Sample records for parathion pc code

  1. Interactive toxicity of chlorpyrifos and parathion in neonatal rats: Role of esterases in exposure sequence-dependent toxicity

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

    Kacham, R.; Karanth, S.; Baireddy, P.

    2006-01-15

    We previously reported that sequence of exposure to chlorpyrifos and parathion in adult rats can markedly influence toxic outcome. In the present study, we evaluated the interactive toxicity of chlorpyrifos (8 mg/kg, po) and parathion (0.5 mg/kg, po) in neonatal (7 days old) rats. Rats were exposed to the insecticides either concurrently or sequentially (separated by 4 h) and sacrificed at 4, 8, and 24 h after the first exposure for biochemical measurements (cholinesterase activity in brain, plasma, and diaphragm and carboxylesterase activity in plasma and liver). The concurrently-exposed group showed more cumulative lethality (15/24) than either of the sequentialmore » dosing groups. With sequential dosing, rats treated initially with chlorpyrifos prior to parathion (C/P) exhibited higher lethality (7/23) compared to those treated with parathion before chlorpyrifos (P/C; 1/24). At 8 h after initial dosing, brain cholinesterase inhibition was significantly greater in the C/P group (59%) compared to the P/C group (28%). Diaphragm and plasma cholinesterase activity also followed a relatively similar pattern of inhibition. Carboxylesterase inhibition in plasma and liver was relatively similar among the treatment groups across time-points. Similar sequence-dependent differences in brain cholinesterase inhibition were also noted with lower binary exposures to chlorpyrifos (2 mg/kg) and parathion (0.35 mg/kg). In vitro and ex vivo studies compared relative oxon detoxification of carboxylesterases (calcium-insensitive) and A-esterases (calcium-sensitive) in liver homogenates from untreated and insecticide pretreated rats. Using tissues from untreated rats, carboxylesterases detoxified both chlorpyrifos oxon and paraoxon, while A-esterases only detoxified chlorpyrifos oxon. With parathion pretreatment, A-esterases still detoxified chlorpyrifos oxon while liver from chlorpyrifos pretreated rats had little apparent effect on paraoxon. We conclude that while neonatal rats

  2. Chemodynamics of Methyl Parathion and Ethyl Parathion: Adsorption Models for Sustainable Agriculture

    PubMed Central

    Rafique, Uzaira; Balkhair, Khaled S.; Ashraf, Muhammad Aqeel

    2014-01-01

    The toxicity of organophosphate insecticides for nontarget organism has been the subject of extensive research for sustainable agriculture. Pakistan has banned the use of methyl/ethyl parathions, but they are still illegally used. The present study is an attempt to estimate the residual concentration and to suggest remedial solution of adsorption by different types of soils collected and characterized for physicochemical parameters. Sorption of pesticides in soil or other porous media is an important process regulating pesticide transport and degradation. The percentage removal of methyl parathion and ethyl parathion was determined through UV-Visible spectrophotometer at 276 nm and 277 nm, respectively. The results indicate that agricultural soil as compared to barren soil is more efficient adsorbent for both insecticides, at optimum batch condition of pH 7. The equilibrium between adsorbate and adsorbent was attained in 12 hours. Methyl parathion is removed more efficiently (by seven orders of magnitude) than ethyl parathion. It may be attributed to more available binding sites and less steric hindrance of methyl parathion. Adsorption kinetics indicates that a good correlation exists between distribution coefficient (Kd) and soil organic carbon. A general increase in Kd is noted with increase in induced concentration due to the formation of bound or aged residue. PMID:24689059

  3. Microbial degradation of parathion. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gibson, W. L.

    1972-01-01

    An organism capable of utilizing parathion as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated by enrichment culture techniques. The bacterium was characterized and tentatively classified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A pH of 7.0 - 7.5 and temperature of 30 C were found to be optimum for the consumption of parathion. Virtually no oxygen utilization was observed with resting cell suspensions when nonsolubilized parathion was employed. The use of ethanol as solvent for parathion in resting cell studies or preincubation of cells in ethanol obviated this problem and rapid parathion oxidation was demonstrable. Approximately 80% of the parathion consumed by resting cells was present terminally as carbon dioxide. Permeability of the cell to parathion or its metabolites was contingent upon the use of ethanol as either solvent or denaturant. Metabolites were tentatively identified by thin layer chromatography.

  4. VENTURE/PC manual: A multidimensional multigroup neutron diffusion code system

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

    Shapiro, A.; Huria, H.C.; Cho, K.W.

    1991-12-01

    VENTURE/PC is a recompilation of part of the Oak Ridge BOLD VENTURE code system, which will operate on an IBM PC or compatible computer. Neutron diffusion theory solutions are obtained for multidimensional, multigroup problems. This manual contains information associated with operating the code system. The purpose of the various modules used in the code system, and the input for these modules are discussed. The PC code structure is also given. Version 2 included several enhancements not given in the original version of the code. In particular, flux iterations can be done in core rather than by reading and writing tomore » disk, for problems which allow sufficient memory for such in-core iterations. This speeds up the iteration process. Version 3 does not include any of the special processors used in the previous versions. These special processors utilized formatted input for various elements of the code system. All such input data is now entered through the Input Processor, which produces standard interface files for the various modules in the code system. In addition, a Standard Interface File Handbook is included in the documentation which is distributed with the code, to assist in developing the input for the Input Processor.« less

  5. Parathion

    Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

    Parathion ; CASRN 56 - 38 - 2 Human health assessment information on a chemical substance is included in the IRIS database only after a comprehensive review of toxicity data , as outlined in the IRIS assessment development process . Sections I ( Health Hazard Assessments for Noncarcinogenic Effects

  6. Parathion poisoning of Mississippi kites in Oklahoma

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Franson, J. Christian

    1994-01-01

    Parathion(phosphorothioic acid O, O-diethyl O-[4-nitrophenyl] ester) is a broad spectrum organophosphorus insecticide, used on a variety of crops and occasionally for mosquito control, and is highly toxic to birds (Smith 1987). Intentional poisoning with parathion is reported to have killed more than 8000 red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in two separate instances (Stone et al. 1984). Use of parathion on wheat fields has resulted in the mortality of about 1600 Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and other waterfowl in one instance (White et al. 1982) and about 200 Canada geese in another (Flickinger et al. 1991). More than 200 laughing gulls (Larus atricilla) died near cotton fields treated with parathion (White et al. 1979). Secondary poisoning of raptors resulting from the consumption of prey exposed to parathion, has been reported experimentally and in the field. Stone et al. (1984) found two dead red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), a Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and an American kestrel (Falco sparverius) that had fed on blackbirds killed by parathion. One of four American kestrels died after being fed cricket frogs (Acris crepitans) that had been exposed to 10ppm parathion for 96 hr (Fleming et al. 1982). The Mississippi kite (Ictinia mississippensis) is highly insectivorous (Brown and Amadon 1968) and is thus subject to secondary poisoning resulting from consumption of insects exposed to pesticides. I report here an instance of secondary parathion poisoning in wild Mississippi kites.

  7. VENTURE/PC manual: A multidimensional multigroup neutron diffusion code system. Version 3

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

    Shapiro, A.; Huria, H.C.; Cho, K.W.

    1991-12-01

    VENTURE/PC is a recompilation of part of the Oak Ridge BOLD VENTURE code system, which will operate on an IBM PC or compatible computer. Neutron diffusion theory solutions are obtained for multidimensional, multigroup problems. This manual contains information associated with operating the code system. The purpose of the various modules used in the code system, and the input for these modules are discussed. The PC code structure is also given. Version 2 included several enhancements not given in the original version of the code. In particular, flux iterations can be done in core rather than by reading and writing tomore » disk, for problems which allow sufficient memory for such in-core iterations. This speeds up the iteration process. Version 3 does not include any of the special processors used in the previous versions. These special processors utilized formatted input for various elements of the code system. All such input data is now entered through the Input Processor, which produces standard interface files for the various modules in the code system. In addition, a Standard Interface File Handbook is included in the documentation which is distributed with the code, to assist in developing the input for the Input Processor.« less

  8. Constitutive Androgen Receptor-Null Mice Are Sensitive to the Toxic Effects of Parathion: Association with Reduced Cytochrome P450-Mediated Parathion MetabolismS⃞

    PubMed Central

    Mota, Linda C.; Hernandez, Juan P.

    2010-01-01

    Constitutive androgen receptor (CAR) is activated by several chemicals and in turn regulates multiple detoxification genes. Our research demonstrates that parathion is one of the most potent, environmentally relevant CAR activators with an EC50 of 1.43 μM. Therefore, animal studies were conducted to determine whether CAR was activated by parathion in vivo. Surprisingly, CAR-null mice, but not wild-type (WT) mice, showed significant parathion-induced toxicity. However, parathion did not induce Cyp2b expression, suggesting that parathion is not a CAR activator in vivo, presumably because of its short half-life. CAR expression is also associated with the expression of several drug-metabolizing cytochromes P450 (P450). CAR-null mice demonstrate lower expression of Cyp2b9, Cyp2b10, Cyp2c29, and Cyp3a11 primarily, but not exclusively in males. Therefore, we incubated microsomes from untreated WT and CAR-null mice with parathion in the presence of esterase inhibitors to determine whether CAR-null mice show perturbed P450-mediated parathion metabolism compared with that in WT mice. The metabolism of parathion to paraoxon and p-nitrophenol (PNP) was reduced in CAR-null mice with male CAR-null mice showing reduced production of both paraoxon and PNP, and female CAR-null mice showing reduced production of only PNP. Overall, the data indicate that CAR-null mice metabolize parathion slower than WT mice. These results provide a potential mechanism for increased sensitivity of individuals with lower CAR activity such as newborns to parathion and potentially other chemicals due to decreased metabolic capacity. PMID:20573718

  9. Methyl parathion

    Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

    Methyl parathion ; CASRN 298 - 00 - 0 Human health assessment information on a chemical substance is included in the IRIS database only after a comprehensive review of toxicity data , as outlined in the IRIS assessment development process . Sections I ( Health Hazard Assessments for Noncarcinogenic

  10. Bioavailability of methyl parathion adsorbed on clay minerals and iron oxide.

    PubMed

    Cai, Peng; He, Xiaomin; Xue, Aifang; Chen, Hao; Huang, Qiaoyun; Yu, Jun; Rong, Xinming; Liang, Wei

    2011-01-30

    Adsorption, desorption and degradation by Pseudomonas putida of methyl parathion (O,O-dimethyl O-p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) on montmorillonite, kaolinite and goethite were studied. Metabolic activities of methyl parathion-degrading bacteria P. putida in the presence of minerals were also monitored by microcalorimetry to determine the degradation mechanism of methyl parathion. Montmorillonite presented higher adsorption capacity and affinity for methyl parathion than kaolinite and goethite. The percentage of degradation of methyl parathion adsorbed on minerals by P. putida was in the order of montmorillonite>kaolinite>goethite. The presence of minerals inhibited the exponential growth and the metabolic activity of P. putida. Among the examined minerals, goethite exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on bacterial activity, while montmorillonite was the least depressing. The biodegradation of adsorbed methyl parathion by P. putida is apparently not controlled by the adsorption affinity of methyl parathion on minerals and may be mainly governed by the activity of the methyl parathion-degrading bacteria. The information obtained in this study is of fundamental significance for the understanding of the behavior of methyl parathion in soil environments. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Dietary modulation of parathion-induced neurotoxicity in adult and juvenile rats.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jing; Karanth, Subramanya; Pope, Carey

    2005-06-01

    Previous studies indicated that dietary glucose (15% in drinking water) could markedly exacerbate the toxicity of parathion in adult rats. The present study evaluated the effect of consumption of the commonly used sweetener, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), on parathion toxicity in adult and juvenile rats. Animals were given free access to either water or 15% HFCS in drinking water for a total of 10 days and challenged with parathion (6 or 18 mg/kg, s.c., for juveniles or adults, respectively) on the 4th day. Signs of cholinergic toxicity, body weight and chow/fluid intake were recorded daily. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and immunoreactivity (AChE-IR) in frontal cortex and diaphragm were measured at 2, 4, and 7 days after parathion. As HFCS was associated with significant reduction in chow intake, adult rats were also pair-fed to evaluate the effect of similar reduced chow intake alone on parathion toxicity. The results indicated that the cholinergic toxicity of parathion was significantly increased by HFCS feeding in both age groups. The excess sugar consumption, however, did not significantly affect parathion-induced AChE inhibition in either tissue or either age group. Enzyme immunoreactivity in frontal cortex was generally not affected in either age group while diaphragm AChE-IR was significantly reduced by parathion and HFCS alone in adult animals at 2 and 4 days timepoints, and more so by the combination of sugar feeding and parathion exposure in both age groups. Food restriction alone did not exacerbate parathion toxicity. While the mechanism(s) remains unclear, we conclude that voluntary consumption of the common sweetener HFCS can markedly amplify parathion acute toxicity in both juvenile and adult rats.

  12. Modulation of parathion toxicity by glucose feeding: Is nitric oxide involved?

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

    Liu Jing; Gupta, Ramesh C.; Goad, John T.

    2007-03-15

    Glucose feeding can markedly exacerbate the toxicity of the anticholinesterase insecticide, parathion. We determined the effects of parathion on brain nitric oxide and its possible role in potentiation of toxicity by glucose feeding. Adult rats were given water or 15% glucose in water for 3 days and challenged with vehicle or parathion (18 mg/kg, s.c.) on day 4. Functional signs, plasma glucose and brain cholinesterase, citrulline (an indicator of nitric oxide production) and high-energy phosphates (HEPs) were measured 1-3 days after parathion. Glucose feeding exacerbated cholinergic toxicity. Parathion increased plasma glucose (15-33%) and decreased cortical cholinesterase activity (81-90%), with nomore » significant differences between water and glucose treatment groups. In contrast, parathion increased brain regional citrulline (40-47%) and decreased HEPs (18-40%) in rats drinking water, with significantly greater changes in glucose-fed rats (248-363% increase and 31-61% decrease, respectively). We then studied the effects of inhibiting neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) by 7-nitroindazole (7NI, 30 mg/kg, i.p. x4) on parathion toxicity and its modulation by glucose feeding. Co-exposure to parathion and 7NI led to a marked increase in cholinergic signs of toxicity and lethality, regardless of glucose intake. Thus, glucose feeding enhanced the accumulation of brain nitric oxide following parathion exposure, but inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis was ineffective at counteracting increased parathion toxicity associated with glucose feeding. Evidence is therefore presented to suggest that nitric oxide may play both toxic and protective roles in cholinergic toxicity, and its precise contribution to modulation by glucose feeding requires further investigation.« less

  13. DDE increased the toxicity of parathion to coturnix quail

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Ludke, J.L.

    1977-01-01

    Adult male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) were exposed to DDE or chlordane in the diet and subsequently dosed with parathion or paraoxon. Pretreatment with 5 or 50 ppm DDE in the diet for 12 weeks resulted in increased cholinesterase (ChE) activity in plasma, but not in the brain. Dietary concentrations of 5 and 50 ppm DDE caused increased susceptibility of quail that were challenged with parathion or paraoxon. The increased mortality resulting from DDE pretreatment was reflected in brain ChE inhibition. The synergistic action of DDE was apparent after 3 days of exposure to 50 ppm DDE and 1 week of exposure to 5 ppm DDE. Birds exposed for 3 weeks to 5 or 50 ppm DDE retained their DDE-potentiated sensitivity to parathion after 2 weeks on clean diet. Chlordane pretreatment resulted in decreased susceptibility (antagonism) to parathion, but not to paraoxon dosage. Implications of differing responses in ChE and mortality among controls, DDE-, and chlordane-pretreated birds after parathion or paraoxon dosage are discussed.

  14. Accumulation, metabolism and toxicity of parathion in tadpoles

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

    Hall, R.J.

    1990-04-01

    Earlier work exposing tadpoles to organophosphorus pesticides indicated the great resistance of tadpoles of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) to these chemicals and their surprising ability to accumulate parathion and fenthion from water. These qualities seemed to make them an ideal model with which to test a hypothesis advanced by Burke and Ferguson, who noted that parathion is more toxic to resistant mosquitofish in static water than in flowing water--a reversal of the pattern normally seen. They believed that highly toxic metabolite paraoxon was produced by the fish and that its buildup in static systems resulted in the unexpected mortality. Amphibiansmore » have been shown to produce paraoxon and to accumulate the parent compound parathion to levels that are potentially hazardous to other organisms. In the course of examining paraoxon production by tadpoles, it would also be possible to learn more about their patterns of parathion uptake and elimination. Retention of residues is also a matter of concern given the high levels observed in the earlier studies.« less

  15. Parathion alters incubation behavior of laughing gulls

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    White, D.H.; Mitchell, C.A.; Hill, E.F.

    1983-01-01

    One member of each pair of incubating laughing gulls at 9 nests was trapped, orally dosed with either 6 mg/kg parathion in corn oil or corn oil alone, and marked about the neck with red dye. Each nest was marked with a numbered stake and the treatment was recorded. A pilot study with captive laughing gulls had determined the proper dosage of parathion that would significantly inhibit their brain AChE activity (about 50% of normal) without overt signs of poisoning. After dosing, birds were released and the nests were observed for 2 1/2 days from a blind on the nesting island. The activities of the birds at each marked nest were recorded at 10-minute intervals. Results indicated that on the day of treatment there was no difference (P greater than 0.05, Chi-square test) in the proportion of time spent on the nest between treated and control birds. However, birds dosed with 6 mg/kg parathion spent significantly less time incubating on days 2 and 3 than did birds receiving only corn oil. By noon on the third day, sharing of nest duties between pair members in the treated group had approached normal, indicating recovery from parathion intoxication. These findings suggest that sublethal exposure of nesting birds to an organophosphate (OP) insecticide, such as parathion, may result in decreased nest attentiveness, thereby making the clutch more susceptible to predation or egg failure. Behavioral changes caused by sublethal OP exposure could be especially detrimental in avian species where only one pair member incubates or where both members are exposed in species sharing nest duties.

  16. Hormonal responses and tolerance to cold of female quail following parathion ingestion

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Sileo, L.; Scanes, C.G.

    1982-01-01

    Thirty-week-old female bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), maintained at 26 + 1?C, were provided diets containing 0,25, or 100 ppm parathion ad libitum. After 10 days, birds were exposed to mild cold (6 + 1?C) for 4,8, 12, 24, or 48 hr. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in birds receiving 25 and 100 ppm parathion. Body weight, egg production, and plasma luteinizing hormone and progesterone concentrations were reduced in birds receiving 100 ppm parathion compared with other groups. Cold exposure did not alter plasma corticosterone levels in the 0- and 25-ppm parathion groups, but a two- to five fold elevation of plasma corticosterone was observed in birds fed 100 ppm parathion. These findings indicate that (i) short-term ingestion of parathion can impair reproduction possibly by altering gonadotropin or steroid secretion, and (ii) tolerance to cold may be reduced following ingestion of this organophosphate.

  17. Novel approaches to mitigating parathion toxicity: targeting cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism with menadione.

    PubMed

    Jan, Yi-Hua; Richardson, Jason R; Baker, Angela A; Mishin, Vladimir; Heck, Diane E; Laskin, Debra L; Laskin, Jeffrey D

    2016-08-01

    Accidental or intentional exposures to parathion, an organophosphorus (OP) pesticide, can cause severe poisoning in humans. Parathion toxicity is dependent on its metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system to paraoxon (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate), a highly poisonous nerve agent and potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. We have been investigating inhibitors of CYP-mediated bioactivation of OPs as a method of preventing or reversing progressive parathion toxicity. It is well recognized that NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, an enzyme required for the transfer of electrons to CYPs, mediates chemical redox cycling. In this process, the enzyme diverts electrons from CYPs to support chemical redox cycling, which results in inhibition of CYP-mediated biotransformation. Using menadione as the redox-cycling chemical, we discovered that this enzymatic reaction blocks metabolic activation of parathion in rat and human liver microsomes and in recombinant CYPs important to parathion metabolism, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4. Administration of menadione to rats reduces metabolism of parathion, as well as parathion-induced inhibition of brain cholinesterase activity. This resulted in inhibition of parathion neurotoxicity. Menadione has relatively low toxicity and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for other indications. Its ability to block parathion metabolism makes it an attractive therapeutic candidate to mitigate parathion-induced neurotoxicity. © 2016 New York Academy of Sciences.

  18. Studies on the metabolism of diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphorothionate (parathion) in vitro

    PubMed Central

    Neal, R. A.

    1967-01-01

    1. The metabolism of the phosphorothionate parathion in vitro was examined by using [32P]parathion and microsomes isolated from the livers of various animal species. 2. The major metabolic products of parathion in this system in vitro were identified as diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (paraoxon), diethyl hydrogen phosphate, diethyl hydrogen phosphorothionate and p-nitrophenol. 3. The reaction leading to the formation of diethyl hydrogen phosphorothionate and p-nitrophenol requires the same cofactors (NADPH and oxygen) required for metabolism of parathion to its active anti-acetylcholinesterase paraoxon. 4. The enzyme activity towards parathion per unit weight of liver is increased some 65–130% by pretreatment of male rats with phenobarbital and 3,4-benzopyrene. 5. The metabolism of parathion is inhibited by incubation in a nitrogen atmosphere and in an atmosphere containing carbon monoxide. Pure oxygen is also inhibitory. These results are discussed in terms of a deficiency of oxygen for maximal activity as well as the lability of some component of the system to oxidation. PMID:4382289

  19. Novel approaches to mitigating parathion toxicity: targeting cytochrome P450–mediated metabolism with menadione

    PubMed Central

    Jan, Yi-Hua; Richardson, Jason R.; Baker, Angela A.; Mishin, Vladimir; Heck, Diane E.; Laskin, Debra L.; Laskin, Jeffrey D.

    2016-01-01

    Accidental or intentional exposures to parathion, an organophosphorus (OP) pesticide, can cause severe poisoning in humans. Parathion toxicity is dependent on its metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system to paraoxon (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate), a highly poisonous nerve agent and potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). We have been investigating inhibitors of CYP-mediated bioactivation of OPs as a method of preventing or reversing progressive parathion toxicity. It is well recognized that NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase, an enzyme required for the transfer of electrons to CYPs, mediates chemical redox cycling. In this process, the enzyme diverts electrons from CYPs to support chemical redox cycling, which results in inhibition of CYP-mediated biotransformation. Using menadione as the redox-cycling chemical, we discovered that this enzymatic reaction blocks metabolic activation of parathion in rat and human liver microsomes and in recombinant CYPs important to parathion metabolism, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4. Administration of menadione to rats reduces metabolism of parathion, as well as parathion-induced inhibition of brain cholinesterase activity. This resulted in inhibition of parathion neurotoxicity. Menadione has relatively low toxicity and is approved by the FDA for other indications. Its ability to block parathion metabolism makes it an attractive therapeutic candidate to mitigate parathion-induced neurotoxicity. PMID:27441453

  20. Vitamin K3 (menadione) redox cycling inhibits cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism and inhibits parathion intoxication

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

    Jan, Yi-Hua; Richardson, Jason R., E-mail: jricha3@eohsi.rutgers.edu; Baker, Angela A.

    Parathion, a widely used organophosphate insecticide, is considered a high priority chemical threat. Parathion toxicity is dependent on its metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system to paraoxon (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate), a cytotoxic metabolite. As an effective inhibitor of cholinesterases, paraoxon causes the accumulation of acetylcholine in synapses and overstimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors, leading to characteristic signs of organophosphate poisoning. Inhibition of parathion metabolism to paraoxon represents a potential approach to counter parathion toxicity. Herein, we demonstrate that menadione (methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, vitamin K3) is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of parathion. Menadione is active in redox cycling,more » a reaction mediated by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase that preferentially uses electrons from NADPH at the expense of their supply to the P450s. Using human recombinant CYP 1A2, 2B6, 3A4 and human liver microsomes, menadione was found to inhibit the formation of paraoxon from parathion. Administration of menadione bisulfite (40 mg/kg, ip) to rats also reduced parathion-induced inhibition of brain cholinesterase activity, as well as parathion-induced tremors and the progression of other signs and symptoms of parathion poisoning. These data suggest that redox cycling compounds, such as menadione, have the potential to effectively mitigate the toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides including parathion which require cytochrome P450-mediated activation. - Highlights: • Menadione redox cycles with cytochrome P450 reductase and generates reactive oxygen species. • Redox cycling inhibits cytochrome P450-mediated parathion metabolism. • Short term administration of menadione inhibits parathion toxicity by inhibiting paraoxon formation.« less

  1. 77 FR 18813 - Rescission of Previously Issued Cancellation Order for Methyl Parathion Product Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-28

    ... Cancellation Order for Methyl Parathion Product Registration AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA... Federal Register on December 28, 2011, to the extent it is applicable to one methyl parathion product. The... parathion registration. All other product registrations for all other chemicals that were included in the...

  2. Poisoning of Canada geese in Texas by parathion sprayed for control of Russian wheat aphid

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Flickinger, Edward L.; Juenger, Gary; Roffe, Thomas J.; Smith, Milton R.; Irwin, Roy J.

    1991-01-01

    Approximately 200 Canada geese (Branta canadensis) died at a playa lake in the Texas Panhandle shortly after a winter wheat field in the basin adjacent to the lake was treated with parathion to control newly invading Russian wheat aphids (Diuraphis noxia). No evidence of infectious disease was diagnosed during necropsies of geese. Brain ChE activities were depressed up to 77% below normal. Parathion residues in GI tract contents of geese ranged from 4 to 34 ppm. Based on this evidence, parathion was responsible for the goose mortalities. Parathion applications to winter wheat will undoubtedly increase if parathion is applied for control of both Russian wheat aphids and greenbugs (Schizaphis graminum). Geese may potentially be exposed to widespread applications of parathion from fall to spring, essentially their entire wintering period.

  3. Vitamin K3 (menadione) redox cycling inhibits cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism and inhibits parathion intoxication.

    PubMed

    Jan, Yi-Hua; Richardson, Jason R; Baker, Angela A; Mishin, Vladimir; Heck, Diane E; Laskin, Debra L; Laskin, Jeffrey D

    2015-10-01

    Parathion, a widely used organophosphate insecticide, is considered a high priority chemical threat. Parathion toxicity is dependent on its metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system to paraoxon (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate), a cytotoxic metabolite. As an effective inhibitor of cholinesterases, paraoxon causes the accumulation of acetylcholine in synapses and overstimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors, leading to characteristic signs of organophosphate poisoning. Inhibition of parathion metabolism to paraoxon represents a potential approach to counter parathion toxicity. Herein, we demonstrate that menadione (methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, vitamin K3) is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of parathion. Menadione is active in redox cycling, a reaction mediated by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase that preferentially uses electrons from NADPH at the expense of their supply to the P450s. Using human recombinant CYP 1A2, 2B6, 3A4 and human liver microsomes, menadione was found to inhibit the formation of paraoxon from parathion. Administration of menadione bisulfite (40mg/kg, ip) to rats also reduced parathion-induced inhibition of brain cholinesterase activity, as well as parathion-induced tremors and the progression of other signs and symptoms of parathion poisoning. These data suggest that redox cycling compounds, such as menadione, have the potential to effectively mitigate the toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides including parathion which require cytochrome P450-mediated activation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Identification and Functional Characterization of G6PC2 Coding Variants Influencing Glycemic Traits Define an Effector Transcript at the G6PC2-ABCB11 Locus

    PubMed Central

    Mahajan, Anubha; Sim, Xueling; Ng, Hui Jin; Manning, Alisa; Rivas, Manuel A.; Highland, Heather M.; Locke, Adam E.; Grarup, Niels; Im, Hae Kyung; Cingolani, Pablo; Flannick, Jason; Fontanillas, Pierre; Fuchsberger, Christian; Gaulton, Kyle J.; Teslovich, Tanya M.; Rayner, N. William; Robertson, Neil R.; Beer, Nicola L.; Rundle, Jana K.; Bork-Jensen, Jette; Ladenvall, Claes; Blancher, Christine; Buck, David; Buck, Gemma; Burtt, Noël P.; Gabriel, Stacey; Gjesing, Anette P.; Groves, Christopher J.; Hollensted, Mette; Huyghe, Jeroen R.; Jackson, Anne U.; Jun, Goo; Justesen, Johanne Marie; Mangino, Massimo; Murphy, Jacquelyn; Neville, Matt; Onofrio, Robert; Small, Kerrin S.; Stringham, Heather M.; Syvänen, Ann-Christine; Trakalo, Joseph; Abecasis, Goncalo; Bell, Graeme I.; Blangero, John; Cox, Nancy J.; Duggirala, Ravindranath; Hanis, Craig L.; Seielstad, Mark; Wilson, James G.; Christensen, Cramer; Brandslund, Ivan; Rauramaa, Rainer; Surdulescu, Gabriela L.; Doney, Alex S. F.; Lannfelt, Lars; Linneberg, Allan; Isomaa, Bo; Tuomi, Tiinamaija; Jørgensen, Marit E.; Jørgensen, Torben; Kuusisto, Johanna; Uusitupa, Matti; Salomaa, Veikko; Spector, Timothy D.; Morris, Andrew D.; Palmer, Colin N. A.; Collins, Francis S.; Mohlke, Karen L.; Bergman, Richard N.; Ingelsson, Erik; Lind, Lars; Tuomilehto, Jaakko; Hansen, Torben; Watanabe, Richard M.; Prokopenko, Inga; Dupuis, Josee; Karpe, Fredrik; Groop, Leif; Laakso, Markku; Pedersen, Oluf; Florez, Jose C.; Morris, Andrew P.; Altshuler, David; Meigs, James B.; Boehnke, Michael; McCarthy, Mark I.; Lindgren, Cecilia M.; Gloyn, Anna L.

    2015-01-01

    Genome wide association studies (GWAS) for fasting glucose (FG) and insulin (FI) have identified common variant signals which explain 4.8% and 1.2% of trait variance, respectively. It is hypothesized that low-frequency and rare variants could contribute substantially to unexplained genetic variance. To test this, we analyzed exome-array data from up to 33,231 non-diabetic individuals of European ancestry. We found exome-wide significant (P<5×10-7) evidence for two loci not previously highlighted by common variant GWAS: GLP1R (p.Ala316Thr, minor allele frequency (MAF)=1.5%) influencing FG levels, and URB2 (p.Glu594Val, MAF = 0.1%) influencing FI levels. Coding variant associations can highlight potential effector genes at (non-coding) GWAS signals. At the G6PC2/ABCB11 locus, we identified multiple coding variants in G6PC2 (p.Val219Leu, p.His177Tyr, and p.Tyr207Ser) influencing FG levels, conditionally independent of each other and the non-coding GWAS signal. In vitro assays demonstrate that these associated coding alleles result in reduced protein abundance via proteasomal degradation, establishing G6PC2 as an effector gene at this locus. Reconciliation of single-variant associations and functional effects was only possible when haplotype phase was considered. In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that, paradoxically, glucose-raising alleles at this locus are protective against type 2 diabetes (T2D), the p.Val219Leu G6PC2 variant displayed a modest but directionally consistent association with T2D risk. Coding variant associations for glycemic traits in GWAS signals highlight PCSK1, RREB1, and ZHX3 as likely effector transcripts. These coding variant association signals do not have a major impact on the trait variance explained, but they do provide valuable biological insights. PMID:25625282

  5. Identification and functional characterization of G6PC2 coding variants influencing glycemic traits define an effector transcript at the G6PC2-ABCB11 locus.

    PubMed

    Mahajan, Anubha; Sim, Xueling; Ng, Hui Jin; Manning, Alisa; Rivas, Manuel A; Highland, Heather M; Locke, Adam E; Grarup, Niels; Im, Hae Kyung; Cingolani, Pablo; Flannick, Jason; Fontanillas, Pierre; Fuchsberger, Christian; Gaulton, Kyle J; Teslovich, Tanya M; Rayner, N William; Robertson, Neil R; Beer, Nicola L; Rundle, Jana K; Bork-Jensen, Jette; Ladenvall, Claes; Blancher, Christine; Buck, David; Buck, Gemma; Burtt, Noël P; Gabriel, Stacey; Gjesing, Anette P; Groves, Christopher J; Hollensted, Mette; Huyghe, Jeroen R; Jackson, Anne U; Jun, Goo; Justesen, Johanne Marie; Mangino, Massimo; Murphy, Jacquelyn; Neville, Matt; Onofrio, Robert; Small, Kerrin S; Stringham, Heather M; Syvänen, Ann-Christine; Trakalo, Joseph; Abecasis, Goncalo; Bell, Graeme I; Blangero, John; Cox, Nancy J; Duggirala, Ravindranath; Hanis, Craig L; Seielstad, Mark; Wilson, James G; Christensen, Cramer; Brandslund, Ivan; Rauramaa, Rainer; Surdulescu, Gabriela L; Doney, Alex S F; Lannfelt, Lars; Linneberg, Allan; Isomaa, Bo; Tuomi, Tiinamaija; Jørgensen, Marit E; Jørgensen, Torben; Kuusisto, Johanna; Uusitupa, Matti; Salomaa, Veikko; Spector, Timothy D; Morris, Andrew D; Palmer, Colin N A; Collins, Francis S; Mohlke, Karen L; Bergman, Richard N; Ingelsson, Erik; Lind, Lars; Tuomilehto, Jaakko; Hansen, Torben; Watanabe, Richard M; Prokopenko, Inga; Dupuis, Josee; Karpe, Fredrik; Groop, Leif; Laakso, Markku; Pedersen, Oluf; Florez, Jose C; Morris, Andrew P; Altshuler, David; Meigs, James B; Boehnke, Michael; McCarthy, Mark I; Lindgren, Cecilia M; Gloyn, Anna L

    2015-01-01

    Genome wide association studies (GWAS) for fasting glucose (FG) and insulin (FI) have identified common variant signals which explain 4.8% and 1.2% of trait variance, respectively. It is hypothesized that low-frequency and rare variants could contribute substantially to unexplained genetic variance. To test this, we analyzed exome-array data from up to 33,231 non-diabetic individuals of European ancestry. We found exome-wide significant (P<5×10-7) evidence for two loci not previously highlighted by common variant GWAS: GLP1R (p.Ala316Thr, minor allele frequency (MAF)=1.5%) influencing FG levels, and URB2 (p.Glu594Val, MAF = 0.1%) influencing FI levels. Coding variant associations can highlight potential effector genes at (non-coding) GWAS signals. At the G6PC2/ABCB11 locus, we identified multiple coding variants in G6PC2 (p.Val219Leu, p.His177Tyr, and p.Tyr207Ser) influencing FG levels, conditionally independent of each other and the non-coding GWAS signal. In vitro assays demonstrate that these associated coding alleles result in reduced protein abundance via proteasomal degradation, establishing G6PC2 as an effector gene at this locus. Reconciliation of single-variant associations and functional effects was only possible when haplotype phase was considered. In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that, paradoxically, glucose-raising alleles at this locus are protective against type 2 diabetes (T2D), the p.Val219Leu G6PC2 variant displayed a modest but directionally consistent association with T2D risk. Coding variant associations for glycemic traits in GWAS signals highlight PCSK1, RREB1, and ZHX3 as likely effector transcripts. These coding variant association signals do not have a major impact on the trait variance explained, but they do provide valuable biological insights.

  6. Parathion degradation and toxicity reduction in solar photocatalysis and photolysis.

    PubMed

    Zoh, K D; Kim, T S; Kim, J G; Choi, K; Yi, S M

    2006-01-01

    The solar photocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion was investigated using a circulating TiO2/solar light reactor. Under solar photocatalysis condition, parathion was more effectively degraded than solar photolysis and TiO2-only conditions. With solar photocatalysis, 20 mg/L of parathion was completely degraded within 60 min with a TOC decrease of 63% after 150 min. The main ionic byproducts during photocatalysis recovered from parathion degradation were mainly as NO3-, NO2- and NH4+, 80% of the sulphur as SO4(2-), and 5% of phosphorus as PO4(3-). The organic intermediates 4-nitrophenol and methyl paraoxon were also identified, and these were further degraded in solar photocatalytic condition. Two different bioassays (Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna) were used to test the acute toxicity of solutions treated by solar photocatalysis and photolysis. The Microtox test using V. fischeri showed that the toxicity expressed as EC50 (%) value increased from 5.5% to >82% in solar photocatalysis, indicating that the treated solution is non-toxic, but only increased from 4.9 to 20.5% after 150 min in solar photolysis. The acute toxicity test using D. magna showed that EC50 (%) increased from 0.05 to 1.08% under solar photocatalysis, but only increased to 0.12% after 150 min with solar photolysis, indicating the solution is still toxic. The pattern of toxicity reduction parallels the decrease in TOC and the parathion concentrations.

  7. 76 FR 40727 - Methyl Parathion; Rescission of Previously Issued Cancellation Orders and Issuance of Revised...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-11

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0332; FRL-8879-6] Methyl Parathion; Rescission of... containing methyl parathion, pursuant to section 6(f)(1) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and... extent they are applicable to methyl parathion products because the orders did not correctly reflect the...

  8. Parathion accumulation in cricket frogs and its effect on American kestrels

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Fleming, W.J.; de Chacin, H.; Pattee, O.H.; Lamont, T.G.

    1982-01-01

    Adult cricket frogs (Acris crepitans) were held individually for 96 h in static systems containing initial concentrations of either 0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 ppm parathion in 10 ml water. Mortality of cricket frogs was directly related to the parathion concentration in the water. Frogs from the 1.0- and 10-ppm groups accumulated 0.08 and 4.6 ppm parathion, respectively. One of four American kestrels (Falco sparverius) fed frogs from the 10-ppm group died from organophosphate poisoning less than 3 h after consuming five frogs. Mortality did not occur in kestrels fed frogs from the other treatment groups, which represented more environmentally realistic levels of exposure.

  9. Enhancement of parathion toxicity to quail by heat and cold exposure

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Becker, J.M.; Nakatsugawa, T.

    1987-01-01

    Effects of ambient temperature on the acute oral toxicity of parathion were investigated in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) maintained at thermoneutral temperature (26.degree. C) or exposed to elevated (37.degree. C) or reduced (4.degree. C) temperatures commonly encountered by free-ranging wild birds. Based upon estimates of the median lethal dosage, there was up to a two-fold enhancement of parathion toxicity in birds chronically exposed to heat or cold. Twenty-four hours after administration of a low dosage (4 mg/kg body wt, po), there was markedly greater cholinesterase inhibition in surviving heat-exposed quail compared with those reared at 26.degree. C (e.g., brain acetylcholinesterase depression of 42% versus 12%). There were no differences in hepatic activities of parathion oxidase, paraoxonase, or paraoxon deethylase which could account for greater toxicity to chronically heat-exposed birds. In contrast, 4 mg parathion/kg wt elicited less plasma cholinesterase inhibition in cold-exposed quail compared to thermoneutral controls (e.g., < 10% versus 48% depression after 24 hr). Increased liver weight and a doubling of paraoxonase activity may have been associated with greater tolerance to sublethal doses of parathion in chronically cold-exposed quail. These findings, together with limited field observations, indicate that the hazard associated with anticholinesterase exposure of wild birds is substantially influenced by environmental temperature.

  10. Chicago area methyl parathion response.

    PubMed

    McCann, Kenneth G; Moomey, C Michael; Runkle, Kenny D; Hryhorczuk, Daniel O; Clark, J Milton; Barr, Dana B

    2002-12-01

    The Illinois Department of Public Health participated in the Chicago, Illinois, area methyl parathion (MP) response with several other federal, state, and local government agencies beginning in April 1997. This response was initiated on evidence that hundreds of homes in the Chicago area were illegally treated for cockroaches with MP over a period of several years. Through applicator receipt books and information reported by property owners and tenants, 968 homes were identified as having been treated with MP. Upon implementation of a response plan developed by the Methyl Parathion Health Sciences Steering Committee, environmental sampling and urine monitoring were provided for eligible households. Environmental sampling was conducted in 903 homes, with MP detected above levels of concern in 596 residences. Residents of these homes were offered urine sampling to determine the extent of exposure to MP. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for p-nitrophenol in 1,913 individuals. Implementation of the protocol resulted in 550 residents being relocated during the remediation of 100 households.

  11. Simultaneous detection of imidacloprid and parathion by the dual-labeled time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay.

    PubMed

    Shi, Haiyan; Sheng, Enze; Feng, Lu; Zhou, Liangliang; Hua, Xiude; Wang, Minghua

    2015-10-01

    A highly sensitive direct dual-labeled time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) to detect parathion and imidacloprid simultaneously in food and environmental matrices was developed. Europium (Eu(3+)) and samarium (Sm(3+)) were used as fluorescent labels by coupling separately with L1-Ab and A1P1-Ab. Under optimal assay conditions, the half-maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) and limit of detection (LOD, IC10) were 10.87 and 0.025 μg/L for parathion and 7.08 and 0.028 μg/L for imidacloprid, respectively. The cross-reactivities (CR) were negligible except for methyl-parathion (42.4 %) and imidaclothiz (103.4 %). The average recoveries of imidacloprid ranged from 78.9 to 104.2 % in water, soil, rice, tomato, and Chinese cabbage with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.4 to 11.6 %, and those of parathion were from 81.5 to 110.9 % with the RSD of 3.2 to 10.5 %. The results of TRFIA for the authentic samples were validated by comparison with gas chromatography (GC) analyses, and satisfactory correlations (parathion: R (2) = 0.9918; imidacloprid: R (2) = 0.9908) were obtained. The results indicate that the dual-labeled TRFIA is convenient and reliable to detect parathion and imidacloprid simultaneously in food and environmental matrices.

  12. Depression of plasma luteinizing hormone concentration in quail by the anticholinesterase insecticide parathion

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Clarke, R.N.; Ottinger, M.A.

    1986-01-01

    1. To examine the effects of parathion on basal plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration, male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were orally intubated with 0, 5 or 10 mg/kg parathion and sacrificed after 4, 8 and 24 hr.2. At the 5 mg/kg dose, plasma LH levels were reduced at 4 and 8 hr, but returned to control values by 24 hr. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was substantially reduced by 10 mg/kg parathion (52, 75 and 37% inhibition at 4, 8 and 24 hr, respectively) and plasma LH concentration remained depressed through the 24-hr period.3. These findings suggest that the organophosphorus insecticide parathion may alter plasma LH concentration in a manner which might impair reproductive activity, and provide indirect evidence for a cholinergic component in the regulation of LH secretion in quail.

