased Branching

Previous studies indicated that the deficiency of starch-branching enzyme (SBE) Ia in the single mutant sbe1a::Mu (sbe1a) has no impact on endosperm starch structure, whereas the deficiency of SBEIIb in the ae mutant is well known to reduce the branching of starch. We hypothesized that in maize (Zea mays) endosperm, the function of SBEIIb is predominant to that of SBEIa, and SBEIa would have an observable effect only on amylopectin structure in the absence of SBEIIb. To test this hypothesis, the mutant sbe1a was introgressed into lines containing either wx (lacking the granule-bound starch synthase GBSSI) or ae wx (lacking both SBEIIb and GBSSI) in the W64A background. Both western blotting and zymogram analysis confirmed the SBEIa deficiency in sbe1a wx and sbe1a ae wx, and the SBEIIb deficiency in ae wx and sbe1a ae wx. Using zymogram analysis, no pleiotropic effects of sbe1a genes on SBEIIa, starch synthase, or starch-debranching enzyme isoforms were observed. High-performance size exclusion chromatography analysis shows that the chain-length profiles of amylopectin as well as beta-limit dextrin were indistinguishable between wx and sbe1a wx, whereas significant differences for both were observed between ae wx and sbe1a ae wx, suggesting an effect of SBEIa on amylopectin biosynthesis that is observable only in the absence of SBEIIb. The amylopectin branch density and the average number of branches per cluster were both higher in endosperm starch from sbe1a ae wx than from ae wx. These results indicate possible functional interactions between SBE isoforms that may involve enzymatic inhibition. Both the cluster repeat distance and the distance between branch points on the short intracluster chains were similar for all genotypes however, suggesting a similar pattern of individual SBE isoforms in cluster initiation and the determination of branch point location.

Effects of different beacon wavelengths on atmospheric compensation in strong scintillation.

During strong scintillation, the number and location of branch points in a distorted optical field induced by atmospheric turbulence are closely related to the characteristic parameters of the turbulence effect, propagation distance, and wavelength. It is necessary to consider the effect of the beacon's wavelength on the adaptive optics system that is used to compensate for atmospheric turbulence. Our analytical results show that the performance of adaptive optics can be improved by nearly a factor of 2 when the beacon's wavelength is chosen slightly longer than the wavelength of the main laser in the branch points considered.

Induction of myocardial infarcts of a predictable size and location by branch pattern probability-assisted coronary ligation in C57BL/6 mice.

The ability to create experimental myocardial infarctions of reproducible size and location is tantamount to progress in multiple facets of ischemic heart disease research. Branches of the mouse left main descending coronary artery penetrate the myocardium close to their origin and require "blind" ligation. Our objective was to develop a technique for ligation of nonvisible coronary artery branches to permit the reliable creation of infarcts of uniformly small size and location. From latex castings of the left coronary artery of C57BL/6J mice (n = 53), we calculated the highest probability for the location of branch points of two of three left ventricular (LV) branches distal to the origin of the left main descending artery. On the basis of these anatomic probabilities, we blindly ligated two areas that were likely to be locations of these nonvisible LV branches. We were successful in producing two types of small transmural myocardial infarctions (16.04 +/- 3.64 and 4.68 +/- 1.47% of the LV) in 57% of attempts. Thus our branch pattern probability-assisted method permits routine creation of small infarcts of uniform size in the mouse.

