Separability problem for multipartite states of rank at most four

One of the most important problems in quantum information is the separability problem, which asks whether a given quantum state is separable. We investigate multipartite states of rank at most four which are PPT (i.e., all their partial transposes are positive semidefinite). We show that any PPT state of rank two or three is separable and has length at most four. For separable states of rank four, we show that they have length at most six. It is six only for some qubit-qutrit or multiqubit states. It turns out that any PPT entangled state of rank four is necessarily supported on a 3x3 or a 2x2x2 subsystem. We obtain a very simple criterion for the separability problem of the PPT states of rank at most four: such a state is entangled if and only if its range contains no product vectors. This criterion can be easily applied since a four-dimensional subspace in the 3x3 or 2x2x2 system contains a product vector if and only if its Pluecker coordinates satisfy a homogeneous polynomial equation (the Chow form of the corresponding Segre variety). We have computed an explicit determinantal expression for the Chow form in the former case, while such expression was already known in the latter case.Comment: 19 page

ECSIT is essential for RANKL-induced stimulation of mitochondria in osteoclasts and a target for the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of estrogens

IntroductionEstrogens inhibit bone resorption and preserve bone mass, at least in part, via direct effects on osteoclasts. The binding of RANKL, the critical cytokine for osteoclast differentiation, to its receptor in osteoclast precursor cells of the monocyte lineage recruits the adaptor protein TRAF6 and activates multiple signaling pathways. Early effects of RANKL include stimulation of mitochondria. 17β-estradiol (E2) prevents the effects of RANKL on mitochondria and promotes mitochondria mediated apoptotic cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the actions of RANKL and estrogens on mitochondria remain unknown. Evolutionarily Conserved Signaling Intermediate in Toll Pathway (ECSIT) is a complex I-associated protein that regulates immune responses in macrophages following the engagement of Toll-like receptors, which also recruit TRAF6. Here, we examined whether ECSIT could be implicated in the rapid effects of RANKL and E2 on osteoclast progenitors.MethodsBone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) from C57BL/6 mice were cultured with RANKL (30 ng/ml) with or without E2 (10-8 M). ECSIT-TRAF6 interaction was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation and ECSIT levels in mitochondria and cytosolic fractions by Western blot. ShRNA lentivirus particles were used to knockdown ECSIT. Osteoclasts were enumerated after tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates were measured with Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. ATP, lactate, and NAD/NADH were measured with commercial assay kits. NADH oxidation to NAD was used to evaluate Complex I activity. Total and mitochondrial ROS, and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured with H2DCFDA, MitoSOX, and TMRM probes, respectively. Degradation of DEVD-AFC was used to measure Caspase-3 activity.ResultsWe found that RANKL promoted ECSIT-TRAF6 interaction and increased the levels of ECSIT in mitochondria. E2 abrogated these effects of RANKL. Silencing of ECSIT decreased osteoclast differentiation and abrogated the inhibitory effects of E2 on osteoclastogenesis. Loss of ECSIT decreased complex I activity, oxygen consumption, NAD+/NADH redox ratio, and ATP production and increased mitochondrial ROS. In the absence of ECSIT, the stimulatory actions of RANKL on complex I activity and all other markers of oxidative phosphorylation, as well as their inhibition by E2, were prevented. Instead, RANKL stimulated apoptosis of osteoclast progenitors.DiscussionThese findings suggest that dysregulated mitochondria cause a switch in RANKL signaling from pro-survival to pro-apoptotic. In addition, our results indicate that ECSIT represents a central node for the early effects of RANKL on mitochondria and that inhibition of ECSIT-mediated mitochondria stimulation might contribute to the bone protective actions of estrogens

Common Representation of Information Flows for Dynamic Coalitions

We propose a formal foundation for reasoning about access control policies within a Dynamic Coalition, defining an abstraction over existing access control models and providing mechanisms for translation of those models into information-flow domain. The abstracted information-flow domain model, called a Common Representation, can then be used for defining a way to control the evolution of Dynamic Coalitions with respect to information flow

Do critical thinkers drink too much alcohol, forget to do class assignments, or cheat on exams? Using a critical thinking measure to predict college students’ real-world outcomes