  13. Degradation of parathion and the reduction of acute toxicity in TiO2 photocatalysis.

    PubMed

    Zoh, K D; Kim, T S; Kim, J G; Choi, K H

    2005-01-01

    Photocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion was done using a circulating TiO2/UV and TiO2/solar reactor. Indoor experimental results showed that, under the photocatalysis conditions, parathion was more effectively degraded than under the photolysis and TiO2 only conditions. Parathion (38 microM) was completely degraded under photocatalysis within 90 min, and more than 80% TOC decrease after 150 minutes. The main ionic byproducts during the photocatalysis were measured, and almost complete nitrogen recovery was achieved as mainly NO3- NO2-, and NH4+, and 80% of sulfur as recovered as SO4(2)-. Organic intermediates such as nitrophenol and methyl paraoxon were also identified during the photocatalysis of parathion, and these were further degraded after 90 minutes. Microtox bioassay using Vibrio fischeri was used in evaluating the toxicity of solutions treated by photocatalysis and photolysis of parathion. The results showed that the acute toxicity expressed as EC50 almost reduced after 90 min under the photocatalysis condition whereas only 40% reduction of toxicity as EC50 was achieved in photolysis condition. The outdoor results using a TiO2/solar system were similar to the TiO2 indoor system, indicating the possibility of applying TiO2/solar system for the treatment of parathion-contaminated water.

  14. Acute responses of American kestrels to methyl parathion and fenvalerate

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Franson, J.C.

    1984-01-01

    Physiological and toxicological effects of p.o, methyl parathion (0.375-3.0 mg/kg) or fenvalerate (1000-4000 mg/kg) were examined over a 10 h period in American kestrels (Falco sparverius) maintained in thermoneutral (22?.C) and cold (-5?.C) environments. Methyl parathion was highly toxic (LD50=3.08 mg/kg, 95% confidence limits=2.29-4.l4 mg/kg, producing overt intoxication (abnormal posture, ataxia, paresis), dose-dependent inhibition (26-67%) of brain acetylcholinesterase activity, hyperglycemia, and elevated plasma corticosterone concentration. Transient but pronounced hypothermia was associated with plasma cholinesterase inhibition in excess of 50% (2 h after intubation), although this response was highly variable (plasma ChE inhibition vs. A cloacal temperature, r=-0.60). Fenvalerate, at doses far exceeding those encountered in the environment, caused mild intoxication (irregular head movement) and elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase activity, but did not alter cloacal temperature, plasma activities of CK, U-HBDH, and LDK, or concentrations of corticosterone, glucose, triiodothyronine, and uric acid. Cold exposure intensified methyl parathion toxicity, but did not affect that of fenvalerate. It would thus appear that the organophosphorus insecticide methyl parathion poses far greater hazard than the pyrethroid fenvalerate to raptorial birds.

  15. Development a computer codes to couple PWR-GALE output and PC-CREAM input

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuntjoro, S.; Budi Setiawan, M.; Nursinta Adi, W.; Deswandri; Sunaryo, G. R.

    2018-02-01

    Radionuclide dispersion analysis is part of an important reactor safety analysis. From the analysis it can be obtained the amount of doses received by radiation workers and communities around nuclear reactor. The radionuclide dispersion analysis under normal operating conditions is carried out using the PC-CREAM code, and it requires input data such as source term and population distribution. Input data is derived from the output of another program that is PWR-GALE and written Population Distribution data in certain format. Compiling inputs for PC-CREAM programs manually requires high accuracy, as it involves large amounts of data in certain formats and often errors in compiling inputs manually. To minimize errors in input generation, than it is make coupling program for PWR-GALE and PC-CREAM programs and a program for writing population distribution according to the PC-CREAM input format. This work was conducted to create the coupling programming between PWR-GALE output and PC-CREAM input and programming to written population data in the required formats. Programming is done by using Python programming language which has advantages of multiplatform, object-oriented and interactive. The result of this work is software for coupling data of source term and written population distribution data. So that input to PC-CREAM program can be done easily and avoid formatting errors. Programming sourceterm coupling program PWR-GALE and PC-CREAM is completed, so that the creation of PC-CREAM inputs in souceterm and distribution data can be done easily and according to the desired format.

  16. Bioconcentration and Acute Intoxication of Brazilian Freshwater Fishes by the Methyl Parathion Organophosphate Pesticide

    PubMed Central

    Bosco de Salles, João; Matos Lopes, Renato; de Salles, Cristiane M. C.; Cassano, Vicente P. F.; de Oliveira, Manildo Marcião; Cunha Bastos, Vera L. F.; Bastos, Jayme Cunha

    2015-01-01

    Three species of freshwater Brazilian fishes (pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus; piavussu, Leporinus macrocephalus, and curimbatá, Prochilodus lineatus) were exposed to an acute dose of 5 ppm methyl parathion organophosphate pesticide. Three to five individuals per species were exposed, one at a time, to 40 liters tap water spiked with Folidol 600. Pesticide concentrations and cholinesterase (ChE) activities were evaluated in serum, liver, brain, heart, and muscle. The bioconcentration of methyl parathion was similar for all studied fishes. Brain tissue showed the highest pesticide concentration, reaching 80 ppm after exposure for 30 min to methyl parathion. Three to 5 hours of 5 ppm methyl parathion exposure provoked the death of all P. lineatus at 92% brain AChE inhibition, whereas fish from the other two species survived for up to 78 hours with less than 80% brain AChE inhibition. Our results indicate that acute toxic effects of methyl parathion to fish are correlated with brain AChE sensitivity to methyl paraoxon. PMID:26339593

  17. The partitioning and modelling of pesticide parathion in a surfactant-assisted soil-washing system.

    PubMed

    Chu, W; Chan, K H; Choy, W K

    2006-07-01

    Soil sorption of organic pollutants has long been a problematic in the soil washing process because of its durability and low water solubility. This paper discussed the soil washing phenomena over a wide range of parathion concentrations and several soil samples at various fractions of organic content (foc) levels. When parathion dosage is set below the water solubility, washing performance is stable for surfactant concentrations above critical micelle concentration (cmc) and it is observed that more than 90% of parathion can be washed out when dosage is five times lower than the solubility limit. However, such trends change when non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) is present in the system. Parathion extraction depends very much on the surfactant dosage but is not affected by the levels of foc in the system. In between the extreme parathion dosage, a two-stage pattern is observed in these boundary regions. Washing performance is first increased with additional surfactant, but the increase slows down gradually since the sorption sites are believed to be saturated by the huge amount of surfactant in the system. A mathematical model has included foc to demonstrate such behavior and this can be used as a prediction for extraction.

  18. Effects on wildlife of ethyl and methyl parathion applied to California rice fields

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Custer, T.W.; Hill, E.F.; Ohlendorf, H.M.

    1985-01-01

    Selected rice fields on the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex were aerially sprayed one time during May or June 1982 with either ethyl (0.11 kg Al/ha) or methyl (0.84 kg AI/ha) parathion for control of tadpole shrimp, Triops longicaudatus. No sick or dead vertebrate wildlife were found or adjacent to the treated rice fields after spraying. Specimens of the following birds and mammals were assayed for brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity to determine exposure to either form of parathion; house mouse, Mus musculus; black-tailed jackrabbit, Lepus californicus; mallard, Anas platyrhynchos; ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus; American coot, Fulica americana; and red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus. Both mice and pheasants from methyl parathion-treated fields had overall mean ChE activities that were significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited compared with controls, and 7, 40, 54 and 57% of individual blackbirds, pheasant, mice, and coots, respectively, had inhibited brain ChE activities (i.e., less than -2 SD of control mean). Although no overall species effect was detected for ethyl parathoid treatment, pheasants (43%), coots (33%), and mice (37%) had significantly inhibited brain ChE activities. Neither of the parathion treatment appeared acutely hazardous to wildlife in or adjacent to rice fields, but sufficient information on potential hazards was obtained to warrant caution in use of these chemicals, especially methyl parathion, in rice fields.

  19. Toxicity of parathion to captive European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)-absence of seasonal effects

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Grue, C.E.

    1990-01-01

    The effects of season on the toxicity of the prototypic organophosphorus insecticide parathion was evaluated using adult European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) housed in outdoor pens. Groups of birds received oral doses of parathion in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Median lethal dosage, and brain and plasma cholinesterase inhibition, were found to be quite similar among seasons. Parathion may have been more toxic during hot weather (winter vs. summer LD50 estimate: 160 vs. 118 mg/kg; p < 0.1). In view of previous reports in which ambient temperature extremes and harsh weather have enhanced organophosphorus insecticide toxicity to birds, it is concluded that circannual toxicity studies should include measures of sensitivity (acute oral exposure) and vulnerability (dietary exposure) to better predict responses of free-ranging birds.

  20. Effects of wildlife of ethyl and methyl parathion applied to California USA rice fields

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Custer, T.W.; Hill, E.F.; Ohlendorf, H.M.

    1985-01-01

    Selected rice fields on the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex were aerially sprayed one time during May or June 1982 with either ethyl (0.11 kg Al/ha) or methyl (0.84 kg AI/ha) parathion for control of tadpole shrimp, Triops longicaudatus. No sick or dead vertebrate wildlife were found or adjacent to the treated rice fields after spraying. Specimens of the following birds and mammals were assayed for brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity to determine exposure to either form of parathion; house mouse, Mus musculus; black-tailed jackrabbit, Lepus californicus; mallard, Anas platyrhynchos; ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus; American coot, Fulica americana; and red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus. Both mice and pheasants from methyl parathion-treated fields had overall mean ChE activities that were significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited compared with controls, and 7, 40, 54 and 57% of individual blackbirds, pheasant, mice, and coots, respectively, had inhibited brain ChE activities (i.e., less than -2 SD of control mean). Although no overall species effect was detected for ethyl parathoid treatment, pheasants (43%), coots (33%), and mice (37%) had significantly inhibited brain ChE activities. Neither of the parathion treatment appeared acutely hazardous to wildlife in or adjacent to rice fields, but sufficient information on potential hazards was obtained to warrant caution in use of these chemicals, especially methyl parathion, in rice fields.

  1. Degradation and Byproduct Formation of Parathion in Aqueous Solutions by UV and UV/H2O2 Treatment

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Changlong; Linden, Karl G.

    2013-01-01

    The photodegradation of parathion, a US EPA Contaminant Candidate List pesticide, in aqueous solutions by UV and UV/H2O2 processes in batch reactors was evaluated. Direct photolysis of parathion both by LP (low pressure) and MP (medium pressure) lamps at pH 7 were very slow with quantum yields of 6.67 ± 0.33 ×10−4 and 6.00 ± 1.06 ×10−4 mol E−1, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide enhanced the photodegradation of parathion through the reaction between UV generated hydroxyl radical and parathion with a second-order reaction rate constant of 9.70 ± 0.45×109 M−1 s−1. However, addition of hydrogen peroxide did not result in a linear increase in the degradation rate. An optimum molar ratio between hydrogen peroxide and parathion was determined to be between 300 – 400. Photodegradation of parathion yielded several organic byproducts, of which the paraoxon, 4-nitrophenol, O,O,O-triethyl thiophosphate and O,O diethyl-methyl thiophosphate were quantified and their occurrence during UV/H2O2 processes were discussed. NO2−, PO43−, NO3− and SO42− were the major anionic byproducts of parathion photodegradation and their recover ratio were also discussed. A photodegradation mechanism scheme suggesting three simultaneous pathways was proposed in the study. PMID:18834610

  2. Comparative Effects of Parathion and Chlorpyrifos on Endocannabinoid and Endocannabinoid-Like Lipid Metabolites in Rat Striatum

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Jing; Parsons, Loren; Pope, Carey

    2015-01-01

    Parathion and chlorpyrifos are organophosphorus insecticides (OPs) that elicit acute toxicity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The endocannabinoids (eCBs, N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA; 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2AG) are endogenous neuromodulators that regulate presynaptic neurotransmitter release in neurons throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. While substantial information is known about the eCBs, less is known about a number of endocannabinoid-like metabolites (eCBLs, e.g., N-palmitoylethanolamine, PEA; N-oleoylethanolamine, OEA). We report the comparative effects of parathion and chlorpyrifos on AChE and enzymes responsible for inactivation of the eCBs, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and changes in the eCBs AEA and 2AG and eCBLs PEA and OEA, in rat striatum. Adult, male rats were treated with vehicle (peanut oil, 2 ml/kg, sc), parathion (27 mg/kg) or chlorpyrifos (280 mg/kg) 6-7 days after surgical implantation of microdialysis cannulae into the right striatum, followed by microdialysis two or four days later. Additional rats were similarly treated and sacrificed for evaluation of tissue levels of eCBs and eCBLs. Dialysates and tissue extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. AChE and FAAH were extensively inhibited at both time-points (85-96%), while MAGL activity was significantly but lesser affected (37-62% inhibition) by parathion and chlorpyrifos. Signs of toxicity were noted only in parathion-treated rats. In general, chlorpyrifos increased eCB levels while parathion had no or lesser effects. Early changes in extracellular AEA, 2AG and PEA levels were significantly different between parathion and chlorpyrifos exposures. Differential changes in extracellular and/or tissue levels of eCBs and eCBLs could potentially influence a number of signaling pathways and contribute to selective neurological changes following acute OP intoxications. PMID:26215119

  3. Comparative effects of parathion and chlorpyrifos on endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid-like lipid metabolites in rat striatum.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jing; Parsons, Loren; Pope, Carey

    2015-09-01

    Parathion and chlorpyrifos are organophosphorus insecticides (OPs) that elicit acute toxicity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The endocannabinoids (eCBs, N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA; 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2AG) are endogenous neuromodulators that regulate presynaptic neurotransmitter release in neurons throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. While substantial information is known about the eCBs, less is known about a number of endocannabinoid-like metabolites (eCBLs, e.g., N-palmitoylethanolamine, PEA; N-oleoylethanolamine, OEA). We report the comparative effects of parathion and chlorpyrifos on AChE and enzymes responsible for inactivation of the eCBs, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and changes in the eCBs AEA and 2AG and eCBLs PEA and OEA, in rat striatum. Adult, male rats were treated with vehicle (peanut oil, 2 ml/kg, sc), parathion (27 mg/kg) or chlorpyrifos (280 mg/kg) 6-7 days after surgical implantation of microdialysis cannulae into the right striatum, followed by microdialysis two or four days later. Additional rats were similarly treated and sacrificed for evaluation of tissue levels of eCBs and eCBLs. Dialysates and tissue extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. AChE and FAAH were extensively inhibited at both time-points (85-96%), while MAGL activity was significantly but lesser affected (37-62% inhibition) by parathion and chlorpyrifos. Signs of toxicity were noted only in parathion-treated rats. In general, chlorpyrifos increased eCB levels while parathion had no or lesser effects. Early changes in extracellular AEA, 2AG and PEA levels were significantly different between parathion and chlorpyrifos exposures. Differential changes in extracellular and/or tissue levels of eCBs and eCBLs could potentially influence a number of signaling pathways and contribute to selective neurological changes following acute OP intoxications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. AMPS/PC - AUTOMATIC MANUFACTURING PROGRAMMING SYSTEM

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schroer, B. J.

    1994-01-01

    The AMPS/PC system is a simulation tool designed to aid the user in defining the specifications of a manufacturing environment and then automatically writing code for the target simulation language, GPSS/PC. The domain of problems that AMPS/PC can simulate are manufacturing assembly lines with subassembly lines and manufacturing cells. The user defines the problem domain by responding to the questions from the interface program. Based on the responses, the interface program creates an internal problem specification file. This file includes the manufacturing process network flow and the attributes for all stations, cells, and stock points. AMPS then uses the problem specification file as input for the automatic code generator program to produce a simulation program in the target language GPSS. The output of the generator program is the source code of the corresponding GPSS/PC simulation program. The system runs entirely on an IBM PC running PC DOS Version 2.0 or higher and is written in Turbo Pascal Version 4 requiring 640K memory and one 360K disk drive. To execute the GPSS program, the PC must have resident the GPSS/PC System Version 2.0 from Minuteman Software. The AMPS/PC program was developed in 1988.

  5. Degradation mechanism and the toxicity assessment in TiO2 photocatalysis and photolysis of parathion.

    PubMed

    Kim, Tak-Soo; Kim, Jung-Kon; Choi, Kyungho; Stenstrom, Michael K; Zoh, Kyung-Duk

    2006-02-01

    The photocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion was carried out using a circulating TiO2/UV reactor. The experimental results showed that parathion was more effectively degraded in the photocatalytic condition than the photolysis and TiO2-only condition. With photocatalysis, 10mg/l parathion was completely degraded within 60 min with a TOC decrease exceeding 90% after 150 min. The main ionic byproducts during photocatalysis were measured. The nitrogen from parathion was recovered mainly as NO3-, NO2- and NH4+, 80% of the sulfur as SO4(2-), and less than 5% of the phosphorus as PO4(3-). The organic intermediates 4-nitrophenol and paraoxon were also identified, and these were further degraded. Two different bioassays (Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna) were used to test the acute toxicity of solutions treated by photocatalysis and photolysis. A Microtox test using V. fischeri showed that the toxicity, expressed as the relative toxicity (%), was reduced almost completely after 90 min under photocatalysis, whereas only an 83% reduction was achieved with photolysis alone. Another toxicity test using D. magna also showed that the relative toxicity disappeared after 90 min under photocatalysis, whereas there was a 65% reduction in relative toxicity with photolysis alone. The pattern of toxicity reduction parallels the decrease in parathion and TOC concentrations.

  6. Microbial biosensor for detection of methyl parathion using screen printed carbon electrode and cyclic voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Jitendra; D'Souza, S F

    2011-07-15

    Whole cells of recombinant Escherichia coli were immobilized on the screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) using glutaraldehyde. Recombinant E. coli was having high periplasmic expression of organophosphorus hydrolase enzyme, which hydrolyzes the methyl parathion into two products, p-nitrophenol and dimethyl thiophosphoric acid. Cells immobilized SPCE was studied under SEM. Cells immobilized SPCE was associated with cyclic voltammetry and cyclic voltammograms were recorded before and after hydrolysis of methyl parathion. Detection was calibrated based on the relationship between the changes in the current observed at +0.1 V potential, because of redox behavior of the hydrolyzed product p-nitrophenol. As concentration of methyl parathion was increased the oxidation current also increased. Only 20 μl volume of the sample was required for analysis. Detection range of biosensor was calibrated between 2 and 80 μM of methyl parathion from the linear range of calibration plot. A single immobilized SPCE was reused for 32 reactions with retention of 80% of its initial enzyme activity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Oviposition and the plasma concentrations of LH, progesterone, and corticosterone in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) fed parathion

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Sileo, L.; Scanes, C.G.

    1982-01-01

    Bobwhite quail were fed concentrations of parathion (0,50, 100, 200 or 400 p.p.m.) for 10 days. Food intake, body weight change, brain acetylcholinesterase activity, egg production, and ovary weight were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. In a second experiment, birds were fed 0, 25 or 100 p.p.m. parathion or pair-fed control food to equate consumption in the 100 p.p.m. group. Egg production was not affected in birds fed 25 p.p.m. or in the pair-fed group, but the daily time of oviposition was more variable than in the control group. Cessation of egg production, inhibition of follicular development, and reduced plasma LH concentration were observed in birds fed 100 p.p.m. parathion. These findings indicate that exposure to parathion can impair reproduction, possibly by altering gonadotrophin secretion.

  8. Children's exposure to chlorpyrifos and parathion in an agricultural community in central Washington State.

    PubMed Central

    Fenske, Richard A; Lu, Chensheng; Barr, Dana; Needham, Larry

    2002-01-01

    We measured two diethyl organophosphorus (OP) pesticides--chlorpyrifos and parathion--in residences, and their metabolic by-products, in the urine of children 6 years old or younger in a central Washington State agricultural community. Exposures to two dimethyl OP pesticides (azinphos-methyl and phosmet) in this same population have been reported previously. We categorized children by parental occupation and by household proximity to pesticide-treated farmland. Median chlorpyrifos house dust concentrations were highest for the 49 applicator homes (0.4 microg/g), followed by the 12 farm-worker homes (0.3 microg/g) and the 14 nonagricultural reference homes (0.1 microg/g), and were statistically different (p < 0.001); we observed a similar pattern for parathion in house dust. Chlorpyrifos was measurable in the house dust of all homes, whereas we found parathion in only 41% of the homes. Twenty-four percent of the urine samples from study children had measurable 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) concentrations [limits of quantitation (LOQ) = 8 microg/L], and 7% had measurable 4-nitrophenol concentrations (LOQ = 9 microg/L). Child urinary metabolite concentrations did not differ across parental occupational classifications. Homes in close proximity (200 ft/60 m) to pesticide-treated farmland had higher chlorpyrifos (p = 0.01) and parathion (p = 0.014) house dust concentrations than did homes farther away, but this effect was not reflected in the urinary metabolite data. Use of OP pesticides in the garden was associated with an increase in TCPy concentrations in children's urine. Parathion concentrations in house dust decreased 10-fold from 1992 to 1995, consistent with the discontinued use of this product in the region in the early 1990s. PMID:12003762

  9. Effects of malathion, diazinon, and parathion on mallard embryo development and cholinesterase activity

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hoffman, D.J.; Eastin, W.C.

    1981-01-01

    The effects of external exposure of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) eggs to malathion, diazinon, and parathion were examined using formulations and concentrations similar to field applications. Treatment with aqueous emulsion simulated exposure at the rate of 100 gal per acre (153 liters/hectare) with three to six different doses per compound with treatment at 3 and 8 days of embryonic development. Treatment with a nontoxic oil vehicle simulated exposure at the rate of 11 gal per acre (16.8 liters/hectare) with three to six different doses per compound. The order of embryotoxicity on a pounds-per-acre basis was parathion > diazinon > malathion with either vehicle. However, the potential hazard under conditions of up to five times the maximum field level of application was greater for malathion because of the high permissible level of application for malathion on certain crops. Parathion, the most embryotoxic of the three, had the most pronounced effects when an oil vehicle was used, as reflected by an LC50 of about 2 lb of active ingredient per acre, stunted growth, and a high frequency of malformations involving distortion of the axial skeleton, particularly in the cervical region. All three compounds resulted in significant depression of plasma and brain cholinesterase activity, but parathion caused the most depression throughout development, which was still apparent in hatchlings. Treatment with either distilled water or oil vehicle alone did not result in any of these effects seen with organophosphorous insecticides.

  10. Monte Carlo tests of the ELIPGRID-PC algorithm

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

    Davidson, J.R.

    1995-04-01

    The standard tool for calculating the probability of detecting pockets of contamination called hot spots has been the ELIPGRID computer code of Singer and Wickman. The ELIPGRID-PC program has recently made this algorithm available for an IBM{reg_sign} PC. However, no known independent validation of the ELIPGRID algorithm exists. This document describes a Monte Carlo simulation-based validation of a modified version of the ELIPGRID-PC code. The modified ELIPGRID-PC code is shown to match Monte Carlo-calculated hot-spot detection probabilities to within {plus_minus}0.5% for 319 out of 320 test cases. The one exception, a very thin elliptical hot spot located within a rectangularmore » sampling grid, differed from the Monte Carlo-calculated probability by about 1%. These results provide confidence in the ability of the modified ELIPGRID-PC code to accurately predict hot-spot detection probabilities within an acceptable range of error.« less

  11. Cancer genes induced by malathion and parathion in the presence of estrogen in breast cells.

    PubMed

    Calaf, G M; Roy, D

    2008-02-01

    The identification of genes involved in the process of neoplastic transformation is essential for analyzing the progression of breast cancer when induced by endogenous and exogenous agents, among which are the estrogens and the organophosphorous pesticides, respectively. It is important to consider the impact of such substances when they are present in combination. In vitro experimental models are needed in order to understand breast carcinogenesis. The aim of this work was to examine the effect of 17beta estradiol (estrogen) combined with either malathion or parathion on the transformation of human breast epithelial cells in vitro. Results showed that estrogen combined with either malathion or parathion altered cell proliferation and induced cell transformation as well as exhibited significant invasive capabilities as compared to the control MCF-10F cell line. Several genes were up-regulated by the effect of all of the treatments, such as the cyclins, cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4, IGFBP3 and IGFBP5, and keratin 18. The c-Ha-ras oncogene was up-regulated by the effect of malathion alone and with the combination of estrogen and either malathion or parathion. The DVL1 gene was up-regulated only with malathion alone and the combination of parathion with estrogen. Expression of the HSP 27, MCM2 and TP53 inducible protein 3 genes was up-regulated with malathion alone and with the combination of estrogen and either malathion or parathion while TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome) was up-regulated by estrogen alone and malathion alone. Thus, we suggest that pesticides and estrogens affect human breast cells inducing molecular changes indicative of transformation.

  12. Effect of Parathion-Methyl on Amazonian Fish and Freshwater Invertebrates: A Comparison of Sensitivity with Temperate Data

    PubMed Central

    Geber-Corrêa, Rachel; Campos, Paola S.; Garcia, Marcos V. B.; Waichman, Andrea V.; van den Brink, Paul J.

    2009-01-01

    Parathion-methyl is an organophosphorous insecticide that is widely used in agricultural production sites in the Amazon. The use of this pesticide might pose a potential risk for the biodiversity and abundance of fish and invertebrate species inhabiting aquatic ecosystems adjacent to the agricultural fields. Due to a lack of toxicity data for Amazonian species, safe environmental concentrations used to predict the ecological risks of parathion-methyl in the Amazon are based on tests performed with temperate species, although it is unknown whether the sensitivity of temperate species is representative for those of Amazonian endemic species. To address this issue, the acute toxic effect (LC50–96 h) of parathion-methyl was assessed on seven fish and five freshwater invertebrate species endemic to the Amazon. These data were used to compare their pesticide sensitivity with toxicity data for temperate species collected from the literature. The interspecies sensitivity was compared using the Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) concept. The results of this study suggest that Amazonian species are no more, or less, sensitive to parathion-methyl than their temperate counterparts, with LC50 values ranging from 2900 to 7270 μg/L for fish and from 0.3 to 319 μg/L for freshwater arthropods. Consequently, this evaluation supports the initial use of toxicity data of temperate fish and freshwater invertebrate species for assessing the effects of parathion-methyl on Amazonian freshwater ecosystems. PMID:19847472

  13. Study of Degradation Kinetics of Parathion Methyl On Mixed Nanocrystalline Titania-Zirconium and Titania-Cerium Oxides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuráň, Pavel; Pšenička, Martin; Šťastný, Martin; Benkocká, Monika; Janoš, Pavel

    2016-10-01

    The unique surface properties of some nanocrystalline metal oxides and their application for removal of various toxic compounds were reported in early 1990s. Recently, a reliable method for the preparation of reactive cerium dioxide sorbent and its application for degradation of the organophosphate pesticides, such as parathion methyl, chlorpyrifos, dichlofenthion, fenchlorphos, and prothiofos, as well as of some chemical warfare agents-nerve gases soman and O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl] methylphosphonothioate (VX) was published. This paper reports on the kinetics study of degradation of parathion methyl as a representative organophosphate on nanocrystalline metal oxides TiO2, ZrO2, CeO2 and their mixtures in different molar ratios of particular elements. The tested sorbents except of CeO2 were prepared by different methods (e.g. sol-gel, precipitation) in cooperation with Institute of Inorganic Chemistry (Rez, Czech Republic). The degradation kinetics of parathion methyl on tested sorbents was followed by HPLC equipped with diode array detector. The basic kinetics parameters (half-lives of parathion methyl degradation, rate constants of degradation product formation) were calculated for each sorbent from Weber-Morris equation of 1st order diffusion kinetic model. The results proved the ability of prepared sorbents to degrade parathion methyl under formation of 4-nitrophenol as the main degradation product. The most efficient sorbents were TiCe (2:8), TiCe (1:1), TiCe (0:1) (50-70 %) followed by TiZr (1:1), TiCe (8:2), TiZr (8:2), TiZr (2:8) (20-30%) and TiO2, ZrO2 (less than 5 %).

  14. Metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida for the utilization of parathion as a carbon and energy source.

    PubMed

    Walker, Andy W; Keasling, Jay D

    2002-06-30

    Pseudomonas putida KT2442 was engineered to use the organophosphate pesticide parathion, a compound similar to other organophosphate pesticides and chemical warfare agents, as a source of carbon and energy. The initial step in the engineered degradation pathway was parathion hydrolysis by organophosphate hydrolase (OPH) to p-nitrophenol (PNP) and diethyl thiophosphate, compounds that cannot be metabolized by P. putida KT2442. The gene encoding the native OPH (opd), with and without the secretory leader sequence, was cloned into broad-host-range plasmids under the control of tac and taclac promoters. Expression of opd from the tac promoter resulted in high OPH activity, whereas expression from the taclac promoter resulted in low activity. A plasmid-harboring operons encoding enzymes for p-nitrophenol transformation to beta-ketoadipate was transformed into P. putida allowing the organism to use 0.5 mM PNP as a carbon and energy source. Transformation of P. putida with the plasmids harboring opd and the PNP operons allowed the organism to utilize 0.8 mM parathion as a source of carbon and energy. Degradation studies showed that parathion formed a separate dense, non-aqueous phase liquid phase but was still bioavailable. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Isolation of a selected microbial consortium capable of degrading methyl parathion and p-nitrophenol from a contaminated soil site.

    PubMed

    Pino, Nancy J; Dominguez, Maria C; Penuela, Gustavo A

    2011-01-01

    A bacterial consortium with the ability to degrade methyl parathion and p-nitrophenol, using these compounds as the only carbon source, was obtained by selective enrichment in a medium with methyl parathion. Samples were taken from Moravia, Medellin; an area that is highly contaminated, owing to the fact that it was used as a garbage dump from 1974 to 1982. Acinetobacter sp, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Citrobacter freundii, Stenotrophomonas sp, Flavobacterium sp, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas sp, Acinetobacter sp, Klebsiella sp and Proteus sp were the microorganisms identified within the consortium. In culture, the consortium was able to degrade 150 mg L⁻¹ of methyl-parathion and p-nitrophenol in 120 h, but after adding glucose or peptone to the culture, the time of degradation decreased to 24 h. In soil, the consortium was also able to degrade 150 mg L⁻¹ of methyl parathion in 120 h at different depths and also managed to decrease the toxicity.

  16. Detection of parathion pesticide by quartz crystal microbalance functionalized with UV-activated antibodies.

    PubMed

    Funari, Riccardo; Della Ventura, Bartolomeo; Schiavo, Luigi; Esposito, Rosario; Altucci, Carlo; Velotta, Raffaele

    2013-07-02

    Photonic immobilization technique (PIT) has been used to develop an immunosensor for the detection of parathion. An antibody solution has been activated by breaking the disulfide bridge in the triad Trp/Cys-Cys through absorption of ultrashort UV laser pulses. The free thiol groups so produced interact with gold lamina making the antibody oriented upside, that is, with its variable parts exposed to the environment, thereby greatly increasing the detection efficiency. PIT has been applied to anchor polyclonal antiparathion antibodies to the gold electrode of a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) giving rise to very high detection sensitivity once the parathion is made heavier by complexion with BSA (bovine serum albumin), this latter step only required by the mass based transducer used in this case. The comparison of the sensor response with irradiated antibodies against different analytes shows that the high degree of antibody specificity is not affected by PIT nor is it by the complexion of parathion with BSA. These results pave the way to important applications in biosensing, since the widespread occurrence of the Trp/Cys-Cys residues triads in proteins make our procedure very general and effective to detect light analytes.

  17. The Effect of Parathion on Red Blood Cell Acetylcholinesterase in the Wistar Rat.

    PubMed

    Bunya, Naofumi; Sawamoto, Keigo; Benoit, Hanif; Bird, Steven B

    2016-01-01

    Organophosphorus (OP) pesticide poisoning is a significant problem worldwide. Research into new antidotes for these acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and even optimal doses for current therapies, is hindered by a lack of standardized animal models. In this study, we sought to characterize the effects of the OP pesticide parathion on acetylcholinesterase in a Wistar rat model that included comprehensive medical care. Methods. Male Wistar rats were intubated and mechanically ventilated and then poisoned with between 20 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of intravenous parathion. Upon developing signs of poisoning, the rats were treated with standard critical care, including atropine, pralidoxime chloride, and midazolam, for up to 48 hours. Acetylcholinesterase activity was determined serially for up to 8 days after poisoning. Results. At all doses of parathion, maximal depression of acetylcholinesterase occurred at 3 hours after poisoning. Acetylcholinesterase recovered to nearly 50% of baseline activity by day 4 in the 20 mg/kg cohort and by day 5 in the 40 and 60 mg/kg cohorts. At day 8, most rats' acetylcholinesterase had recovered to roughly 70% of baseline. These data should be useful in developing rodent models of acute OP pesticide poisoning.

  18. The Effect of Parathion on Red Blood Cell Acetylcholinesterase in the Wistar Rat

    PubMed Central

    Bunya, Naofumi; Sawamoto, Keigo; Benoit, Hanif

    2016-01-01

    Organophosphorus (OP) pesticide poisoning is a significant problem worldwide. Research into new antidotes for these acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and even optimal doses for current therapies, is hindered by a lack of standardized animal models. In this study, we sought to characterize the effects of the OP pesticide parathion on acetylcholinesterase in a Wistar rat model that included comprehensive medical care. Methods. Male Wistar rats were intubated and mechanically ventilated and then poisoned with between 20 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of intravenous parathion. Upon developing signs of poisoning, the rats were treated with standard critical care, including atropine, pralidoxime chloride, and midazolam, for up to 48 hours. Acetylcholinesterase activity was determined serially for up to 8 days after poisoning. Results. At all doses of parathion, maximal depression of acetylcholinesterase occurred at 3 hours after poisoning. Acetylcholinesterase recovered to nearly 50% of baseline activity by day 4 in the 20 mg/kg cohort and by day 5 in the 40 and 60 mg/kg cohorts. At day 8, most rats' acetylcholinesterase had recovered to roughly 70% of baseline. These data should be useful in developing rodent models of acute OP pesticide poisoning. PMID:27418928

  19. Methyl parathion and fenvalerate toxicity in American kestrels: Acute physiological responses and effects of cold

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Franson, J.C.

    1984-01-01

    Physiological and toxicological effects of p.o. methyl parathion (0.375-3.0 mg/kg) or fenvalerate (1000-4000 mg/kg) were examined over a 10-h period in American kestrels (Falco sparverius) maintained in thermoneutral (22?C) and cold (-5?C) environments. Methyl parathion was highly toxic (estimated median lethal dose of 3.08 mg/kg, 95% confidence limits of 2.29 -4.14 mg/kg), producing dose-dependent inhibition of brain and plasma cholinesterase activity, hyperglycemia, and elevated plasma corticosterone concentration. Brain and plasma cholinesterase inhibition in excess of 50% was associated with transient but pronounced hypothermia 2 h after intubation, although the magnitude of this response was yariable. Fenvalerate, at doses far exceeding those encountered in the environment, caused mild intoxication and elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase activity. Cold intensified methyl parathion toxicity, but did not affect that of fenvalerate. Thus, it would appear that organophosphorus insecticides pose far greater hazard than pyrethroids to raptorial birds.

  20. Fatal parathion poisoning caused by contamination of flour in international commerce.

    PubMed

    Diggory, H J; Landrigan, P J; Latimer, K P; Ellington, A C; Kimbrough, R D; Liddle, J A; Cline, R E; Smrek, A L

    1977-08-01

    In January 1976, 79 persons in Jamaica were acutely poisoned by the organophosphorus insecticide parathion. Seventeen died. Cases occurred in three episodes at separate locations, but all patients had consumed wheat flour from a single lot consisting of 5264 cotton bags. Parathion in concentrations of less than 1 to 9900 ppm was identified in flour from six bags in this lot; three had splash marks. The flour had been milled in Western Europe from European wheat, carried in trucks to a dockside warehouse, and loaded aboard ship after 2-5 days' storage. In Jamaica, the flour had moved from quayside to outbreak locations along separate routes through two import houses. Site inspections and review of shipping records suggested that the likely point of contamination was the European port, where foodstuffs and insecticides were stored in the same warehouse.

  1. DIAZINON AND PARATHION DIVERGE IN THEIR EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMENT OF NORADRENERGIC SYSTEMS

    PubMed Central

    Slotkin, Theodore A.; Skavicus, Samantha; Seidler, Frederic J.

    2017-01-01

    Organophosphate pesticides elicit developmental neurotoxicity through mechanisms over and above their shared property as cholinesterase inhibitors. We compared the consequences of neonatal exposure (postnatal days PN1-4) to diazinon or parathion on development of norepinephrine systems in rat brain, using treatments designed to produce equivalent effects on cholinesterase, straddling the threshold for barely-detectable inhibition. Norepinephrine levels were measured throughout development from the immediate posttreatment period (PN5), to early adolescence (PN30), young adulthood (PN60) and full adulthood (PN100); we assessed multiple brain regions containing all the major noradrenergic synaptic projections. Diazinon elicited a significant overall deficit of norepinephrine, whereas parathion produced a net increase. The effects were not immediately apparent (PN5) but rather emerged over the course of development, indicating that the organophosphate effects represent alteration of the trajectory of development, not just continuance of an initial injury. There were no comparable effects on β-adrenergic receptors, indicating that the presynaptic changes were not an adaptation to an underlying, primary effect on postsynaptic receptor signaling. Because we used the cholinesterase inhibition benchmark, the absolute dose of diazinon was much higher than that of parathion, since the latter is a more potent cholinesterase inhibitor. Our results are consistent with the growing evidence that the various organophosphates can differ in their impact on brain development and that consequently, the cholinesterase benchmark is an inadequate predictor of adverse neurodevelopmental effects. PMID:28235599

  2. Toxicity of methyl parathion to bats: Mortality and coordination loss

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Clark, D.R.

    1986-01-01

    The 24-h oral LD50 of methyl parathion (phosphorothioic acid O,O-dimethyl O-(4-nitrophenyl) ester) to little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) (372 mg/kg) was 8.5 times the LD50 for mice (Mus musculus) (44 mg/kg). However, orally dosed mice either died or appeared behaviorally normal after 2 to 3 h, whereas many dosed bats, although alive at 24 h, could not right themselves when placed on their backs. The oral dose estimated to cause this loss of coordination in 50% of a sample of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) was one-third or less the LD50 of this species. Cholinesterase activity depression in brains of little brown bats was similar whether dosage was oral or dermal. With death as the criterion, bats proved relatively insensitive to methyl parathion in 24-h tests, but considerations of the chemical's potential to cause coordination loss, leading to capture and death by predators, coupled with bats' naturally low reproductive rates, suggest possible injury to exposed bat populations.

  3. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for degrdation of nerve agent simulant parathion

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Parathion, a simulant of nerve agent VX, has been studied for degradation on Fe3+, Fe2+ and zerovalent iron supported on chitosan. Chitosan, a naturally occurring biopolymer derivative of chitin, is a very good adsorbent for many chemicals including metals. Chitosan is used as supporting biopolymer ...

  4. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for degradation of nerve agent simulant parathion

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Parathion, a simulant of nerve agent VX, has been studied for degradation on Fe3+, Fe2+ and zerovalent iron supported on chitosan. Chitosan, a naturally occurring biopolymer derivative of chitin, is a very good adsorbent for many chemicals including metals. Chitosan is used as supporting biopolymer ...

  5. RATES OF TRANSFORMATION OF METHYL PARATHION AND DIETHYL PHTHALATE BY AUFWUCHS MICROORGANISMS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Using batch cultures, the authors determined transformation rates for low concentrations of two toxicants--an insectide, methyl parathion, and a plasticizer, diethyl phthalate--by aufwuchs. Aufwuchs samples were collected from field sites, an indoor channel, and a continuous-flow...

  6. Biodegradation of methyl parathion and p-nitrophenol: evidence for the presence of a p-nitrophenol 2-hydroxylase in a Gram-negative Serratia sp. strain DS001.

    PubMed

    Pakala, Suresh B; Gorla, Purushotham; Pinjari, Aleem Basha; Krovidi, Ravi Kumar; Baru, Rajasekhar; Yanamandra, Mahesh; Merrick, Mike; Siddavattam, Dayananda

    2007-01-01

    A soil bacterium capable of utilizing methyl parathion as sole carbon and energy source was isolated by selective enrichment on minimal medium containing methyl parathion. The strain was identified as belonging to the genus Serratia based on a phylogram constructed using the complete sequence of the 16S rRNA. Serratia sp. strain DS001 utilized methyl parathion, p-nitrophenol, 4-nitrocatechol, and 1,2,4-benzenetriol as sole carbon and energy sources but could not grow using hydroquinone as a source of carbon. p-Nitrophenol and dimethylthiophosphoric acid were found to be the major degradation products of methyl parathion. Growth on p-nitrophenol led to release of stoichiometric amounts of nitrite and to the formation of 4-nitrocatechol and benzenetriol. When these catabolic intermediates of p-nitrophenol were added to resting cells of Serratia sp. strain DS001 oxygen consumption was detected whereas no oxygen consumption was apparent when hydroquinone was added to the resting cells suggesting that it is not part of the p-nitrophenol degradation pathway. Key enzymes involved in degradation of methyl parathion and in conversion of p-nitrophenol to 4-nitrocatechol, namely parathion hydrolase and p-nitrophenol hydroxylase component "A" were detected in the proteomes of the methyl parathion and p-nitrophenol grown cultures, respectively. These studies report for the first time the existence of a p-nitrophenol hydroxylase component "A", typically found in Gram-positive bacteria, in a Gram-negative strain of the genus Serratia.

  7. Simulation with EGS4 code of external beam of radiotherapy apparatus with workstation and PC gives similar results?

    PubMed

    Malataras, G; Kappas, C; Lovelock, D M; Mohan, R

    1997-01-01

    This article presents a comparison between two implementations of an EGS4 Monte Carlo simulation of a radiation therapy machine. The first implementation was run on a high performance RISC workstation, and the second was run on an inexpensive PC. The simulation was performed using the MCRAD user code. The photon energy spectra, as measured at a plane transverse to the beam direction and containing the isocenter, were compared. The photons were also binned radially in order to compare the variation of the spectra with radius. With 500,000 photons recorded in each of the two simulations, the running times were 48 h and 116 h for the workstation and the PC, respectively. No significant statistical differences between the two implementations were found.

  8. Studies on combined effects of organophosphates and heavy metals in birds. I. Plasma and brain cholinesterase in coturnix quail fed methyl mercury and orally dosed with parathion

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

    Dieter, M.P.; Ludke, J.L.

    1975-03-01

    It was found that mercury potentiated the toxicity and biochemical effects of parathion. Male Coturnix quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were fed a sublethal concentration of morsodren (4 ppm as methyl mercury) for 18 weeks. This resulted in an accumulation of 21.0 ppm of mercury in the liver and 8.4 ppm in the carcass. Birds fed clean feed and those fed morsodren-treated feed were orally dosed with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/kg parathion, and their 48-h survival times compared. The computed LD/sub 50/ was 5.86 mg/kg in birds not fed morsodren and 4.24 in those fed the heavy metal.more » When challenged with a sublethal, oral dose of parathion (1.0 mg/kg), morsodren-fed birds exhibited significantly greater inhibition of plasma and brain cholinesterase activity than controls dosed with parathion. Brain cholinesterase activity was inhibited 41 percent in morsodren-fed birds and 26 percent in clean-fed birds dosed with parathion, which suggested that the increase in parathion toxicity in the presence of morsodren was directly related to the inhibition of brain cholinesterase. (auth)« less

  9. 75 FR 41482 - Methyl Parathion; Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-16

    ..., or use of existing stocks of the products identified in Table 1 of Unit II. in a manner inconsistent... Table 2 of Unit II. to voluntarily cancel all these product registrations. These are the last products... are listed in sequence by registration number in Table 1 of this unit. Table 1.--Methyl Parathion...