Acute Ischemic Heart Disease

BackgroundAngiographic predictors of plaque progression are weak and few: length, irregular surface, turbulence, low shear, and (in some studies) eccentricity and calcification. Having noted plaques that briefly retained dye after angiography, we interpreted these as plaques with a fissured surface or neovascularization and hypothesized that progression would be predicted by “plaque blush.” MethodsPlaques (<50% diameter stenosis) in 68 pairs of angiograms, 5.6 ± 4.8 months apart, were reviewed by 2 blinded observers. The presence of plaque blush, calcification, clot (mobile defect), eccentricity, and a branch point location were compared between progressing (≥20% stenosis increase) and nonprogressing plaques. ResultsSixteen lesions in 15 patients progressed from 29% ± 13% to 68% ± 14% over a period of 8.1 ± 7.9 months. Patients with and without progression were similar in sex, age, congestive heart disease risk factors, medications, interval between angiograms, clinical presentation, and initial stenosis severity. By logistic regression, plaque blush (BL) (P = .002), calcification (CA) (P = .024), and a branch (BR) point location (P = .001) predicted plaque progression. The odds ratio for plaque progression (ORp) was calculated as ORp = e2.5 × BL + 1.8 × CA + 2.6 × BR. Using an ORp of 1/3, the model has 81% sensitivity and 77% specificity. A second analysis in which each progressive lesion was compared with proximal and distal lesions and with one in a different coronary artery yielded similar results. ConclusionsIn mild to moderate coronary stenoses, studied retrospectively, plaque blush (a new sign) and a branch point location were strong predictors of plaque progression, whereas calcification was a weak predictor of progression.

Measurement of Lengths and Location of Branch Point for Branch Pipes Using Stationary Waves

The authors previously developed a length measurement system for straight pipes using Kalman filters and maximum likelihood method. In the system, the stationary waves in pipes were represented by state variables of a linear dynamic system, and on-line accurate length measurement of straight and curved pipes was achieved. In many situations, however, there are necessities of length measurement not only for straight and curved pipes but also for branch pipes.The paper proposes a measurement system of pipe length and branch point for branch pipes. A criterion for optimal modes of the stationary wave is also presented, and experiments show that an accurate measurement is realized with the method.

Important amino acid properties for enhanced thermostability from mesophilic to thermophilic proteins

Understanding the role of various interactions in enhancing the thermostability of proteins is important not only for clarifying the mechanism of protein stability but also for designing stable proteins. In this work, we have analyzed the thermostability of 16 different families by comparing mesophilic and thermophilic proteins with 48 various physicochemical, energetic and conformational properties. We found that the increase in shape, s (location of branch point in side chain) increases the thermostability, whereas, an opposite trend is observed for Gibbs free energy change of hydration for native proteins, G hN, in 14 families. A good correlation is observed between these two properties and the simultaneous increases of − G hN and s is necessary to enhance the thermostability from mesophile to thermophile. The increase in shape, which tends to increase with increasing number of carbon atoms both for polar and non-polar residues, may generate more packing and compactness, and the position of β and higher order branches may be important for better packing. On the other hand, the increase in − G hN in thermophilic proteins increases the solubility of the proteins. This tendency counterbalances the increases in insolubility and unfolding heat capacity change due to the increase in the number of carbon atoms. Thus, the present results suggest that the stability of thermophilic proteins may be achieved by a balance between better packing and solubility.

Psychosocial stress causes endothelial injury in cynomolgus monkeys via β1-adrenoceptor activation

Current evidence links psychosocial factors to exacerbation of diet-induced atherosclerosis in monkeys via activation of the sympathetic nervous system. However, it is uncertain whether these factors can potentiate initial lesion formation, and do so even in the absence of dietary provocation, and whether any such effects can be prevented by beta-adrenergic blockade. As endothelial injury has been considered an initiating event in atherogenesis, we studied the effect of psychosocial stress on endothelial integrity in 48 adult male cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis). All animals were housed in 12 social groups of four monkeys each for 11 weeks. The monkeys in half of the groups were exposed to a socially unstable (`stressed') condition for 72 h and received saline ( n=8), a lipophilic β 1-blocker (metoprolol, 0.30 mg/kg per h; n=8), or hydrophillic β 1-blocker (atenolol, 0.15 mg/kg per h; n=8). The remaining six social groups were assigned to the socially stable (non-stressed) condition; for 72 h these animals all remained in their social groups and were similarly treated with saline ( n=8), metoprolol ( n=8), or atenolol ( n=8). The frequency of IgG-positive (injured) endothelial cells was estimated on en face (Häutchen) preparations from the thoracic aorta and coronary arteries. Psychosocial stress caused a significant increase in the number of injured endothelial cells in the circumostial areas of the descending thoracic aorta in the placebo group (0.3 vs. 0.8%, P<0.02), an effect that had not been demonstrated previously. Moreover, β-blockade significantly ( P<0.01) inhibited the stress effect, with no differences between the two beta-blocking agents. The number of injured endothelial cells in the non-branched portions of the aorta and coronary arteries were low and indistinguishable among groups; irregularities in the size and location of branching points in the coronary arteries precluded analysis of these sites. This study demonstrated that psychosocial stress induces endothelial injury, and that this effect is mediated via β 1-adrenoceptor activation.