Critical thinking is a higher-order way of reasoning composed of the skill and will to use cognitive abilities and knowledge on a daily basis. It is identified as essential by higher education institutions, corporations, and society in general. To analyze whether college students are critical thinkers in their daily lives, the Halpern Critical Thinking Assessment (HCTA; Halpern in Halpern Critical Thinking Assessment (Measurement instrument), Schuhfried, Mödling, 2012) and the real-world outcomes inventory (RWO; Butler in Appl Cogn Psychol 26(5):721–729, 2012) were administered to 238 students. We performed a cluster analysis (K-means-constrained clustering method), and ANOVAs for each cluster solution tested to identify the most suitable clustering solution, taking the RWO inventory dimensions as dependent variables and cluster membership as an independent variable. Four separate clusters emerged, each representing a different profile related to students’ everyday negative outcomes resulting from a lack of critical thinking. We performed multinomial logistic regression to examine which dimensions of the HCTA test, as well as gender, age, and disciplinary area, predicted the four singular groups of students that emerged: “Mature,” “Risk-taking,” “Lost in translation,” and “Reflective.” Results indicate that: (1) age is a relevant predictor of slackness, rashness, and health neglect, all characteristics of “Mature” students; (2) students who are particularly skilled in hypothesis testing tend to be “Risk-taking,” while it is less likely that students who are specifically competent in argument analysis will be in this group; (3) gender is relevant to predict “Lost in translation” students, while argument analysis is negatively related to the chances of being in this group. Our study supports the relevance of critical thinking in daily decisions and everyday outcomes.FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(Advanced Training)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of the 7th AJCC TNM Staging System in Point of Lymph Node Classification

Purpose: The 7th AJCC tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system modified the classification of the lymph node metastasis widely compared to the 6th edition. To evaluate the prognostic predictability of the new TNM staging system, we analyzed the survival rate of the gastric cancer patients assessed by the 7th staging system. Materials and Methods: Among 2,083 patients who underwent resection for gastric cancer at the department of surgery, Hanyang Medical Center from July 1992 to December 2009, This study retrospectively reviewed 5-year survival rate (5YSR) of 624 patients (TanyN3M0: 464 patients, TanyNanyM1: 160 patients) focusing on the number of metastatic lymph node and distant metastasis. We evaluated the applicability of the new staging system. Results: There were no significant differences in 5YSR between stage IIIC with more than 29 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV (P=0.053). No significant differences were observed between stage IIIB with more than 28 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV (P=0.093). Distinct survival differences were present between patients who were categorized as TanyN3M0 with 7 to 32 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV. But patients with more than 33 metastatic lymph nodes did not show any significant differences compared to stage IV (P=0.055). Among patients with TanyN3M0, statistical significances were seen between patients with 7 to 30 metastatic lymph nodes and those with more than 31 metastatic lymph nodes. Conclusions: In the new staging system, modifications of N classification is mandatory to improve prognostic prediction. Further study involving a greater number of cases is required to demonstrate the most appropriate cutoffs for N classification. ??? 2011 by The Korean Gastric Cancer Association

Domestic animal proteomics in the 21st century: a global retrospective and viewpoint analysis

Animal production and health are of significant economic importance, particularly regarding the world food supply. Animal and veterinary sciences have evolved immensely in the past six decades, particularly in genetics, nutrition, housing, management and health. To address major challenges such as those posed by climate change or metabolic disorders, it is of utmost importance to use state-of-the-art research tools. Proteomics and the other post-genomic tools (transcriptomics or metabolomics) are among them. Proteomics has experienced a considerable development over the last decades. This brought developments to different scientific fields. The use and adoption of proteomics tools in animal and veterinary sciences has some limitations (database availability or access to proteomics platforms and funding). As a result, proteomics' use by animal science researchers varies across the globe. In this viewpoint article, we focus on the developments of domestic animal proteomics over the last decade in different regions of the globe and how the researchers have coped with such challenges. In the second part of the article, we provide examples of funding, educational and laboratory establishment initiatives designed to foster the development of (animal-based) proteomics. International scientific collaboration is a definitive and key feature in the development and advancement of domestic animal proteomics. SIGNIFICANCE: Animal production and health are very important for food supply worldwide particularly as a source of proteinaceous foods. Animal and veterinary sciences have evolved immensely in the last decades. In order to address the major contemporary challenges facing animal and veterinary sciences, it is of utmost importance to use state-of-the-art research tools such as Proteomics and other Omics. Herein, we focus on the major developments in domestic animal proteomics worldwide during the last decade and how different regions of the world have used the technology in this specific research field. We address also major international efforts aiming to increase the research output in this area and highlight the importance of international cooperation to address specific problems inherent to domestic animal proteomics.Science and Technology Foundation (Lisbon, Portugal) through LEAF Research Center: UID/AGR/04129/2020 SFRH/BD/143992/2019; Science and Technology Foundation (Lisbon, Portugal):UID/Multi/04326/2020 16-02-05-FMP-12, 16-02-01-FMP-0014 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (Brasilia, DF, Brazil) CNPq 409186/2018-0 Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) 001 research program Animal health, environment and food safety of Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana - Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) P4-0092 European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST): FA1002 European Commission FP7 VETMEDZG project: 621394 European Commission: KK.01.1.1.04.0086 Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Joint Doctorate MANNA project 765423; European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program 823839info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report