  10. Comparative effects of parathion and chlorpyrifos on extracellular endocannabinoid levels in rat hippocampus: Influence on cholinergic toxicity

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

    Liu, Jing; Parsons, Loren; Pope, Carey, E-mail: carey.pope@okstate.edu

    2013-11-01

    Parathion (PS) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) are organophosphorus insecticides (OPs) that elicit acute toxicity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Endocannabinoids (eCBs, N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA; 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2AG) can modulate neurotransmission by inhibiting neurotransmitter release. We proposed that differential inhibition of eCB-degrading enzymes (fatty acid amide hydrolase, FAAH, and monoacylglycerol lipase, MAGL) by PS and CPF leads to differences in extracellular eCB levels and toxicity. Microdialysis cannulae were implanted into hippocampus of adult male rats followed by treatment with vehicle (peanut oil, 2 ml/kg, sc), PS (27 mg/kg) or CPF (280 mg/kg) 6–7 days later. Signs of toxicity, AChE, FAAH and MAGL inhibition, and extracellularmore » levels of AEA and 2AG were measured 2 and 4 days later. Signs were noted in PS-treated rats but not in controls or CPF-treated rats. Cholinesterase inhibition was extensive in hippocampus with PS (89–90%) and CPF (78–83%) exposure. FAAH activity was also markedly reduced (88–91%) by both OPs at both time-points. MAGL was inhibited by both OPs but to a lesser degree (35–50%). Increases in extracellular AEA levels were noted after either PS (about 2-fold) or CPF (about 3-fold) while lesser treatment-related 2-AG changes were noted. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (3 mg/kg, ip) had no influence on functional signs after CPF but markedly decreased toxicity in PS-treated rats. The results suggest that extracellular eCBs levels can be markedly elevated by both PS and CPF. CB1-mediated signaling appears to play a role in the acute toxicity of PS but the role of eCBs in CPF toxicity remains unclear. - Highlights: • Chlorpyrifos and parathion both extensively inhibited hippocampal cholinesterase. • Functional signs were only noted with parathion. • Chlorpyrifos and parathion increased hippocampal extracellular anandamide levels. • 2-Arachidonoylglycerol levels

  11. Evaluation of an in vitro method for acaricidal effect. Activity of parathion, phosmet and phoxim against Sarcoptes scabiei.

    PubMed

    Brimer, L; Henriksen, S A; Gyrd-Hansen, N; Rasmussen, F

    1993-12-01

    An in vitro test to determine the acaricidal effect of organophosphorous insecticides (OP) is described. The effect of parathion, phoxim and phosmet against the pig mange mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis was evaluated. The test is based on the migration ability of mites on the surface of agar gels containing the acaricide. The mite activity is expressed as a migration index (MI) and compared with the OP concentration in the agar. Good dose-response data were obtained for all three OPs tested, although the instability of phosmet required special precautions concerning the analysis of the agar. The test was found to be accurate, sensitive, easy to carry out and applicable for routine determinations. However, the test requires that the actual concentrations of the OPs in the gel batches are determined. For the three OPs used analytical methods were developed. While the lower threshold for acaricidal effect in vitro was approximately 1-2 micrograms g-1 for all three OPs tested, a significant difference in the higher concentration range was seen between the dose-response curve for parathion and the curves for phoxim and phosmet. While the latter curves decreased only slightly at concentrations above 3-6 micrograms g-1 (corresponding to MI values around 5-10), the curve for parathion was linear down to an MI value of 1, corresponding to a parathion concentration of approximately 30 micrograms g-1. This discrepancy was ascribed to different rates of uptake through the cuticula due to differences in the lipophilicity of the OPs.

  12. ELIPGRID-PC: A PC program for calculating hot spot probabilities

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

    Davidson, J.R.

    1994-10-01

    ELIPGRID-PC, a new personal computer program has been developed to provide easy access to Singer`s 1972 ELIPGRID algorithm for hot-spot detection probabilities. Three features of the program are the ability to determine: (1) the grid size required for specified conditions, (2) the smallest hot spot that can be sampled with a given probability, and (3) the approximate grid size resulting from specified conditions and sampling cost. ELIPGRID-PC also provides probability of hit versus cost data for graphing with spread-sheets or graphics software. The program has been successfully tested using Singer`s published ELIPGRID results. An apparent error in the original ELIPGRIDmore » code has been uncovered and an appropriate modification incorporated into the new program.« less

  13. Fabrication of polymerized crystalline colloidal array thin film modified β-cyclodextrin polymer for paraoxon-ethyl and parathion-ethyl detection.

    PubMed

    Bui, Minh-Phuong N; Seo, Seong S

    2014-01-01

    We have developed an optical chemical sensor for the detection of organophosphate (OP) compounds using a polymerized crystalline colloidal array (PCCA) thin film composed of a close-packed colloidal array of polystyrene particles. The PCCA thin film was modified with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymer as a capping cavity for the selective detection of paraoxon-ethyl and parathion-ethyl chemical agents. The fabrication of the modified PCCA thin film was optimized and the structure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The arrangement of polystyrene particles in the PCCA follows a pattern of the fcc (111) planes with strong diffraction peak in the visible spectral region and pH dependence. The diffraction peak of the β-CD modified PCCA thin film showed a red shift according to the change of paraoxon-ethyl and parathion-ethyl concentrations at a fast response time (10 s) and high sensitivity with detection limits of 2.0 and 3.4 ppb, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed interaction mechanism of β-CD with paraoxon-ethyl and parathion-ethyl in the β-CD modified PCCA thin film were discussed.

  14. Development of a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for parathion residue in food samples.

    PubMed

    Gui, Wen-Jun; Liu, Yi-Hua; Wang, Chun-Mei; Liang, Xiao; Zhu, Guo-Nian

    2009-10-01

    A heterologous direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for parathion residue determination is described based on a monoclonal antibody and a new competitor. The effects of several physicochemical factors, such as methanol concentration, ionic strength, pH value, and sample matrix, on the performance of the ELISA were optimized for the sake of obtaining a satisfactory assay sensitivity. Results showed that when the assay medium was in the optimized condition (phosphate buffer solution [PBS] containing 10% [v/v] methanol and 0.2 mol/L NaCl at a pH value of 5.0), the sensitivity (estimated as the IC(50) value) and the limit of detection (LOD, estimated as the IC(10) value) were 1.19 and 0.08 ng/ml, respectively. The precision investigation indicated that the intraassay precision values all were below 10% and that the interassay precision values ranged from 4.89 to 19.12%. In addition, the developed ELISA showed a good linear correlation (r(2)=0.9962) to gas chromatography within the analyte's concentration range of 0.1 to 16 ng/ml. When applied to the fortified samples (parathion adding level: 5-15 microg/kg), the developed ELISA presented mean recoveries of 127.46, 122.52, 91.92, 124.01, 129.72, 99.37, and 87.17% for tomato, cucumber, banana, apple, orange, pear, and sugarcane, respectively. Results indicated that the established ELISA is a potential tool for parathion residue determination.

  15. Preparation of acryloyl β-cyclodextrin-silica hybrid monolithic column and its application in pipette tip solid-phase extraction and HPLC analysis of methyl parathion and fenthion.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ling; Dang, Xueping; Ai, Youhong; Chen, Huaixia

    2018-05-07

    An acryloyl β-cyclodextrin-silica hybrid monolithic column for pipette tip solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography determination of methyl parathion and fenthion have been prepared through a sol-gel polymerization method. The synthesis conditions, including the volume of cross-linker and the ratio of inorganic solution to organic solution, were optimized. The prepared monolithic column was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The eluent type, volume and flow rate, sample volume, flow rate, acidity and ionic strength were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, a simple and sensitive pipette tip solid-phase extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the determination of methyl parathion and fenthion in lettuce. The method yielded a linear calibration curve in the concentration ranges of 15-400 μg/kg for methyl parathion and 20-400 μg/kg for fenthion with correlation coefficients of above 0.9957. The limits of detection were 4.5 μg/kg for methyl parathion and 6.0 μg/kg for fenthion, respectively. The recoveries of methyl parathion and fenthion spiked in lettuce ranged from 96.0 to 104.2% with relative standard deviations less than 8.4%. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  16. Down-regulation of muscarinic receptors and the m3 subtype in white-footed mice by dietary exposure to parathion

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Jett, David A.; Hill, E.F.; Fernando, J.C.; Eldefrawi, M.E.; Eldefrawi, A.T.

    1993-01-01

    The effect of ad libitum dietary exposure (as occurs in the field) to parathion for 14 d was investigated on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) in brains and submaxillary glands of adults of a field species, the white-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus. Immunoprecipitation using subtype selective antibodies revealed that the relative ratios of the m1-m5 mAChR subtypes in Peromyscus brain were similar to those in rat brain. There was little variability in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in control mice brains but large variability in 39 exposed mice, resulting from differences in food ingestion and parathion metabolism. Accordingly, data on radioligand binding to mAChRs in each mouse brain were correlated with brain AChE activity in the same mouse, and AChE inhibition served as a biomarker of exposure reflecting in situ paraoxon concentrations. Exposure to parathion for 14 d reduced maximal binding (Bmax) of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB), [3H]-N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS), and [3H]-4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide ([3H]-4-DAMP) by up to approximately 58% without affecting receptor affinities for these ligands. Maximal reduction in Bmax of [3H]QNB and [3H]-4-DAMP binding occurred in mice with highest AChE inhibition, while equivalent maximal reduction in Bmax of [3H]NMS occurred in mice with only approximately 10% AChE inhibition, without further change at higher parathion doses. This is believed to be due to the hydrophilicity of [3H]NMS, which limits its accessibility to internalized desensitized receptors. In submaxillary glands (mAChRs are predominantly m3 subtype), there were significant dose-dependent reductions in [3H]QNB binding and m3 mRNA levels in exposed mice, revealed by Northern blot analyses. The reduction in m3 receptors is suggested to result mostly from reduced synthesis at the transcription level, rather than from translational or posttranslational events. The data suggest that down-regulation of mAChRs occurs

  17. Beta.-glucosidase coding sequences and protein from orpinomyces PC-2

    DOEpatents

    Li, Xin-Liang; Ljungdahl, Lars G.; Chen, Huizhong; Ximenes, Eduardo A.

    2001-02-06

    Provided is a novel .beta.-glucosidase from Orpinomyces sp. PC2, nucleotide sequences encoding the mature protein and the precursor protein, and methods for recombinant production of this .beta.-glucosidase.

  18. Characterization of methyl parathion degradation by a Burkholderia zhejiangensis strain, CEIB S4-3, isolated from agricultural soils.

    PubMed

    Popoca-Ursino, Elida C; Martínez-Ocampo, Fernando; Dantán-González, Edgar; Sánchez-Salinas, Enrique; Ortiz-Hernández, Ma Laura

    2017-12-01

    Through the use of an enrichment technique, we isolated from the agricultural soils of Morelos in central México a strain of Burkholderia zhejiangensis identified as CEIB S4-3, it's could use the pesticide methyl parathion (MP) as the only source of carbon and degrade completely p-nitrophenol (PNP). For more efficient MP and PNP degradation by the CEIB S4-3 strain, the absence of an extra carbon source, a large inoculum and an MP concentration up to 50 mg/l are required. Sequence and annotation analysis of the draft genome, showed presence of mpd functional gene, which was expressed and its activity on the MP was confirmed. Additionally, the genes coding for enzymes in the benzoquinone pathway (conducted by Gram-negative bacteria) and the benzenotriol pathway (conducted by Gram-positive bacteria) were found, which was corroborated by identification of intermediary metabolites by HPLC. Thus, we propose that B. zhejiangensis CEIB S4-3 uses both degradation pathways.

  19. Comparison of the metabolism of parathion by a rat liver reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system and by a system containing cumene hydroperoxide and purified rat liver cytochrome P-450.

    PubMed

    Yoshihara, S; Neal, R A

    1977-01-01

    The metabolism of parathion by a reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system (rat liver cytochrome P-450, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine, deoxycholate, and NADPH) or a cumene hydroperoxide system (cytochrome P-450, dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine, and cumene hydroperoxide) have been compared. The products formed on incubation of parathion with both systems were paraoxon, diethyl phosphorothioic acid, diethyl phosphoric acid, p-nitrophenol, and atomic sulfur. The apparent KM values for parathion for formation of paraoxon and diethyl phosphorothioic acid with the cumene hydroperoxide system were 55 and 39 X 10(-6) M, respectively. These KM values are not significantly different. When the reconstituted system was used, apparent KM values of 2.8 x 10(-6) M for formation of paraoxon and 3.9 x 10(-6) M for The formation of diethyl phosphorothioic acid and diethyl phosphoric acid were determined. These KM values are also not significantly different. covalent binding of the sulfur atom, released in the metabolism of parathion to paraoxon, to the proteins of the reconstituted system and to cytochrome P-450 of the cumene hydroperoxide system was also examined. With both the reconstituted system and the cumene hydroperoxide system approximately 65% of the sulfur released became bound to the proteins of these enzyme systems. The binding of the sulfur atome resulted in a progressive inhibition of the metabolism of parathion by these two systems.

  20. Cellulases and coding sequences

    DOEpatents

    Li, Xin-Liang; Ljungdahl, Lars G.; Chen, Huizhong

    2001-02-20

    The present invention provides three fungal cellulases, their coding sequences, recombinant DNA molecules comprising the cellulase coding sequences, recombinant host cells and methods for producing same. The present cellulases are from Orpinomyces PC-2.

  1. Cellulases and coding sequences

    DOEpatents

    Li, Xin-Liang; Ljungdahl, Lars G.; Chen, Huizhong

    2001-01-01

    The present invention provides three fungal cellulases, their coding sequences, recombinant DNA molecules comprising the cellulase coding sequences, recombinant host cells and methods for producing same. The present cellulases are from Orpinomyces PC-2.

  2. A simple and sensitive fluorescent sensor for methyl parathion based on L-tyrosine methyl ester functionalized carbon dots.

    PubMed

    Hou, Juying; Dong, Jing; Zhu, Haishuang; Teng, Xue; Ai, Shiyun; Mang, Minglin

    2015-06-15

    In this paper, a simple and sensitive fluorescent sensor for methyl parathion is developed based on L-tyrosine methyl ester functionalized carbon dots (Tyr-CDs) and tyrosinase system. The carbon dots are obtained by simple hydrothermal reaction using citric acid as carbon resource and L-tyrosine methyl ester as modification reagent. The carbon dots are characterized by transmission electron microscope, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The carbon dots show strong and stable photoluminescence with a quantum yield of 3.8%. Tyrosinase can catalyze the oxidation of tyrosine methyl ester on the surface of carbon dots to corresponding quinone products, which can quench the fluorescence of carbon dots. When organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are introduced in system, they can decrease the enzyme activity, thus decrease the fluorescence quenching rate. Methyl parathion, as a model of OPs, was detected. Experimental results show that the enzyme inhibition rate is proportional to the logarithm of the methyl parathion concentration in the range 1.0×10(-10)-1.0×10(-4) M with the detection limit (S/N=3) of 4.8×10(-11) M. This determination method shows a low detection limit, wide linear range, good selectivity and high reproducibility. This sensing system has been successfully used for the analysis of cabbage, milk and fruit juice samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Rotordynamics on the PC: Further Capabilities of ARDS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fleming, David P.

    1997-01-01

    Rotordynamics codes for personal computers are now becoming available. One of the most capable codes is Analysis of RotorDynamic Systems (ARDS) which uses the component mode synthesis method to analyze a system of up to 5 rotating shafts. ARDS was originally written for a mainframe computer but has been successfully ported to a PC; its basic capabilities for steady-state and transient analysis were reported in an earlier paper. Additional functions have now been added to the PC version of ARDS. These functions include: 1) Estimation of the peak response following blade loss without resorting to a full transient analysis; 2) Calculation of response sensitivity to input parameters; 3) Formulation of optimum rotor and damper designs to place critical speeds in desirable ranges or minimize bearing loads; 4) Production of Poincard plots so the presence of chaotic motion can be ascertained. ARDS produces printed and plotted output. The executable code uses the full array sizes of the mainframe version and fits on a high density floppy disc. Examples of all program capabilities are presented and discussed.

  4. USL/DBMS NASA/PC R and D project C programming standards

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Moreau, Dennis R.

    1984-01-01

    A set of programming standards intended to promote reliability, readability, and portability of C programs written for PC research and development projects is established. These standards must be adhered to except where reasons for deviation are clearly identified and approved by the PC team. Any approved deviation from these standards must also be clearly documented in the pertinent source code.

  5. Lichenase and coding sequences

    DOEpatents

    Li, Xin-Liang; Ljungdahl, Lars G.; Chen, Huizhong

    2000-08-15

    The present invention provides a fungal lichenase, i.e., an endo-1,3-1,4-.beta.-D-glucanohydrolase, its coding sequence, recombinant DNA molecules comprising the lichenase coding sequences, recombinant host cells and methods for producing same. The present lichenase is from Orpinomyces PC-2.

  6. Absence of circannual toxicity of parathion to starlings

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rattner, B.A.; Grue, C.E.

    1990-01-01

    Ambient temperature and season have been observed to influence the toxicity of several environmental pollutants in homeotherms. The circannual toxicity of ethyl parathion (EP) was examined in adult European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Groups of birds housed in outdoor pens received oral doses of EP (20-150 mg/kg body weight) in fall, winter, spring and summer (temperature range -3.3 to 36.7?C). The median lethal dosage (LD50), and brain and plasma cholinesterase inhibition, were found to be quite similar among seasons. There was some suggestion that EP may have been more toxic during hot weather (winter versus summer LD50 estimate [95% confidence interval]:160 [114-225] vs. 118 [102-136] mg/kg; P<0.10). In view of previous reports in which ambient temperature extremes and harsh weather have enhanced organophosphorus insecticide toxicity to birds, it is concluded that circannual toxicity studies should include measures of sensitivity (acute oral exposure) and vulnerability (dietary exposure) to better predict responses of free-ranging birds

  7. A sensitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay based on molecularly imprinted polymers solid-phase extraction of parathion.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ge; Jin, Maojun; Du, Pengfei; Zhang, Chan; Cui, Xueyan; Zhang, Yudan; She, Yongxin; Shao, Hua; Jin, Fen; Wang, Shanshan; Zheng, Lufei; Wang, Jing

    2017-08-01

    The chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) method responds differently to various sample matrices because of the matrix effect. In this work, the CLEIA method was coupled with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) synthesized by precipitation polymerization to study the matrix effect. The sample recoveries ranged from 72.62% to 121.89%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.74-18.14%.The ratio of the sample matrix-matched standard curve slope rate to the solvent standard curve slope was 1.21, 1.12, 1.17, and 0.85 for apple, rice, orange and cabbage in samples pretreated with the mixture of PSA and C 18 . However, the ratio of sample (apple, rice, orange, and cabbage) matrix-matched standard-MIPs curve slope rate to the solvent standard curve was 1.05, 0.92, 1.09, and 1.05 in samples pretreated with MIPs, respectively. The results demonstrated that the matrices of the samples greatly interfered with the detection of parathion residues by CLEIA. The MIPs bound specifically to the parathion in the samples and eliminated the matrix interference effect. Therefore, the CLEIA method have successfully applied MIPs in sample pretreatment to eliminate matrix interference effects and provided a new sensitive assay for agro-products. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. The Vital Function of Fe3O4@Au nanocomposites for Hydrolase Biosensor Design and Its Application in Detection of Methyl Parathion

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

    Zhao, Yuting; Zhang, Weiying; Lin, Yuehe

    A nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorating a magnetic Fe3O4 core was synthesized using cysteamine (SH–NH2) as linker, and characterized by TEM, XPS, UV and electrochemistry. Then a hydrolase biosensor, based on self-assembly of methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) on the Fe3O4@Au nanocomposite, was developed for sensitive and selective detection of the organophosphorus pesticide (OP) methyl parathion. The magnetic nanocomposite provides an easy way to construct the enzyme biosensor by simply exerting an external magnetic field, and also provides a simple way to renew the electrode surface by removing the magnet. Unlike inhibition-based enzyme biosensors, the hydrolase is not poisoned bymore » OPs and thus is reusable for continuous measurement. AuNPs not only provide a large surface area, high loading efficiency and fast electron transfer, but also stabilize the enzyme through electrostatic interactions. The MPH biosensor shows rapid response and high selectivity for detection of methyl parathion, with a linear range from 0.5 to 1000 ng/mL and a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL. It also shows acceptable reproducibility and stability. The simplicity and ease of operation of the proposed method has great potential for on-site detection of P–S containing pesticides and provides a promising strategy to construct a robust biosensor.« less

  9. Performance characteristics of the Cooper PC-9 centrifugal compressor

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

    Foster, R.E.; Neely, R.F.

    1988-06-30

    Mathematical performance modeling of the PC-9 centrifugal compressor has been completed. Performance characteristics curves have never been obtained for them in test loops with the same degree of accuracy as for the uprated axial compressors and, consequently, computer modeling of the top cascade and purge cascades has been very difficult and of limited value. This compressor modeling work has been carried out in an attempt to generate data which would more accurately define the compressor's performance and would permit more accurate cascade modeling. A computer code, COMPAL, was used to mathematically model the PC-9 performance with variations in gas composition,more » flow ratios, pressure ratios, speed and temperature. The results of this effort, in the form of graphs, with information about the compressor and the code, are the subject of this report. Compressor characteristic curves are featured. 13 figs.« less

  10. Cholinesterase inhibition of birds inhabiting wheat fields treated with methyl parathion and toxaphene

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Niethammer, K.R.; Baskett, T.S.

    1983-01-01

    Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and dickcissels (Spiza americana) inhabiting wheat fields treated with 0.67 kg AI/ha methyl parathion and 1.35 kg AI/ha toxaphene showed brain cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition compared with birds inhabiting untreated fields. Maximum inhibition occurred about five days after insecticide application. ChE activities again approached normal 10 days after treatment. ChE inhibition for dickcissels and red-winged blackbirds differed significantly (p<0.05); maximum inhibition for the former species was 74%, and for the latter, 40%. These differences could not be explained by the diets of the two species, as they were similar.

  11. Collaborative Simulation Grid: Multiscale Quantum-Mechanical/Classical Atomistic Simulations on Distributed PC Clusters in the US and Japan

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kikuchi, Hideaki; Kalia, Rajiv; Nakano, Aiichiro; Vashishta, Priya; Iyetomi, Hiroshi; Ogata, Shuji; Kouno, Takahisa; Shimojo, Fuyuki; Tsuruta, Kanji; Saini, Subhash; hide

    2002-01-01

    A multidisciplinary, collaborative simulation has been performed on a Grid of geographically distributed PC clusters. The multiscale simulation approach seamlessly combines i) atomistic simulation backed on the molecular dynamics (MD) method and ii) quantum mechanical (QM) calculation based on the density functional theory (DFT), so that accurate but less scalable computations are performed only where they are needed. The multiscale MD/QM simulation code has been Grid-enabled using i) a modular, additive hybridization scheme, ii) multiple QM clustering, and iii) computation/communication overlapping. The Gridified MD/QM simulation code has been used to study environmental effects of water molecules on fracture in silicon. A preliminary run of the code has achieved a parallel efficiency of 94% on 25 PCs distributed over 3 PC clusters in the US and Japan, and a larger test involving 154 processors on 5 distributed PC clusters is in progress.

  12. Human Hepatic Cytochrome P450-Specific Metabolism of the Organophosphorus Pesticides Methyl Parathion and Diazinon

    PubMed Central

    Tian, Yuan; Knaak, James B.; Kostyniak, Paul J.; Olson, James R.

    2012-01-01

    Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are a public health concern due to their worldwide use and documented human exposures. Phosphorothioate OPs are metabolized by cytochrome P450s (P450s) through either a dearylation reaction to form an inactive metabolite, or through a desulfuration reaction to form an active oxon metabolite, which is a potent cholinesterase inhibitor. This study investigated the rate of desulfuration (activation) and dearylation (detoxification) of methyl parathion and diazinon in human liver microsomes. In addition, recombinant human P450s were used to determine the P450-specific kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) for each compound for future use in refining human physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) models of OP exposure. The primary enzymes involved in bioactivation of methyl parathion were CYP2B6 (Km = 1.25 μM; Vmax = 9.78 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1), CYP2C19 (Km = 1.03 μM; Vmax = 4.67 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1), and CYP1A2 (Km = 1.96 μM; Vmax = 5.14 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1), and the bioactivation of diazinon was mediated primarily by CYP1A1 (Km = 3.05 μM; Vmax = 2.35 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1), CYP2C19 (Km = 7.74 μM; Vmax = 4.14 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1), and CYP2B6 (Km = 14.83 μM; Vmax = 5.44 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1). P450-mediated detoxification of methyl parathion only occurred to a limited extent with CYP1A2 (Km = 16.8 μM; Vmax = 1.38 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1) and 3A4 (Km = 104 μM; Vmax = 5.15 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1), whereas the major enzyme involved in diazinon detoxification was CYP2C19 (Km = 5.04 μM; Vmax = 5.58 nmol · min−1 · nmol P450−1). The OP- and P450-specific kinetic values will be helpful for future use in refining human PBPK/PD models of OP exposure. PMID:21969518

  13. Validation of Living Donor Nephrectomy Codes

    PubMed Central

    Lam, Ngan N.; Lentine, Krista L.; Klarenbach, Scott; Sood, Manish M.; Kuwornu, Paul J.; Naylor, Kyla L.; Knoll, Gregory A.; Kim, S. Joseph; Young, Ann; Garg, Amit X.

    2018-01-01

    Background: Use of administrative data for outcomes assessment in living kidney donors is increasing given the rarity of complications and challenges with loss to follow-up. Objective: To assess the validity of living donor nephrectomy in health care administrative databases compared with the reference standard of manual chart review. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: 5 major transplant centers in Ontario, Canada. Patients: Living kidney donors between 2003 and 2010. Measurements: Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). Methods: Using administrative databases, we conducted a retrospective study to determine the validity of diagnostic and procedural codes for living donor nephrectomies. The reference standard was living donor nephrectomies identified through the province’s tissue and organ procurement agency, with verification by manual chart review. Operating characteristics (sensitivity and PPV) of various algorithms using diagnostic, procedural, and physician billing codes were calculated. Results: During the study period, there were a total of 1199 living donor nephrectomies. Overall, the best algorithm for identifying living kidney donors was the presence of 1 diagnostic code for kidney donor (ICD-10 Z52.4) and 1 procedural code for kidney procurement/excision (1PC58, 1PC89, 1PC91). Compared with the reference standard, this algorithm had a sensitivity of 97% and a PPV of 90%. The diagnostic and procedural codes performed better than the physician billing codes (sensitivity 60%, PPV 78%). Limitations: The donor chart review and validation study was performed in Ontario and may not be generalizable to other regions. Conclusions: An algorithm consisting of 1 diagnostic and 1 procedural code can be reliably used to conduct health services research that requires the accurate determination of living kidney donors at the population level. PMID:29662679

  14. Analysis of trifluralin, methyl paraoxon, methyl parathion, fenvalerate and 2,4-D dimethylamine in pond water using solid-phase extraction

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Swineford, D.M.; Belisle, A.A.

    1989-01-01

    A method was developed for the simultaneous extraction of trifluralin, methyl paraoxon, methyl parathion, fenvalerate, and 2,4-D dimethylamine salt in pond water using a solid-phase C18 column. After elution from the C18 column, the eluate was analyzed on a capillary gas chromatograph equipped with an electron-capture or flame photometric detector.

  15. 75 FR 62002 - Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-07

    ... Limitations Section (ALS). For PC-6 models other than B2-H2 and B2- H4, no ALS at all is included in the AMM... and B2-H4 models. For PC-6 models other than B2-H2 and B2-H4, a new ALS document has been implemented... Limitations Section (ALS). For PC-6 models other than B2-H2 and B2- H4, no ALS at all is included in the AMM...

  16. Evidence that PC2 is the endogenous pro-neurotensin convertase in rMTC 6-23 cells and that PC1- and PC2-transfected PC12 cells differentially process pro-neurotensin.

    PubMed

    Rovère, C; Barbero, P; Kitabgi, P

    1996-05-10

    The neuropeptide precursor proneurotensin/neuromedin N (pro-NT/NN) is mainly expressed and differentially processed in the brain and in the small intestine. We showed previously that rMTC 6-23 cells process pro-NT/NN with a pattern similar to brain tissue and increase pro-NT/NN expression in response to dexamethasone, and that PC12 cells also produce pro-NT/NN but are virtually unable to process it. In addition, PC12 cells were reported to be devoid of the prohormone convertases PC1 and PC2. The present study was designed to identify the proprotein convertase(s) (PC) involved in pro-NT/NN processing in rMTC 6-23 cells and to compare PC1- and PC2-transfected PC12 cells for their ability to process pro-NT/NN. rMTC 6-23 cells were devoid of PC1, PC4, and PC5 but expressed furin and PC2. Stable expression of antisense PC2 RNA in rMTC 6-23 cells led to a 90% decrease in PC2 protein levels that correlated with a > 80% reduction of pro-NT/NN processing. PC2 expression was stimulated by dexamethasone in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Stable PC12/PC2 transfectants processed pro-NT/NN with a pattern similar to that observed in the brain and in rMTC 6-23 cells. In contrast, stable PC12/PC1 transfectants reproduced the pro-NT/NN processing pattern seen in the gut. We conclude that (i) PC2 is the major pro-NT/NN convertase in rMTC 6-23 cells; (ii) its expression is coregulated with that of pro-NT/NN in this cell line; and (iii) PC2 and PC1 differentially process pro-NT/NN with brain and intestinal phenotype, respectively.

  17. Distribution and colocalization of cholecystokinin with the prohormone convertase enzymes PC1, PC2, and PC5 in rat brain.

    PubMed

    Cain, Brian M; Connolly, Kelly; Blum, Alissa; Vishnuvardhan, Daesety; Marchand, James E; Beinfeld, Margery C; Vishnuvardham, Daesety

    2003-12-15

    During posttranslational processing to generate CCK 8, pro-cholecystokinin (CCK) undergoes endoproteolytic cleavage at three sites. Several studies using endocrine and neuronal tumor cells in culture and recombinant enzymes and synthetic substrates in vitro have pointed to the subtilisin/kexin-like enzymes prohormone convertase (PC) 1, PC2, and PC5 as potential candidates for these endoproteolytic cleavages. In these experimental models, they all appear to be able to cleave pro-CCK to make the correct products. One rodent model has provided information about the role of PC2. PC2 knockout mouse brains had less CCK 8 than wild-type, although a substantial amount of CCK was still present. The degree to which CCK levels were reduced in these mice was regionally specific. These data indicated that PC2 is important for normal production of CCK but that it is not the only endoprotease that is involved in CCK processing. To evaluate whether PC1 and PC5 are possible candidates for the other enzymes involved in CCK processing, the distribution of PC1, PC2, and PC5 mRNA was studied in rat brain. Their colocalization with CCK mRNA was examined using double-label in situ hybridization. PC2 was the most abundant of these enzymes in terms of the intensity and number of cells labeled. It was widely colocalized with CCK. PC1 and PC5 mRNA-positive cells were less abundant, but they were also widely distributed and strongly colocalized with CCK in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, ventral tegmental area, and substantia nigra zona compacta. The degree of colocalization of the enzymes with CCK was regionally specific. It is clear that PC1 and PC5 are extensively colocalized with CCK and could be participating in CCK processing in the rat brain and may be able to substitute for PC2 in its absence. These three enzymes may represent a redundant system to ensure production of biologically active CCK. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  18. Robust transmission of rate coding in the inhibitory Purkinje cell to cerebellar nuclei pathway in awake mice

    PubMed Central

    Abbasi, Samira; Maran, Selva K.; Cao, Ying; Abbasi, Ataollah; Heck, Detlef H.

    2017-01-01

    Neural coding through inhibitory projection pathways remains poorly understood. We analyze the transmission properties of the Purkinje cell (PC) to cerebellar nucleus (CN) pathway in a modeling study using a data set recorded in awake mice containing respiratory rate modulation. We find that inhibitory transmission from tonically active PCs can transmit a behavioral rate code with high fidelity. We parameterized the required population code in PC activity and determined that 20% of PC inputs to a full compartmental CN neuron model need to be rate-comodulated for transmission of a rate code. Rate covariance in PC inputs also accounts for the high coefficient of variation in CN spike trains, while the balance between excitation and inhibition determines spike rate and local spike train variability. Overall, our modeling study can fully account for observed spike train properties of cerebellar output in awake mice, and strongly supports rate coding in the cerebellum. PMID:28617798

  19. A low-cost PC-based telemetry data-reduction system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Simms, D. A.; Butterfield, C. P.

    1990-04-01

    The Solar Energy Research Institute's (SERI) Wind Research Branch is using Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) telemetry data-acquisition systems to study horizontal-axis wind turbines. PCM telemetry systems are used in test installations that require accurate multiple-channel measurements taken from a variety of different locations. SERI has found them ideal for use in tests requiring concurrent acquisition of data-reduction system to facilitate quick, in-the-field multiple-channel data analysis. Called the PC-PCM System, it consists of two basic components. First, AT-compatible hardware boards are used for decoding and combining PCM data streams. Up to four hardware boards can be installed in a single PC, which provides the capability to combine data from four PCM streams directly to PC disk or memory. Each stream can have up to 62 data channels. Second, a software package written for the DOS operating system was developed to simplify data-acquisition control and management. The software provides a quick, easy-to-use interface between the PC and PCM data streams. Called the Quick-Look Data Management Program, it is a comprehensive menu-driven package used to organize, acquire, process, and display information from incoming PCM data streams. This paper describes both hardware and software aspects of the SERI PC-PCM system, concentrating on features that make it useful in an experiment test environment to quickly examine and verify incoming data. Also discussed are problems and techniques associated with PC-based telemetry data acquisition, processing, and real-time display.

  20. Twostep-by-twostep PIRK-type PC methods with continuous output formulas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cong, Nguyen Huu; Xuan, Le Ngoc

    2008-11-01

    This paper deals with parallel predictor-corrector (PC) iteration methods based on collocation Runge-Kutta (RK) corrector methods with continuous output formulas for solving nonstiff initial-value problems (IVPs) for systems of first-order differential equations. At nth step, the continuous output formulas are used not only for predicting the stage values in the PC iteration methods but also for calculating the step values at (n+2)th step. In this case, the integration processes can be proceeded twostep-by-twostep. The resulting twostep-by-twostep (TBT) parallel-iterated RK-type (PIRK-type) methods with continuous output formulas (twostep-by-twostep PIRKC methods or TBTPIRKC methods) give us a faster integration process. Fixed stepsize applications of these TBTPIRKC methods to a few widely-used test problems reveal that the new PC methods are much more efficient when compared with the well-known parallel-iterated RK methods (PIRK methods), parallel-iterated RK-type PC methods with continuous output formulas (PIRKC methods) and sequential explicit RK codes DOPRI5 and DOP853 available from the literature.

  1. Studies on combined effects of organophosphates or carbamates and morsodren in birds. II. Plasma and cholinesterase in quail fed morsodren and orally dosed with parathion or carbofuran

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

    Dieter, M.P.; Ludke, J.L.

    1978-04-01

    The degree of interaction between mercury and cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides was determined by comparing enzyme responses to sublethal dosages of parathion or carbofuran in quail fed 0.05, 0.5, or 5.0 ppM morsodren for 18 weeks. A statistically significant interaction was defined as greater brain cholinesterase inhibition in morsodren-fed than in clean-fed birds following pesticide dosage. The tissue residues of mercury that accumulated before significant mercury-parathion interactions occurred were higher than levels that might be expected in natural populations, but significant mercury-carbofuran interactions occurred in birds that had only accumulated 1.0 ppM liver mercury. The results indicate that indiscriminate usage ofmore » cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides is dangerous, since natural populations of fish-eating birds oftentimes contain this magnitude of mercury.« less

  2. Biomimicry 1: PC.

    PubMed

    Cumberland, D C; Gunn, J; Malik, N; Holt, C M

    1998-01-01

    The surface properties of stents can be modified by coating them, for example with a polymer. Phosphorylcoline (PC) is the major component of the outer layer of the cell membrane. The haemo- and biocompatibility of a PC-containing polymer is thus based on biomimicry, and has been confirmed by several experiments showing much reduced thrombogenicity of PC-coated surfaces, and porcine coronary artery implants showing no sign of adverse effect. Clinical experience with the PC-coated BiodivYsio appears favourable. The PC coating can be tailored for take up and controlled elution of various drugs for stent-based local delivery, a property which is being actively explored.

  3. PC5-A-mediated processing of pro-neurotensin in early compartments of the regulated secretory pathway of PC5-transfected PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Barbero, P; Rovère, C; De Bie, I; Seidah, N; Beaudet, A; Kitabgi, P

    1998-09-25

    Among the members of the proprotein convertase (PC) family, PC1 and PC2 have well established roles as prohormone convertases. Another good candidate for this role is PC5-A that has been shown to be present in the regulated secretory pathway of certain neuroendocrine tissues, but evidence that it can process prohormones is lacking. To determine whether PC5-A could function as a prohormone convertase and to compare its cleavage specificity with that of PC1 and PC2, we stably transfected the rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line with PC5-A and analyzed the biosynthesis and subcellular localization of the enzyme, as well as its ability to process pro-neurotensin/neuromedin N (pro-NT/NN) into active peptides. Our data showed that in transfected PC12 cells, PC5-A was converted from its 126-kDa precursor form into a 117-kDa mature form and, to a lesser extent, into a C-terminally truncated 65-kDa form of the 117-kDa product. Metabolic and immunochemical studies showed that PC5-A was sorted to early compartments of the regulated secretory pathway where it colocalized with immunoreactive NT. Furthermore, pro-NT/NN was processed in these compartments according to a pattern that differed from that previously described in PC1- and PC2-transfected PC12 cells. This pattern resembled that previously reported for pro-NT/NN processing in the adrenal medulla, a tissue known to express high levels of PC5-A. Altogether, these data demonstrate for the first time the ability of PC5-A to function as a prohormone convertase in the regulated secretory pathway and suggest a role for this enzyme in the physiological processing of pro-NT/NN.

  4. Development of a Novel Optical Biosensor for Detection of Organophoshorus Pesticides Based on Methyl Parathion Hydrolase Immobilized by Metal-Chelate Affinity

    PubMed Central

    Lan, Wensheng; Chen, Guoping; Cui, Feng; Tan, Feng; Liu, Ran; Yushupujiang, Maolidan

    2012-01-01

    We have developed a novel optical biosensor device using recombinant methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) enzyme immobilized on agarose by metal-chelate affinity to detect organophosphorus (OP) compounds with a nitrophenyl group. The biosensor principle is based on the optical measurement of the product of OP catalysis by MPH (p-nitrophenol). Briefly, MPH containing six sequential histidines (6× His tag) at its N-terminal was bound to nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) agarose with Ni ions, resulting in the flexible immobilization of the bio-reaction platform. The optical biosensing system consisted of two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and one photodiode. The LED that emitted light at the wavelength of the maximum absorption for p-nitrophenol served as the signal light, while the other LED that showed no absorbance served as the reference light. The optical sensing system detected absorbance that was linearly correlated to methyl parathion (MP) concentration and the detection limit was estimated to be 4 μM. Sensor hysteresis was investigated and the results showed that at lower concentration range of MP the difference got from the opposite process curves was very small. With its easy immobilization of enzymes and simple design in structure, the system has the potential for development into a practical portable detector for field applications. PMID:23012501

  5. The challenge of mapping between two medical coding systems.

    PubMed

    Wojcik, Barbara E; Stein, Catherine R; Devore, Raymond B; Hassell, L Harrison

    2006-11-01

    Deployable medical systems patient conditions (PCs) designate groups of patients with similar medical conditions and, therefore, similar treatment requirements. PCs are used by the U.S. military to estimate field medical resources needed in combat operations. Information associated with each of the 389 PCs is based on subject matter expert opinion, instead of direct derivation from standard medical codes. Currently, no mechanisms exist to tie current or historical medical data to PCs. Our study objective was to determine whether reliable conversion between PC codes and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes is possible. Data were analyzed for three professional coders assigning all applicable ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes to each PC code. Inter-rater reliability was measured by using Cohen's K statistic and percent agreement. Methods were developed to calculate kappa statistics when multiple responses could be selected from many possible categories. Overall, we found moderate support for the possibility of reliable conversion between PCs and ICD-9-CM diagnoses (mean kappa = 0.61). Current PCs should be modified into a system that is verifiable with real data.

  6. AERO2S - SUBSONIC AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF WINGS WITH LEADING- AND TRAILING-EDGE FLAPS IN COMBINATION WITH CANARD OR HORIZONTAL TAIL SURFACES (IBM PC VERSION)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Carlson, H. W.

    1994-01-01

    necessary only to add an identification record and the namelist data that are to be changed from the previous run. This code was originally developed in 1989 in FORTRAN V on a CDC 6000 computer system, and was later ported to an MS-DOS environment. Both versions are available from COSMIC. There are only a few differences between the PC version (LAR-14458) and CDC version (LAR-14178) of AERO2S distributed by COSMIC. The CDC version has one main source code file while the PC version has two files which are easier to edit and compile on a PC. The PC version does not require a FORTRAN compiler which supports NAMELIST because a special INPUT subroutine has been added. The CDC version includes two MODIFY decks which can be used to improve the code and prevent the possibility of some infrequently occurring errors while PC-version users will have to make these code changes manually. The PC version includes an executable which was generated with the Ryan McFarland/FORTRAN compiler and requires 253K RAM and an 80x87 math co-processor. Using this executable, the sample case requires about four hours to execute on an 8MHz AT-class microcomputer with a co-processor. The source code conforms to the FORTRAN 77 standard except that it uses variables longer than six characters. With two minor modifications, the PC version should be portable to any computer with a FORTRAN compiler and sufficient memory. The CDC version of AERO2S is available in CDC NOS Internal format on a 9-track 1600 BPI magnetic tape. The PC version is available on a set of two 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskettes. IBM AT is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. CDC is a registered trademark of Control Data Corporation. NOS is a trademark of Control Data Corporation.

