TBP,PPIA, YWHAZ and EF1A1 Are the Most Stably Expressed Genes during Osteogenic Differentiation

RT-qPCR is the gold standard and the most commonly used method for measuring gene expression. Selection of appropriate reference gene(s) for normalization is a crucial part of RT-qPCR experimental design, which allows accurate quantification and reliability of the results. Because there is no universal reference gene and even commonly used housekeeping genes’ expression can vary under certain conditions, careful selection of an appropriate internal control must be performed for each cell type or tissue and experimental design. The aim of this study was to identify the most stable reference genes during osteogenic differentiation of the human osteosarcoma cell lines MG-63, HOS, and SaOS-2 using the geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper statistical algorithms. Our results show that TBP, PPIA, YWHAZ, and EF1A1 are the most stably expressed genes, while ACTB, and 18S rRNA expressions are most variable. These data provide a basis for future RT-qPCR normalizations when studying gene expression during osteogenic differentiation, for example, in studies of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.     

Characterizing r-perfect codes in direct products of two and three cycles

An r-perfect code of a graph G=(V,E) is a set C⊆V such that the r-balls centered at vertices of C form a partition of V. It is proved that the direct product of Cm and Cn (r?1, m,n?2r+1) contains an r-perfect code if and only if m and n are each a multiple of ²(r+1)+r² and that the direct product of Cm, Cn, and C? (r?1, m,n,??2r+1) contains an r-perfect code if and only if m, n, and ? are each a multiple of r³+³(r+1). The corresponding r-codes are essentially unique. Also, r-perfect codes in C2r×Cn (r?2, n?2r) are characterized.     

Data transmission over GSM voice channel using digital modulation technique based on autoregressive modeling of speech production

This paper presents a novel digital data modulation and demodulation algorithm ARDMA based on the principles of autoregressive modeling (AR) of speech production. In the first step a sustained voiced speech signal characteristics are analyzed using autoregressive modeling principle and then the two sets of linear prediction (LPC) coefficients are obtained and converted to linear spectrum frequencies (LSF). The input binary data stream drives the selection mechanism of LSF coefficients which are then applied as filter coefficients of the modulation signal synthesis filter. This filter is excited with specially designed excitation signal which corresponds to the basic characteristics of typical excitation signal of human vocal tract. Finally, a speech-alike modulation signal is produced. This modulation signal is then sent through the voice channel of the GSM system. The demodulator analyzes the incoming modulation signal using autoregressive modeling. The most likely LSF vector which modulated the particular symbol was determined by the demodulation process and converted to the respective string of binary data. The performance of proposed modulation scheme was compared to the regular frequency shift keying method (FSK). The performance improvement of ARDMA against FSK is observed at higher bit-rates in the case of three compared GSM speech coders.     

Mercury,selenium, PCBs and fatty acids in fresh and canned fish available on the Slovenian market

In order to contribute to the general understanding of the risks and benefits of consuming fish and fish products, total mercury (THg), monomethylmercury (MeHg), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), selenium (Se), n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were determined in fresh and canned fish on the Slovenian market. Furthermore, the mercury exposure of pregnant women in Slovenia was assessed by determining total mercury (THg) in hair, and through fresh and canned fish consumption obtained by a food frequency questionnaire. Based on the frequency of fish consumption and levels of MeHg, THg and PCBs determined in the present study, it can be concluded that fish available on the Slovenian market do not represent a health risk. It was also confirmed that fish are important sources of selenium and n-3 fatty acids.     

Direct and indirect effects of perceived price on perceived value of mobile phones

Nowadays many leading companies understand that creating outstanding customer value is necessary to achieving sustainable market success. The main problem discussed in this article is the examination of factors affecting perceived value, emphasizing the relationship between perceived price and perceived value. Based on literature and their own findings, the authors designed a model of relationships between researched factors. This model was tested using structural equation modeling. The results reflected that statistically significant relationships exists and that perceived price has direct as well as indirect efects on perceived product value.     

Calculations to support JET neutron yield calibration: Neutron scattering in source holder

After the coated CFC wall to ITER-Like Wall (Beryllium/Tungsten/Carbon) transition in 2010–11, confirmation of the neutron yield calibration will be ensured by direct measurements using a calibrated ²⁵²Cf neutron source deployed by the in-vessel remote handling boom and Mascot manipulator inside the JET vacuum vessel.The paper describes preliminary calculations and the results of numerical study of the effect of source holder on neutron detector response. The source baton was designed in such a way, that it does not significantly affect the neutron spectrum, angular neutron flux distribution or activation detector response. All effects are approximately equal to or less than 1%. The largest disturbance to the neutron flux angular distribution and to the neutron spectrum arises from the source capsule. Hence one should obtain as much information as possible about the capsule and the ²⁵²Cf source material in order to avoid additional systematic errors.     

Numerical computation of impedances of a human tooth for estimation of the root canal length

Alternative current (ac) current conduction through a human tooth has been investigated through numerical simulation. Numerical calculation of impedance between the file (electrode) inserted in the root canal of the tooth and the outer electrode enables investigation of the impedance method used in dentistry for evaluation of the root canal length. Simulations confirm the improved sensitivity of the impedance method using the results of multiple frequency measurements.     

Meteorological parameters contributing to variability in 222Rn activity concentrations in soil gas at a site in Sapporo, Japan

Continuous ²²²Rn monitoring in soil gas since November 22, 2004 has revealed variability in activity concentration with time in the semi-natural woods on the campus of Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. Among various factors affecting soil radon levels and variability, temperature was found to be dominant during three seasons when activity concentrations of ²²²Rn showed a diurnal high and nocturnal low with a boundary around 10 o'clock in the morning. This pattern was disturbed by low pressure fronts with occasional rain. The activity gradually decreased as soil temperatures decreased from late November to mid-December. After the ground surface was completely covered with snow, soil radon levels became low with a small fluctuation. There were several peaks of ²²²Rn on the time-series chart in winter. Those peaks appearing in early winter and early spring may be interpreted by considering meteorological parameters. In a few cases, the radon activity suddenly increased with increasing pressure in the soil at a depth of 10 cm, which may be associated with subsurface events such as seismic activity in the area.