Introduction. Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone-forming neoplasms that account for about 20% of all sarcomas. In light of their aggressive behavior, early diagnosis is crucial for determining adequate treatment. Dental professionals may be the first to detect jaw osteosarcomas in their initial stages. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the possibility of diagnosing this tumor based on clinical, radiographical and cytological characteristics before confirmation by histology. Case presentation. A 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian man presented with swelling and pain on the left side of the mandible in the region of the third molar (tooth 38). Radiography showed a poorly delimited intraosseous lesion with radiolucent and radiopaque areas. The cytological aspects were consistent with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion. Imprint cytology was found to be a reliable, rapid and easy complementary examination. An early diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaw is fundamental to the early determination of an adequate treatment. © 2009 Cabral et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Genome of the Avirulent Human-Infective Trypanosome—Trypanosoma rangeli

Background: Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite infecting humans and other wild and domestic mammals across Central and South America. It does not cause human disease, but it can be mistaken for the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi. We have sequenced the T. rangeli genome to provide new tools for elucidating the distinct and intriguing biology of this species and the key pathways related to interaction with its arthropod and mammalian hosts.  Methodology/Principal Findings: The T. rangeli haploid genome is ,24 Mb in length, and is the smallest and least repetitive trypanosomatid genome sequenced thus far. This parasite genome has shorter subtelomeric sequences compared to those of T. cruzi and T. brucei; displays intraspecific karyotype variability and lacks minichromosomes. Of the predicted 7,613 protein coding sequences, functional annotations could be determined for 2,415, while 5,043 are hypothetical proteins, some with evidence of protein expression. 7,101 genes (93%) are shared with other trypanosomatids that infect humans. An ortholog of the dcl2 gene involved in the T. brucei RNAi pathway was found in T. rangeli, but the RNAi machinery is non-functional since the other genes in this pathway are pseudogenized. T. rangeli is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, a phenotype that may be explained by a smaller number of anti-oxidant defense enzymes and heatshock proteins.  Conclusions/Significance: Phylogenetic comparison of nuclear and mitochondrial genes indicates that T. rangeli and T. cruzi are equidistant from T. brucei. In addition to revealing new aspects of trypanosome co-evolution within the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, comparative genomic analysis with pathogenic trypanosomatids provides valuable new information that can be further explored with the aim of developing better diagnostic tools and/or therapeutic targets

A multi-targeted approach to suppress tumor-promoting inflammation

Cancers harbor significant genetic heterogeneity and patterns of relapse following many therapies are due to evolved resistance to treatment. While efforts have been made to combine targeted therapies, significant levels of toxicity have stymied efforts to effectively treat cancer with multi-drug combinations using currently approved therapeutics. We discuss the relationship between tumor-promoting inflammation and cancer as part of a larger effort to develop a broad-spectrum therapeutic approach aimed at a wide range of targets to address this heterogeneity. Specifically, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, cyclooxygenase-2, transcription factor nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor alpha, inducible nitric oxide synthase, protein kinase B, and CXC chemokines are reviewed as important antiinflammatory targets while curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, lycopene, and anthocyanins are reviewed as low-cost, low toxicity means by which these targets might all be reached simultaneously. Future translational work will need to assess the resulting synergies of rationally designed antiinflammatory mixtures (employing low-toxicity constituents), and then combine this with similar approaches targeting the most important pathways across the range of cancer hallmark phenotypes