  7. Methyl parathion inhibits the nuclear maturation, decreases the cytoplasmic quality in oocytes and alters the developmental potential of embryos of Swiss albino mice

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

    Nair, Ramya; Singh, Vikram Jeet; Salian, Sujith Raj

    Methyl parathion (MP) is one of the most commonly used and extremely toxic organophosphorous group of pesticide. A large number of studies in the literature suggest that it has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. However, there is limited information about its toxicity to the female reproductive system. In the present study we report the toxic effects of methyl parathion on the female reproductive system using Swiss albino mice as the experimental model. The female mice were administered orally with 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of MP. One week later, the mice were superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophinmore » (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to study the quality of the oocytes, spindle organization, developmental potential of early embryos and the DNA integrity in blastocysts. MP exposure resulted in a non-significant decrease in the number of primordial follicles and increased DNA damage in granulosa cells. Though MP did not have any effect on the ovulation it had a significant inhibitory effect on the nuclear maturity of oocytes which was associated with spindle deformity. In addition, the oocytes had higher cytoplasmic abnormalities with depleted glutathione level. Even though it did not have any effect on the fertilization and blastocyst rate at lower doses, at 20 mg/kg MP it resulted in a significant decrease in blastocyst hatching, decrease in cell number and high DNA damage. While low body weight gain was observed in F1 generation from 5 mg/kg group, at higher dose, the body weight in F1 generation was marginally higher than control. Post-natal death in F1 generation was observed only in mice treated with 20 mg/kg MP. In conclusion, we report that MP has adverse effects on the oocyte quality, developmental potential of the embryo and reproductive outcome. - Highlights: • Methyl parathion induces severe cytoplasmic abnormalities in oocytes. • Inhibits nuclear maturation and spindle damage • Poor blastocyst quality and

  8. LACEwING: A New Moving Group Analysis Code

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

    Riedel, Adric R.; Blunt, Sarah C.; Faherty, Jacqueline K.

    We present a new nearby young moving group (NYMG) kinematic membership analysis code, LocAting Constituent mEmbers In Nearby Groups (LACEwING), a new Catalog of Suspected Nearby Young Stars, a new list of bona fide members of moving groups, and a kinematic traceback code. LACEwING is a convergence-style algorithm with carefully vetted membership statistics based on a large numerical simulation of the Solar Neighborhood. Given spatial and kinematic information on stars, LACEwING calculates membership probabilities in 13 NYMGs and three open clusters within 100 pc. In addition to describing the inputs, methods, and products of the code, we provide comparisons ofmore » LACEwING to other popular kinematic moving group membership identification codes. As a proof of concept, we use LACEwING to reconsider the membership of 930 stellar systems in the Solar Neighborhood (within 100 pc) that have reported measurable lithium equivalent widths. We quantify the evidence in support of a population of young stars not attached to any NYMGs, which is a possible sign of new as-yet-undiscovered groups or of a field population of young stars.« less

  9. VeryVote: A Voter Verifiable Code Voting System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Joaquim, Rui; Ribeiro, Carlos; Ferreira, Paulo

    Code voting is a technique used to address the secure platform problem of remote voting. A code voting system consists in secretly sending, e.g. by mail, code sheets to voters that map their choices to entry codes in their ballot. While voting, the voter uses the code sheet to know what code to enter in order to vote for a particular candidate. In effect, the voter does the vote encryption and, since no malicious software on the PC has access to the code sheet it is not able to change the voter’s intention. However, without compromising the voter’s privacy, the vote codes are not enough to prove that the vote is recorded and counted as cast by the election server.

  10. a Linux PC Cluster for Lattice QCD with Exact Chiral Symmetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chiu, Ting-Wai; Hsieh, Tung-Han; Huang, Chao-Hsi; Huang, Tsung-Ren

    A computational system for lattice QCD with overlap Dirac quarks is described. The platform is a home-made Linux PC cluster, built with off-the-shelf components. At present the system constitutes of 64 nodes, with each node consisting of one Pentium 4 processor (1.6/2.0/2.5 GHz), one Gbyte of PC800/1066 RDRAM, one 40/80/120 Gbyte hard disk, and a network card. The computationally intensive parts of our program are written in SSE2 codes. The speed of our system is estimated to be 70 Gflops, and its price/performance ratio is better than $1.0/Mflops for 64-bit (double precision) computations in quenched QCD. We discuss how to optimize its hardware and software for computing propagators of overlap Dirac quarks.

  11. A PC-based telemetry system for acquiring and reducing data from multiple PCM streams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Simms, D. A.; Butterfield, C. P.

    1991-07-01

    The Solar Energy Research Institute's (SERI) Wind Research Program is using Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) Telemetry Data-Acquisition Systems to study horizontal-axis wind turbines. Many PCM systems are combined for use in test installations that require accurate measurements from a variety of different locations. SERI has found them ideal for data-acquisition from multiple wind turbines and meteorological towers in wind parks. A major problem has been in providing the capability to quickly combine and examine incoming data from multiple PCM sources in the field. To solve this problem, SERI has developed a low-cost PC-based PCM Telemetry Data-Reduction System (PC-PCM System) to facilitate quick, in-the-field multiple-channel data analysis. The PC-PCM System consists of two basic components. First, PC-compatible hardware boards are used to decode and combine multiple PCM data streams. Up to four hardware boards can be installed in a single PC, which provides the capability to combine data from four PCM streams directly to PC disk or memory. Each stream can have up to 62 data channels. Second, a software package written for use under DOS was developed to simplify data-acquisition control and management. The software, called the Quick-Look Data Management Program, provides a quick, easy-to-use interface between the PC and multiple PCM data streams. The Quick-Look Data Management Program is a comprehensive menu-driven package used to organize, acquire, process, and display information from incoming PCM data streams. The paper describes both hardware and software aspects of the SERI PC-PCM system, concentrating on features that make it useful in an experiment test environment to quickly examine and verify incoming data from multiple PCM streams. Also discussed are problems and techniques associated with PC-based telemetry data-acquisition, processing, and real-time display.

  12. Dianionic Titanyl and Vanadyl (Cation+ )2 [MIV O(Pc4- )]2- Phthalocyanine Salts Containing Pc4- Macrocycles.

    PubMed

    Konarev, Dmitri V; Kuzmin, Alexey V; Khasanov, Salavat S; Litvinov, Alexey L; Otsuka, Akihiro; Yamochi, Hideki; Kitagawa, Hiroshi; Lyubovskaya, Rimma N

    2018-06-18

    In this study, the titanyl and vanadyl phthalocyanine (Pc) salts (Bu 4 N + ) 2 [M IV O(Pc 4- )] 2- (M=Ti, V) and (Bu 3 MeP + ) 2 [M IV O(Pc 4- )] 2- (M=Ti, V) with [M IV O(Pc 4- )] 2- dianions were synthesized and characterized. Reduction of M IV O(Pc 2- ) carried out with an excess of sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of Bu 4 N + or Bu 3 MeP + is exclusive to the phthalocyanine centers, forming Pc 4- species. During reduction, the metal +4 charge did not change, implying that Pc is an non-innocent ligand. The Pc negative charge increase caused the C-N(pyr) bonds to elongate and the C-N(imine) bonds to alternate, thus increasing the distortion of Pc. Jahn-Teller effects are significant in the [eg(π*)] 2 dianion ground state and can additionally distort the Pc macrocycles. Blueshifts of the Soret and Q-bands were observed in the UV/Vis/NIR when M IV O(Pc 2- ) was reduced to [M IV O(Pc . 3- )] . - and [M IV O(Pc 4- )] 2- . From magnetic measurements, [Ti IV O(Pc 4- )] 2- was found to be diamagnetic and (Bu 4 N + ) 2 [V IV O(Pc 4- )] 2- and (Bu 3 MeP + ) 2 [V IV O(Pc 4- )] 2- were found to have magnetic moments of 1.72-1.78 μ B corresponding to an S=1/2 spin state owing to V IV electron spin. As a result, two latter salts show EPR signals with V IV hyperfine coupling. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. NASA PC software evaluation project

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Kuan, Julie C.

    1986-01-01

    The USL NASA PC software evaluation project is intended to provide a structured framework for facilitating the development of quality NASA PC software products. The project will assist NASA PC development staff to understand the characteristics and functions of NASA PC software products. Based on the results of the project teams' evaluations and recommendations, users can judge the reliability, usability, acceptability, maintainability and customizability of all the PC software products. The objective here is to provide initial, high-level specifications and guidelines for NASA PC software evaluation. The primary tasks to be addressed in this project are as follows: to gain a strong understanding of what software evaluation entails and how to organize a structured software evaluation process; to define a structured methodology for conducting the software evaluation process; to develop a set of PC software evaluation criteria and evaluation rating scales; and to conduct PC software evaluations in accordance with the identified methodology. Communication Packages, Network System Software, Graphics Support Software, Environment Management Software, General Utilities. This report represents one of the 72 attachment reports to the University of Southwestern Louisiana's Final Report on NASA Grant NGT-19-010-900. Accordingly, appropriate care should be taken in using this report out of context of the full Final Report.

  14. COMPPAP - COMPOSITE PLATE BUCKLING ANALYSIS PROGRAM (IBM PC VERSION)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, J. P.

    1994-01-01

    The Composite Plate Buckling Analysis Program (COMPPAP) was written to help engineers determine buckling loads of orthotropic (or isotropic) irregularly shaped plates without requiring hand calculations from design curves or extensive finite element modeling. COMPPAP is a one element finite element program that utilizes high-order displacement functions. The high order of the displacement functions enables the user to produce results more accurate than traditional h-finite elements. This program uses these high-order displacement functions to perform a plane stress analysis of a general plate followed by a buckling calculation based on the stresses found in the plane stress solution. The current version assumes a flat plate (constant thickness) subject to a constant edge load (normal or shear) on one or more edges. COMPPAP uses the power method to find the eigenvalues of the buckling problem. The power method provides an efficient solution when only one eigenvalue is desired. Once the eigenvalue is found, the eigenvector, which corresponds to the plate buckling mode shape, results as a by-product. A positive feature of the power method is that the dominant eigenvalue is the first found, which is this case is the plate buckling load. The reported eigenvalue expresses a load factor to induce plate buckling. COMPPAP is written in ANSI FORTRAN 77. Two machine versions are available from COSMIC: a PC version (MSC-22428), which is for IBM PC 386 series and higher computers and compatibles running MS-DOS; and a UNIX version (MSC-22286). The distribution medium for both machine versions includes source code for both single and double precision versions of COMPPAP. The PC version includes source code which has been optimized for implementation within DOS memory constraints as well as sample executables for both the single and double precision versions of COMPPAP. The double precision versions of COMPPAP have been successfully implemented on an IBM PC 386 compatible running

  15. Peak Pc Prediction in Conjunction Analysis: Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis. Pc Behavior Prediction Models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vallejo, J.J.; Hejduk, M.D.; Stamey, J. D.

    2015-01-01

    Satellite conjunction risk typically evaluated through the probability of collision (Pc). Considers both conjunction geometry and uncertainties in both state estimates. Conjunction events initially discovered through Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) screenings, usually seven days before Time of Closest Approach (TCA). However, JSpOC continues to track objects and issue conjunction updates. Changes in state estimate and reduced propagation time cause Pc to change as event develops. These changes a combination of potentially predictable development and unpredictable changes in state estimate covariance. Operationally useful datum: the peak Pc. If it can reasonably be inferred that the peak Pc value has passed, then risk assessment can be conducted against this peak value. If this value is below remediation level, then event intensity can be relaxed. Can the peak Pc location be reasonably predicted?

  16. Fast detection of covert visuospatial attention using hybrid N2pc and SSVEP features

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Minpeng; Wang, Yijun; Nakanishi, Masaki; Wang, Yu-Te; Qi, Hongzhi; Jung, Tzyy-Ping; Ming, Dong

    2016-12-01

    Objective. Detecting the shift of covert visuospatial attention (CVSA) is vital for gaze-independent brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which might be the only communication approach for severely disabled patients who cannot move their eyes. Although previous studies had demonstrated that it is feasible to use CVSA-related electroencephalography (EEG) features to control a BCI system, the communication speed remains very low. This study aims to improve the speed and accuracy of CVSA detection by fusing EEG features of N2pc and steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP). Approach. A new paradigm was designed to code the left and right CVSA with the N2pc and SSVEP features, which were then decoded by a classification strategy based on canonical correlation analysis. Eleven subjects were recruited to perform an offline experiment in this study. Temporal waves, amplitudes, and topographies for brain responses related to N2pc and SSVEP were analyzed. The classification accuracy derived from the hybrid EEG features (SSVEP and N2pc) was compared with those using the single EEG features (SSVEP or N2pc). Main results. The N2pc could be significantly enhanced under certain conditions of SSVEP modulations. The hybrid EEG features achieved significantly higher accuracy than the single features. It obtained an average accuracy of 72.9% by using a data length of 400 ms after the attention shift. Moreover, the average accuracy reached ˜80% (peak values above 90%) when using 2 s long data. Significance. The results indicate that the combination of N2pc and SSVEP is effective for fast detection of CVSA. The proposed method could be a promising approach for implementing a gaze-independent BCI.

  17. PC-SPES (PDQ®)—Patient Version

    Cancer.gov

    PC-SPES is a dietary supplement promoted for prostate health that is no longer on the market. It was found that PC-SPES was contaminated with prescription medicines. PC-SPES is not legally available in the United States. Learn more about PC-SPES in this expert-reviewed summary.

  18. Next-Generation Sequencing of Protein-Coding and Long Non-protein-Coding RNAs in Two Types of Exosomes Derived from Human Whole Saliva.

    PubMed

    Ogawa, Yuko; Tsujimoto, Masafumi; Yanoshita, Ryohei

    2016-01-01

    Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles containing microRNAs and mRNAs that are produced by various types of cells. We previously used ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography to isolate two types of human salivary exosomes (exosomes I, II) that are different in size and proteomes. We showed that salivary exosomes contain large repertoires of small RNAs. However, precise information regarding long RNAs in salivary exosomes has not been fully determined. In this study, we investigated the compositions of protein-coding RNAs (pcRNAs) and long non-protein-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) of exosome I, exosome II and whole saliva (WS) by next-generation sequencing technology. Although 11% of all RNAs were commonly detected among the three samples, the compositions of reads mapping to known RNAs were similar. The most abundant pcRNA is ribosomal RNA protein, and pcRNAs of some salivary proteins such as S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (protein S100-A8) were present in salivary exosomes. Interestingly, lncRNAs of pseudogenes (presumably, processed pseudogenes) were abundant in exosome I, exosome II and WS. Translationally controlled tumor protein gene, which plays an important role in cell proliferation, cell death and immune responses, was highly expressed as pcRNA and pseudogenes in salivary exosomes. Our results show that salivary exosomes contain various types of RNAs such as pseudogenes and small RNAs, and may mediate intercellular communication by transferring these RNAs to target cells as gene expression regulators.

  19. PcToll2 positively regulates the expression of antimicrobial peptides by promoting PcATF4 translocation into the nucleus.

    PubMed

    Lan, Jiang-Feng; Zhao, Li-Juan; Wei, Shun; Wang, Yuan; Lin, Li; Li, Xin-Cang

    2016-11-01

    Drosophila Toll and mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved immune receptors that play a crucial role in the first-line defense against intruded pathogens. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a member of the ATF/CREB transcription factor family, is an important factor that participates in TLR signaling and other physiological processes. However, in crustaceans, whether ATF4 homologs were involved in TLR signaling remains unclear. In the current study, we identified a Toll homolog PcToll2 and a novel ATF4 homolog PcATF4 from Procambarus clarkii, and analyzed the likely regulatory activity of PcATF4 in PcToll2 signaling. The complete cDNA sequence of PcToll2 was 4175 bp long containing an open reading frame of 2820 bp encoding a 939-amino acid protein, and the cDNA sequence of PcATF4 was 2027 bp long with an open reading frame of 1296 bp encoding a 431-amino acid protein. PcToll2 and human TLR4 shared the high identity and they were grouped into a cluster. Furthermore, PcToll2 had a close relationship with other shrimp TLRs that possessed potential antibacterial activity. PcToll2 was highly expressed in the hemocytes, heart and gills, while PcATF4 mainly distributed in gills. Upon challenge with Vibrio parahemolyticus, PcToll2 and PcATF4 together with the antimicrobial peptides of ALF1 and ALF2 were significantly up-regulated in the hemocytes, and the PcATF4 was translocated into the nucleus. After PcToll2 silencing and challenge with Vibrio, the translocation of PcATF4 into the nucleus was inhibited and the expression of ALF1 and ALF2 was reduced, but the expression of PcDorsal and PcSTAT was not affected. Furthermore, after PcATF4 knockdown and challenge with or without Vibrio, the expression of ALF1 and ALF2 was also decreased while the expression of PcToll2 was upregulated. These results suggested that PcToll2 might regulate the expression of ALF1 and ALF2 by promoting the import of PcATF4, instead of the routine

  20. Loss of ring current O(+) ions due to interaction with Pc 5 waves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xinlin; Hudson, Mary; Chan, Anthony; Roth, Ilan

    1993-01-01

    A test particle code is used here to investigate ring current ion interaction with Pc 5 waves, combined with convection and corotation electric fields, with emphasis on the loss of O(+) ions over the dayside magnetosphere. A new loss mechanism for the O(+) ions due to the combined effects of convection and corotation electric fields and interactions with Pc 5 waves via a magnetic drift-bound resonance is presented. For given fields, whether a particle gains or losses energy depends on its initial kinetic energy, pitch angle at the equatorial plane, and the position of its guiding center with respect to the azimuthal phase of the wave. The ring current O(+) ions show a dispersion in energies and L values with decreasing local time across the dayside, and a bulk shift to lower energies and higher L values. Due to interaction with the Pc 5 waves, the particle's kinetic energy can drop below that required to overcome the convection potential and the particle is lost to the dayside magnetopause by a sunward E x B drift.

  1. FOURTH SEMINAR TO THE MEMORY OF D.N. KLYSHKO: Algebraic solution of the synthesis problem for coded sequences

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leukhin, Anatolii N.

    2005-08-01

    The algebraic solution of a 'complex' problem of synthesis of phase-coded (PC) sequences with the zero level of side lobes of the cyclic autocorrelation function (ACF) is proposed. It is shown that the solution of the synthesis problem is connected with the existence of difference sets for a given code dimension. The problem of estimating the number of possible code combinations for a given code dimension is solved. It is pointed out that the problem of synthesis of PC sequences is related to the fundamental problems of discrete mathematics and, first of all, to a number of combinatorial problems, which can be solved, as the number factorisation problem, by algebraic methods by using the theory of Galois fields and groups.

  2. A finite element code for electric motor design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Campbell, C. Warren

    1994-01-01

    FEMOT is a finite element program for solving the nonlinear magnetostatic problem. This version uses nonlinear, Newton first order elements. The code can be used for electric motor design and analysis. FEMOT can be embedded within an optimization code that will vary nodal coordinates to optimize the motor design. The output from FEMOT can be used to determine motor back EMF, torque, cogging, and magnet saturation. It will run on a PC and will be available to anyone who wants to use it.

  3. Interfacial interaction between methyl parathion-degrading bacteria and minerals is important in biodegradation.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Gang; Huang, Qiaoyun; Rong, Xingmin; Cai, Peng; Liang, Wei; Dai, Ke

    2014-02-01

    In the present study, the influence of kaolinite and goethite on microbial degradation of methyl parathion was investigated. We observed that the biodegradation process was improved by kaolinite and depressed by goethite. Calorimetric data further showed that the metabolic activities of degrading cells (Pseudomonas putida) were enhanced by the presence of kaolinite and depressed by the presence of goethite. A semipermeable membrane experiment was performed and results supported the above observations: the promotive effect of kaolinite and the inhibition of goethite for microbial degradation was not found when the bacteria was enclosed by semipermeable membrane and had no direct contact with these minerals, suggesting the important function of the contact of cellular surfaces with mineral particles. The relative larger particles of kaolinite were loosely attached to the bacteria. This attachment made the cells easy to use the sorbed substrate and then stimulated biodegradation. For goethite, small particles were tightly bound to bacterial cells and limited the acquisition of substrate and nutrients, thereby inhibiting biodegradation. These results indicated that interfacial interaction between bacterial cells and minerals significantly affected the biodegradation of pesticides.

  4. PC-SPES (PDQ®)—Health Professional Version

    Cancer.gov

    PC-SPES has undergone considerable research looking at the anticancer properties, but results are inconclusive due contamination of PC-SPES. PC-SPES is not legally available in the United States. Get detailed information about PC-SPES in this clinician summary.

  5. [Study on fluorescence labeling and determination of polypeptide (PC2~PC6) by high performance liquid chromatography].

    PubMed

    Li, Jing-xi; Gao, Li-jie; Cao, Wei; Zheng, Li; Chen, Jun-hui; Xu, Xiu-li; Wang, Xiao-ru

    2014-12-01

    This study was based on the thiol groups (-SH) of PC2~PC6, which could be reacted with the Monobromobimane (mBBr), in order to get polypeptide derivatives with fluorescent signal. A new method was developed for measuring the Polypeptides by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector, then the chromatographic conditions of HPLC was optimized; meawhile the reaction proportion of PCs and mBBr was identified by Trap-MS. The results showed that, the reaction proportion of PCs and mBBr was 1:1, the polypeptide derivatives had good stability; the five compounds separation was better, and the peak time focused on the 16.6~22.0 min; the linear correlation coefficient of PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5 and PC6 was >0.9991, and the limits of quantification were 0.3, 0.05, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 mg · L(-1) respectively, the recovery rate was 83.0%-102.0%; the method was reproducible, RSD<2%, this method for measuring the peptide compounds was rapid and accurate.

  6. Molecular layers of ZnPc and FePc on Au(111) surface: Charge transfer and chemical interaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmadi, Sareh; Shariati, M. Nina; Yu, Shun; Göthelid, Mats

    2012-08-01

    We have studied zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and iron phthalocyanine (FePc) thick films and monolayers on Au(111) using photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Both molecules are adsorbed flat on the surface at monolayer. ZnPc keeps this orientation in all investigated coverages, whereas FePc molecules stand up in the thick film. The stronger inter-molecular interaction of FePc molecules leads to change of orientation, as well as higher conductivity in FePc layer in comparison with ZnPc, which is reflected in thickness-dependent differences in core-level shifts. Work function changes indicate that both molecules donate charge to Au; through the π-system. However, the Fe3d derived lowest unoccupied molecular orbital receives charge from the substrate when forming an interface state at the Fermi level. Thus, the central atom plays an important role in mediating the charge, but the charge transfer as a whole is a balance between the two different charge transfer channels; π-system and the central atom.

  7. Methyl parathion detection in vegetables and fruits using silver@graphene nanoribbons nanocomposite modified screen printed electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Govindasamy, Mani; Mani, Veerappan; Chen, Shen-Ming; Chen, Tse-Wei; Sundramoorthy, Ashok Kumar

    2017-04-01

    We have developed a sensitive electrochemical sensor for Organophosphorus pesticide methyl parathion (MP) using silver particles supported graphene nanoribbons (Ag@GNRs). The Ag@GNRs nanocomposite was prepared through facile wet chemical strategy and characterized by TEM, EDX, XRD, Raman, UV-visible, electrochemical and impedance spectroscopies. The Ag@GNRs film modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) delivers excellent electrocatalytic ability to the reduction of MP. The Ag@GNRs/SPCE detects sub-nanomolar concentrations of MP with excellent selectivity. The synergic effects between special electrocatalytic ability of Ag and excellent physicochemical properties of GNRs (large surface area, high conductivity, high area-normalized edge-plane structures and abundant catalytic sites) make the composite highly suitable for MP sensing. Most importantly, the method is successfully demonstrated in vegetables and fruits which revealed its potential real-time applicability in food analysis.

  8. Long non-coding RNA GAS5 aggravates hypoxia injury in PC-12 cells via down-regulating miR-124.

    PubMed

    Hu, Xiaoli; Liu, Juan; Zhao, Gang; Zheng, Jiaping; Qin, Xia

    2018-05-08

    One important feature of cerebral ischemia is hypoxia injury in nerve cells. Growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) is widely reported as a tumor suppressor gene; however, the investigations about its role in cerebrovascular disease are relatively rare. This study was aimed to explore the impact of GAS5 on hypoxia response in nervous cells. PC-12 cells were incubated under anoxic condition to induce hypoxia injury. Regulatory effects of GAS5 on miR-124 and miR-124 on ICAM-1 expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and/or Western blot. Targeting effect of miR-124 on ICAM-1 3'-untranslated regions (UTR) was evaluated through dual luciferase activity assay. The potential regulatory mechanism on hypoxia injury in PC-12 cells was assessed by detecting key elements of NF-κB and Notch signaling pathways using Western blot. GAS5 ectopic expression accentuated hypoxia injury in PC-12 cells. miR-124 expression was negatively regulated by GAS5 expression. Cells with overexpressions of GAS5 and miR-124 alleviated hypoxia injury as in compassion with cells only with GAS5 overexpression. ICAM-1 expression was negatively regulated by miR-124 expression. ICAM-1 was a functional target of miR-124. ICAM-1 overexpression aggravated hypoxia injury, but inversely, ICAM-1 silence diminished hypoxia damage. Besides, ICAM-1 expression was negatively related with activation of NF-κB and Notch pathways. GAS5-miR-124-ICAM-1 axis could regulate hypoxia injury in PC-12 cells. GAS5 might aggravate hypoxia injury via down-regulating miR-124, then up-regulating ICAM-1, and further enhancing activations of NF-κB and Notch pathways. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. IBM PC/IX operating system evaluation plan

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Granier, Martin; Hall, Philip P.; Triantafyllopoulos, Spiros

    1984-01-01

    An evaluation plan for the IBM PC/IX Operating System designed for IBM PC/XT computers is discussed. The evaluation plan covers the areas of performance measurement and evaluation, software facilities available, man-machine interface considerations, networking, and the suitability of PC/IX as a development environment within the University of Southwestern Louisiana NASA PC Research and Development project. In order to compare and evaluate the PC/IX system, comparisons with other available UNIX-based systems are also included.

  10. Burkholderia jiangsuensis sp. nov., a methyl parathion degrading bacterium, isolated from methyl parathion contaminated soil.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xu-Yun; Li, Chun-Xiu; Luo, Xiao-Jing; Lai, Qi-Liang; Xu, Jian-He

    2014-09-01

    A methyl parathion (MP) degrading bacterial strain, designated MP-1(T), was isolated from a waste land where pesticides were formerly manufactured in Jiangsu province, China. Polyphasic taxonomic studies showed that MP-1(T) is a Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and motile bacterium. The bacterium could grow at salinities of 0-1 % (w/v) and temperatures of 15-40 °C. Strain MP-1(T) could reduce nitrate to nitrite, utilize d-glucose and l-arabinose, but not produce indole, or hydrolyse gelatin. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that MP-1(T) belongs to the genus Burkholderia, showing highest sequence similarity to Burkholderia grimmiae DSM 25160(T) (98.5 %), and similar strains including Burkholderia zhejiangensis OP-1(T) (98.2 %), Burkholderia choica LMG 22940(T) (97.5 %), Burkholderia glathei DSM 50014(T) (97.4 %), Burkholderia terrestris LMG 22937(T) (97.2 %) and Burkholderia telluris LMG 22936(T) (97.0 %). In addition, the gyrB and recA gene segments of strain MP-1(T) exhibited less than 89.0 % and 95.1 % similarities with the most highly-related type strains indicated above. The G+C content of strain MP-1(T) was 62.6 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. The predominant polar lipids comprised phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl glycerol, aminolipid and phospholipid. The principal fatty acids in strain MP-1(T) were C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c (23.3 %), C16 : 0 (16.8 %), cyclo-C17 : 0 (15.0 %), C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6 (8.5 %), cyclo-C19 : 0ω8c (8.1 %), C16 : 1 iso I/C14 : 0 3-OH (5.7 %), C16 : 0 3-OH (5.6 %) and C16 : 02-OH (5.1 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain MP-1(T) and the three type strains (B. grimmiae DSM 25160(T), B. zhejiangensis OP-1(T) and B. glathei DSM 50014(T)) ranged from 24.6 % to 37.4 %. In accordance with phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain MP-1(T) represents a novel

  11. Calculation of Weibull strength parameters, Batdorf flaw density constants and related statistical quantities using PC-CARES

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Szatmary, Steven A.; Gyekenyesi, John P.; Nemeth, Noel N.

    1990-01-01

    This manual describes the operation and theory of the PC-CARES (Personal Computer-Ceramic Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures) computer program for the IBM PC and compatibles running PC-DOS/MS-DOR OR IBM/MS-OS/2 (version 1.1 or higher) operating systems. The primary purpose of this code is to estimate Weibull material strength parameters, the Batdorf crack density coefficient, and other related statistical quantities. Included in the manual is the description of the calculation of shape and scale parameters of the two-parameter Weibull distribution using the least-squares analysis and maximum likelihood methods for volume- and surface-flaw-induced fracture in ceramics with complete and censored samples. The methods for detecting outliers and for calculating the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit statistics and 90 percent confidence bands about the Weibull line, as well as the techniques for calculating the Batdorf flaw-density constants are also described.

  12. Dynamic Forces in Spur Gears - Measurement, Prediction, and Code Validation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oswald, Fred B.; Townsend, Dennis P.; Rebbechi, Brian; Lin, Hsiang Hsi

    1996-01-01

    Measured and computed values for dynamic loads in spur gears were compared to validate a new version of the NASA gear dynamics code DANST-PC. Strain gage data from six gear sets with different tooth profiles were processed to determine the dynamic forces acting between the gear teeth. Results demonstrate that the analysis code successfully simulates the dynamic behavior of the gears. Differences between analysis and experiment were less than 10 percent under most conditions.

  13. Error threshold for color codes and random three-body Ising models.

    PubMed

    Katzgraber, Helmut G; Bombin, H; Martin-Delgado, M A

    2009-08-28

    We study the error threshold of color codes, a class of topological quantum codes that allow a direct implementation of quantum Clifford gates suitable for entanglement distillation, teleportation, and fault-tolerant quantum computation. We map the error-correction process onto a statistical mechanical random three-body Ising model and study its phase diagram via Monte Carlo simulations. The obtained error threshold of p(c) = 0.109(2) is very close to that of Kitaev's toric code, showing that enhanced computational capabilities do not necessarily imply lower resistance to noise.

  14. The Redox-Active Chromium Phthalocyanine System: Isolation of Five Oxidation States from Pc4- CrI to Pc2- CrIII.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Wen; Thompson, John R; Leznoff, Clifford C; Leznoff, Daniel B

    2017-02-16

    The preparation and structural characterization of a series of chromium phthalocyanine complexes with multiple metal and ring oxidation states were achieved using PcCr II (1) (Pc=phthalocyanine) or PcCr II (THF) 2 (1⋅THF 2 ) as starting materials. The reaction of soluble 1⋅THF 2 with Br 2 or I 2 gave the PcCr III halide complexes PcCrX(THF) (X=I/I 3 , Br; 3, 4, respectively). Treatment of 1 with 0.5 equivalent of PhIO or air generated the dinuclear [PcCr(THF)] 2 (μ-O) (5), whereas the addition of one equivalent of AgSbF 6 to 1 resulted in oxidation to THF-solvated octahedral [PcCr III (THF) 2 ]SbF 6 (6). The reduction of 1 with three sequential equivalents of KEt 3 BH resulted in the isolation of [K(DME) 4 ][Pc 3- Cr II ] (7), [K(DME) 4 ] 2 [Pc 4- Cr II ] (8) and [K 6 (DME) 4 ][Pc 4- Cr I ] 2 (9), respectively. The reduced products are deep purple in colour, with visible absorption maxima between 500-580 nm. The ring-reduced complexes 7 and 8 are monomeric, whereas 9 is a 1D chain of dinuclear [PcCr] 2 units with intercalated K + cations and supported by Cr-Cr interactions of 2.988(2) Å. Addition of four equivalents of KC 8 resulted in the demetallated product PcK 2 (DME) 4 (10), which has a 1D chain structure. The isolation and structural characterization of new PcCr complexes spanning five oxidation states, including rare examples of crystalline reduced Pc-ring species emphasizes the broad redox activity and stability of phthalocyanine-based complexes. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Distributed polar-coded OFDM based on Plotkin's construction for half duplex wireless communication

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Umar, Rahim; Yang, Fengfan; Mughal, Shoaib; Xu, HongJun

    2018-07-01

    A Plotkin-based polar-coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (P-PC-OFDM) scheme is proposed and its bit error rate (BER) performance over additive white gaussian noise (AWGN), frequency selective Rayleigh, Rician and Nakagami-m fading channels has been evaluated. The considered Plotkin's construction possesses a parallel split in its structure, which motivated us to extend the proposed P-PC-OFDM scheme in a coded cooperative scenario. As the relay's effective collaboration has always been pivotal in the design of cooperative communication therefore, an efficient selection criterion for choosing the information bits has been inculcated at the relay node. To assess the BER performance of the proposed cooperative scheme, we have also upgraded conventional polar-coded cooperative scheme in the context of OFDM as an appropriate bench marker. The Monte Carlo simulated results revealed that the proposed Plotkin-based polar-coded cooperative OFDM scheme convincingly outperforms the conventional polar-coded cooperative OFDM scheme by 0.5 0.6 dBs over AWGN channel. This prominent gain in BER performance is made possible due to the bit-selection criteria and the joint successive cancellation decoding adopted at the relay and the destination nodes, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed coded cooperative schemes outperform their corresponding non-cooperative schemes by a gain of 1 dB under an identical condition.

  16. Halloysite nanotubes-titanium dioxide as a solid-phase microextraction coating combined with negative corona discharge-ion mobility spectrometry for the determination of parathion.

    PubMed

    Saraji, Mohammad; Jafari, Mohammad Taghi; Mossaddegh, Mehdi

    2016-07-05

    Halloysite nanotubes-titanium dioxide (HNTs-TiO2) as a biocompatible environmentally friendly solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber coating was prepared. HNTs-TiO2 was chemically coated on the surface of a fused-silica fiber using a sol-gel process. Parathion as an organophosphorus pesticide was selected as a model compound to investigate the extraction efficiency of the fiber. The extracted analyte was detected by negative corona discharge-ion mobility spectrometer (NCD-IMS). The effective parameters on the extraction efficiency, such as salt effect, extraction temperature and extraction time were investigated and optimized. The extraction efficiency of HNTs-TiO2 fiber was compared with bare-silica (sol-gel based coating without HNTs-TiO2), HNTs, carbon nanotubes and commercial SPME fibers (PA, PDMS, and PDMS-DVB). The HNTs-TiO2 fiber showed highest extraction efficiency among the studied fibers. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were found to be 4.3 and 6.3%, respectively. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.03 and 0.1 μg L(-1), respectively. The dynamic range of the method was in the range of 0.1-25 μg L(-1). The spiking recoveries were between 85 (±9) and 97 (±6). The SPME-HNTs-TiO2 combined with NCD-IMS was successfully applied for the determination of parathion in apple, strawberry, celery and water samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Screening for Developmental Neurotoxicity Using PC12 Cells: Comparisons of Organophosphates with a Carbamate, an Organochlorine, and Divalent Nickel

    PubMed Central

    Slotkin, Theodore A.; MacKillop, Emiko A.; Ryde, Ian T.; Tate, Charlotte A.; Seidler, Frederic J.

    2007-01-01

    Background In light of the large number of chemicals that are potential developmental neurotoxicants, there is a need to develop rapid screening techniques. Objectives We exposed undifferentiated and differentiating neuronotypic PC12 cells to different organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, parathion), a carbamate (physostigmine), an organochlorine (dieldrin), and a metal (divalent nickel; Ni2+) and examined indices of cell replication and differentiation for both short- and long-term exposures. Results In undifferentiated cells, all the agents inhibited DNA synthesis, with the greatest effect for diazinon, but physostigmine eventually produced the largest deficits in the total number of cells after prolonged exposure. The onset of differentiation intensified the adverse effects on DNA synthesis and changed the rank order in keeping with a shift away from noncholinergic mechanisms and toward cholinergic mechanisms. Differentiation also worsened the effects of each agent on cell number after prolonged exposure, whereas cell growth was not suppressed, nor were there any effects on viability as assessed with trypan blue. Nevertheless, differentiating cells displayed signs of oxidative stress from all of the test compounds except Ni2+, as evidenced by measurements of lipid peroxidation. Finally, all of the toxicants shifted the transmitter fate of the cells away from the cholinergic phenotype and toward the catecholaminergic phenotype. Conclusions These studies point out the feasibility of developing cell-based screening methods that enable the detection of multiple end points that may relate to mechanisms associated with developmental neurotoxicity, revealing some common targets for disparate agents. PMID:17366826

  18. Los Alamos radiation transport code system on desktop computing platforms

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

    Briesmeister, J.F.; Brinkley, F.W.; Clark, B.A.

    The Los Alamos Radiation Transport Code System (LARTCS) consists of state-of-the-art Monte Carlo and discrete ordinates transport codes and data libraries. These codes were originally developed many years ago and have undergone continual improvement. With a large initial effort and continued vigilance, the codes are easily portable from one type of hardware to another. The performance of scientific work-stations (SWS) has evolved to the point that such platforms can be used routinely to perform sophisticated radiation transport calculations. As the personal computer (PC) performance approaches that of the SWS, the hardware options for desk-top radiation transport calculations expands considerably. Themore » current status of the radiation transport codes within the LARTCS is described: MCNP, SABRINA, LAHET, ONEDANT, TWODANT, TWOHEX, and ONELD. Specifically, the authors discuss hardware systems on which the codes run and present code performance comparisons for various machines.« less

  19. Epitaxial growth and electronic properties of well ordered phthalocyanine heterojunctions MnPc/F{sub 16}CoPc

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

    Lindner, Susi; Mahns, Benjamin; Treske, Uwe

    2014-09-07

    We have prepared phthalocyanine heterojunctions out of MnPc and F{sub 16}CoPc, which were studied by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. This heterojunction is characterized by a charge transfer at the interface, resulting in charged MnPc{sup δ} {sup +} and F{sub 16}CoPc{sup δ} {sup −} species. Our data reveal that the molecules are well ordered and oriented parallel to the substrate surface. Furthermore, we demonstrate the filling of the Co 3d{sub z{sup 2}} orbital due to the charge transfer, which supports the explanation of the density functional theory, that the charge transfer is local and affects the metal centers only.

  20. Hydrolysis mechanism of methyl parathion evidenced by Q-Exactive mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yuan; Zhang, Caixiang; Liao, Xiaoping; Luo, Yinwen; Wu, Sisi; Wang, Jianwei

    2015-12-01

    Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), a kind of widely used pesticides, are currently attracting great attention due to their adverse effects on human central nervous systems, particularly in children. Although the hydrolysis behavior of OPPs has been studied well, its hydrolysis mechanism remained controversial, especially at various pH conditions, partly due to their relatively complex structures and abundant moieties that were prone to be attacked by nucleophiles. The Q-Exactive mass spectrometer, part of those hybrid high-resolution mass spectrometers (HRMS), was used to determine hydrolysis products of methyl parathion (MP), a kind of OPPs in situ buffer aqueous solution with pH ranging from 1 to 13 in this study. Most of the complex hydrolysis products of MP were identified due to the high sensitivity and accuracy of HRMS. The results demonstrated that the hydrolysis rate and pathway of MP were strong pH dependent. With the increase of pH, the hydrolysis rate of MP increased, and two different reaction mechanisms were identified: SN (2)@P pathway dominated the hydrolysis process at high pH (e.g., pH ≥ 11) while SN (2)@C was the main behavior at low pH (e.g., pH ≤ 9). This study helps understand the hydrolysis mechanism of OPPs at various pH and extends the use of Q-Exactive mass spectrometry in identifying organic pollutants and their degradation products in environmental matrices.

  1. Stimulation at Desert Peak -modeling with the coupled THM code FEHM

    DOE Data Explorer

    kelkar, sharad

    2013-04-30

    Numerical modeling of the 2011 shear stimulation at the Desert Peak well 27-15. This submission contains the FEHM executable code for a 64-bit PC Windows-7 machine, and the input and output files for the results presented in the included paper from ARMA-213 meeting.

  2. Characterization of the PcCdc42 small G protein from Pneumocystis carinii, which interacts with the PcSte20 life cycle regulatory kinase

    PubMed Central

    Krajicek, Bryan J.; Kottom, Theodore J.; Villegas, Leah

    2010-01-01

    Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) causes severe pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts. The binding of Pc trophic forms to alveolar epithelial cells is a central feature of infection, inducing the expression and activation of PcSte20, a gene participating in mating, proliferation, and pseudohyphal growth. In related fungi, Ste20 proteins are generally activated by immediate upstream small G proteins of the Cdc42-like family. PcCdc42 has not been previously described in Pneumocystis. To address the potential role of such a G protein in Pneumocystis, PcCdc42 was cloned from a Pc cDNA library. Using the full-length 576-bp PcCdc42 cDNA sequence, a CHEF blot of genomic DNA yielded a single band, providing evidence that this gene is present as a single copy within the genome. The total length of PcCdc42 cDNA was 576 bp with an estimated molecular mass of ∼38 kDa. BLASTP analysis demonstrated greater than 80% homology with other fungal Cdc42p proteins. Northern analysis indicated equal mRNA expression in both cystic and trophic life forms. Heterologous expression of PcCdc42 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) demonstrated that PcCdc42p was able to restore growth in an ScCdc42Δ yeast strain. Additional assays with purified PcCdc42 protein demonstrated GTP binding and intrinsic GTPase activity, which was partially but significantly suppressed by Clostridium difficile toxin B, characteristic of Cdc42 GTPases. Furthermore, PcCdc42 protein was also shown to bind to the downstream PCSte20 kinase partner in the presence (but not the absence) of GTP. These data indicate that Pc possesses a Cdc42 gene expressing an active G protein, which binds the downstream regulatory kinase PcSte20, important in Pc life cycle regulation. PMID:19915161

  3. Fluorescent transgenic zebrafish as a biosensor for growth-related effects of methyl parathion.

    PubMed

    Almeida, Daniela Volcan; Vaz, Bernardo; Azevedo Figueiredo, Márcio; Junior, Antonio Sergio Varela; Marins, Luis Fernando

    2014-07-01

    Transgenic fish models are potential alternative subjects in toxicological studies, since they can provide in vivo information on the deleterious effects of different substances. Here, we used a transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) lineage, which expresses a destabilized fluorescent protein (DsRED) driven by the myosin light chain promoter (Mylz2), in order to propose a new research tool for environmental biomonitoring. For validating the MYO-RED lineage, we exposed fish to the organophosphorated pesticide methyl parathion (MP). The effect of MP on fish growth was assessed by evaluating weight, length, condition factor and muscle fiber diameter. All factors suffered reduction at both tested concentrations (0.13μM and 13μM of MP). Similarly, fluorescence intensity decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting muscle protein catabolism. However, DsRED gene expression lowered only at the higher MP concentration. Results indicate that the MYO-RED transgenic zebrafish is an interesting model for detecting the growth-related effects of pollutants. Destabilized proteins such as reporter genes are apparently sensitive biomarkers, since effects were observed even at the lower, environmentally acceptable concentration. Therefore, this transgenic fish is a promising candidate model for sensitive, fast, and easy environmental monitoring. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Substrate analysis of the Pneumocystis carinii protein kinases PcCbk1 and PcSte20 using yeast proteome microarrays provides a novel method for Pneumocystis signalling biology.