高エネルギーＣＩＤ‐ＭＳ／ＭＳ法による構造解析

In contrast to low energy CID, high energy CID produces the characteristic fragmentations which yield to give a wealth of structural information.The side-chain cleavage of the C-terminal amino acid of an an ion leads to a dn ion, which is useful for the differentiation of Leu and Ile in the analysis of peptide sequences. In the CID spectrum of [M+Na]+ for peptides even those lacking basic amino acid in the sequence, the [dn+Na-H]+ ions allow for the differentiation of Leu and Ile, through observation of the corresponding [an+Na-H]+ ions, whereas no an ions were seen in its [M+H]+.The charge remote fragmentations indicate the location of branching points and substituents, as well as of double bonds of fatty acid without any derivatization. Although the charge remote fragmentations arise from closed-shell precursor ions, they show in the CID spectrum of radical cation, M+· of tocopherol, which reveal direct structural information about the isoprene chain.The MS/MS method has also been applied to the determination of the structure of natural products, such as pittosporumxanthin B1, which feature the partial structures of antheraxanthin and tocopherol, and to the differentiation of glucose and mannose.

Clinical and angiographic variables affecting the progression of coronary artery disease as determined by quantitative angiography

To assess by serial quantitative angiography, the significance of clinical and angiographic variables that affect the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Progression of disease by sequential angiography is unpredictable and the role of clinical risk factors controversial. Various intervention trials have demonstrated less progression and even regression in hyperlipidemic patients. Correlates of progression have included a younger age, unstable angina, and greater involvement of the coronary arteries, with few studies looking at angiographic features of individual lesions. Serial angiograms on 74 patients were analyzed by computer assisted quantitative angiography using absolute measurements. A total of 99 diseased segments were analyzed for progression defined as an absolute reduction of 20% in luminal cross-sectional area. A preliminary correlation coefficient was calculated for each of the clinical and angiographic variables to detect any association with progression, and the odds ratio determined. The presence of any of the clinical risk factors-diabetes, hypertension, serum cholesterol, smoking, and a family history of coronary disease could not predict progression. The use of beta blockers was three times less likely to be associated with progression (odds ratio 0.33). While the presence of distal disease was associated with progression of a more proximal lesion (odds ratio 2.4), eccentricity, branch point location, lesion length, calcification, thrombus, or the presence of collaterals did not influence progression of disease in an individual segment. In conclusion, the presence of any of the clinical risk factors could not predict progression of disease in an individual coronary segment as determined by serial quantitative angiography, and the use of beta blockers and the absence of coexistent distal disease was associated with less progression of disease in an individual coronary segment. This may be related to changes in wall stress, reduced platelet interactions, and the integrity and permeability of the vascular endothelium to lipids.

Application of Analytic Continuations to Avoided Crossings

AbstractThe two‐root (i,j,k) generalized Padé approximation (GPA) and three‐root (i,j,k,l) GPA as well as the two‐root continued fraction approximation (CFA) and the three‐root CFA are applied to the model of a three‐state avoided crossing. These two procedures for analytic continuation are compared. The results indicate that both methods provide good continuation into the complex plane and can be applied to locate the complex branch point. When the same input data are chosen, the GPA works slightly better than the CFA. According to our analysis, the two‐root procedure can be applied to locate the branch point around each region of avoided crossing in the problem of a multi‐state avoided crossing. The accuracy of the result is found to be associated the location of complex branch point.