    PubMed

    Kottom, Theodore J; Limper, Andrew H

    2011-10-01

    Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) undergoes morphological transitions between cysts and trophic forms. We have previously described two Pc serine/threonine kinases, termed PcCbk1 and PcSte20, with PcSte20 belonging to a family of kinases involved in yeast mating, while PcCbk1 is a member of a group of protein kinases involved in regulation of cell cycle, shape, and proliferation. As Pc remains genetically intractable, knowledge on specific substrates phosphorylated by these kinases remains limited. Utilizing the phylogenetic relatedness of Pc to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we interrogated a yeast proteome microarray containing >4000 purified protein based peptides, leading to the identification of 18 potential PcCbk1 and 15 PcSte20 substrates (Z-score > 3.0). A number of these potential protein substrates are involved in bud site selection, polarized growth, and response to mating α factor and pseudohyphal and invasive growth. Full-length open reading frames suggested by the PcCbk1 and PcSte20 protoarrays were amplified and expressed. These five proteins were used as substrates for PcCbk1 or PcSte20, with each being highly phosphorylated by the respective kinase. Finally, to demonstrate the utility of this method to identify novel PcCbk1 and PcSte20 substrates, we analysed DNA sequence data from the partially complete Pc genome database and detected partial sequence information of potential PcCbk1 kinase substrates PcPxl1 and PcInt1. We additionally identified the potential PcSte20 kinase substrate PcBdf2. Full-length Pc substrates were cloned and expressed in yeast, and shown to be phosphorylated by the respective Pc kinases. In conclusion, the yeast protein microarray represents a novel crossover technique for identifying unique potential Pc kinase substrates. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. Hydrogen bonds in PC{sub 61}BM solids

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

    Sheng, Chun-Qi; Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology of Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121; Li, Wen-Jie

    2015-09-15

    We have studied the hydrogen bonds in PC{sub 61}BM solids. Inter-molecular interaction is analyzed theoretically for the well-defined monoclinic (P2{sub 1}/n) structure. The results indicate that PC{sub 61}BM combines into C–H⋯O{sub d} bonded molecular chains, where O{sub d} denotes the doubly-bonded O atom of PC{sub 61}BM. The molecular chains are linked together by C–H⋯O{sub s} bonds, where O{sub s} denotes the singly-bonded O atom of PC{sub 61}BM. To reveal the consequences of hydrogen bond formation on the structural properties of PC{sub 61}BM solids (not limited to the monoclinic structure), we design and perform some experiments for annealed samples with themore » monoclinic (P2{sub 1}/n) PC{sub 61}BM as starting material. The experiments include differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and infrared absorption measurements. Structural phase transitions are observed below the melting point. The C–H⋯O{sub d} bonds seem persisting in the altered structures. The inter-molecular hydrogen bonds can help to understand the phase separation in polymer/PC{sub 61}BM blends and may be responsible for the existence of liquid PC{sub 61}BM.« less

  6. Decay behaviors of the Pc hadronic molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Yong-Hui; Shen, Chao-Wei; Guo, Feng-Kun; Zou, Bing-Song

    2017-06-01

    The Pc(4380 ) and Pc(4450 ) states observed recently by the LHCb experiment were proposed to be either D ¯Σc* or D¯*Σc bound states. We analyze the decay behaviors of two such types of hadronic molecules within the effective Lagrangian framework. With branching ratios of ten possible decay channels calculated, it is found that the two types of hadronic molecules have distinguishable decay patterns. While the D ¯Σc* molecule decays dominantly to the D¯*Λc channel with a branching ratio by 2 orders of magnitude larger than to D ¯Λc, the D¯*Σc molecule decays to these two channels with a difference of less than a factor of 2. Our results show that the total decay width of Pc(4380 ) as the spin-parity-3/2- D ¯Σc* molecule is about a factor of 2 larger than the corresponding value for the D¯*Σc molecule. It suggests that the assignment of the D ¯Σc* molecule for Pc(4380 ) is more favorable than the D¯*Σc molecule. In addition, Pc(4450 ) seems to be a D¯*Σc molecule with JP=5/2+ in our scheme. Based on these partial decay widths of the Pc states, we estimate the cross sections for the reactions γ p →J /ψ p and π p →J /ψ p through the s-channel Pc states. The forthcoming γ p experiment at JLAB and the π p experiment at JPARC should be able to pin down the nature of these Pc states.

  7. TRAP/SEE Code Users Manual for Predicting Trapped Radiation Environments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Armstrong, T. W.; Colborn, B. L.

    2000-01-01

    TRAP/SEE is a PC-based computer code with a user-friendly interface which predicts the ionizing radiation exposure of spacecraft having orbits in the Earth's trapped radiation belts. The code incorporates the standard AP8 and AE8 trapped proton and electron models but also allows application of an improved database interpolation method. The code treats low-Earth as well as highly-elliptical Earth orbits, taking into account trajectory perturbations due to gravitational forces from the Moon and Sun, atmospheric drag, and solar radiation pressure. Orbit-average spectra, peak spectra per orbit, and instantaneous spectra at points along the orbit trajectory are calculated. Described in this report are the features, models, model limitations and uncertainties, input and output descriptions, and example calculations and applications for the TRAP/SEE code.

  8. NASA Lewis Steady-State Heat Pipe Code Architecture

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mi, Ye; Tower, Leonard K.

    2013-01-01

    NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has developed the LERCHP code. The PC-based LERCHP code can be used to predict the steady-state performance of heat pipes, including the determination of operating temperature and operating limits which might be encountered under specified conditions. The code contains a vapor flow algorithm which incorporates vapor compressibility and axially varying heat input. For the liquid flow in the wick, Darcy s formula is employed. Thermal boundary conditions and geometric structures can be defined through an interactive input interface. A variety of fluid and material options as well as user defined options can be chosen for the working fluid, wick, and pipe materials. This report documents the current effort at GRC to update the LERCHP code for operating in a Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Corporation) environment. A detailed analysis of the model is presented. The programming architecture for the numerical calculations is explained and flowcharts of the key subroutines are given

  9. METCAN-PC - METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE ANALYZER

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Murthy, P. L.

    1994-01-01

    High temperature metal matrix composites offer great potential for use in advanced aerospace structural applications. The realization of this potential however, requires concurrent developments in (1) a technology base for fabricating high temperature metal matrix composite structural components, (2) experimental techniques for measuring their thermal and mechanical characteristics, and (3) computational methods to predict their behavior. METCAN (METal matrix Composite ANalyzer) is a computer program developed to predict this behavior. METCAN can be used to computationally simulate the non-linear behavior of high temperature metal matrix composites (HT-MMC), thus allowing the potential payoff for the specific application to be assessed. It provides a comprehensive analysis of composite thermal and mechanical performance. METCAN treats material nonlinearity at the constituent (fiber, matrix, and interphase) level, where the behavior of each constituent is modeled accounting for time-temperature-stress dependence. The composite properties are synthesized from the constituent instantaneous properties by making use of composite micromechanics and macromechanics. Factors which affect the behavior of the composite properties include the fabrication process variables, the fiber and matrix properties, the bonding between the fiber and matrix and/or the properties of the interphase between the fiber and matrix. The METCAN simulation is performed as point-wise analysis and produces composite properties which are readily incorporated into a finite element code to perform a global structural analysis. After the global structural analysis is performed, METCAN decomposes the composite properties back into the localized response at the various levels of the simulation. At this point the constituent properties are updated and the next iteration in the analysis is initiated. This cyclic procedure is referred to as the integrated approach to metal matrix composite analysis. METCAN-PC

  10. Realizing broad-bandwidth visible wavelength photodiode based on solution-processed ZnPc/PC71BM dyad

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zafar, Qayyum; Fatima, Noshin; Karimov, Khasan S.; Ahmed, Muhammad M.; Sulaiman, Khaulah

    2017-02-01

    Herein, we demonstrate a solution-processed visible wavelength organic photodiode (OPD) using donor/acceptor dyad of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric-acid methyl ester (PC71BM), respectively. The synergic absorption profiles of both ZnPc and PC71BM moieties have been exploited to realize broader (350 and 800 nm) and consistent absorption spectrum of the photoactive film. The optimum loading ratio (by volume) of D/A dyad has been estimated to be 1:0.8, via quenching phenomenon in ZnPc photoluminescence spectrum. The performance of the OPD has been evaluated by detecting the photocurrent density with respect to varied illumination levels (0-150 mW/cm2) of impinging light at different reverse bias conditions. Under identical reverse bias mode, the photocurrent density has shown significant upsurge as the incident intensity of light is increased; ultimately leading to the significantly higher responsivity (162.4 μA/W) of the fabricated diode. The light to dark current density ratio (Jph/Jd) of the device at 3 V reverse bias has been calculated to be ∼20.12. The transient photocurrent density response of the fabricated OPD has also been characterized at -4 V operational bias under switch ON/OFF illumination. The measured response and recovery time for the fabricated OPD are ∼200 and 300 ms, respectively.

  11. 76 FR 5467 - Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-01

    ... models does not include a Chapter 04 in the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS). For PC-6 models other than B2-H2 and B2- H4, no ALS at all is included in the AMM. With the latest Revision 12 of the... other than B2-H2 and B2-H4, a new ALS document has been implemented as well. These documents include the...

  12. Easy PC Astronomy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duffett-Smith, Peter

    1996-11-01

    Easy PC Astronomy is the perfect book for everyone who wants to make easy and accurate astronomical calculations. The author supplies a simple but powerful script language called AstroScript on a disk, ready to use on any IBM PC-type computer. Equipped with this software, readers can compute complex but interesting astronomical results within minutes: from the time of moonrise or moonset anywhere in the world on any date, to the display of a lunar or solar eclipse on the computer screen--all within a few minutes of opening the book! The Sky Graphics feature of the software displays a detailed image of the sky as seen from any point on earth--at any time in the future or past--showing the constellations, planets, and a host of other features. Readers need no expert knowledge of astronomy, math or programming; the author provides full details of the calculations and formulas, which the reader can absorb or ignore as desired, and a comprehensive glossary of astronomical terms. Easy PC Astronomy is of immediate practical use to beginning and advanced amateur astronomers, students at all levels, science teachers, and research astronomers. Peter Duffett-Smith is at the Cavendish Laboratory of the University of Cambridge and is the author of Astronomy with Your Personal Computer (Cambridge University Press, 1990) and Practical Astronomy with Your Calculator (Cambridge University Press, 1989).

  13. 39 CFR 501.16 - PC postage payment methodology.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... DISTRIBUTE POSTAGE EVIDENCING SYSTEMS § 501.16 PC postage payment methodology. (a) The PC Postage customer is... issues a refund to a customer for any unused postage in a Postage Evidencing System. After verification... Service approval to continue to operate PC Postage systems, the provider must submit to a periodic audit...

  14. Early Clinical Diagnosis of PC1/3 Deficiency in a Patient With a Novel Homozygous PCSK1 Splice-Site Mutation.

    PubMed

    Härter, Bettina; Fuchs, Irene; Müller, Thomas; Akbulut, Ulas Emre; Cakir, Murat; Janecke, Andreas R

    2016-04-01

    Autosomal recessive proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) deficiency, caused by mutations in the PCSK1 gene, is characterized by severe congenital malabsorptive diarrhea, early-onset obesity, and certain endocrine abnormalities. We suspected PC1/3 deficiency in a 4-month-old girl based on the presence of congenital diarrhea and polyuria. Sequencing the whole coding region and splice sites detected a novel homozygous PCSK1 splice-site mutation, c.544-2A>G, in the patient. The mutation resulted in the skipping of exon 5, the generation of a premature termination codon, and nonsense-mediated PCSK1 messenger ribonucleic acid decay, which was demonstrated in complementary DNA derived from fibroblasts.

  15. Electronic transitions and band offsets in C60:SubPc and C60:MgPc on MoO3 studied by modulated surface photovoltage spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fengler, S.; Dittrich, Th.; Rusu, M.

    2015-07-01

    Electronic transitions at interfaces between MoO3 layers and organic layers of C60, SubPc, MgPc, and nano-composite layers of SubPc:C60 and MgPc:C60 have been studied by modulated surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy. For all systems, time dependent and modulated SPV signals pointed to dissociation of excitons at the MoO3/organic layer interfaces with a separation of holes towards MoO3. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gaps (EHL) of C60, SubPc, and MgPc and the effective EHL of SubPc:C60 and MgPc:C60 were measured. The offsets between the LUMO (ΔEL) or HOMO (ΔEH) bands were obtained with high precision and amounted to 0.33 or 0.73 eV for SubPc:C60, respectively, and to -0.33 or 0.67 eV for MgPc:C60, respectively. Exponential tails below EHL and most pronounced sub-bandgap transitions were characterized and ascribed to disorder and transitions from HOMO bands to unoccupied defect states.

  16. Testicular functions and serum titers of LH and testosterone in methyl parathion-fed roseringed parakeets.

    PubMed

    Maitra, Saumen Kumar; Mitra, Anindita

    2008-09-01

    Adult male roseringed parakeets were fed concentrations (0, 10 or 20 microg/100g body wt./day) of methyl parathion (MP) for 5 or 10 days. There were four sampling periods for each treatment group. The first two sampling periods were after 5 or 10 days of daily dosing. In two other sampling periods, birds were given daily doses for 10 days, and sampling occurred at 5 or 10 days after the end of treatment. A significant dose- and duration-dependent reduction in the paired testicular weight, seminiferous tubular diameters, the number of tubules with healthy germ cells, plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone occurred in MP-fed birds. The inhibitory influences of MP persisted till day-5 and followed by recovery from the gonado-suppressive effects of MP at day-10 after the end of last treatment for 10 days. These findings provide the first experimental evidence that MP-induced testicular dysfunctions in parakeets possibly results from an impaired activity of hypophysial-gonadal axis. Moreover, it is evident that the organophosphorous (OP)-induced changes in the avian testes are reversible.

  17. Adapting PC104Plus for Space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abbott, Larry; Cox, Gary; Nguyen, Hai

    2000-01-01

    This article addresses the issues associated with adapting the commercial PC104Plus standard and its associated architecture to the requirements of space applications. In general, space applications exhibit extreme constraints on power, weight, and volume. EMI and EMC are also issues of significant concern. Additionally, space applications have to survive high radiation environment. Finally, NASA is always concerned about achieving cost effective solutions that are compatible with safety and launch constraints. Weight and volume constraints are directly related to high launch cost. Power on the other hand is not only related to the high launch costs, but are related to the problem of dissipating the resulting heat once in space. The article addresses why PC104Plus is an appropriate solution for the weight and volume issues. The article also addresses what NASA did electrically to reduce power consumption and mechanically dissipate the associated heat in a microgravity and vacuum environment, and how these solutions allow NASA to integrate various sizes of ruggedized custom PC104 boards with COTS, PC104 complaint boards for space applications. In addition to the mechanical changes to deal with thermal dissipation NASA also made changes to minimize EMI. Finally, radiation issues are addressed as well as the architectural and testing solutions and the implications for use of COTS PC104Plus boards.

  18. Enhancing methyl parathion degradation by the immobilization of Burkholderia sp. isolated from agricultural soils.

    PubMed

    Fernández-López, Maikel Gilberto; Popoca-Ursino, Carolina; Sánchez-Salinas, Enrique; Tinoco-Valencia, Raunel; Folch-Mallol, Jorge Luis; Dantán-González, Edgar; Laura Ortiz-Hernández, Ma

    2017-10-01

    Organophosphate pesticides are of great interest for research because they are currently the most commonly used pesticides. In this study, a bacterial strain capable of completely degrading methyl parathion (MP) was isolated from agricultural soils in central Mexico. This strain was designated strain S5-2 and was identified as Burkholderia cenocepacia. To increase degradation yields, cells were immobilized on three different supports: powdered zeolite and Opuntia sp. and Agave sp. fibers. The results indicated a significant increase in MP hydrolysis and p-nitrophenol (PNP) degradation with immobilized cells compared to free cell cultures. Furthermore, immobilized cells were capable of withstanding and degrading higher concentrations of PNP compared to cell suspension cultures. The cell viability in the free cell cultures, as well as PNP degradation, was affected at concentrations greater than 25 mg/L. In contrast, cells immobilized on Opuntia sp. and Agave sp. fibers completely degraded PNP at concentrations of 100 mg/L. To verify that MP solution toxicity was decreased by B. cenocepacia strain S5-2 via pesticide degradation, we measured the acetylcholinesterase activity, both before and after treatment with bacteria. The results demonstrate that the activity of acetylcholinesterase was unaffected after MP degradation by bacteria. © 2017 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  19. A novel homozygous no-stop mutation in G6PC gene from a Chinese patient with glycogen storage disease type Ia.

    PubMed

    Gu, Lei-Lei; Li, Xin-Hua; Han, Yue; Zhang, Dong-Hua; Gong, Qi-Ming; Zhang, Xin-Xin

    2014-02-25

    Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting in hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly and growth retardation. It is caused by mutations in the G6PC gene encoding Glucose-6-phosphatase. To date, over 80 mutations have been identified in the G6PC gene. Here we reported a novel mutation found in a Chinese patient with abnormal transaminases, hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly and short stature. Direct sequencing of the coding region and splicing-sites in the G6PC gene revealed a novel no-stop mutation, p.*358Yext*43, leading to a 43 amino-acid extension of G6Pase. The expression level of mutant G6Pase transcripts was only 7.8% relative to wild-type transcripts. This mutation was not found in 120 chromosomes from 60 unrelated healthy control subjects using direct sequencing, and was further confirmed by digestion with Rsa I restriction endonuclease. In conclusion, we revealed a novel no-stop mutation in this study which expands the spectrum of mutations in the G6PC gene. The molecular genetic analysis was indispensable to the diagnosis of GSD-Ia for the patient. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Microsomal biotransformation of chlorpyrifos, parathion and fenthion in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): mechanistic insights into interspecific differences in toxicity

    PubMed Central

    Lavado, Ramon

    2010-01-01

    Rainbow trout often serve as a surrogate species evaluating xenobiotic toxicity in cold-water species including other salmonids of the same genus, which are listed as threatened or endangered. Biotransformation tends to show species-specific patterns that influence susceptibility to xenobiotic toxicity, particularly organophoshpate insecticides (OPs). To evaluate the contribution of biotransformation in the mechanism of toxicity of three organophosphate (phosphorothionate) insecticides, chlorpyrifos, parathion and fenthion, microsomal bioactivation and detoxification pathways were measured in gills, liver and olfactory tissues in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and compared to juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Consistent with species differences in acute toxicity, significantly higher chlorpyrifos bioactivation was found in liver microsomes of rainbow trout (up to 2-fold) when compared with coho salmon. Although bioactivation to the oxon was observed, the catalytic efficiency towards chlorpyrifos dearylation (detoxification) was significantly higher in liver for both species (1.82 and 0.79 for trout and salmon, respectively) when compared to desulfuration (bioactivation). Bioactivation of parathion to paraoxon was significantly higher (up to 2.2-fold) than detoxification to p-nitrophenol in all tissues of both species with rates of conversion in rainbow trout, again significantly higher than coho salmon. Production of fenoxon and fenthion sulfoxides from fenthion was detected only in liver and gills of both species with activities in rainbow trout significantly higher than coho salmon. NADPH-Dependent hydrolysis of fenthion was observed in all tissues, and was the only activity detected in olfactory tissues. These results indicate rainbow trout are more sensitive than coho salmon to the acute toxicity of OP pesticides because trout have higher catalytic rates of oxon formation. Thus, rainbow trout may serve as a conservative surrogate

  1. Microsomal biotransformation of chlorpyrifos, parathion and fenthion in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): mechanistic insights into interspecific differences in toxicity.

    PubMed

    Lavado, Ramon; Schlenk, Daniel

    2011-01-17

    Rainbow trout often serve as a surrogate species evaluating xenobiotic toxicity in cold-water species including other salmonids of the same genus, which are listed as threatened or endangered. Biotransformation tends to show species-specific patterns that influence susceptibility to xenobiotic toxicity, particularly organophosphate insecticides (OPs). To evaluate the contribution of biotransformation in the mechanism of toxicity of three organophosphate (phosphorothionate) insecticides, (chlorpyrifos, parathion and fenthion), microsomal bioactivation and detoxification pathways were measured in gills, liver and olfactory tissues in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and compared to juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Consistent with species differences in acute toxicity, significantly higher chlorpyrifos bioactivation was found in liver microsomes of rainbow trout (up to 2-fold) when compared with coho salmon. Although bioactivation to the oxon was observed, the catalytic efficiency towards chlorpyrifos dearylation (detoxification) was significantly higher in liver for both species (1.82 and 0.79 for trout and salmon, respectively) when compared to desulfuration (bioactivation). Bioactivation of parathion to paraoxon was significantly higher (up to 2.2-fold) than detoxification to p-nitrophenol in all tissues of both species with rates of conversion in rainbow trout, again significantly higher than coho salmon. Production of fenoxon and fenthion sulfoxides from fenthion was detected only in liver and gills of both species with activities in rainbow trout significantly higher than coho salmon. NADPH-dependent cleavage of fenthion was observed in all tissues, and was the only activity detected in olfactory tissues. These results indicate rainbow trout are more sensitive than coho salmon to the acute toxicity of OP pesticides because trout have higher catalytic rates of oxon formation. Thus, rainbow trout may serve as a conservative surrogate

  2. 41 CFR 128-1.5002-8 - Property custodian (PC).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Property custodian (PC... Personal Property Management § 128-1.5002-8 Property custodian (PC). An individual responsible for the... required on all actions affecting the personal property within his jurisdiction. The designation as PC may...

  3. 41 CFR 128-1.5002-8 - Property custodian (PC).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Property custodian (PC... Personal Property Management § 128-1.5002-8 Property custodian (PC). An individual responsible for the... required on all actions affecting the personal property within his jurisdiction. The designation as PC may...

  4. Statistical characteristics of Pc-5 waves at geostationary orbit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kokubun, S.

    The present paper is concerned with an examination of magnetic field data provided by GEOS 2 and 3 satellites. The study has the objecitve to obtain more information regarding the statistical characteristics of Pc5 waves. The data utilized are contained in microfilm plots of the magnetic field observed by the two satellites during the period from 1978 to 1980. Attention is given to ground-satellite correlation of azimuthally-polarized Pc waves, differences in ground-satellite correlations between A-class waves and R-class compressional waves, aspects of delayed Pc5 occurrence, a long-duration Pc5 event lasting for more than three hours, questions of local time dependence of occurrence and frequency, and the relation between compressional Pc5 and magnetospheric substorms.

  5. Melt crystallization of bisphenol A polycarbonate in PC/zinc sulfonated polystyrene ionomer blend

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Liang

    The effects of zinc sulfonated polystyrene ionomer (ZnSPS) on the melt crystallization of bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) were investigated. Melt crystallization of pure PC is extremely slow due to its rigid chain. In the blend of PC and ZnSPS (PC-ZnSPS), the melt crystallization rate of PC can be enhanced. DSC was used to study the crystallization kinetics of PC in PC-ZnSPS blend. The crystallization of PC at 190°C increased in both partially miscible and miscible blends with ZnSPS. For PC-ZnSPS blend with same PC composition as 80%, the crystallization rate was affected by the sulfonation level of ZnSPS. The induction time of crystallization for a partially miscible blend PC-ZnSPS9.98 (80/20) was 40 minutes, and the crystallization reaches 27% crystallinity within 14 hrs. The induction time for pure PC with the same thermal history was more than 24 hrs. The crystal structure of PC crystal formed in PC-ZnSPS blend was studied by WAXD, which showed no difference from the reported WAXD pattern for pure PC. Molecular weight change of PC was found during the thermal annealing of PC-ZnSPS blend at 190°C, but molecular weight alone cannot explain the change of crystallization rate of PC in PC-ZnSPS blend. Discussion was made to address the mechanisms that are responsible for the crystallization rate enhancement of PC in PC-ZnSPS blend. In order to understand and elucidate the reason for the molecular weight change of PC in PC-ZnSPS blend and its effect on the crystallization of PC, TG, GPC and GC-MS were used to investigate the stability of PC-ZnSPS blend and mixtures of PC with sodium tosylate (NaTS), zinc tosylate (ZnTS) and sodium benzoate (NaBZ). ZnSPS, NaTS and ZnTS undergo desulfonation of the sulfonate group at temperatures above 350°C. The desulfonation process can destabilize PC and lower the maximum mass loss rate temperature of PC for more than 70°C. NaTS, ZnTS and NaBZ have quite different effect on the thermal stability of PC at temperatures below 250

  6. CLIPS - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM (IBM PC VERSION)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Riley, G.

    1994-01-01

    The C Language Integrated Production System, CLIPS, is a shell for developing expert systems. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. The primary design goals for CLIPS are portability, efficiency, and functionality. For these reasons, the program is written in C. CLIPS meets or outperforms most micro- and minicomputer based artificial intelligence tools. CLIPS is a forward chaining rule-based language. The program contains an inference engine and a language syntax that provide a framework for the construction of an expert system. It also includes tools for debugging an application. CLIPS is based on the Rete algorithm, which enables very efficient pattern matching. The collection of conditions and actions to be taken if the conditions are met is constructed into a rule network. As facts are asserted either prior to or during a session, CLIPS pattern-matches the number of fields. Wildcards and variables are supported for both single and multiple fields. CLIPS syntax allows the inclusion of externally defined functions (outside functions which are written in a language other than CLIPS). CLIPS itself can be embedded in a program such that the expert system is available as a simple subroutine call. Advanced features found in CLIPS version 4.3 include an integrated microEMACS editor, the ability to generate C source code from a CLIPS rule base to produce a dedicated executable, binary load and save capabilities for CLIPS rule bases, and the utility program CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of large rule bases. Five machine versions are available. Each machine version includes the source and the executable for that machine. The UNIX version includes the source and binaries for IBM RS/6000, Sun3 series, and Sun4 series computers. The UNIX, DEC VAX, and DEC RISC Workstation versions are line oriented. The PC version and the Macintosh

  7. Projection of Patient Condition Code Distributions Based on Mechanism of Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2003-01-01

    The Medical Readiness and Strategic Plan (MRSP)1998-20041 requires that the military services develop a method for linking real world patient load...data with modern Patient Condition (PC) codes to enable planners to forecast medical workload and resource requirements. Determination of the likely...various levels of medical care. Medical planners and logisticians plan for medical contingencies based on anticipated patient streams, distributions of

  8. Personal Computer (PC) Thermal Analyzer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-03-01

    demonstrate the power of the PC Thermal Analyzer, it was compared with an existing thermal analysis method. Specifically, the PC Thermal Analyzer was...34Intelligence" I T Kowledge 1 User I Inference e Base I Interface 1i FMechanisms H 1 asI I II - I L m m m m m m - m m i m m - m m - m I- m i m Expert...Temperature in degrees centi- grade? (2) What is the total Heat Output ( power dissipation) in watts?). 25 BOARD ASSEMBLY ~UI U2 aooo 0i0000t00 U15

  9. Magnesium phthalocyanine(MgPc) thin films as nanomaterials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Puri, Munish; Bedi, R. K.; Prakash, G. V.

    2006-05-01

    MgPc is a promising candidate for photovoltaic applications. It can be easily synthesized and is non-toxic to the envioronment. It is a self assembly molecule developed from deep-blue-green pigment. It exhibits a characteristic structural self organization which is reflected in an efficient energy migration in the form of extinction transport. MgPc relates to the similarity with chlorophyll. In the present work thin films of MgPc have been prepared on glass substrate under strict vacuum conditions(10 Â6 torr), thickness of few nanometers. Absorption spectra in Visible and IR regions have been observed which is good for fabrication of Photovoltaic cells and Nanostructures for Photodynamic Cancer Therapy. Appreciable amount of cytotoxicity can be observed while using MgPc as photosensitizers which is a promising PDT agent. The films thus prepared have been studied for their electrical and optical characterizations. Investigations have been made from different stacking positions of molecular MgPc thin films for studying their self-assembling nature that can be useful for their applications as Molecular-Recognition in Drug delivery and sensors which is one of the key features of Nanotechnology.

  10. Mobilization of the relaxable Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pC221 by the conjugative plasmid pGO1 involves three pC221 loci.

    PubMed Central

    Projan, S J; Archer, G L

    1989-01-01

    The Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pC221, a 4.6-kilobase multicopy chloramphenicol resistance plasmid that forms plasmid-protein relaxation complexes, was mobilized for transfer by the conjugative plasmid pGO1. Two open reading frames on the pC221 genome, now designated mobA and mobB, as well as a cis-acting locus, the putative oriT, were shown to be in involved in pC221 mobilization. The mobA (but not mobB) and oriT loci were required for pC221 relaxation, and relaxation was necessary but not sufficient for pC221 mobilization by pGO1. oriT was cloned onto a pE194 derivative and complemented in trans for both relaxation and mobilization. Mobilization of relaxable plasmids in S. aureus appears to be analogous to mobilization by donation observed in gram-negative bacteria. Images PMID:2703461

  11. A modified extraction and clean-up procedure for the detection and determination of parathion-methyl and chlorpyrifos residues in tea.

    PubMed

    Shanker, A; Sood, C; Kumar, V; Ravindranath, S D

    2001-05-01

    Recent advances in methodology and instrumentation have made possible the detection and determination of pesticides at microgram kg-1 (ppb) levels. The sensitivity of a method of analysis depends greatly on the efficient extraction of the pesticide and the subsequent clean-up of the extract. The extract from green tea leaves is a mixture of aroma components, polyphenols and caffeine. The preparation of made tea from green tea leaves adds to this complexity by concentrating these coextractives. Conventional clean-up techniques provide poor recoveries for parathion-methyl and chlorpyrifos from both green tea leaves and made tea. This arises from interference by caffeine during gas chromatography, as it has a similar retention time to the two pesticides and peaks overlap. A modification to the protocol based on a solvent partitioning process using dichloromethane and subsequent washing of the extracts with warm water removed the caffeine, and pigments were removed by column chromatography. Recoveries ranging from 80 to 90% were then obtained for both pesticides.

  12. CelF of Orpinomyces PC-2 has an intron and encodes a cellulase (CelF) containing a carbohydrate-binding module.

    PubMed

    Chen, Huizhong; Li, Xin-Liang; Blum, David L; Ximenes, Eduardo A; Ljungdahl, Lars G

    2003-01-01

    A cDNA, designated celF, encoding a cellulase (CelF) was isolated from the anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces PC-2. The open reading frame contains regions coding for a signal peptide, a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM), a linker, and a catalytic domain. The catalytic domain was homologous to those of CelA and CelC of the same fungus and to that of the Neocallimastix patriciarum CELA, but CelF lacks a docking domain, characteristic for enzymes of cellulosomes. It was also homologous to the cellobiohydrolase IIs and endoglucanases of aerobic organisms. The gene has a 111-bp intron, located within the CBM-coding region. Some biochemical properties of the purified recombinant enzyme are described.

  13. The IBM PC at NASA Ames

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peredo, James P.

    1988-01-01

    Like many large companies, Ames relies very much on its computing power to get work done. And, like many other large companies, finding the IBM PC a reliable tool, Ames uses it for many of the same types of functions as other companies. Presentation and clarification needs demand much of graphics packages. Programming and text editing needs require simpler, more-powerful packages. The storage space needed by NASA's scientists and users for the monumental amounts of data that Ames needs to keep demand the best database packages that are large and easy to use. Availability to the Micom Switching Network combines the powers of the IBM PC with the capabilities of other computers and mainframes and allows users to communicate electronically. These four primary capabilities of the PC are vital to the needs of NASA's users and help to continue and support the vast amounts of work done by the NASA employees.

  14. Polycomb Group (PcG) Proteins and Human Cancers: Multifaceted Functions and Therapeutic Implications.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wei; Qin, Jiang-Jiang; Voruganti, Sukesh; Nag, Subhasree; Zhou, Jianwei; Zhang, Ruiwen

    2015-11-01

    Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are transcriptional repressors that regulate several crucial developmental and physiological processes in the cell. More recently, they have been found to play important roles in human carcinogenesis and cancer development and progression. The deregulation and dysfunction of PcG proteins often lead to blocking or inappropriate activation of developmental pathways, enhancing cellular proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and increasing the cancer stem cell population. Genetic and molecular investigations of PcG proteins have long been focused on their PcG functions. However, PcG proteins have recently been shown to exert non-classical-Pc-functions, contributing to the regulation of diverse cellular functions. We and others have demonstrated that PcG proteins regulate the expression and function of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in a PcG-independent manner, and PcG proteins are associated with the survival of patients with cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the research on PcG proteins, including both the Pc-repressive and non-classical-Pc-functions. We specifically focus on the mechanisms by which PcG proteins play roles in cancer initiation, development, and progression. Finally, we discuss the potential value of PcG proteins as molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, and as molecular targets for cancer therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. TOUGH+ v1.5 Core Code

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

    Moridis, George J.

    TOUGH+ v1.5 is a numerical code for the simulation of multi-phase, multi-component flow and transport of mass and heat through porous and fractured media, and represents the third update of the code since its first release [Moridis et al., 2008]. TOUGH+ is a successor to the TOUGH2 [Pruess et al., 1991; 2012] family of codes for multi-component, multiphase fluid and heat flow developed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. It is written in standard FORTRAN 95/2003, and can be run on any computational platform (workstations, PC, Macintosh). TOUGH+ v1.5 employs dynamic memory allocation, thus minimizing storage requirements. It has amore » completely modular structure, follows the tenets of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), and involves the advanced features of FORTRAN 95/2003, i.e., modules, derived data types, the use of pointers, lists and trees, data encapsulation, defined operators and assignments, operator extension and overloading, use of generic procedures, and maximum use of the powerful intrinsic vector and matrix processing operations. TOUGH+ v1.5 is the core code for its family of applications, i.e., the part of the code that is common to all its applications. It provides a description of the underlying physics and thermodynamics of non-isothermal flow, of the mathematical and numerical approaches, as well as a detailed explanation of the general (common to all applications) input requirements, options, capabilities and output specifications. The core code cannot run by itself: it needs to be coupled with the code for the specific TOUGH+ application option that describes a particular type of problem. The additional input requirements specific to a particular TOUGH+ application options and related illustrative examples can be found in the corresponding User's Manual.« less

  16. Mixing of MnPc electronic states at the MnPc/Au(110) interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gargiani, Pierluigi; Lisi, Simone; Avvisati, Giulia; Mondelli, Pierluigi; Fatale, Sara; Betti, Maria Grazia

    2017-10-01

    Manganese-phthalocyanines form assembled chains with a variety of ordered super-structures, flat lying along the Au(110) reconstructed channels. The chains first give rise to a ×5 symmetry reconstruction, while further deposition of MnPc leads to a ×7 periodicity at the completion of the first single layer. A net polarization with the formation of an interface dipole is mainly due to the molecular π-states located on the macrocycles pyrrole rings, while the central metal ion induces a reduction in the polarization, whose amount is related to the Mn-Au interaction. The adsorption-induced interface polarization is compared to other 3d-metal phthalocyanines, to unravel the role of the central metal atom configuration in the interaction process of the d-states. The MnPc adsorption on Au(110) induces the re-hybridization of the electronic states localized on the central metal atom, promoting a charge redistribution of the molecular orbitals of the MnPc molecules. The molecule-substrate interaction is controlled by a symmetry-determined mixing between the electronic states, involving also the molecular empty orbitals with d character hybridized with the nitrogen atoms of the pyrrole ring, as deduced by photoemission and X-ray absorption spectroscopy exploiting light polarization. The symmetry-determined mixing between the electronic states of the Mn metal center and of the Au substrate induces a density of states close to the Fermi level for the ×5 phase.

  17. 21 CFR 868.2500 - Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor. 868.2500 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2500 Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor is a noninvasive, heated sensor (e.g., a...

  18. 21 CFR 868.2500 - Cutaneous oxygen (PcO 2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Cutaneous oxygen (PcO 2) monitor. 868.2500 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2500 Cutaneous oxygen (PcO 2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor is a noninvasive, heated sensor (e.g., a...

  19. 21 CFR 868.2500 - Cutaneous oxygen (PcO 2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Cutaneous oxygen (PcO 2) monitor. 868.2500 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2500 Cutaneous oxygen (PcO 2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor is a noninvasive, heated sensor (e.g., a...

  20. 21 CFR 868.2500 - Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor. 868.2500 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2500 Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor is a noninvasive, heated sensor (e.g., a...

  1. 21 CFR 868.2500 - Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor. 868.2500 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2500 Cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous oxygen (PcO2) monitor is a noninvasive, heated sensor (e.g., a...

  2. PC-SEAPAK - ANALYSIS OF COASTAL ZONE COLOR SCANNER AND ADVANCED VERY HIGH RESOLUTION RADIOMETER DATA

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcclain, C. R.

    1994-01-01

    incompatibilities between the MVP-AT image board and ZENITH computers. Also, the MVP-AT image board is not necessarily compatible with 486-based systems; users of 486-based systems should consult with Matrox about compatibility concerns. Other PC-SEAPAK requirements include a Microsoft mouse (serial version), 2Mb RAM, and 100Mb hard disk space. For data ingest and backup, 9-track tape, 8mm tape and optical disks are supported and recommended. PC-SEAPAK has been under development since 1988. Version 4.0 was updated in 1992, and is distributed without source code. It is available only as a set of 36 1.2Mb 5.25 inch IBM MS-DOS format diskettes. PC-SEAPAK is a copyrighted product with all copyright vested in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Phar Lap's DOS_Extender run-time version is integrated into several of the programs; therefore, the PC-SEAPAK programs may not be duplicated. Three of the distribution diskettes contain DOS_Extender files. One of the distribution diskettes contains Media Cybernetics' HALO88 font files, also licensed by NASA for dissemination but not duplication. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. HALO88 is a registered trademark of Media Cybernetics, but the product was discontinued in 1991.

  3. OCEAN-PC and a distributed network for ocean data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mclain, Douglas R.

    1992-01-01

    The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) wishes to develop an integrated software package for oceanographic data entry and access in developing countries. The software, called 'OCEAN-PC', would run on low cost PC microcomputers and would encourage and standardize: (1) entry of local ocean observations; (2) quality control of the local data; (3) merging local data with historical data; (4) improved display and analysis of the merged data; and (5) international data exchange. OCEAN-PC will link existing MS-DOS oceanographic programs and data sets with table-driven format conversions. Since many ocean data sets are now being distributed on optical discs (Compact Discs - Read Only Memory, CD-ROM, Mass et al. 1987), OCEAN-PC will emphasize access to CD-ROMs.

  4. Fluorescence of Pc 4 in U87 cells following photodynamic therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Varghai, Davood; Azizuddin, Kashif; Ahmad, Yusra; Oleinick, Nancy L.; Dean, David

    2007-02-01

    Introduction: Given the length of procedures and the brightness of operating room lights, there is concern that photosensitizers used to locate brain tumors and treat them with photodynamic therapy (PDT) may photobleach before they can be fully utilized. The phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 is resistant to photobleaching. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that exposure of Pc 4-loaded glioma cells to photoactivating light will result in continuing fluorescence of Pc 4. Methods: U87 human glioma cells were cultured in MEM with 5% penicillin/streptomycin, 5% sodium pyruvate, 10% fetal bovine serum, and 25 mM HEPES. These cultures were given 0 or 125 nM Pc 4, followed 2 hours later by three separate exposures of 200 J/cm2 of red light (λ max = 675 nm). Confocal fluorescence images were collected before and after each exposure. Results: Pc 4 fluorescence was localized to cytoplasmic membranes of the U87 glioma cells, as previously seen in other types of cells. After exposure to PDT, Pc 4 fluorescence was not reduced and even increased. Discussion: Pc 4 may be useful for the intra-operative detection of glioma by fluorescence and for PDT, since neither Pc 4 level nor its fluorescence is likely to decrease during exposure to operating room lights.

  5. Differential regulation of gene expression of neurotensin and prohormone convertases PC1 and PC2 in the bovine ocular ciliary epithelium: possible implications on neurotensin processing.

    PubMed

    Ortego, Javier; Wollmann, Guido; Coca-Prados, Miguel

    2002-11-15

    Prohormone convertases PC1 and PC2 are enzymes involved in the intracellular processing of pro-neurotensin/neuromedin N (pro-NT/NN) through the regulated secretory pathway. In this study, we present evidence of the differential gene expression of pro-NT/NN, pro-PC1 and pro-PC2 in two cell lines established from the neuroendocrine ocular ciliary epithelium. Dexamethasone and forskolin were found to synergistically up-regulate NT/NN mRNA expression in both cell types. The pigmented cells released NT, and this release was enhanced by agents that induced its biosynthesis. In contrast, nonpigmented cells exhibited a significantly reduced neurotensin secretion in response to inducers, leading to an accumulation of the peptide. PC1 and PC2 mRNA expression was induced in a cell-specific manner by the same agents that enhanced pro-NT/NN biosynthesis. These results demonstrate cell-specific processing of pro-NT/NN by the ciliary epithelium. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

  6. Temperature-assisted morphological transition in CuPc thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bae, Yu Jeong; Pham, Thi Kim Hang; Kim, Tae Hee

    2016-05-01

    Ex-situ and in-situ morphological analyses were performed for Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) organic semiconductor films by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The focus was the effects of post-annealing on the structural characteristics of CuPc films grown on MgO(001) layers by using an ultra-high-vacuum thermal evaporator. Sphere-to-nanofibril and 2-D to 3-D morphological transitions were observed with increasing CuPc thickness beyond 3 nm. The surface morphology and the crystallinity were drastically improved after an additional cooling of the post-annealed CuPc films thinner than 3 nm. Our results highlight that molecular orientation and structural ordering can be effectively controlled by using different temperature treatments and a proper combination of material, film thickness, and substrate.

  7. The USL NASA PC R and D development environment standards

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Moreau, Dennis R.

    1984-01-01

    The development environment standards which have been established in order to control usage of the IBM PC/XT development systems and to prevent interference between projects being currently developed on the PC's are discussed. The standards address the following areas: scheduling PC resources; login/logout procedures; training; file naming conventions; hard disk organization; diskette care; backup procedures; and copying policies.

  8. Renal damage induced by the pesticide methyl parathion in male Wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Fuentes-Delgado, Victor Hugo; Martínez-Saldaña, María Consolación; Rodríguez-Vázquez, María Luisa; Reyes-Romero, Miguel Arturo; Reyes-Sánchez, José Luis; Jaramillo-Juárez, Fernando

    2018-01-01

    Little information is apparently available regarding the nephrotoxic effects induced by pesticides. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of low doses of methyl parathion (MP) on the structure and function of the kidney of male Wistar rats. A corn oil (vehicle) was administered to control rats, whereas treated rats received MP at 0.56 mg/kg orally (1/25 of LD 50 ), every third day, for 8 weeks. At the end of each week following MP exposure, creatinine and glucose levels were measured in plasma, while glucose, inorganic phosphate, total proteins, albumin, and activity of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) were determined in urine. Kidney histological study was also performed. Compared with control rats, MP significantly increased plasma glucose and creatinine levels accompanied by decreased urinary flow rate and elevated urinary excretion rates of glucose, phosphate, and albumin. Further, the activity of GGT in urine was increased significantly. The proximal cells exhibited cytoplasmic vacuolization, positive periodic acid Schiff inclusions, and brush border edge loss after 2 or 4 weeks following MP treatment. Finally, renal cortex samples were obtained at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of MP treatment, and the concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured. The mRNA expression levels of BAX and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also determined (RT-PCR). MP significantly decreased renal GSH levels, increased GPx activity, as well as downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and BAX. Densitometry analysis showed a significant reduction in TNF-α and BAX mRNA expression levels at 2 and 4 weeks following MP treatment. Low doses of MP produced structural and functional damage to the proximal tubules of male rat kidney.

  9. Cusp-related Pc3-5 Wave Activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pilipenko, V.; Engebretson, M. J.; Kozlovsky, A.; Belakhovsky, V.; Lessard, M.; Yeoman, T. K.

    2009-12-01

    Pc3-5 pulsations were found to be an ubiquitous element of dayside ULF wave activity at the cusp region. We examine observations of Pc3-5 wave activity by search coil and flux-gate magnetometers at three locations on Svalbard, covering geomagnetic latitudes 74o-76o. To identify the ionospheric projections of the cusp, we use the width of the return signal from the SuperDARN Finland radar covering the Svalbard archipelago. The ULF meridional spatial structure is examined using the amplitude-phase gradient technique. This analysis shows no specific mode conversion pattern near the cusp region. The amplitude gradient mainly has the same direction at all frequencies, and only during periods when the cusp is shifted to very high latitudes, the gradient may change sign. The phase delay is chaotic and does not show any consistent pattern. This behavior corresponds to the occurrence of a localized peak in the latitudinal distribution of Pc3-5 power, but not under the cusp proper as was previously thought, but about several degrees southward from the equatorward cusp boundary. We suppose that compressional Pc3 fluctuations leaking from the magnetosheath into the entry layer of the magnetosphere can modulate the precipitating electron fluxes, which produce the ground response.

  10. Virtual Reality at the PC Level

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dean, John

    1998-01-01

    The main objective of my research has been to incorporate virtual reality at the desktop level; i.e., create virtual reality software that can be run fairly inexpensively on standard PC's. The standard language used for virtual reality on PC's is VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language). It is a new language so it is still undergoing a lot of changes. VRML 1.0 came out only a couple years ago and VRML 2.0 came out around last September. VRML is an interpreted language that is run by a web browser plug-in. It is fairly flexible in terms of allowing you to create different shapes and animations. Before this summer, I knew very little about virtual reality and I did not know VRML at all. I learned the VRML language by reading two books and experimenting on a PC. The following topics are presented: CAD to VRML, VRML 1.0 to VRML 2.0, VRML authoring tools, VRML browsers, finding virtual reality applications, the AXAF project, the VRML generator program, web communities and future plans.

  11. Pc-based car license plate reading

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanabe, Katsuyoshi; Marubayashi, Eisaku; Kawashima, Harumi; Nakanishi, Tadashi; Shio, Akio

    1994-03-01

    A PC-based car license plate recognition system has been developed. The system recognizes Chinese characters and Japanese phonetic hiragana characters as well as six digits on Japanese license plates. The system consists of a CCD camera, vehicle sensors, a strobe unit, a monitoring center, and an i486-based PC. The PC includes in its extension slots: a vehicle detector board, a strobe emitter board, and an image grabber board. When a passing vehicle is detected by the vehicle sensors, the strobe emits a pulse of light. The light pulse is synchronized with the time the vehicle image is frozen on an image grabber board. The recognition process is composed of three steps: image thresholding, character region extraction, and matching-based character recognition. The recognition software can handle obscured characters. Experimental results for hundreds of outdoor images showed high recognition performance within relatively short performance times. The results confirmed that the system is applicable to a wide variety of applications such as automatic vehicle identification and travel time measurement.

  12. Overview of codes and tools for nuclear engineering education

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yakovlev, D.; Pryakhin, A.; Medvedeva, L.

    2017-01-01

    The recent world trends in nuclear education have been developed in the direction of social education, networking, virtual tools and codes. MEPhI as a global leader on the world education market implements new advanced technologies for the distance and online learning and for student research work. MEPhI produced special codes, tools and web resources based on the internet platform to support education in the field of nuclear technology. At the same time, MEPhI actively uses codes and tools from the third parties. Several types of the tools are considered: calculation codes, nuclear data visualization tools, virtual labs, PC-based educational simulators for nuclear power plants (NPP), CLP4NET, education web-platforms, distance courses (MOOCs and controlled and managed content systems). The university pays special attention to integrated products such as CLP4NET, which is not a learning course, but serves to automate the process of learning through distance technologies. CLP4NET organizes all tools in the same information space. Up to now, MEPhI has achieved significant results in the field of distance education and online system implementation.

  13. Release of Full-Length PrPC from Cultured Neurons Following Neurotoxic Challenge

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Kevin K. W.; Zoltewicz, J. Susie; Chiu, Allen; Zhang, Zhiqun; Rubenstein, Richard

    2012-01-01

    The susceptibility of the normal cellular prion protein isoform, cellular prion protein (PrPC), to proteolytic digestion has been well documented. In addition, a link between PrPC and the cytosolic protease, calpain, has been reported although the specifics of the interaction remain unclear. We performed in vitro and in cell-based studies to examine this relationship. We observed that human recombinant PrP (HrPrP) was readily cleaved by calpain-1 and -2, and we have identified and defined the targeted cleavage sites. In contrast, HrPrP was resistant to caspase-3 digestion. Unexpectedly, when brain lysates from PrPC-expressing mice were treated with calpain, no appreciable loss of the intact PrPC, nor the appearance of PrPC breakdown products (BDPs) were observed, even though alpha II-spectrin was converted to its signature calpain-induced BDPs. In addition, when rat cerebrocortical neuronal cultures (RtCNC) were subjected to the two neurotoxins at subacute levels, maitotoxin (MTX) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), PrPC-BDPs were also not detectable. However, a novel finding from these cell-based studies is that apparently full-length, mature PrPC is released into culture media from RtCNC challenged with subacute doses of MTX and NMDA. Calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 and caspase inhibitor IDN-6556 did not attenuate the release of PrPC. Similarly, the lysosomal protease inhibitor, NH4Cl, and the proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin, did not significantly alter the integrity of PrPC or its release from the RtCNC. In conclusion, rat neuronal PrPC is not a significant target for proteolytic modifications during MTX and NMDA neurotoxic challenges. However, the robust neurotoxin-mediated release of full-length PrPC into the cell culture media suggests an unidentified neuroprotective mechanism for PrPC. PMID:23093947

  14. Loss of ring current O+ ions due to interaction with Pc 5 waves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hudson, Mary; Chan, Anthony; Roth, Ilan

    1993-01-01

    The behavior of ring current ions in low-frequency geomagnetic pulsations is investigated analytically and numerically. We focus primarily on ring current O+ ions, whose flux increases dramatically during geomagnetic storms and decays at a rate which is not fully explained by collisional processes. This paper presents a new loss mechanism for the O+ ions due to the combined effects of convection and corotation electric fields and interaction with Pc 5 waves (wave period: 150-600 s) via a magnetic drift-bounce resonance. A test particle code has been developed to calculate the motion of the ring current O+ ions in a time-independent dipole magnetic field, and convection and corotation electric fields, plus Pc 5 wave fields, for which a simple analytical model has been formulated based on spacecraft observations. For given fields, whether a particle gains or loses energy depends on its initial kinetic energy, pitch angle at the equatorial plane, and the position of its guiding center with respect to the azimuthal phase of the wave. The ring current O+ ions show a dispersion in energies and L values with decreasing local time across the dayside, and a bulk shift to lower energies and higher L values. The former is due to the wave-particle interaction causing the ion to gain or lose energy, while the latter is due to the convection electric field. Our simulations show that, due to the interaction with the Pc 5 waves, the particle's kinetic energy can drop below that required to overcome the convection potential and the particle will be lost to the dayside magnetopause by a sunward E×B drift. This may contribute to the loss of O+ ions at intermediate energies (tens of keV) observed during the recovery phase of geomagnetic storms.

  15. Identification and characterization of three Penicillium chrysogenum α-l-arabinofuranosidases (PcABF43B, PcABF51C, and AFQ1) with different specificities toward arabino-oligosaccharides.

    PubMed

    Shinozaki, Ayaka; Hosokawa, Sachiko; Nakazawa, Masami; Ueda, Mitsuhiro; Sakamoto, Tatsuji

    2015-06-01

    We previously described four α-l-arabinofuranosidases (ABFs) secreted by Penicillium chrysogenum 31B. Here, we cloned the fifth and sixth genes (Pcabf43B and Pcabf51C) encoding the ABFs PcABF43B and PcABF51C in this strain and overexpressed these genes in Escherichia coli. The deduced amino acid sequences of PcABF43B and PcABF51C were highly similar to putative ABFs belonging to glycoside hydrolase families 43 and 51, respectively. Semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction indicated that both genes were induced by arabinose, arabinitol, arabinan, and arabinoxylan; however, the Pcabf51C gene was constitutively expressed at low levels in P. chrysogenum 31B. PcABF43B had optimal activity at 20°C and pH 5-6, indicating that this enzyme was psychrophilic and had the lowest optimal temperature reported for ABFs. PcABF51C had optimal activity at 45°C and pH 6-7. Both recombinant enzymes showed high activity on arabino-oligosaccharides, but little activity on arabinose-containing polysaccharides, such as l-arabinan. Next, we compared the substrate specificities of PcABF43B, PcABF51C, and AFQ1, a P. chrysogenum ABF that preferentially degraded oligosaccharides over polysaccharides. PcABF43B was found to preferentially hydrolyze (1→3)-linkages in branched arabino-oligosaccharides and released only a small amount of arabinose from linear α-1,5-arabino-oligosaccharides. In contrast, AFQ1 and PcABF51C showed higher activities on linear arabino-oligosaccharides than on branched arabino-oligosaccharides. AFQ1 showed high catalytic efficiencies for α-1,5-l-arabinofuranobiose (α-1,5-Ara2) and α-1,5-l-arabinofuranotriose (α-1,5-Ara3) at the same level. In contrast, intracellular PcABF51C showed much higher catalytic efficiency for α-1,5-Ara2 than for α-1,5-Ara3. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Gene organization and alternative splicing of human prohormone convertase PC8.

    PubMed Central

    Goodge, K A; Thomas, R J; Martin, T J; Gillespie, M T

    1998-01-01

    The mammalian Ca2+-dependent serine protease prohormone convertase PC8 is expressed ubiquitously, being transcribed as 3.5, 4.3 and 6.0 kb mRNA isoforms in various tissues. To determine the origin of these various mRNA isoforms we report the characterization of the human PC8 gene, which has been previously localized to chromosome 11q23-24. Consisting of 16 exons, the human PC8 gene spans approx. 27 kb. A comparison of the position of intron-exon junctions of the human PC8 gene with the gene structures of previously reported prohormone convertase genes demonstrated a divergence of the human PC8 from the highly conserved nature of the gene organization of this enzyme family. The nucleotide sequence of the 5'-flanking region of the human PC8 is reported and possesses putative promoter elements characteristic of a GC-rich promoter. Further supporting the potential role of a GC-rich promoter element, multiple transcriptional initiation sites within a 200 bp region were demonstrated. We propose that the various mRNA isoforms of PC8 result from the inclusion of intronic sequences within transcripts. PMID:9820811

  17. 76 FR 39473 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 1120-PC

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-06

    ... 1120-PC AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments... comments concerning Form 1120-PC, U.S. Property and Casualty Insurance Company Income Tax Return. DATES... Casualty Insurance Company Income Tax Return. OMB Number: 1545-1027. Form Number: Form 1120-PC. Abstract...

  18. Dynamic Analysis of Spur Gear Transmissions (DANST). PC Version 3.00 User Manual

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oswald, Fred B.; Lin, Hsiang Hsi; Delgado, Irebert R.

    1996-01-01

    DANST is a FORTRAN computer program for static and dynamic analysis of spur gear systems. The program can be used for parametric studies to predict the static transmission error, dynamic load, tooth bending stress and other properties of spur gears as they are influenced by operating speed, torque, stiffness, damping, inertia, and tooth profile. DANST performs geometric modeling and dynamic analysis for low- or high-contact-ratio spur gears. DANST can simulate gear systems with contact ratios ranging from one to three. It was designed to be easy to use and it is extensively documented in several previous reports and by comments in the source code. This report describes installing and using a new PC version of DANST, covers input data requirements and presents examples.

  19. Method of mounting a PC board to a hybrid

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    O'Coin, James R. (Inventor)

    1999-01-01

    A system for mounting a hybrid electronic component to a PC board is disclosed. The system includes a set of brackets for mutually engaging a first surface of the PC board and a cover surface of the hybrid electronic component, wherein the cover surface has an arcuate shape when in a vacuum environment. The brackets are designed with legs having lengths and thicknesses for providing clearance between the cover surface of the hybrid and the first surface of the PC board for use when the hybrid electronic component is in a vacuum environment.

  20. A photometric map of interstellar reddening within 100 PC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perry, C. L.; Johnston, L.; Crawford, D. L.

    1982-12-01

    Color excesses and distances are calculated for 300 bright, northern, late F stars using uvby beta photometric indices. The data allow an extension of the earlier maps by Perry and Johnston of the spatial distribution of interstellar reddening into the local (r less than 100 pc) solar neighborhood. Some definite conclusions are made regarding the distribution of interstellar dust in the northern hemisphere and within 300 pc of the sun by merging these results and the polarimetric observations by Tinbergen (1982) for 180 stars within 35 pc of the sun.

  1. LERC-SLAM - THE NASA LEWIS RESEARCH CENTER SATELLITE LINK ATTENUATION MODEL PROGRAM (IBM PC VERSION)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Manning, R. M.

    1994-01-01

    antenna required to establish a link with the satellite, the statistical parameters that characterize the rainrate process at the terminal site, the length of the propagation path within the potential rain region, and its projected length onto the local horizontal. The IBM PC version of LeRC-SLAM (LEW-14979) is written in Microsoft QuickBASIC for an IBM PC compatible computer with a monitor and printer capable of supporting an 80-column format. The IBM PC version is available on a 5.25 inch MS-DOS format diskette. The program requires about 30K RAM. The source code and executable are included. The Macintosh version of LeRC-SLAM (LEW-14977) is written in Microsoft Basic, Binary (b) v2.00 for Macintosh II series computers running MacOS. This version requires 400K RAM and is available on a 3.5 inch 800K Macintosh format diskette, which includes source code only. The Macintosh version was developed in 1987 and the IBM PC version was developed in 1989. IBM PC is a trademark of International Business Machines. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

  2. Polycomb Group (PcG) Proteins and Human Cancers: Multifaceted Functions and Therapeutic Implications

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Wei; Qin, Jiang-Jiang; Voruganti, Sukesh; Nag, Subhasree; Zhou, Jianwei; Zhang, Ruiwen

    2016-01-01

    Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are transcriptional repressors that regulate several crucial developmental and physiological processes in the cell. More recently, they have been found to play important roles in human carcinogenesis and cancer development and progression. The deregulation and dysfunction of PcG proteins often lead to blocking or inappropriate activation of developmental pathways, enhancing cellular proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and increasing the cancer stem cell population. Genetic and molecular investigations of PcG proteins have long been focused on their PcG functions. However, PcG proteins have recently been shown to exert non-polycomb functions, contributing to the regulation of diverse cellular functions. We and others have demonstrated that PcG proteins regulate the expression and function of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in a PcG-independent manner, and PcG proteins are associated with the survival of patients with cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the research on PcG proteins, including both the polycomb-repressive and non-polycomb functions. We specifically focus on the mechanisms by which PcG proteins play roles in cancer initiation, development, and progression. Finally, we discuss the potential value of PcG proteins as molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, and as molecular targets for cancer therapy. PMID:26227500

  3. Aspartame-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Horio, Yukari; Sun, Yongkun; Liu, Chuang; Saito, Takeshi; Kurasaki, Masaaki

    2014-01-01

    Aspartame is an artificial sweetner added to many low-calorie foods. The safety of aspartame remains controversial even though there are many studies on its risks. In this study, to understand the physiological effects of trace amounts of artificial sweetners on cells, the effects of aspartame on apoptosis were investigated using a PC12 cell system. In addition, the mechanism of apoptosis induced by aspartame in PC12 cells and effects on apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor, and caspase family proteins were studied by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Aspartame-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, aspartame exposure increased the expressions of caspases 8 and 9, and cytochrome c. These results indicate that aspartame induces apoptosis mainly via mitochondrial pathway involved in apoptosis due to oxigen toxicity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. PC-CUBE: A Personal Computer Based Hypercube

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ho, Alex; Fox, Geoffrey; Walker, David; Snyder, Scott; Chang, Douglas; Chen, Stanley; Breaden, Matt; Cole, Terry

    1988-01-01

    PC-CUBE is an ensemble of IBM PCs or close compatibles connected in the hypercube topology with ordinary computer cables. Communication occurs at the rate of 115.2 K-band via the RS-232 serial links. Available for PC-CUBE is the Crystalline Operating System III (CrOS III), Mercury Operating System, CUBIX and PLOTIX which are parallel I/O and graphics libraries. A CrOS performance monitor was developed to facilitate the measurement of communication and computation time of a program and their effects on performance. Also available are CXLISP, a parallel version of the XLISP interpreter; GRAFIX, some graphics routines for the EGA and CGA; and a general execution profiler for determining execution time spent by program subroutines. PC-CUBE provides a programming environment similar to all hypercube systems running CrOS III, Mercury and CUBIX. In addition, every node (personal computer) has its own graphics display monitor and storage devices. These allow data to be displayed or stored at every processor, which has much instructional value and enables easier debugging of applications. Some application programs which are taken from the book Solving Problems on Concurrent Processors (Fox 88) were implemented with graphics enhancement on PC-CUBE. The applications range from solving the Mandelbrot set, Laplace equation, wave equation, long range force interaction, to WaTor, an ecological simulation.

  5. Combating adverse selection in secondary PC markets.

    PubMed

    Hickey, Stewart W; Fitzpatrick, Colin

    2008-04-15

    Adverse selection is a significant contributor to market failure in secondary personal computer (PC) markets. Signaling can act as a potential solution to adverse selection and facilitate superior remarketing of second-hand PCs. Signaling is a means whereby usage information can be utilized to enhance consumer perception of both value and utility of used PCs and, therefore, promote lifetime extension for these systems. This can help mitigate a large portion of the environmental impact associated with PC system manufacture. In this paper, the computer buying and selling behavior of consumers is characterized via a survey of 270 Irish residential users. Results confirm the existence of adverse selection in the Irish market with 76% of potential buyers being unwilling to purchase and 45% of potential vendors being unwilling to sell a used PC. The so-called "closet affect" is also apparent with 78% of users storing their PC after use has ceased. Results also indicate that consumers place a higher emphasis on specifications when considering a second-hand purchase. This contradicts their application needs which are predominantly Internet and word-processing/spreadsheet/presentation applications, 88% and 60% respectively. Finally, a market solution utilizing self monitoring and reporting technology (SMART) sensors for the purpose of real time usage monitoring is proposed, that can change consumer attitudes with regard to second-hand computer equipment.

  6. 21 CFR 868.2480 - Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor. 868.2480... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2480 Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor is a noninvasive heated...

  7. 21 CFR 868.2480 - Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO 2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO 2) monitor. 868... dioxide (PcCO 2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor is a noninvasive... relative changes in a hemodynamically stable patient's cutaneous carbon dioxide tension as an adjunct to...

  8. 21 CFR 868.2480 - Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO 2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO 2) monitor. 868... dioxide (PcCO 2) monitor. (a) Identification. A cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor is a noninvasive... relative changes in a hemodynamically stable patient's cutaneous carbon dioxide tension as an adjunct to...

  9. Revisiting PC1/3 Mutants: Dominant-Negative Effect of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Retained Mutants.

    PubMed

    Blanco, Elias H; Ramos-Molina, Bruno; Lindberg, Iris

    2015-10-01

    Prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), encoded by the gene PCSK1, is critical for peptide hormone synthesis. An increasing number of studies have shown that inactivating mutations in PCSK1 are correlated with endocrine pathologies ranging from intestinal dysfunction to morbid obesity, whereas the common nonsynonymous polymorphisms rs6232 (N221D) and rs6234-rs6235 (Q665E-S690T) are highly associated with obesity risk. In this report, we revisited the biochemical and cellular properties of PC1/3 variants in the context of a wild-type PC1/3 background instead of the S357G hypermorph background used for all previous studies. In the wild-type background the PC1/3 N221D variant exhibited 30% lower enzymatic activity in a fluorogenic assay than wild-type PC1/3; this inhibition was greater than that detected in an equivalent experiment using the PC1/3 S357G background. A PC1/3 variant with the linked carboxyl-terminal polymorphisms Q665E-S690T did not show this difference. We also analyzed the biochemical properties of 2 PC1/3 mutants, G209R and G593R, which are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and studied their effects on wild-type PC1/3. The expression of ER-retained mutants induced ER stress markers and also resulted in dominant-negative blockade of wild-type PC1/3 prodomain cleavage and decreased expression of wild-type PC1/3, suggesting facilitation of the entry of wild-type protein to a degradative proteasomal pathway. Dominant-negative effects of PC1/3 mutations on the expression and maturation of wild-type protein, with consequential effects on PC1/3 availability, add a new element which must be considered in population and clinical studies of this gene.

  10. CLIPS 6.0 - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM, VERSION 6.0 (IBM PC VERSION)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Donnell, B.

    1994-01-01

    COOL (that is, a rule can pattern match on objects created using COOL). CLIPS 6.0 provides the capability to define functions, overloaded functions, and global variables interactively. In addition, CLIPS can be embedded within procedural code, called as a subroutine, and integrated with languages such as C, FORTRAN and Ada. CLIPS can be easily extended by a user through the use of several well-defined protocols. CLIPS provides several delivery options for programs including the ability to generate stand alone executables or to load programs from text or binary files. CLIPS 6.0 provides support for the modular development and execution of knowledge bases with the defmodule construct. CLIPS modules allow a set of constructs to be grouped together such that explicit control can be maintained over restricting the access of the constructs by other modules. This type of control is similar to global and local scoping used in languages such as C or Ada. By restricting access to deftemplate and defclass constructs, modules can function as blackboards, permitting only certain facts and instances to be seen by other modules. Modules are also used by rules to provide execution control. The CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) utility included with previous version of CLIPS is no longer supported. The capabilities provided by this tool are now available directly within CLIPS 6.0 to aid in the development, debugging, and verification of large rule bases. COSMIC offers four distribution versions of CLIPS 6.0: UNIX (MSC-22433), VMS (MSC-22434), MACINTOSH (MSC-22429), and IBM PC (MSC-22430). Executable files, source code, utilities, documentation, and examples are included on the program media. All distribution versions include identical source code for the command line version of CLIPS 6.0. This source code should compile on any platform with an ANSI C compiler. Each distribution version of CLIPS 6.0, except that for the Macintosh platform, includes an executable for the

  11. PC Tutor. Bericht uber ein PC-gestutzes Tutorensystem = PC Tutor. Report on a Tutoring System with Personal Computer. ZIFF Papiere 75.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fritsch, Helmut

    A project was conducted to increase as well as to professionalize communication between tutors and learners in a West German university's distance education program by the use of personal computers. Two tutors worked on the systematic development of a PC-based correcting system. The goal, apart from developing general language skills in English,…

  12. CLIPS - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM (IBM PC VERSION WITH CLIPSITS)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Riley, , .

    1994-01-01

    The C Language Integrated Production System, CLIPS, is a shell for developing expert systems. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. The primary design goals for CLIPS are portability, efficiency, and functionality. For these reasons, the program is written in C. CLIPS meets or outperforms most micro- and minicomputer based artificial intelligence tools. CLIPS is a forward chaining rule-based language. The program contains an inference engine and a language syntax that provide a framework for the construction of an expert system. It also includes tools for debugging an application. CLIPS is based on the Rete algorithm, which enables very efficient pattern matching. The collection of conditions and actions to be taken if the conditions are met is constructed into a rule network. As facts are asserted either prior to or during a session, CLIPS pattern-matches the number of fields. Wildcards and variables are supported for both single and multiple fields. CLIPS syntax allows the inclusion of externally defined functions (outside functions which are written in a language other than CLIPS). CLIPS itself can be embedded in a program such that the expert system is available as a simple subroutine call. Advanced features found in CLIPS version 4.3 include an integrated microEMACS editor, the ability to generate C source code from a CLIPS rule base to produce a dedicated executable, binary load and save capabilities for CLIPS rule bases, and the utility program CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of large rule bases. Five machine versions are available. Each machine version includes the source and the executable for that machine. The UNIX version includes the source and binaries for IBM RS/6000, Sun3 series, and Sun4 series computers. The UNIX, DEC VAX, and DEC RISC Workstation versions are line oriented. The PC version and the Macintosh

  13. Electronic and structural properties at the interface between CuPc and graphene

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

    Tao, Yongsheng; College of Modern Science and Technology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018; Mao, Hongying

    2015-01-07

    The electronic and structural properties at Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/graphene have been studied using ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles density function theory calculation. The five emission features α, β, γ, δ, and ε originating from the CuPc molecules locate at 1.48, 3.66, 4.98, 6.90, and 9.04 eV, respectively. These features shift in binding energy with the increasing CuPc coverage. The feature α is mostly deriving from Cu 3d orbital with some contributions from C 2p orbital. Further theoretical calculation indicates that the adsorption of CuPc on a top site is the most favorable configuration, and the separation between the adsorbate and graphenemore » is about 3.47 Å. According to the density of states before and after CuPc adsorption, the LUMO of CuPc is slightly occupied, while the Dirac point of graphene slightly shift towards higher energy, suggesting that a small amount of electron transfer from graphene to CuPc upon contact.« less

  14. 21 CFR 868.2480 - Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor. 868.2480 Section 868.2480 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... (PcCO2) and Oxygen (PcO2) Monitors; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 868.1(e) for the...

  15. Whole blood selenium levels (WBSL) in patients with prostate cancer (PC), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and healthy male inhabitants (HMI) and prostatic tissue selenium levels (PTSL) in patients with PC and BPH.

    PubMed

    Muecke, Ralph; Klotz, Theodor; Giedl, Josef; Buentzel, Jens; Kundt, Guenther; Kisters, Klaus; Prott, Franz-Josef; Micke, Oliver

    2009-01-01

    The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant differences exist between whole blood selenium levels (WBSL) in patients with prostate cancer (PC), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), healthy male inhabitants (HMI) in northern Bavaria and the normal value. Furthermore, we investigated whether differences exist between prostatic tissue selenium levels (PTSL) in patients with PC, BPH and the benign tissue surrounding the PC. We prospectively evaluated WBSL in 24 patients with PC, 21 patients with BPH, and 21 HMI. Measurements of PTSL were performed in 17 patients with PC and 22 patients with BPH. In 9 cases with PC, measurements were also done in the benign tissue surrounding the carcinoma. Measurements were performed using automated graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In patients with PC, there is a significantly lower WBSL in comparison to HMI (p=0.04). There is no significant difference in WBSL between BPH-patients and HMI (p=0.13) and between PC- and BPH-patients (p=0.67). In all patients and the HMI, there is a significantly lower WBSL in comparison to the recommended normal value of 85-162 microg/l (p<0.01). There is no significant difference in PTSL between PC and BPH (p=0.49), and between PC and the tissue compartment surrounding the PC (p=0.56). PTSL seemed to be reduced in the compartment surrounding the PC in comparison to BPH (p=0.03). In PC-patients, there is no significant correlation between WBSL and prostate specific antigen (PSA) (? = -0.20; p=0.36), Gleason score (? = 0.32, p=0.13), and T-stage (? = 0.22; p=0.23). Since the WBSL measured in all men with PC and BPH, and in HMI participating in our study were significantly lower than the recommended normal range, our findings may support the recommendation of selenium supplementation.

  16. Simulation Learning PC Screen-Based vs. High Fidelity

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-08-01

    D., Burgess, L., Berg, B . and Connolly, K . (2009). Teaching mass casualty triage skills using iterative multimanikin simulations. Prehospital...SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON USAMRMC a. REPORT U b . ABSTRACT U...learning PC screen-based vs. high fidelity – progress chart Attachment B . Approved Protocol - Simulation Learning: PC-Screen Based (PCSB) versus High

  17. A controlled evaluation of case clinical effect coding by poison center specialists for detection of WMD scenarios.

    PubMed

    Beuhler, Michael C; Wittler, Mary A; Ford, Marsha; Dulaney, Anna R

    2011-08-01

    Many public health entities employ computer-based syndromic surveillance to monitor for aberrations including possible exposures to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Often, this is done by screening signs and symptoms reported for cases against syndromic definitions. Poison centers (PCs) may offer significant contributions to public health surveillance because of their detailed clinical effect data field coding and real-time data entry. Because improper clinical effect coding may impede syndromic surveillance, it is important to assess this accuracy for PCs. An AAPCC-certified regional PC assessed the accuracy of clinical effect coding by specialists in poison information (SPIs) listening to audio recordings of standard cases. Eighteen different standardized cases were used, consisting of six cyanide, six botulism, and six control cases. Cases were scripted to simulate clinically relevant telephone conversations and converted to audio recordings. Ten SPIs were randomly selected from the center's staff to listen to and code case information from the recorded cases. Kappa scores and the percentage of correctly coding a present clinical effect were calculated for individual clinical effects summed over all test cases along with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The rate of the case coding by the SPIs triggering the PC's automated botulism and cyanide alerts was also determined. The kappa scores and the percentage of correctly coding a present clinical effect varied depending on the specific clinical effect, with greater accuracy observed for the clinical effects of vomiting and agitation/irritability, and poor accuracy observed for the clinical effects of visual defect and anion gap increase. Lack of correct coding resulted in only 60 and 86% of the cases that met the botulism and cyanide surveillance definitions, respectively, triggering the corresponding alert. There was no difference observed in the percentage of coding a present clinical effect between

  18. Computer (PC/Network) Coordinator.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Center on Education and Training for Employment.

    This publication contains 22 subjects appropriate for use in a competency list for the occupation of computer (PC/network) coordinator, 1 of 12 occupations within the business/computer technologies cluster. Each unit consists of a number of competencies; a list of competency builders is provided for each competency. Titles of the 22 units are as…

  19. Wf/pc Cycle 1 Calibration: Rapid Internal Monitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    MacKenty, John

    1990-12-01

    This test is to take repeated internal flats to test for contamination buildup on the optical surfaces or the reappearance of QEH. Part 1: INTFLATS in F555W are obtained every 4 days in both WFC and PC to check for measles or daisies and to monitor scattered light. Part 2: Sequential INTFLATS in F439W with PC are obtained every 7 days to check for QEH.

  20. Wf/pc Cycle 3 Calibration: Rapid Internal Monitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    MacKenty, John

    1992-06-01

    This test is to take repeated internal flats to test for contamination buildup on the optical surfaces or the reappearance of QEH. Part 1: INTFLATS in F555W are obtained every 4 days in both WFC and PC to check for measles or daisies and to monitor scattered light. Part 2: Sequential INTFLATS in F439W with PC are obtained every 7 days to check for QEH.

  1. Wf/pc Cycle 2 Calibration: Rapid Internal Monitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    MacKenty, John

    1991-07-01

    This test is to take repeated internal flats to test for contamination buildup on the optical surfaces or the reappearance of QEH. Part 1: INTFLATS in F555W are obtained every 4 days in both WFC and PC to check for measles or daisies and to monitor scattered light. Part 2: Sequential INTFLATS in F439W with PC are obtained every 7 days to check for QEH.

  2. IBM PC enhances the world's future

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cox, Jozelle

    1988-01-01

    Although the purpose of this research is to illustrate the importance of computers to the public, particularly the IBM PC, present examinations will include computers developed before the IBM PC was brought into use. IBM, as well as other computing facilities, began serving the public years ago, and is continuing to find ways to enhance the existence of man. With new developments in supercomputers like the Cray-2, and the recent advances in artificial intelligence programming, the human race is gaining knowledge at a rapid pace. All have benefited from the development of computers in the world; not only have they brought new assets to life, but have made life more and more of a challenge everyday.

  3. CARES/PC - CERAMICS ANALYSIS AND RELIABILITY EVALUATION OF STRUCTURES

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Szatmary, S. A.

    1994-01-01

    The beneficial properties of structural ceramics include their high-temperature strength, light weight, hardness, and corrosion and oxidation resistance. For advanced heat engines, ceramics have demonstrated functional abilities at temperatures well beyond the operational limits of metals. This is offset by the fact that ceramic materials tend to be brittle. When a load is applied, their lack of significant plastic deformation causes the material to crack at microscopic flaws, destroying the component. CARES/PC performs statistical analysis of data obtained from the fracture of simple, uniaxial tensile or flexural specimens and estimates the Weibull and Batdorf material parameters from this data. CARES/PC is a subset of the program CARES (COSMIC program number LEW-15168) which calculates the fast-fracture reliability or failure probability of ceramic components utilizing the Batdorf and Weibull models to describe the effects of multi-axial stress states on material strength. CARES additionally requires that the ceramic structure be modeled by a finite element program such as MSC/NASTRAN or ANSYS. The more limited CARES/PC does not perform fast-fracture reliability estimation of components. CARES/PC estimates ceramic material properties from uniaxial tensile or from three- and four-point bend bar data. In general, the parameters are obtained from the fracture stresses of many specimens (30 or more are recommended) whose geometry and loading configurations are held constant. Parameter estimation can be performed for single or multiple failure modes by using the least-squares analysis or the maximum likelihood method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit tests measure the accuracy of the hypothesis that the fracture data comes from a population with a distribution specified by the estimated Weibull parameters. Ninety-percent confidence intervals on the Weibull parameters and the unbiased value of the shape parameter for complete samples are provided

  4. Transforming PC Power Supplies into Smart Car Battery Conditioners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rodriguez-Ascariz, J. M.; Boquete-Vazquez, L.

    2011-01-01

    This paper describes a laboratory project consisting of a PC power supply modification into an intelligent car-battery conditioner with both wireless and wired networking capabilities. Adding a microcontroller to an average PC power supply transforms it into a flexible, intelligent device that can be configured and that is suitable to keep car…

  5. Improved classical and quantum random access codes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liabøtrø, O.

    2017-05-01

    A (quantum) random access code ((Q)RAC) is a scheme that encodes n bits into m (qu)bits such that any of the n bits can be recovered with a worst case probability p >1/2 . We generalize (Q)RACs to a scheme encoding n d -levels into m (quantum) d -levels such that any d -level can be recovered with the probability for every wrong outcome value being less than 1/d . We construct explicit solutions for all n ≤d/2m-1 d -1 . For d =2 , the constructions coincide with those previously known. We show that the (Q)RACs are d -parity oblivious, generalizing ordinary parity obliviousness. We further investigate optimization of the success probabilities. For d =2 , we use the measure operators of the previously best-known solutions, but improve the encoding states to give a higher success probability. We conjecture that for maximal (n =4m-1 ,m ,p ) QRACs, p =1/2 {1 +[(√{3}+1)m-1 ] -1} is possible, and show that it is an upper bound for the measure operators that we use. We then compare (n ,m ,pq) QRACs with classical (n ,2 m ,pc) RACs. We can always find pq≥pc , but the classical code gives information about every input bit simultaneously, while the QRAC only gives information about a subset. For several different (n ,2 ,p ) QRACs, we see the same trade-off, as the best p values are obtained when the number of bits that can be obtained simultaneously is as small as possible. The trade-off is connected to parity obliviousness, since high certainty information about several bits can be used to calculate probabilities for parities of subsets.

  6. The general utilization of scrapped PC board.

    PubMed

    Liu, Robert; Shieh, R S; Yeh, Ruth Y L; Lin, C H

    2009-11-01

    The traditional burning process is used to recover copper from scrapped PC board (printed circuit board) but it causes serious environmental problems. In this research a new process was developed which not only prevents pollution problems, but also maximizes the utility of all the materials on the waste board. First, the scrapped PC board was crushed and grounded, then placed in the NH3/NH5CO3 solution with aeration in order to dissolve copper. After distilling the copper NH3/NH5CO3 solution and then heating the distilled residue of copper carbonate, pure copper oxide was obtained with particle size of about 0.2 microm and the shape elliptical. The remaining solid residue after copper removal was then leached with 6N hydrochloric acid to remove tin and lead. The last residue was used as a filler in PVC plastics. The PVC plastics with PC board powder as filling material was found to have the same tensile strength as unfilled plastics, but had higher elastic modulus, higher abrasion resistance, and was cheaper.

  7. Observations of explosion generated PcP spectra at near-normal incidence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Niazi, Mansour; McLaughlin, Keith L.

    1987-10-01

    Short period recordings of PcP at the SRO station ANTO have been observed at epicentral distance of 13.5° from presumed underground explosions in western Kazahk, USSR. The core reflections are narrow band (0.6 to 2.4 Hz), short duration (3 sec) signals. Comparison of these near normally incident reflections to P waveforms observed at greater distances reveals that the PcP spectra are peaked with respect to the more representative P-wave spectra. The 1.2 Hz spectral peak is also observed for PcP waves recorded at 50 degrees. Corrections for frequency independent mantle Q attnuation models only increase the high frequency deficiency of the PcP spectra at frequencies above 1.2 Hz. A plausible explanation calls for finer structural features of core-mantle boundary (CMB) than hitherto suggested. The influence of small scale lateral heterogeneities, however, cannot be completely ruled out. (Mantle-core boundary, near normal PcP reflection.)

  8. FastDart : a fast, accurate and friendly version of DART code.

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

    Rest, J.; Taboada, H.

    2000-11-08

    A new enhanced, visual version of DART code is presented. DART is a mechanistic model based code, developed for the performance calculation and assessment of aluminum dispersion fuel. Major issues of this new version are the development of a new, time saving calculation routine, able to be run on PC, a friendly visual input interface and a plotting facility. This version, available for silicide and U-Mo fuels,adds to the classical accuracy of DART models for fuel performance prediction, a faster execution and visual interfaces. It is part of a collaboration agreement between ANL and CNEA in the area of Lowmore » Enriched Uranium Advanced Fuels, held by the Implementation Arrangement for Technical Exchange and Cooperation in the Area of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.« less

  9. Ordered array of CoPc-vacancies filled with single-molecule rotors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Zheng-Bo; Wang, Ya-Li; Tao, Min-Long; Sun, Kai; Tu, Yu-Bing; Yuan, Hong-Kuan; Wang, Jun-Zhong

    2018-05-01

    We report the highly ordered array of CoPc-vacancies and the single-molecule rotors inside the vacancies. When CoPc molecules are deposited on Cd(0001) at low-temperature, three types of molecular vacancies appeared randomly in the CoPc monolayer. Annealing the sample to higher temperature leads to the spontaneous phase separation and self-organized arrangement of the vacancies. Highly ordered arrays of two-molecule vacancies and single-molecule vacancies have been obtained. In particular, there is a rotating CoPc molecule inside each single-molecule vacancy, which constitutes the array of single-molecule rotors. These results provide a new routine to fabricate the nano-machines on a large scale.

  10. Methyl-parathion decreases sperm function and fertilization capacity after targeting spermatocytes and maturing spermatozoa

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

    Pina-Guzman, Belem; Sanchez-Gutierrez, M.; Marchetti, Francesco

    Paternal germline exposure to organophosphorous pesticides (OP) has been associated with reproductive failures and adverse effects in the offspring. Methyl parathion (Me-Pa), a worldwide-used OP, has reproductive adverse effects and is genotoxic to sperm. Oxidative damage has been involved in the genotoxic and reproductive effects of OP. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Me-Pa on spermatozoa function and ability to fertilize. Male mice were exposed to Me-Pa (20 mg/kg bw, i.p.) and spermatozoa from epididymis-vas deferens were collected at 7 or 28 days post-treatment (dpt) to assess the effects on maturing spermatozoa and spermatocytes, respectively.more » DNA damage was evaluated by nick translation (NT-positive cells) and SCSA (percentDFI); lipoperoxidation (LPO) by malondialdehyde production; sperm function by spontaneous- and induced-acrosome reactions (AR); mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by using the JC-1 flurochrome; and, fertilization ability by an in vitro assay and in vivo mating. Results showed alterations in DNA integrity (percentDFI and NT-positive cells) at 7 and 28 dpt, in addition to decreased sperm quality and a decrease in induced-AR; reduced MMP and LPO was observed only at 7 dpt. We found negative correlations between LPO and all sperm alterations. Altered sperm functional parameters were associated with reduced fertilization rates at both times, evaluated either in vitro or in vivo. These results show that Me-Pa exposure of maturing spermatozoa and spermatocytes affects many sperm functional parameters that result in a decreased fertilizing capacity. Oxidative stress seems to be a likely mechanism ofthe detrimental effects of Me-Pa in male germ cells.« less

  11. APC-PC Combined Scheme in Gilbert Two State Model: Proposal and Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bulo, Yaka; Saring, Yang; Bhunia, Chandan Tilak

    2017-04-01

    In an automatic repeat request (ARQ) scheme, a packet is retransmitted if it gets corrupted due to transmission errors caused by the channel. However, an erroneous packet may contain both erroneous bits and correct bits and hence it may still contain useful information. The receiver may be able to combine this information from multiple erroneous copies to recover the correct packet. Packet combining (PC) is a simple and elegant scheme of error correction in transmitted packet, in which two received copies are XORed to obtain the bit location of erroneous bits. Thereafter, the packet is corrected by bit inversion of bit located as erroneous. Aggressive packet combining (APC) is a logic extension of PC primarily designed for wireless communication with objective of correcting error with low latency. PC offers higher throughput than APC, but PC does not correct double bit errors if occur in same bit location of erroneous copies of the packet. A hybrid technique is proposed to utilize the advantages of both APC and PC while attempting to remove the limitation of both. In the proposed technique, applications of APC-PC on Gilbert two state model has been studied. The simulation results show that the proposed technique offers better throughput than the conventional APC and lesser packet error rate than PC scheme.

  12. Constraints on small-scale heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle from observations of near podal PcP precursors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Baolong; Ni, Sidao; Sun, Daoyuan; Shen, Zhichao; Jackson, Jennifer M.; Wu, Wenbo

    2018-05-01

    Volumetric heterogeneities on large (∼>1000 km) and intermediate scales (∼>100 km) in the lowermost mantle have been established with seismological approaches. However, there are controversies regarding the level of heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle at small scales (a few kilometers to tens of kilometers), with lower bound estimates ranging from 0.1% to a few percent. We take advantage of the small amplitude PcP waves at near podal distances (0-12°) to constrain the level of small-scale heterogeneity within 250 km above the CMB. First, we compute short period synthetic seismograms with a finite difference code for a series of volumetric heterogeneity models in the lowermost mantle, and find that PcP is not identifiable if the small-scale heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle is above 2.5%. We then use a functional form appropriate for coda decay to suppress P coda contamination. By comparing the corrected envelope of PcP and its precursors with synthetic seismograms, we find that perturbations of small-scale (∼8 km) heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle is ∼0.2-0.5% beneath regions of the China-Myanmar border area, Okhotsk Sea and South America. Whereas strong perturbations (∼1.0%) are found beneath Central America. In the regions studied, we find that this particular type of small-scale heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle is weak, yet there are some regions requiring heterogeneity up to 1.0%. Where scattering is stronger, such as under Central America, more chemically complex mineral assemblages may be present at the core-mantle boundary.

  13. Dose Comparisons for a Site-specific Representative Person Using the Age-dependent Dose Coefficients in CAP88-PC Version 4.

    PubMed

    Stagich, Brooke H; Moore, Kelsey R; Newton, Joseph R; Dixon, Kenneth L; Jannik, G Timothy

    2017-04-01

    Most U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities with radiological airborne releases use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) environmental dosimetry code CAP88-PC to demonstrate compliance with regulations in 40CFR61, subpart H [National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Radiological (NESHAP)]. In 2015, EPA released Version 4 of CAP88-PC, which included significant modifications that improved usability and age-dependent dose coefficients and usage factors for six age groups (infant, 1 y, 5 y, 10 y, 15 y, and adult). However, EPA has not yet provided specific guidance on how to use these age-dependent factors. For demonstrating compliance with DOE public dose regulations, the Savannah River Site (SRS) recently changed from using the maximally exposed individual (MEI) concept (adult male) to the representative person concept (age- and gender-averaged reference person). In this study, dose comparisons are provided between the MEI and a SRS-specific representative person using the age-specific dose coefficients and usage factors in CAP88-PC V.4. Dose comparisons also are provided for each of the six age groups using five radionuclides of interest at SRS (tritium oxide, Cs, Sr, Pu, and I). In general, the total effective dose increases about 11% for the representative person as compared to the current NESHAP MEI because of the inclusion of the more radiosensitive age groups.

  14. Electrochemical fabrication and optoelectronic properties of hybrid heterostructure of CuPc/porous GaN

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peng, Fei; Qin, Shuang-Jiao; Hu, Li-Feng; Wang, Juan-Ye; Yang, Jia-Mei; Chen, Xue-Qing; Pan, Ge-Bo

    2016-05-01

    A new hybrid heterostructure of p-type copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and n-type porous GaN (PGaN) has been fabricated by electrophoretic deposition. The influence of CuPc concentration, electric field intensity, and deposition time on the growth of CuPc film has been explored. The as-prepared CuPc films are made of numerous nanorods. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra revealed that the CuPc films are the β phase and amorphous type on pristine and porous GaN, respectively. Moreover, the prototype devices were fabricated on the basis of the CuPc/PGaN heterostructures. The devices exhibited excellent photodetector performance under ultraviolet (UV) light illumination.

  15. Orpinomyces cellulase celf protein and coding sequences

    DOEpatents

    Li, Xin-Liang; Chen, Huizhong; Ljungdahl, Lars G.

    2000-09-05

    A cDNA (1,520 bp), designated celF, consisting of an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide (CelF) of 432 amino acids was isolated from a cDNA library of the anaerobic rumen fungus Orpinomyces PC-2 constructed in Escherichia coli. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence showed that starting from the N-terminus, CelF consists of a signal peptide, a cellulose binding domain (CBD) followed by an extremely Asn-rich linker region which separate the CBD and the catalytic domains. The latter is located at the C-terminus. The catalytic domain of CelF is highly homologous to CelA and CelC of Orpinomyces PC-2, to CelA of Neocallimastix patriciarum and also to cellobiohydrolase IIs (CBHIIs) from aerobic fungi. However, Like CelA of Neocallimastix patriciarum, CelF does not have the noncatalytic repeated peptide domain (NCRPD) found in CelA and CelC from the same organism. The recombinant protein CelF hydrolyzes cellooligosaccharides in the pattern of CBHII, yielding only cellobiose as product with cellotetraose as the substrate. The genomic celF is interrupted by a 111 bp intron, located within the region coding for the CBD. The intron of the celF has features in common with genes from aerobic filamentous fungi.

  16. PcG and trxG in plants - friends or foes.

    PubMed

    Pu, Li; Sung, Zinmay Renee

    2015-05-01

    The highly-conserved Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) proteins play major roles in regulating gene expression and maintaining developmental states in many organisms. However, neither the recruitment of Polycomb repressive complexes (PRC) nor the mechanisms of PcG and trxG-mediated gene silencing and activation are well understood. Recent progress in Arabidopsis research challenges the dominant model of PRC2-dependent recruitment of PRC1 to target genes. Moreover, evidence indicates that diverse forms of PRC1, with shared components, are a common theme in plants and mammals. Although trxG is known to antagonize PcG, emerging data reveal that trxG can also repress gene expression, acting cooperatively with PcG. We discuss these recent findings and highlight the employment of diverse epigenetic mechanisms during development in plants and animals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Impact of ambient environment on the electronic structure of CuPc/Au sample

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sinha, Sumona; Mukherjee, M.

    2018-02-01

    The performances of organic devices are crucially connected with their stability in the ambient environment. The impact of 24 h. Ambient environment exposure to the electronic structures of about 12 nm thick CuPc thin film on clean Au substrate have been studied employing UV photoemission spectroscopy technique. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) was used to find out the origin of the change of the electronic structures in the sample with the exposure. The XPS study suggests that the oxidation occurs at the CuPc thin film. Due to the adsorption of oxygen in the CuPc film from the ambient air, charge carriers are formed within the CuPc film. Moreover, the XPS results imply that the CuPc film is sufficiently thinner for diffusing oxygen molecules through it and gets physically absorbed on Au substrate during the ambient exposure. Consequently, the hole injection barrier height of pristine CuPc film, grown on Au substrate, is reduced by about 0.50 eV and work-function of the pristine CuPc sample is enhanced by around 0.25 eV in the exposure. The findings will help to understand the mechanism that governs the degradation of performance of CuPc based devices in ambient environment.

  18. PC-based Multiple Information System Interface (PC/MISI) detailed design and implementation plan

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Hall, Philip P.

    1985-01-01

    The design plan for the personal computer multiple information system interface (PC/MISI) project is discussed. The document is intended to be used as a blueprint for the implementation of the system. Each component is described in the detail necessary to allow programmers to implement the system. A description of the system data flow and system file structures is given.

  19. Divergent prion strain evolution driven by PrPC expression level in transgenic mice

    PubMed Central

    Le Dur, Annick; Laï, Thanh Lan; Stinnakre, Marie-George; Laisné, Aude; Chenais, Nathalie; Rakotobe, Sabine; Passet, Bruno; Reine, Fabienne; Soulier, Solange; Herzog, Laetitia; Tilly, Gaëlle; Rézaei, Human; Béringue, Vincent; Vilotte, Jean-Luc; Laude, Hubert

    2017-01-01

    Prions induce a fatal neurodegenerative disease in infected host brain based on the refolding and aggregation of the host-encoded prion protein PrPC into PrPSc. Structurally distinct PrPSc conformers can give rise to multiple prion strains. Constrained interactions between PrPC and different PrPSc strains can in turn lead to certain PrPSc (sub)populations being selected for cross-species transmission, or even produce mutation-like events. By contrast, prion strains are generally conserved when transmitted within the same species, or to transgenic mice expressing homologous PrPC. Here, we compare the strain properties of a representative sheep scrapie isolate transmitted to a panel of transgenic mouse lines expressing varying levels of homologous PrPC. While breeding true in mice expressing PrPC at near physiological levels, scrapie prions evolve consistently towards different strain components in mice beyond a certain threshold of PrPC overexpression. Our results support the view that PrPC gene dosage can influence prion evolution on homotypic transmission. PMID:28112164

  20. The USL NASA PC R and D project: General specifications of objectives

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor)

    1984-01-01

    Given here are the general specifications of the objectives of the University of Southwestern Louisiana Data Base Management System (USL/DBMS) NASA PC R and D Project, a project initiated to address future R and D issues related to PC-based processing environments acquired pursuant to the NASA contract work; namely, the IBM PC/XT systems.

  1. Correlation of solar wind parameters with Pc5 activity at all local times.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baker, G. J.; Donovan, E. F.; Jackel, B. J.

    2001-12-01

    Using ten years of data from the CANOPUS Churchill line of magnetometers, we investigate the statistical properties of Pc5 pulsations, and the band-limited spectral power in the Pc5 frequency range (ie., 1.7-6.7 mHz). In order to determine the band-limited Pc5 power, we apodize with a 45 minute Hanning window, and detrend the data with the best-fit second order polynomial. For each station, we slide the window along in one minute increments, producing time series of absolute power measurements at one minute intervals. In addition, Pc5 pulsations were identified by eye for six of the seven Churchill line stations. Our criterion for classifying a magnetic perturbation as a Pc5 pulsation was that it was nearly monochromatic, and its amplitude did not decrease over at least four periods. Applying this criterion guarantees that the relative power in the Pc5 band is high. We then have a complete data set of Pc5 powers, and a subset corresponding to times when there were Pc5 pulsations present according to our classification. Initial results show the well known correlation between solar wind speed (IMP 8 one hour averages obtained via OMNIWEB) and Pc5 power. For example, for magnetic local times between 0600 and 1000, we obtain correlation coefficients between the logarithm of the band-limited power and the solar wind speed of 0.72 and 0.77, for the case of the entire data set, and the subset, respectively. In this paper, we present results of multivariate analysis of the Pc5 data base and solar wind data, designed to elucidate correlations at all local times. We discuss our results within the context of earlier studies by Engerbretson et al. [JGR, volume 103, 26721-26283, 1998] and Vennerstrom [JGR, volume 104, 10145-10157, 1999].

  2. PC-SPES (PDQ®)—Patient Version

    Cancer.gov

    Expert-reviewed information summary about the use of PC-SPES as a treatment for prostate cancer. Note: The information in this summary is no longer being updated and is provided for reference purposes only.

  3. PC Scene Generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buford, James A., Jr.; Cosby, David; Bunfield, Dennis H.; Mayhall, Anthony J.; Trimble, Darian E.

    2007-04-01

    AMRDEC has successfully tested hardware and software for Real-Time Scene Generation for IR and SAL Sensors on COTS PC based hardware and video cards. AMRDEC personnel worked with nVidia and Concurrent Computer Corporation to develop a Scene Generation system capable of frame rates of at least 120Hz while frame locked to an external source (such as a missile seeker) with no dropped frames. Latency measurements and image validation were performed using COTS and in-house developed hardware and software. Software for the Scene Generation system was developed using OpenSceneGraph.

  4. PC Vendor Viability, or Whatever Happened to HiTech International?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crawford, Walt

    1993-01-01

    Reports on the feasibility of vendors of IBM PC compatible computers based on issues of "PC Magazine" from September 1985 to the present. Results by year are given in tabular and text form. Implications of orphan systems for libraries, advertising problems, and predictors of success are discussed. (EAM)

  5. Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field on Neurite Outgrowth of PC12 and PC12D Cells and Evaluation by Image Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sakanishi, Akio; Takatsuki, Hideyo; Yoshikoshi, Akio; Fujiwara, Yasuyoshi

    2004-05-01

    A pheochromocytoma cell (PC12), and its derivative (PC12D), differentiate to nervelike cells in culture with the nerve growth factor (NGF) and forskolin respectively. We introduced a morphological factor σ=L/2(π A)1/2 for quantitating neurite outgrowth under a microscope in the presence of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields for 22 hours, where L and A are the contour length and the area of the cells in clump determined using an image-analysis system. ELF magnetic fields B1 were generated with a single coil or double coils in Helmholtz configuration together with static fields B0 of -53, -20 and 67 μT. σ increased with increasing NGF or forskolin level at B0=-53 μT (geomagnetism), in agreement with the cytometric observation of micrographs. With the addition of an AC field B1 at 60 Hz (100 μT > B1 > 3 μT rms) to B0, neurite outgrowth represented by σ was depressed for PC12 and stimulated for PC12D. We discuss the cyclotron resonance and the ion parametric resonance models.

  6. PrPC has nucleic acid chaperoning properties similar to the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1.

    PubMed

    Derrington, Edmund; Gabus, Caroline; Leblanc, Pascal; Chnaidermann, Jonas; Grave, Linda; Dormont, Dominique; Swietnicki, Wieslaw; Morillas, Manuel; Marck, Daniel; Nandi, Pradip; Darlix, Jean-Luc

    2002-01-01

    The function of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) remains obscure. Studies suggest that PrPC functions in several processes including signal transduction and Cu2+ metabolism. PrPC has also been established to bind nucleic acids. Therefore we investigated the properties of PrPC as a putative nucleic acid chaperone. Surprisingly, PrPC possesses all the nucleic acid chaperoning properties previously specific to retroviral nucleocapsid proteins. PrPC appears to be a molecular mimic of NCP7, the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1. Thus PrPC, like NCP7, chaperones the annealing of tRNA(Lys) to the HIV-1 primer binding site, the initial step of retrovirus replication. PrPC also chaperones the two DNA strand transfers required for production of a complete proviral DNA with LTRs. Concerning the functions of NCP7 during budding, PrPC also mimices NCP7 by dimerizing the HIV-1 genomic RNA. These data are unprecedented because, although many cellular proteins have been identified as nucleic acid chaperones, none have the properties of retroviral nucleocapsid proteins.

  7. [Grape seed extract induces morphological changes of prostate cancer PC-3 cells].

    PubMed

    Shang, Xue-Jun; Yin, Hong-Lin; Ge, Jing-Ping; Sun, Yi; Teng, Wen-Hui; Huang, Yu-Feng

    2008-12-01

    To observe the morphological changes of prostate cancer PC-3 cells induced by grape seed extract (GSE). PC-3 cells were incubated with different concentrations of GSE (100, 200 and 300 microg/ml) for 24, 48 and 72 hours, and then observed for morphological changes by invert microscopy, HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. The incubated PC-3 cells appeared round, small, wrinkled and broken under the invert microscope and exhibited the classical morphological characteristics of cell death under the electron microscope, including cell atrophy, increased vacuoles, crumpled nuclear membrane, and chromosome aggregation. GSE can cause morphological changes and induce necrosis and apoptosis of PC-3 cells.

  8. Dielectric and Energy Storage Properties of the Heterogeneous P(VDF-HFP)/PC Composite Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Xiaojia; Peng, Guirong; Zhan, Zaiji

    2017-12-01

    Polymer-based materials with a high discharge energy and low energy loss have attracted considerable attention for energy storage applications. A new class of polymer-based composite films composed of amorphous polycarbonate (PC) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF-HFP)] has been fabricated by simply solution blending followed by thermal treatment under vacuum. The results show that the diameter of the spherical phase for PC and the melting temperature of P(VDF-HFP) increase, and the crystallinity and crystallization temperature of P(VDF-HFP) decrease with increasing PC content. The phase transition from the polar β phase to weak polarity γ phase is induced by PC addition. Moreover, the Curie temperature of the P(VDF-HFP)/PC composite films shifts to a lower temperature. With the addition of PC, the permittivity, polarization and discharge energy of the P(VDF-HFP)/PC composite films slightly decrease. However, the energy loss is significantly reduced.

  9. Molecular characterization and differential gene induction of the neuroendocrine-specific genes neurotensin, neurotensin receptor, PC1, PC2, and 7B2 in the human ocular ciliary epithelium.

    PubMed

    Ortego, J; Coca-Prados, M

    1997-11-01

    The ocular ciliary epithelium is a bilayer of neuroepithelial cells specialized in the secretion of aqueous humor fluid and the regulation of intraocular pressure. In this study, we report on the expression of the regulatory peptide neurotensin (NT) and a set of differentiated neuroendocrine markers including neurotensin receptors (NTrs), the prohormone convertases furin, PC1, and PC2, and the neuroendocrine polypeptide 7B2 in the ciliary epithelium. Using a human cell line, ODM-2, derived from the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium, we demonstrate that (1) NT expression is highly activated by nerve growth factor, glucocorticoid, and activators of adenylate cyclase; (2) NTr expression is up-regulated by selective ligand-activated beta2-adrenergic receptor; and (3) PC1 and PC2 expression are up-regulated via distinct signaling transduction pathways. PC1 gene expression is activated by phorbol ester, and PC2 by the same inducers as those of NT expression. A radioimmunoassay for NT detected an NT-like immunoreactivity in human ciliary epithelium and ODM-2 cell extracts, in aqueous humor, and in conditioned culture medium. The results support the view that the entire ciliary epithelium functions as a neuroendocrine tissue, synthesizing, processing, and releasing NT into the aqueous humor where it may exert important physiological functions through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms.

  10. Use of Topical PC-NSAIDs to Treat Burn Injury and Pain

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-08-01

    1R41CA171408 (PI: Lichtenberger) 05/03/2013-04/30/2014 NIH/NCI 1.2 calendar mo. $85,000/yr Aspirin -PC for Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer The...major goal of this Phase I STTR grant is to test aspirin -PC for chemopreventive activity in an animal model of colon cancer. Role: Principal...calendar months $155,000/yr Effects of anti-platelet drugs on colon cancer in the elderly The major goal of this R21 grant is to test Aspirin -PC and

  11. Extrapolating laboratory avian toxicity data to free-living birds: Comparison of the toxicity of parathion to captive and free-living European starlings

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Grue, C.E.; Rattner, B.A.; Bunck, C.M.

    1993-01-01

    In 1985 and 1986, we captured nesting wild female European starlings with young 8-10 days of age. Birds were weighted, banded, and given one of four dosages of the OP insecticide parathion (50, 72, 104 or 150 mg/kg dissolved in corn oil) or pure corn-oil (control). and their young weighed. Nest boxes (7- 12/treatment) were observed and young re-weighed 2-3 days postdose to determine presence/absence of the females. If necessary, males were captured and fate of young used to confirm female response. Brain ChE inhibition in dosed birds (based on a pilot study) was 55-74%. EC50's (failure to return to nest box) for the females was 74 mg/kg in 1985 and 92 mg/kg in 1986. Confidence limit (95%) for these estimates overlapped LD50's for captive female starlings dosed with the OP in spring and early summer 1987 (136, 128 mg/kg, respectively). Results suggest that responses of captive and free-living birds to potentially lethal concentrations of OP's are similar, despite the additional stresses in the wild.

  12. Naproxen-PC: a GI safe and highly effective anti-inflammatory.

    PubMed

    Lichtenberger, L M; Romero, J J; Dial, E J; Moore, J E

    2009-02-01

    We have been developing a family of phosphatidylcholine (PC)-associated NSAIDs, which appear to have improved GI safety and therapeutic efficacy in both rodent model systems and pilot clinical trials. As naproxen has been demonstrated to be associated with the lowest cardiovascular adverse events in comparison with both COX-2 selective inhibitors and conventional NSAIDs, we have been developing a Naproxen-PC formulation for evaluation in animal models and clinical trials. We have determined that an oil-based formulation of naproxen and triple strength soy lecithin provides excellent GI protection in both: 1) an acute NSAID-induced intestinal bleeding model in rats pretreated with L-NAME that are intragastrically administered a single dose of naproxen (at a dose of 50 mg/kg) vs the equivalent dose of Naproxen-PC; and 2) a more chronic model (at a naproxen dose of 25 mg/kg BID) in rats that have pre-existing hindpaw inflammation (induced with a intradermal injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant/CFA). Both models demonstrate the superior GI safety of Naproxen-PC vs naproxen while this novel formulation had significant anti-inflammatory efficacy to reduce hindpaw edema and the generation of PGE(2) in the collected joint synovial fluid. Naproxen-PC appears to induce significantly less GI injury and bleeding in two rodent model systems while maintaining anti-inflammatory and COX-inhibitory activity.

  13. iSS-PC: Identifying Splicing Sites via Physical-Chemical Properties Using Deep Sparse Auto-Encoder.

    PubMed

    Xu, Zhao-Chun; Wang, Peng; Qiu, Wang-Ren; Xiao, Xuan

    2017-08-15

    Gene splicing is one of the most significant biological processes in eukaryotic gene expression, such as RNA splicing, which can cause a pre-mRNA to produce one or more mature messenger RNAs containing the coded information with multiple biological functions. Thus, identifying splicing sites in DNA/RNA sequences is significant for both the bio-medical research and the discovery of new drugs. However, it is expensive and time consuming based only on experimental technique, so new computational methods are needed. To identify the splice donor sites and splice acceptor sites accurately and quickly, a deep sparse auto-encoder model with two hidden layers, called iSS-PC, was constructed based on minimum error law, in which we incorporated twelve physical-chemical properties of the dinucleotides within DNA into PseDNC to formulate given sequence samples via a battery of cross-covariance and auto-covariance transformations. In this paper, five-fold cross-validation test results based on the same benchmark data-sets indicated that the new predictor remarkably outperformed the existing prediction methods in this field. Furthermore, it is expected that many other related problems can be also studied by this approach. To implement classification accurately and quickly, an easy-to-use web-server for identifying slicing sites has been established for free access at: http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/iSS-PC.

  14. [Functional disorders of vision and their prophylaxis in professionals using PC].

    PubMed

    Bol'shakova, V A

    2004-01-01

    With ophthalmologic examination of professionals using PC, the author specified functional disorders of vision. A syndrome diagnosed could be assigned to asthenopia. Complex of preventive measures could decrease frequency of asthenopic signs among PC operators and managing staffers.

  15. Genetic engineering approach to toxic waste management: case study for organophosphate waste treatment.

    PubMed

    Coppella, S J; DelaCruz, N; Payne, G F; Pogell, B M; Speedie, M K; Karns, J S; Sybert, E M; Connor, M A

    1990-01-01

    Currently, there has been limited use of genetic engineering for waste treatment. In this work, we are developing a procedure for the in situ treatment of toxic organophosphate wastes using the enzyme parathion hydrolase. Since this strategy is based on the use of an enzyme and not viable microorganisms, recombinant DNA technology could be used without the problems associated with releasing genetically altered microorganisms into the environment. The gene coding for parathion hydrolase was cloned into a Streptomyces lividans, and this transformed bacterium was observed to express and excrete this enzyme. Subsequently, fermentation conditions were developed to enhance enzyme production, and this fermentation was scaled-up to the pilot scale. The cell-free culture fluid (i.e., a nonpurified enzyme solution) was observed to be capable of effectively hydrolyzing organophosphate compounds under laboratory and simulated in situ conditions.

  16. Online medical symbol recognition using a Tablet PC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kundu, Amlan; Hu, Qian; Boykin, Stanley; Clark, Cheryl; Fish, Randy; Jones, Stephen; Moore, Stephen

    2011-01-01

    In this paper we describe a scheme to enhance the usability of a Tablet PC's handwriting recognition system by including medical symbols that are not a part of the Tablet PC's symbol library. The goal of this work is to make handwriting recognition more useful for medical professionals accustomed to using medical symbols in medical records. To demonstrate that this new symbol recognition module is robust and expandable, we report results on both a medical symbol set and an expanded symbol test set which includes selected mathematical symbols.

  17. Constraints on Small-scale Heterogeneity in the Lowermost Mantle from Observations of Near Podal PcP Precursors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, B.; Ni, S.; Sun, D.; Shen, Z.; Jackson, J. M.; Wu, W.

    2017-12-01

    Volumetric heterogeneity on large scales ( >1000 km) and intermediate scales ( >100km) in the lowermost mantle have been established with seismological approaches. However, there are controversies regarding the level of heterogeneity in lowermost mantle at small scales (a few kilometers to tens of kilometers), with lower bound estimates ranging from 0.1% to a few percent. We take advantage of the small amplitude PcP waves at near podal distances (0-12°) to constrain the level of small-scale heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle. First, we compute short period synthetic seismograms with a finite difference code for a series of volumetric heterogeneity models in the lowermost mantle, and find that PcP is not identifiable if the small-scale heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle is above 2.0%. And then we use a functional form appropriate for coda decay to suppress P coda contamination. By comparing the corrected envelope of PcP and its precursors with synthetic seismograms, we find that perturbation of small-scale ( 8 km) heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle is 0.2% beneath regions to the east of China-Myanmar border area, north of Okhotsk Sea and South America. The perturbation is 0.5% beneath south of Okhotsk Sea and west of China-Myanmar border area, whereas strong perturbations ( 1.0%) are found beneath Central America. In the regions studied, we find that this particular type of small scale heterogeneity in lowermost mantle is weak, yet there are some regions requiring heterogeneity up to 1.0%. Where scattering is stronger, such as under Central America, more chemically complex mineral assemblages may be present at the core-mantle boundary.

  18. Practical Pocket PC Application w/Biometric Security

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Logan, Julian

    2004-01-01

    I work in the Flight Software Engineering Branch, where we provide design and development of embedded real-time software applications for flight and supporting ground systems to support the NASA Aeronautics and Space Programs. In addition, this branch evaluates, develops and implements new technologies for embedded real-time systems, and maintains a laboratory for applications of embedded technology. The majority of microchips that are used in modern society have been programmed using embedded technology. These small chips can be found in microwaves, calculators, home security systems, cell phones and more. My assignment this summer entails working with an iPAQ HP 5500 Pocket PC. This top-of-the-line hand-held device is one of the first mobile PC's to introduce biometric security capabilities. Biometric security, in this case a fingerprint authentication system, is on the edge of technology as far as securing information. The benefits of fingerprint authentication are enormous. The most significant of them are that it is extremely difficult to reproduce someone else's fingerprint, and it is equally difficult to lose or forget your own fingerprint as opposed to a password or pin number. One of my goals for this summer is to integrate this technology with another Pocket PC application. The second task for the summer is to develop a simple application that provides an Astronaut EVA (Extravehicular Activity) Log Book capability. The Astronaut EVA Log Book is what an astronaut would use to report the status of field missions, crew physical health, successes, future plans, etc. My goal is to develop a user interface into which these data fields can be entered and stored. The applications that I am developing are created using eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0 with the Pocket PC 2003 Software Development Kit provided by Microsoft.

  19. Narrative-compression coding for a channel with errors. Professional paper for period ending June 1987

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

    Bond, J.W.

    1988-01-01

    Data-compression codes offer the possibility of improving the thruput of existing communication systems in the near term. This study was undertaken to determine if data-compression codes could be utilized to provide message compression in a channel with up to a 0.10-bit error rate. The data-compression capabilities of codes were investigated by estimating the average number of bits-per-character required to transmit narrative files. The performance of the codes in a channel with errors (a noisy channel) was investigated in terms of the average numbers of characters-decoded-in-error and of characters-printed-in-error-per-bit-error. Results were obtained by encoding four narrative files, which were resident onmore » an IBM-PC and use a 58-character set. The study focused on Huffman codes and suffix/prefix comma-free codes. Other data-compression codes, in particular, block codes and some simple variants of block codes, are briefly discussed to place the study results in context. Comma-free codes were found to have the most-promising data compression because error propagation due to bit errors are limited to a few characters for these codes. A technique was found to identify a suffix/prefix comma-free code giving nearly the same data compressions as a Huffman code with much less error propagation than the Huffman codes. Greater data compression can be achieved through the use of this comma-free code word assignments based on conditioned probabilities of character occurrence.« less

  20. IPEG- IMPROVED PRICE ESTIMATION GUIDELINES (IBM PC VERSION)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Aster, R. W.

    1994-01-01

    The Improved Price Estimation Guidelines, IPEG, program provides a simple yet accurate estimate of the price of a manufactured product. IPEG facilitates sensitivity studies of price estimates at considerably less expense than would be incurred by using the Standard Assembly-line Manufacturing Industry Simulation, SAMIS, program (COSMIC program NPO-16032). A difference of less than one percent between the IPEG and SAMIS price estimates has been observed with realistic test cases. However, the IPEG simplification of SAMIS allows the analyst with limited time and computing resources to perform a greater number of sensitivity studies than with SAMIS. Although IPEG was developed for the photovoltaics industry, it is readily adaptable to any standard assembly line type of manufacturing industry. IPEG estimates the annual production price per unit. The input data includes cost of equipment, space, labor, materials, supplies, and utilities. Production on an industry wide basis or a process wide basis can be simulated. Once the IPEG input file is prepared, the original price is estimated and sensitivity studies may be performed. The IPEG user selects a sensitivity variable and a set of values. IPEG will compute a price estimate and a variety of other cost parameters for every specified value of the sensitivity variable. IPEG is designed as an interactive system and prompts the user for all required information and offers a variety of output options. The IPEG/PC program is written in TURBO PASCAL for interactive execution on an IBM PC computer under DOS 2.0 or above with at least 64K of memory. The IBM PC color display and color graphics adapter are needed to use the plotting capabilities in IPEG/PC. IPEG/PC was developed in 1984. The original IPEG program is written in SIMSCRIPT II.5 for interactive execution and has been implemented on an IBM 370 series computer with a central memory requirement of approximately 300K of 8 bit bytes. The original IPEG was developed in 1980.

  1. Demonstration of a PC 25 Fuel Cell in Russia

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

    John C. Trocciola; Thomas N. Pompa; Linda S. Boyd

    2004-09-01

    This project involved the installation of a 200kW PC25C{trademark} phosphoric-acid fuel cell power plant at Orgenergogaz, a Gazprom industrial site in Russia. In April 1997, a PC25C{trademark} was sold by ONSI Corporation to Orgenergogaz, a subsidiary of the Russian company ''Gazprom''. Due to instabilities in the Russian financial markets, at that time, the unit was never installed and started by Orgenergogaz. In October of 2001 International Fuel Cells (IFC), now known as UTC Fuel Cells (UTCFC), received a financial assistance award from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) entitled ''Demonstration of PC 25 Fuel Cell in Russia''. Three majormore » tasks were part of this award: the inspection of the proposed site and system, start-up assistance, and installation and operation of the powerplant.« less

  2. Physical and mechanical properties of mortars containing PET and PC waste aggregates.

    PubMed

    Hannawi, Kinda; Kamali-Bernard, Siham; Prince, William

    2010-11-01

    Non-biodegradable plastic aggregates made of polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste are used as partial replacement of natural aggregates in mortar. Various volume fractions of sand 3%, 10%, 20% and 50% are replaced by the same volume of plastic. This paper investigates the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained composites. The main results of this study show the feasibility of the reuse of PC and PET waste aggregates materials as partial volume substitutes for natural aggregates in cementitious materials. Despite of some drawbacks like a decrease in compressive strength, the use of PC and PET waste aggregates presents various advantages. A reduction of the specific weight of the cementitious materials and a significant improvement of their post-peak flexural behaviour are observed. The calculated flexural toughness factors increase significantly with increasing volume fraction of PET and PC-aggregates. Thus, addition of PC and PET plastic aggregates in cementitious materials seems to give good energy absorbing materials which is very interesting for several civil engineering applications like structures subjected to dynamic or impact efforts. The present study has shown quite encouraging results and opened new way for the recycling of PC waste aggregate in cement and concrete composites. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. A PC based fault diagnosis expert system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Marsh, Christopher A.

    1990-01-01

    The Integrated Status Assessment (ISA) prototype expert system performs system level fault diagnosis using rules and models created by the user. The ISA evolved from concepts to a stand-alone demonstration prototype using OPS5 on a LISP Machine. The LISP based prototype was rewritten in C and the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) to run on a Personal Computer (PC) and a graphics workstation. The ISA prototype has been used to demonstrate fault diagnosis functions of Space Station Freedom's Operation Management System (OMS). This paper describes the development of the ISA prototype from early concepts to the current PC/workstation version used today and describes future areas of development for the prototype.

  4. Tablet PC as a mobil PACS terminal using wireless LAN

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsao, Bo-Shen; Ching, Yu-Tai; Lee, Wen-Jeng; Chen, Shyh-Jye; Chang, Chia-Hung; Chen, Chien-Jung; Yen, York; Lee, Yuan-Ten

    2003-05-01

    A PACS mobile terminal has applications in ward round, emergency room and remote teleradiology consultation. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have the highest mobility and are used for many medical applications. However, their roles are limited in the field of radiology due to small screen size. In this study, we built a wireless PACS terminal using a hand-held tablet-PC. A tablet PC (X-pilot, LEO systems, Taiwan) running the WinCE operating systems was used as our mobile PACS terminal. This device is equipped with 800×600 resolution 10.4 inch TFT monitor. The network connection between the tablet PC and the server was linked via wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b).

  5. Optical sensors based on the NiPc-CoPc composite films deposited by drop casting and under the action of centrifugal force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fatima, Noshin; Ahmed, Muhammad M.; Karimov, Khasan S.; Ahmad, Zubair; Fariq Muhammad, Fahmi

    2017-06-01

    In this study, solution processed composite films of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) are deposited by drop casting and under centrifugal force. The films are deposited on surface-type inter-digitated silver electrodes on ceramic alumina substrates. The effects of illumination on the impedance and capacitance of the NiPc-CoPc composite samples are investigated. The samples deposited under centrifugal force show better conductivity than the samples deposited by drop casting technique. In terms of impedance and capacitance sensitivities the samples fabricated under centrifugal force are more sensitive than the drop casting samples. The values of impedance sensitivity ({S}z) are equal to (-1.83) {{M}}{{Ω }}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} and (-5.365){{M}}{{Ω }}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} for the samples fabricated using drop casting and under centrifugal force, respectively. Similarly, the values of capacitance sensitivity ({S}{{c}}) are equal to 0.083 {pF}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} and 0.185 {pF}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} for the samples fabricated by drop casting and under centrifugal force. The films deposited using the different procedures could potentially be viable for different operational modes (i.e., conductive or capacitive) of the optical sensors. Both experimental and simulated results are discussed. Project supported by the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), Qatar University, Qatar.

  6. An Introduction To PC-TRIM.

    Treesearch

    John R. Mills

    1989-01-01

    The timber resource inventory model (TRIM) has been adapted to run on person al computers. The personal computer version of TRIM (PC-TRIM) is more widely used than its mainframe parent. Errors that existed in previous versions of TRIM have been corrected. Information is presented to help users with program input and output management in the DOS environment, to...

  7. Intermixing behaviors of PCBM with CuPc on Au(1 1 1) surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Masui, Akane; Sakaue, Hiroyuki; Takahagi, Takayuki; Suzuki, Hitoshi

    2016-09-01

    The behavior of phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and copper-phthalocyanine (CuPc) on a Au(1 1 1) surface was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). When CuPc was deposited in addition to PCBM it entered and disturbed the regularly spaced double row superstructure of the PCBM molecules. PCBM intermixed with CuPc to form a new square shaped superstructure that consisted of six to eight PCBM molecules with a CuPc molecule in its center. The intermixing of these materials that was observed indicated that they possessed an attractive interaction.

  8. Mutations in the G6PC3 gene cause Dursun syndrome.

    PubMed

    Banka, Siddharth; Newman, William G; Ozgül, R Koksal; Dursun, Ali

    2010-10-01

    Dursun syndrome is a triad of familial primary pulmonary hypertension, leucopenia, and atrial septal defect. Here we demonstrate that mutations in G6PC3 cause Dursun syndrome. Mutations in G6PC3 are known to also cause severe congenital neutropenia type 4. Identification of the genetic basis of Dursun syndrome expands the pre-existing knowledge about the phenotypic effects of mutations in G6PC3. We propose that Dursun syndrome should now be considered as a subset of severe congenital neutropenia type 4 with pulmonary hypertension as an important clinical feature. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  9. Jargon that Computes: Today's PC Terminology.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crawford, Walt

    1997-01-01

    Discusses PC (personal computer) and telecommunications terminology in context: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN); Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL); cable modems; satellite downloads; T1 and T3 lines; magnitudes ("giga-,""nano-"); Central Processing Unit (CPU); Random Access Memory (RAM); Universal Serial Bus…

  10. ksc-84pc-248

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-10-19

    KSC-84PC-248 (For release Aug. 27, 1984) --- The Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System (CFES) is being installed in the middeck of the Orbiter Discovery in preparation for the flight of mission STS-41D in June. The CFES, originating from the McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. includes a fluid systems module, and experiment control and monitoring module, a sample storage module and a pump/accumulator package along with miscellaneous equipment stored in a middeck locker. Photo credit: NASA

  11. Impact-induced fracture mechanisms of immiscible PC/ABS (50/50) blends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Machmud, M. N.; Omiya, M.; Inoue, H.; Kishimoto, K.

    2018-03-01

    This paper presents a study on fracture mechanisms of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) (50/50) blends with different ABS types under a drop weight impact test (DWIT) using a circular sheet specimen. Formation of secondary crack indicated by a stress-whitening layer on the mid-plane of scattered specimens and secondary surface of fracture perpendicular to primary fracture surface were captured under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Although the both blends finally failed in brittle modes, SEM observation showed that their secondary fracture mechanisms were completely different. Observation through the thickness of the etched PC/ABS specimen samples using SEM also clearly showed that PC and ABS were immiscible. The immiscibility between PC and ABS was indicated by presence of their layer structures through the thickness of the blends. It was revealed that layer of ABS structure was influenced by size of rubber particle and this latter parameter then affected microstructure and fracture mechanisms of the blends. Impact-induced fracture mechanisms of the blends due to such microstructures are discussed in this paper. It was also pointed out that the secondary cracking was likely caused by interface delamination between PC and ABS layers in the core due to transverse shear stress generated during the impact test.

  12. [Clinical study of PC-904 in pediatrics (author's transl)].

    PubMed

    Minamitani, M; Hachimori, K

    1978-07-01

    Clinical study of PC-904 was performed in 8 children with infectious diseases and the following results were obtained. 1) The patients treated with PC-904 were each one case of acute pharyngitis, lacunar tonsillitis, scarlet fever, phlegmone, acute bronchitis and lung abscess, and 2 cases of bronchopneumonia. 2) The administration methods were drip infusion, one-shot intravenous injection and the combined use of these administrations. The daily dosage varied from 30 to 49 mg/kg in 3 cases and from 50 to 70 mg/kg in 3 cases, and was 227 mg/kg in 1 case. 3) Clinical evaluation was examined in 7 cases and 57.1% of effectiveness was obtained. Out of 2 cases of pneumonia, one case with the causative organism of My. pneumoniae was excluded from the clinical evaluation. 4) No side effects were observed in all 8 cases treated with PC-904.

  13. Response Manual for Combating Spills of Floating Hazardous CHRIS chemicals

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-01-01

    CHRIS Chemicals CHRIS Chemical Name Code Floatability PARAFORMALDEHYDE PFA No PARALDEHYDE PDH No PARATHION PTO No PENTABORANE PTB No PENTACHLOROETHANE...5.2.1.3 Weir Skimmers ................................ 76 5.2.2 Chemical Removal Techniques ........................... 77 5.2.2.1 Sorption ...an- ditions such as high winds and rain 5.2.2.1 Sorption Sorption is commonly applied in water treatment processes. Being a surface process

  14. Anti-tumor and Anti-angiogenic Effects of Aspirin-PC in Ovarian Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Yan; Lichtenberger, Lenard M.; Taylor, Morgan; Bottsford-Miller, Justin N.; Haemmerle, Monika; Wagner, Michael J.; Lyons, Yasmin; Pradeep, Sunila; Hu, Wei; Previs, Rebecca A.; Hansen, Jean M.; Fang, Dexing; Dorniak, Piotr L.; Filant, Justyna; Dial, Elizabeth J.; Shen, Fangrong; Hatakeyama, Hiroto; Sood, Anil K.

    2016-01-01

    To determine the efficacy of a novel and safer (for gastrointestinal tract) aspirin (aspirin-PC) in preclinical models of ovarian cancer, in vitro dose-response studies were performed to compare the growth-inhibitory effect of aspirin-PC vs. aspirin on 3 human (A2780, SKOV3ip1, HeyA8), and a mouse (ID8) ovarian cancer cell line over an 8-day culture period. In the in vivo studies, the aspirin test drugs were studied alone and in the presence of a VEGF-A inhibitor (bevacizumab or B20), due to an emerging role for platelets in tumor growth following anti-angiogenic therapy, and we examined their underlying mechanisms. Aspirin-PC was more potent (vs. aspirin) in blocking the growth of both human and mouse ovarian cancer cells in monolayer culture. Using in vivo model systems of ovarian cancer, we found that aspirin-PC significantly reduced ovarian cancer growth by 50–90% (depending on the ovarian cell line/density). The efficacy was further enhanced in combination with Bevacizumab or B20. The growth-inhibitory effect on ovarian tumor mass and number of tumor nodules was evident, but less pronounced for aspirin and the VEGF inhibitors alone. There was no detectable gastrointestinal toxicity. Both aspirin and aspirin-PC also inhibited cell proliferation, angiogenesis and increased apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, PC-associated aspirin markedly inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells, which exceeds that of the parent drug, in both cell culture and in mouse model systems. We also found that both aspirin-PC and aspirin have robust anti-neoplastic action in the presence of VEGF blocking drugs. PMID:27638860

  15. Electronic structures at the interface between CuPc and black phosphorus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Can; Niu, Dongmei; Xie, Haipeng; Liu, Baoxing; Wang, Shitan; Zhu, Menglong; Gao, Yongli

    2017-08-01

    The electronic structure at the organic-inorganic semiconductor interface of π -conjugated copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) on a black phosphorus (BP) crystal surface is studied with photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. From the photoemission spectra, we observe a shift of about 0.7 eV for the highest occupied molecular orbital, which originates from the transition of phase in the organic molecular thin film (from the interface phase to the bulk phase). On the other hand, we find 0.2 eV band bending at the CuPc/BP interface while the formation of an interface dipole is very small. According to our photoemission spectrum and theoretical simulation, we also define that the interaction between CuPc and BP is physisorption via van der Waals forces, rather than chemisorption. Our results provide a fundamental understanding of CuPc/BP interfacial interactions that could be important for future two-dimensional organic/inorganic heterostructure devices.

  16. Determination of critical epitope of PcMab-47 against human podocalyxin.

    PubMed

    Itai, Shunsuke; Yamada, Shinji; Kaneko, Mika K; Kato, Yukinari

    2018-07-01

    Podocalyxin (PODXL) is a type I transmembrane protein, which is highly glycosylated. PODXL is expressed in some types of human cancer tissues including oral, breast, and lung cancer tissues and may promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. We previously produced PcMab-47, a novel anti-PODXL monoclonal antibody (mAb) which reacts with endogenous PODXL-expressing cancer cell lines and normal cells independently of glycosylation in Western blot, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical analysis. In this study, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical analysis to determine the epitope of PcMab-47. The minimum epitope of PcMab-47 was found to be Asp207, His208, Leu209, and Met210. A blocking peptide containing this minimum epitope completely neutralized PcMab-47 reaction against oral cancer cells by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis. These findings could lead to the production of more functional anti-PODXL mAbs, which are advantageous for antitumor activities.

  17. Nonylphenol diethoxylate inhibits apoptosis induced in PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chuang; Sun, Yongkun; Song, Yutong; Saito, Takeshi; Kurasaki, Masaaki

    2016-11-01

    Nonylphenol and short-chain nonylphenol ethoxylates such as NP 2 EO are present in aquatic environment as wastewater contaminants, and their toxic effects on aquatic species have been reported. Apoptosis has been shown to be induced by serum deprivation or copper treatment. To understand the toxicity of nonylphenol diethoxylate, we investigated the effects of NP 2 EO on apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and copper by using PC12 cell system. Nonylphenol diethoxylate itself showed no toxicity and recovered cell viability from apoptosis. In addition, nonylphenol diethoxylate decreased DNA fragmentation caused by apoptosis in PC12 cells. This phenomenon was confirmed after treating apoptotic PC12 cells with nonylphenol diethoxylate, whereas the cytochrome c release into the cytosol decreased as compared to that in apoptotic cells not treated with nonylphenol diethoxylates. Furthermore, Bax contents in apoptotic cells were reduced after exposure to nonylphenol diethoxylate. Thus, nonylphenol diethoxylate has the opposite effect on apoptosis in PC12 cells compared to nonylphenol, which enhances apoptosis induced by serum deprivation. The difference in structure of the two compounds is hypothesized to be responsible for this phenomenon. These results indicated that nonylphenol diethoxylate has capability to affect cell differentiation and development and has potentially harmful effect on organisms because of its unexpected impact on apoptosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1389-1398, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Platycodin D induced apoptosis and autophagy in PC-12 cells through mitochondrial dysfunction pathway

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Chuan-Chuan; Zhang, Cheng; Yao, Jun-Hua; Lai, Shang-Hai; Han, Bing-Jie; Li, Wei; Tang, Bing; Wan, Dan; Liu, Yun-Jun

    2016-11-01

    In this article, the in vitro cytotoxicity of platycodin D was evaluated in human PC-12, SGC-7901, BEL-7402, HeLa and A549 cancer cell lines. PC-12 cells were sensitive to platycodin D treatment, with an IC50 value of 13.5 ± 1.2 μM. Morphological and comet assays showed that platycodin D effectively induced apoptosis in PC-12 cells. Platycodin D increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Platycodin D induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in the PC-12 cell line. Platycodin D can induce autophagy. In addition, platycodin D can down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x, and up-regulate the levels of Bid protein in the PC-12 cells. The results demonstrated that platycodin D induced PC-12 cell apoptosis through a ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.

  19. Limb-bud and Heart Overexpression Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of PC3M Cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, Qicai; Li, Ermao; Huang, Long; Cheng, Minsheng; Li, Li

    2018-01-01

    Background: The limb-bud and heart gene ( LBH ) was discovered in the early 21st century and is specifically expressed in the mouse embryonic limb and heart development. Increasing evidences have indicated that LBH not only plays an important role in embryo development, it is also closely correlated with the occurance and progression of many tumors. However, its function in prostate cancer (PCa) is still not well understood. Here, we explored the effects of LBH on the proliferation and migration of the PCa cell line PC3M. Methods: LBH expression in tissues and cell lines of PCa was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Lentivirus was used to transduct the LBH gene into the PC3M cells. Stable LBH-overexpressing PC3M-LBH cells and PC3M-NC control cells were obtained via puromycin screening. Cell proliferation was examined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were investigated using flow cytometry. Cell migration was studied using the Transwell assay. Results: LBH expression level was down-regulated in 3 different PCa cell lines, especially in PC3M cells, compared with the normal prostate epithelial cells(RWPE-1). Cell lines of LBH-upregulated PC3M-LBH and PC3M-NC control were successfully constructed. Significantly increased LBH expression level and decreased cyclin D1 and cyclin E2 expression level was found in PC3M-LBH cells as compared to the PC3M-NC cells. The overexpression of LBH significantly inhibited PC3M cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in nude mice. LBH overexpression in PC3M cell, also induced cell cycle G0/G1 phase arrest and decreased the migration of PC3M cells. Conclusions : Our results reveal that LBH expression is down-regulated in the tissue and cell lines of PCa. LBH overexpression inhibits PC3M cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing cell cycle arrest through down-regulating cyclin D1and cyclin E2 expression. LBH might

  20. High-quality permanent draft genome sequence of Ensifer sp. PC2, isolated from a nitrogen-fixing root nodule of the legume tree (Khejri) native to the Thar Desert of India

    DOE PAGES

    Gehlot, Hukam Singh; Ardley, Julie; Tak, Nisha; ...

    2016-06-23

    Ensifer sp. PC2 is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that was isolated from a nitrogen-fixing nodule of the tree legume P. cineraria (L.) Druce (Khejri), which is a keystone species that grows in arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian Thar desert. Strain PC2 exists as a dominant saprophyte in alkaline soils of Western Rajasthan. It is fast growing, well-adapted to arid conditions and is able to form an effective symbiosis with several annual crop legumes as well as species of mimosoid trees and shrubs. Here we describe the features of Ensifer sp. PC2, together with genome sequence informationmore » and its annotation. The 8,458,965 bp high-quality permanent draft genome is arranged into 171 scaffolds of 171 contigs containing 8,344 protein-coding genes and 139 RNA-only encoding genes, and is one of the rhizobial genomes sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Genomic Encyclopedia for Bacteria and Archaea-Root Nodule Bacteria (GEBA-RNB) project proposal.« less

  1. High-quality permanent draft genome sequence of Ensifer sp. PC2, isolated from a nitrogen-fixing root nodule of the legume tree (Khejri) native to the Thar Desert of India

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

    Gehlot, Hukam Singh; Ardley, Julie; Tak, Nisha

    Ensifer sp. PC2 is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that was isolated from a nitrogen-fixing nodule of the tree legume P. cineraria (L.) Druce (Khejri), which is a keystone species that grows in arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian Thar desert. Strain PC2 exists as a dominant saprophyte in alkaline soils of Western Rajasthan. It is fast growing, well-adapted to arid conditions and is able to form an effective symbiosis with several annual crop legumes as well as species of mimosoid trees and shrubs. Here we describe the features of Ensifer sp. PC2, together with genome sequence informationmore » and its annotation. The 8,458,965 bp high-quality permanent draft genome is arranged into 171 scaffolds of 171 contigs containing 8,344 protein-coding genes and 139 RNA-only encoding genes, and is one of the rhizobial genomes sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Genomic Encyclopedia for Bacteria and Archaea-Root Nodule Bacteria (GEBA-RNB) project proposal.« less

  2. Development of a transgenic early flowering pear (Pyrus communis L.) genotype by RNAi silencing of PcTFL1-1 and PcTFL1-2.

    PubMed

    Freiman, Aviad; Shlizerman, Lyudmila; Golobovitch, Sara; Yablovitz, Zeev; Korchinsky, Raia; Cohen, Yuval; Samach, Alon; Chevreau, Elisabeth; Le Roux, Pierre-Marie; Patocchi, Andrea; Flaishman, Moshe A

    2012-06-01

    Trees require a long maturation period, known as juvenile phase, before they can reproduce, complicating their genetic improvement as compared to annual plants. 'Spadona', one of the most important European pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars grown in Israel, has a very long juvenile period, up to 14 years, making breeding programs extremely slow. Progress in understanding the molecular basis of the transition to flowering has revealed genes that accelerate reproductive development when ectopically expressed in transgenic plants. A transgenic line of 'Spadona', named Early Flowering-Spadona (EF-Spa), was produced using a MdTFL1 RNAi cassette targeting the native pear genes PcTFL1-1 and PcTFL1-2. The transgenic line had three T-DNA insertions, one assigned to chromosome 2 and two to chromosome 14 PcTFL1-1 and PcTFL1-2 were completely silenced, and EF-Spa displayed an early flowering phenotype: flowers developed already in tissue culture and on most rooted plants 1-8 months after transfer to the greenhouse. EF-Spa developed solitary flowers from apical or lateral buds, reducing vegetative growth vigor. Pollination of EF-Spa trees generated normal-shaped fruits with viable F1 seeds. The greenhouse-grown transgenic F1 seedlings formed shoots and produced flowers 1-33 months after germination. Sequence analyses, of the non-transgenic F1 seedlings, demonstrated that this approach can be used to recover seedlings that have no trace of the T-DNA. Thus, the early flowering transgenic line EF-Spa obtained by PcTFL1 silencing provides an interesting tool to accelerate pear breeding.

  3. An optical microplate biosensor for the detection of methyl parathion pesticide using a biohybrid of Sphingomonas sp. cells-silica nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Mishra, Archana; Kumar, Jitendra; Melo, Jose Savio

    2017-01-15

    The previously developed Sphingomonas sp. based optical microplate biosensor for methyl parathion (MP) was good as it detected multiple samples but had poor stability and low sensitivity. The present study aims to overcome these limitations. Silica nanoparticles (Si NP) were thus functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and the functionalized silica nanoparticles ( f Si NP) were then integrated with Sphingomonas sp. cells. The process was optimized for hydrolysis of MP into p-nitrophenol (PNP). Integration of f Si NP with cells was confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Biohybrid of Sphingomonas sp.- f Si NP was immobilized on the wells of microplate and associated directly with the optical transducer of microplate reader. Immobilized biohybrid of Sphingomonas sp.- f Si NP was characterized using SEM. A detection range of 0.1-1ppm MP was achieved from the linear range of calibration plot. After integration with f Si NP the storage stability of biohybrid was enhanced ten times from 18 to 180 days. This study proves that after interaction of cells with f Si NP, improved the sensitivity and stability of the biosensor. Spiked samples were also analyzed and correlated using this biohybrid based biosensor. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Bioaccumulation of methyl parathion and its toxicology in several species of the freshwater community in Ignacio Ramirez dam in Mexico.

    PubMed

    De La Vega Salazar, M Y; Tabche, L M; García, C M

    1997-10-01

    Environmental contamination by pesticides, including the presence of chemical residues in aquatic wildlife, is a widespread ecological problem. Methyl parathion (MP), a widely used organophosphorate insecticide, is a potent neurotoxic in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The effect of a subchronic exposure to MP in aquatic organisms was evaluated in a natural ecosystem measuring acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT) activity. Two samples were conducted. Physicochemical characterization was done at each sampling time and organisms were collected. MP and metabolite 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) concentrations were measured in water sediment and organisms. The major differences in physical features between season were an increase of turbidity and salinity and depletion of dissolved oxygen in the rainy season. MP and 4-NP are bioconcentrated in organisms in response to environmental stress. MP concentration was measured in different size/age and reproductive stages separately. A significant concentration in reproductive tissues (plants)/unborn progeny (animals) was always found, and this can affect egg viability. The metabolite 4-NP is bioaccumulated and is toxic because it causes an increase of AChE activity. GGT activity was higher than that in controls. The increase in enzymatic activity provides a detoxification mechanism from chronic sublethal exposure, when hepatic glutation depletion occurs, and may be an indicator of liver damage.

  5. Plasma and field observations of a Pc 5 wave event

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Waite, J. H.; Gallagher, D. L.; Chappell, C. R.; Chandler, M. O.; Olsen, R. C.; Comfort, R. H.; Johnson, J. F. E.; Peterson, W. K.; Weimer, D.; Shawhan, S. D.

    1986-01-01

    The particle detector and electric field data collected by the Dynamo Explorer 1 on the Pc 5 wave event encounter on July 14, 1982 are presented, yielding a nearly complete picture of the event. The overall structure of the Pc 5 seems to order the event into two distinct halves, suggesting a temporal or spatial variation of the micropulsation. Thermal plasma measurements showed that the dominant ion throughout both lobes was H(+). Significant quantities of He(+), O(+), N(+), and O(2+) were also observed to be present and rotating together in a plane normal to the magnetic field direction, due to the Pc5 E x B drift. The plasma parameters determined for the two lobes were used in theoretical calculations to predict the period of the observed resonance.

  6. Plasma and field observations of a Pc 5 wave event

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Waite, J. H.; Gallagher, D. L.; Chandler, M. O.; Olsen, R. C.; Comfort, R. H.; Johnson, J. F. E.; Chappell, C. R.; Peterson, W. K.; Weimer, D.; Shawhan, S. D.

    1986-10-01

    The particle detector and electric field data collected by the Dynamo Explorer 1 on the Pc 5 wave event encounter on July 14, 1982 are presented, yielding a nearly complete picture of the event. The overall structure of the Pc 5 seems to order the event into two distinct halves, suggesting a temporal or spatial variation of the micropulsation. Thermal plasma measurements showed that the dominant ion throughout both lobes was H(+). Significant quantities of He(+), O(+), N(+), and O(2+) were also observed to be present and rotating together in a plane normal to the magnetic field direction, due to the Pc5 E x B drift. The plasma parameters determined for the two lobes were used in theoretical calculations to predict the period of the observed resonance.

  7. Tablet PC interaction with digital micromirror device (DMD)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Refai, Hakki H.; Dahshan, Mostafa H.; Sluss, James J., Jr.

    2007-02-01

    Digital light processing (DLP) is an innovative display technology that uses an optical switch array, known as a digital micromirror device (DMD), which allows digital control of light. To date, DMDs have been used primarily as high-speed spatial light modulators for projector applications. A tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile PC. Its touch screen or digitizing tablet technology allows the user to operate the notebook with a stylus or digital pen instead of using a keyboard or mouse. In this paper, we describe an interface solution that translates any sketch on the tablet PC screen to an identical mirror-copy over the cross-section of the DMD micromirrors such that the image of the sketch can be projected onto a special screen. An algorithm has been created to control each single micromirror of the hundreds of thousands of micromirrors that cover the DMD surface. We demonstrate the successful application of a DMD to a high-speed two-dimensional (2D) scanning environment, acquiring the data from the tablet screen and launching its contents to the projection screen; with very high accuracy up to 13.68 μm x 13.68 μm of mirror pitch.

  8. Numerical, Analytical, Experimental Study of Fluid Dynamic Forces in Seals Volume 6: Description of Scientific CFD Code SCISEAL

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Athavale, Mahesh; Przekwas, Andrzej

    2004-01-01

    The objectives of the program were to develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and simpler industrial codes for analyzing and designing advanced seals for air-breathing and space propulsion engines. The CFD code SCISEAL is capable of producing full three-dimensional flow field information for a variety of cylindrical configurations. An implicit multidomain capability allow the division of complex flow domains to allow optimum use of computational cells. SCISEAL also has the unique capability to produce cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients for rotordynamic computations. The industrial codes consist of a series of separate stand-alone modules designed for expeditious parametric analyses and optimization of a wide variety of cylindrical and face seals. Coupled through a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) that provides a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI), the industrial codes are PC based using an OS/2 operating system. These codes were designed to treat film seals where a clearance exists between the rotating and stationary components. Leakage is inhibited by surface roughness, small but stiff clearance films, and viscous pumping devices. The codes have demonstrated to be a valuable resource for seal development of future air-breathing and space propulsion engines.

  9. Lipid Rafts and Clathrin Cooperate in the Internalization of PrPC in Epithelial FRT Cells

    PubMed Central

    Casanova, Philippe; Puri, Claudia; Paladino, Simona; Tivodar, Simona S.; Campana, Vincenza; Tacchetti, Carlo; Zurzolo, Chiara

    2009-01-01

    Background The cellular prion protein (PrPC) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies in which the protein undergoes post-translational conversion to the infectious form (PrPSc). Although endocytosis appears to be required for this conversion, the mechanism of PrPC internalization is still debated, as caveolae/raft- and clathrin-dependent processes have all been reported to be involved. Methodology/Principal Findings We have investigated the mechanism of PrPC endocytosis in Fischer Rat Thyroid (FRT) cells, which lack caveolin-1 (cav-1) and caveolae, and in FRT/cav-1 cells which form functional caveolae. We show that PrPC internalization requires activated Cdc-42 and is sensitive to cholesterol depletion but not to cav-1 expression suggesting a role for rafts but not for caveolae in PrPC endocytosis. PrPC internalization is also affected by knock down of clathrin and by the expression of dominant negative Eps15 and Dynamin 2 mutants, indicating the involvement of a clathrin-dependent pathway. Notably, PrPC co-immunoprecipitates with clathrin and remains associated with detergent-insoluble microdomains during internalization thus indicating that PrPC can enter the cell via multiple pathways and that rafts and clathrin cooperate in its internalization. Conclusions/Significance These findings are of particular interest if we consider that the internalization route/s undertaken by PrPC can be crucial for the ability of different prion strains to infect and to replicate in different cell lines. PMID:19503793

  10. Seismic Analysis Code (SAC): Development, porting, and maintenance within a legacy code base

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Savage, B.; Snoke, J. A.

    2017-12-01

    The Seismic Analysis Code (SAC) is the result of toil of many developers over almost a 40-year history. Initially a Fortran-based code, it has undergone major transitions in underlying bit size from 16 to 32, in the 1980s, and 32 to 64 in 2009; as well as a change in language from Fortran to C in the late 1990s. Maintenance of SAC, the program and its associated libraries, have tracked changes in hardware and operating systems including the advent of Linux in the early 1990, the emergence and demise of Sun/Solaris, variants of OSX processors (PowerPC and x86), and Windows (Cygwin). Traces of these systems are still visible in source code and associated comments. A major concern while improving and maintaining a routinely used, legacy code is a fear of introducing bugs or inadvertently removing favorite features of long-time users. Prior to 2004, SAC was maintained and distributed by LLNL (Lawrence Livermore National Lab). In that year, the license was transferred from LLNL to IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology), but the license is not open source. However, there have been thousands of downloads a year of the package, either source code or binaries for specific system. Starting in 2004, the co-authors have maintained the SAC package for IRIS. In our updates, we fixed bugs, incorporated newly introduced seismic analysis procedures (such as EVALRESP), added new, accessible features (plotting and parsing), and improved the documentation (now in HTML and PDF formats). Moreover, we have added modern software engineering practices to the development of SAC including use of recent source control systems, high-level tests, and scripted, virtualized environments for rapid testing and building. Finally, a "sac-help" listserv (administered by IRIS) was setup for SAC-related issues and is the primary avenue for users seeking advice and reporting bugs. Attempts are always made to respond to issues and bugs in a timely fashion. For the past thirty-plus years

  11. PC-SPES (PDQ®)—Health Professional Version

    Cancer.gov

    Expert-reviewed information summary about the use of PC-SPES as a treatment for prostate cancer. Note: The information in this summary is no longer being updated and is provided for reference purposes only.

  12. [Prospective DRG coding : Improvement in cost-effectiveness and documentation quality of in-patient hospital care].

    PubMed

    Geuss, S; Jungmeister, A; Baumgart, A; Seelos, R; Ockert, S

    2018-02-01

    In prospective reimbursement schemes a diagnosis-related group (DRG) is assigned to each case according to all coded diagnoses and procedures. This process can be conducted retrospectively after (DC) or prospectively during the hospitalization (PC). The use of PC offers advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and documentation quality without impairing patient safety. A retrospective analysis including all DRG records and billing data from 2012 to 2015 of a surgical department was carried out. The use of PC was introduced into the vascular surgery unit (VS) in September 2013, while the remaining surgical units (RS) stayed with DC. Analysis focused on differences between VS and RS before and after introduction of PC. Characteristics of cost-effectiveness were earnings (EBIT-DA), length of stay (LOS), the case mix index (CMI) and the productivity in relation to the DRG benchmark (productivity index, PI). The number of recorded diagnoses/procedures (ND/NP) was an indicator for documentation quality. A total of 1703 cases with VS and 27,679 cases with RS were analyzed. After introduction of PC the EBIT-DA per case increased in VS but not in RS (+3342 Swiss francs vs. +84, respectively, p < 0.001). The CMI increased slightly in both groups (+0.10 VS vs. +0.08 RS, p > 0.05) and the LOS was more reduced in VS than in RS (-0.36 days vs. -0.03 days, p > 0.005). The PI increased in VS but decreased in RS (+0.131 vs. -0.032, p < 0.001), ND increased more in VS (+1.29 VS vs. +0.26 RS, p < 0.001) and NP remained stable in both groups. The use of PC helps to significantly improve cost-effectiveness and documentation quality of in-patient hospital care, essentially by optimizing LOS and cost weight in relation to the DRG benchmark, i. e. increasing the PI. The increasing ND indicates an improvement in documentation quality.

  13. β4-integrin-mediated cytotoxic activity of AexU in human prostate cancer PC3 cells

    PubMed Central

    KUMANO, MASAFUMI; MIYAKE, HIDEAKI; ABOLGHAIT, SAID K.; BEHNSAWY, HOSNY M.; FUJISAWA, MASATO

    2013-01-01

    The present study aimed to characterize the cytotoxic activity of AexU, an effector-mediating type three secretion system (TTSS) of gram-negative bacteria, in human prostate cancer cells, focusing on the association with β4-integrin expression. The cytotoxic effects of AexU either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents were evaluated using several human prostate cancer cell lines. Human prostate cancer PC3 cells, in which an expression vector containing siRNA targeting β4-integrin had been introduced, were established (PC3/sh-In), and the cytotoxic effects of AexU on the PC3/sh-In cells were compared with the PC3 cells that were transfected with a control vector (PC3/C). The expression levels of β4-integrin in the PC3 cells were markedly higher compared with those in the LNCaP or DU145 cells, and the cytotoxic effects of AexU in the PC3 cells were more pronounced compared with those in the LNCaP or DU145 cells. The sensitivity of the PC3 cells to docetaxel and cisplatin was significantly enhanced following treatment with AexU, resulting in a decrease in the IC50 of the two agents by ~90%. The cytotoxic effect of AexU in the PC3/C cells was more marked compared with that in the PC3/sh-In cells, and the phosphorylation of Akt in the PC3/C cells appeared to be significantly more inhibited by the treatment with AexU compared with the PC3/sh-In cells. In conclusion, treatment with AexU may be a useful therapeutic option for prostate cancer when β4-integrin is overexpressed. The treatment appears to exert its effects through growth inhibition and by enhancing the sensitivity of the cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. PMID:24179545

  14. pcDNA-IL-12 vaccination blocks eosinophilic inflammation but not airway hyperresponsiveness following murine Toxocara canis infection.

    PubMed

    Malheiro, Adriana; Aníbal, Fernanda F; Martins-Filho, Olindo Assis; Teixeira-Carvalho, Andréa; Perini, Adenir; Martins, Milton A; Medeiros, Alexandra I; Turato, Walter M; Acencio, Milene P M; Brandão, Izaíra T; Nomizo, Auro; Silva, Célio L; Faccioli, Lúcia H

    2008-01-17

    We have investigated the effect of pcDNA3-CpG and pcDNA-IL-12, delivered by intradermal gene gun administration, on the blood/lung eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness as well as the immune response in a murine model of toxocariasis. Our results demonstrated that pcDNA-IL-12 but not pcDNA3-CpG vaccination led to a persistent lower blood/bronchoalveolar eosinophilia following Toxocara canis infection, as pcDNA3-CpG led only to an early transient blockage of eosinophil transmigration into bronchoalveolar fluid following T. canis infection. Prominent Type-1 immune response was pointed out as the hallmark of T. canis infection following pcDNA-IL-12 vaccination. Outstanding IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio besides low levels of IgG1 with subsequent high IgG2a/IgG1 ratio further characterized a Type-1 polarized immunological profile in pcDNA-IL-12-vaccinated animals. Nevertheless, only pcDNA3-CpG was able to prevent airway hyperresponsiveness induced by T. canis infection. The persistent airway hyperresponsiveness observed in pcDNA-IL-12-vaccinated animals demonstrated that the airway constriction involved other immunological mediator than those blocked by pcDNA-IL-12. Together, these data indicated that pcDNA-IL-12 and pcDNA3-CpG vaccines have distinct therapeutic benefits regarding the eosinophilic inflammation/airway hyperresponsiveness triggered by T. canis infection, suggesting their possible use in further combined therapeutic interventions.

  15. [Synthesis of a supermolecular nanoparticle γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox and its antitumor activity].

    PubMed

    Li, Yong-bin; Wang, Kai; Hu, Tian-nan; Wang, Qi-wen; Hu, Qi-da; Zhou, Jun; Hu, Xiu-rong; Tang, Gu-ping

    2012-11-01

    To synthesize a (2-Hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin-polyethylenimine/adamantane-conjugated doxorubicin (γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox) based supramolecular nanoparticle with host-guest interaction and to identify its physicochemical characterizations and antitumor effect. A novel non-viral gene delivery vector γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was synthesized based on host-guest interaction. 1H-NMR, NOESY, UV-Vis, XRD and TGA were used to confirm the structure of the vector. The DNA condensing ability of complexes was investigated by particle size, zeta potential and gel retardation assay. Cytotoxicity of complexes was determined by MTT assay in BEL-7402 and SMMC-7721 cells. Cell wound healing assay was performed in HEK293 and BEL-7404 cells. The transfection efficiency was investigated in HEK293 cells. H/E staining and cell uptake assay was performed in BEL-7402 cells. The structure of γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was characterized by 1H-NMR, NOESY, UV-Vis, XRD, TGA. The drug loading was 0.5% and 5.5%. Gel retardation assay showed that γ-hy-PC was able to completely condense DNA at N/P ratio of 2; 0.5% and 5.5% γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was able to completely condense DNA at N/P ratio of 3 and 4,respectively. The cytotoxicity of polymers was lower than that of PEI25KDa. The transfection efficiency of γ-hy-PC was higher than that of γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox at N/P ratio of 30 in HEK293 cells; and the transfection efficiency was decreasing when Ada-Dox loading was increasing. Cell uptake assay showed that γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was able to carry drug and FAM-siRNA into cells. The novel vector γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox has been developed successfully, which has certain transfection efficiency and antitumor activity.

  16. Wf/pc Cycle 2 Calibration: Rapid Internal Monitor - Part 2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    MacKenty, John

    1991-07-01

    This test is to take repeated internal flats to test for contamination buildup on the optical surfaces or the reappearance of QEH. Part 1: INTFLATS in F555W are obtained every 4 days in both WFC and PC to check for measles or daisies and to monitor scattered light. Part 2: Sequential INTFLATS in F439W with PC are obtained every 7 days to check for QEH.

  17. Wf/pc Cycle 3 Calibration: Rapid Internal Monitor - Part 2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    MacKenty, John

    1992-06-01

    This test is to take repeated internal flats to test for contamination buildup on the optical surfaces or the reappearance of QEH. Part 1: INTFLATS in F555W are obtained every 4 days in both WFC and PC to check for measles or daisies and to monitor scattered light. Part 2: Sequential INTFLATS in F439W with PC are obtained every 7 days to check for QEH.

  18. Relationship between PC index and magnetospheric field-aligned currents measured by Swarm satellites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Troshichev, O.; Sormakov, D.; Behlke, R.

    2018-03-01

    The relationship between the magnetospheric field-aligned currents (FAC) monitored by the Swarm satellites and the magnetic activity PC index (which is a proxy of the solar wind energy incoming into the magnetosphere) is examined. It is shown that current intensities measured in the R1 and R2 FAC layers at the poleward and equtorward boundaries of the auroral oval are well correlated, the R2 currents being evidently secondary in relation to R1 currents and correlation in the dawn and dusk oval sectors being better than in the noon and night sectors. There is evident relationship between the PC index and the intensity of field-aligned currents in the R1 dawn and dusk layers: increase of FAC intensity in the course of substorm development is accompanied by increasing the PC index values. Correlation between PC and FAC intensities in the R2 dawn and dusk layers is also observed, but it is much weaker. No correlation is observed between PC and field-aligned currents in the midnight as well as in the noon sectors ahead of the substorm expansion phase. The results are indicative of the R1 field-aligned currents as a driver of the polar cap magnetic activity (PC index) and currents in the R2 layer.

  19. Morphological, structural and optical properties of MEH-PPV: PC70BM nanocomposite film

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mhamdi, Asya; Sweii, Fatma ben Slama; Saidi, Hamza; Saidi, Faouzi; Bouazizi, Abdelaziz

    2018-05-01

    In this report, the influence of annealing temperature and spin coating speed on the structural and morphological properties of a blend of poly (2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-oxy)-p-phenylene-vinylene) (MEH-PPV) and [6-6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM) layer has been investigated. The photoactive layer (MEH-PPV: PC70BM) was deposited on ZnO film deposited on top of indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate by spin-coating. The effect of spin coating speed via atomic force microscope (AFM) leads to conclude that high speed is favorable for a good homogeneity of the film surface and good aggregates dispersion. The optimized structure was studied by varying the annealing temperatures using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD analysis indicates that annealing treatment promoted the ordered aggregation and crystallization of MEH-PPV: PC70BM films. Indeed, the blend ratio effect on the optical properties of MEH-PPV: PC70BM thin film was investigated. While, the effect of incorporation of PC70BM on the optical properties was studied using UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) measurement. We conclude that MEH-PPV: PC70BM (1:3) film leads to high charge transfer rate.

  20. Fabrication and Electromagnetic Properties of Conjugated NH2-CuPc@Fe3O4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Liang; Pu, Zejun; Xu, Mingzhen; Wei, Renbo; Liu, Xiaobo

    2017-10-01

    Conjugated amino-phthalocyanine copper containing carboxyl groups/magnetite (NH2-CuPc@Fe3O4) has been fabricated from FeCl3·6H2O and NH2-CuPc via a simple solvothermal method and its electromagnetic properties investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the NH2-CuPc@Fe3O4 was a waxberry-like nanomaterial with NH2-CuPc molecules effectively embedded in the interior of Fe3O4 particles in the form of beads. Introduction of NH2-CuPc effectively improved the complementarity between the dielectric and magnetic losses of the system, resulting in excellent electromagnetic performance. The minimum reflection loss of the as-prepared composite reached -33.4 dB at 7.0 GHz for coating layer thickness of 4.0 mm and bandwidth below -10.0 dB (90% absorption) of up to 3.8 GHz. These results indicate that introduction of NH2-CuPc results in a composite with potential for use as an electromagnetic microwave absorption material.

  1. para-Sulfonatocalix[6]arene-modified silver nanoparticles electrodeposited on glassy carbon electrode: preparation and electrochemical sensing of methyl parathion.

    PubMed

    Bian, Yinghui; Li, Chunya; Li, Haibing

    2010-05-15

    In this paper, a new electrochemical sensor, based on modified silver nanoparticles, was fabricated using one-step electrodeposition approach. The para-sulfonatocalix[6]arene-modified silver nanoparticles coated on glassy carbon electrode (pSC(6)-Ag NPs/GCE) was characterized by attenuated total reflection IR spectroscopy (ATR-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. The pSC(6) as the host are highly efficient to capture organophosphates (OPs), which dramatically facilitates the enrichment of nitroaromatic OPs onto the electrochemical sensor surface. The combination of the host-guest supramolecular structure and the excellent electrochemical catalytic activities of the pSC(6)-Ag NPs/GCE provides a fast, simple, and sensitive electrochemical method for detecting nitroaromatic OPs. In this work, methyl parathion (MP) was used as a nitroaromatic OP model for testing the proposed sensor. In comparison with Ag NPs-modified electrode, the cathodic peak current of MP was amplified significantly. Differential pulse voltammetry was used for the simultaneous determination of MP. Under optimum conditions, the current increased linearly with the increasing concentration of MP in the range of 0.01-80microM, with a detection limit of 4.0nM (S/N=3). The fabrication reproducibility and stability of the sensor is better than that of enzyme-based electrodes. The possible underlying mechanism is discussed.

  2. PC_Eyewitness and the sequential superiority effect: computer-based lineup administration.

    PubMed

    MacLin, Otto H; Zimmerman, Laura A; Malpass, Roy S

    2005-06-01

    Computer technology has become an increasingly important tool for conducting eyewitness identifications. In the area of lineup identifications, computerized administration offers several advantages for researchers and law enforcement. PC_Eyewitness is designed specifically to administer lineups. To assess this new lineup technology, two studies were conducted in order to replicate the results of previous studies comparing simultaneous and sequential lineups. One hundred twenty university students participated in each experiment. Experiment 1 used traditional paper-and-pencil lineup administration methods to compare simultaneous to sequential lineups. Experiment 2 used PC_Eyewitness to administer simultaneous and sequential lineups. The results of these studies were compared to the meta-analytic results reported by N. Steblay, J. Dysart, S. Fulero, and R. C. L. Lindsay (2001). No differences were found between paper-and-pencil and PC_Eyewitness lineup administration methods. The core findings of the N. Steblay et al. (2001) meta-analysis were replicated by both administration procedures. These results show that computerized lineup administration using PC_Eyewitness is an effective means for gathering eyewitness identification data.

  3. METLIN-PC: An applications-program package for problems of mathematical programming

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

    Pshenichnyi, B.N.; Sobolenko, L.A.; Sosnovskii, A.A.

    1994-05-01

    The METLIN-PC applications-program package (APP) was developed at the V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine on IBM PC XT and AT computers. The present version of the package was written in Turbo Pascal and Fortran-77. The METLIN-PC is chiefly designed for the solution of smooth problems of mathematical programming and is a further development of the METLIN prototype, which was created earlier on a BESM-6 computer. The principal property of the previous package is retained - the applications modules employ a single approach based on the linearization method of B.N. Pschenichnyi. Hence the namemore » {open_quotes}METLIN.{close_quotes}« less

  4. Altered processing of the neurotensin/neuromedin N precursor in PC2 knock down mice: a biochemical and immunohistochemical study.

    PubMed

    Villeneuve, Pierre; Feliciangeli, Sylvain; Croissandeau, Gilles; Seidah, Nabil G; Mbikay, Majambu; Kitabgi, Patrick; Beaudet, Alain

    2002-08-01

    Neurotensin (NT) and neuromedin N (NN) are generated by endoproteolytic cleavage of a common precursor molecule, pro-NT/NN. To gain insight into the role of prohormone convertases PC1, PC2, and PC7 in this process, we investigated the maturation of pro-NT/NN in the brain of PC7 (PC7-/-), PC2 (PC2-/-), and/or PC1 (PC1+/- and PC2-/-; PC1+/-) knock down mice. Inactivation of the PC7 gene was without effect, suggesting that this convertase is not involved in the processing of pro-NT/NN. By contrast, there was a 15% decrease in NT and a 50% decrease in NN levels, as measured by radioimmunoassay, in whole brain extracts from PC2 null as compared with wild type mice. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that this decrease in pro-NT/NN maturation products was uneven and that it was most pronounced in the medial preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus, and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei. These results suggest that PC2 plays a critical role in the processing of pro-NT/NN in mouse brain and that its deficiency may be compensated to a regionally variable extent by other convertases. Previous data have suggested that PC1 might be subserving this role. However, there was no change in the maturation of pro-NT/NN in the brain of mice in which the PC1 gene had been partially inactivated, implying that complete PC1 knock down may be required for loss of function.

  5. WF/PC internal molecular contamination during system thermal-vacuum test

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Taylor, Daniel M.; Barengoltz, J.; Jenkins, T.; Leschly, K.; Triolo, J.

    1988-01-01

    During the recent system thermal vacuum test of the Wide-Field/Planetary Camera (WF/PC), instrumentation was added to the WF/PC to characterize the internal molecular contamination and verify the instrument throughput down to 1470 angstroms. Analysis of data elements revealed two contaminants affecting the far-ultraviolet (FUV) performance of the WF/PC. The one contaminant (heavy volatile) is correlated with the electronic and housing temperature, and the contamination is significantly reduced when the electronics are operated below plus 8 degrees to plus 10 degrees C. The other contaminant (light volatile) is controlled by the heat pipe temperature, and the contamination is significantly reduced when the Thermal Electric Cooler (TEC) hot-junction temperature is below minus 40 degrees to minus 50 degrees C. The utility of contamination sensors located behind instruments during system tests was demonstrated.

  6. The design of PC/MISI, a PC-based common user interface to remote information storage and retrieval systems. Presentation visuals. M.S. Thesis Final Report, 1 Jul. 1985 - 31 Dec. 1987

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Hall, Philip P.

    1985-01-01

    This Working Paper Series entry represents a collection of presentation visuals associated with the companion report entitled, The Design of PC/MISI, a PC-Based Common User Interface to Remote Information Storage and Retrieval Systems, USL/DBMS NASA/RECON Working Paper Series report number DBMS.NASA/RECON-15. The paper discusses the following: problem definition; the PC solution; the goals of system design; the design description; future considerations, the research environment; conclusions.

  7. 21 CFR 868.2480 - Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor. 868.2480 Section 868.2480 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2480 Cutaneous carbon dioxide (PcCO2) monitor. (a) Identification. A...

  8. Electrical transport properties of thermally evaporated phthalocyanine (H 2Pc) thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    El-Nahass, M. M.; Farid, A. M.; Attia, A. A.; Ali, H. A. M.

    2006-08-01

    Thin films of H 2Pc of various thicknesses have been deposited onto glass substrates using thermal evaporation technique at room temperature. The dark electrical resistivity measurements were carried out at different temperatures in the range 298-473 K. An estimation of mean free path ( lo) of charge carriers in H 2Pc thin films was attempted. Measurements of thermoelectric power confirm that H 2Pc thin films behave as a p-type semiconductor. The current density-voltage characteristics of Au/H 2Pc/Au at room temperature showed ohmic conduction mechanism at low voltages. At higher voltages the space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) accompanied by an exponential trap distribution was dominant. The temperature dependence of current density allows the determination of some essential parameters such as the hole mobility ( μh), the total trap concentration ( Nt), the characteristic temperature ( Tt) and the trap density P( E).

  9. Charge transfer complexes of metal-free phthalocyanine radical anions with decamethylmetallocenium cations: (Cp*2Co+)(H2Pc˙-)·solvent and (Cp*2Cr+)(H2Pc˙-)·4C6H4Cl2.

    PubMed

    Konarev, Dmitri V; Khasanov, Salavat S; Ishikawa, Manabu; Otsuka, Akihiro; Yamochi, Hideki; Saito, Gunzi; Lyubovskaya, Rimma N

    2017-03-14

    Charge transfer complexes (Cp* 2 Co + )(H 2 Pc˙ - )·0.5C 6 H 4 Cl 2 ·0.7C 6 H 5 CN·0.3C 6 H 14 (1) and (Cp* 2 Cr + )(H 2 Pc˙ - )·4C 6 H 4 Cl 2 (2) have been obtained as single crystals. Both complexes contain metal-free phthalocyanine (Pc) radical anions and decamethylmetallocenium cations. Reduction of the Pc macrocycle leads to the appearance of new bands at 1026-1030 nm in the NIR range and blue shifts of both Soret and Q-bands of H 2 Pc in the spectra of 1 and 2. The geometry of the Pc macrocycles supports the formation of H 2 Pc˙ - by the alternation of shorter and longer C-N(imine) bonds in the macrocycles in 2. Complex 1 contains pairs of H 2 Pc˙ - having effective π-π interactions with two sandwiched Cp* 2 Co + cations, whereas complex 2 contains stacks composed of alternating Cp* 2 Cr + and H 2 Pc˙ - ions. The magnetic moment of 1 is 1.64 μ B at 300 K due to the contribution of the H 2 Pc˙ - spins with the S = 1/2 state and diamagnetism of Cp* 2 Co + . This is supported by the observation of a narrow EPR signal of 1 with g = 2.0032-2.0036 characteristic of H 2 Pc˙ - . Strong antiferromagnetic coupling of spins with a Weiss temperature of -23 K is observed between H 2 Pc˙ - in 1. This coupling is probably mediated by the Cp* 2 Co + cations. The magnetic moment of 2 is 4.18 μ B at 300 K indicating the contribution of both paramagnetic H 2 Pc˙ - (S = 1/2) and Cp* 2 Cr + (S = 3/2) species. In spite of the presence of stacks of alternating ions in 2, only weak magnetic coupling is observed with a Weiss temperature of -4 K most probably due to ineffective π-π interactions between Cp* 2 Cr + and H 2 Pc˙ - . The EPR spectrum of 2 contains an asymmetric signal attributed to Cr III (g 1 = 3.9059-3.9220) and a narrow Lorentzian signal from H 2 Pc˙ - with g 2 = 1.9943-1.9961. In addition to these signals, a broad EPR signal grows in intensity below 80 K with g 4 = 2.1085-2.2438 which can be attributed to both paramagnetic Cp* 2 Cr + and H 2 Pc

  10. Twin-arginine signal peptide of Bacillus subtilis YwbN can direct Tat-dependent secretion of methyl parathion hydrolase.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ruihua; Zuo, Zhenqiang; Xu, Yingming; Song, Cunjiang; Jiang, Hong; Qiao, Chuanling; Xu, Ping; Zhou, Qixing; Yang, Chao

    2014-04-02

    The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway exports folded proteins across the cytoplasmic membranes of bacteria and archaea. Two parallel Tat pathways (TatAdCd and TatAyCy systems) with distinct substrate specificities have previously been discovered in Bacillus subtilis. In this study, to secrete methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) into the growth medium, the twin-arginine signal peptide of B. subtilis YwbN was used to target MPH to the Tat pathway of B. subtilis. Western blot analysis and MPH assays demonstrated that active MPH was secreted into the culture supernatant of wild-type cells. No MPH secretion occurred in a total-tat2 mutant, indicating that the observed export in wild-type cells was mediated exclusively by the Tat pathway. Export was fully blocked in a tatAyCy mutant. In contrast, the tatAdCd mutant was still capable of secreting MPH. These results indicated that the MPH secretion directed by the YwbN signal peptide was specifically mediated by the TatAyCy system. The N-terminal sequence of secreted MPH was determined as AAPQVR, demonstrating that the YwbN signal peptide had been processed correctly. This is the first report of functional secretion of a heterologous protein via the B. subtilis TatAyCy system. This study highlights the potential of the TatAyCy system to be used for secretion of other heterologous proteins in B. subtilis.

  11. Virtex-II Pro PowerPC SEE Characterization Test Methods and Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Petrick, David; Powell, Wesley; LaBel, Ken; Howard, James

    2005-01-01

    The Xilinx Vix-11 Pro is a platform FPGA that embeds multiple microprocessors within the fabric of an SRAM-based reprogrammable FPGA. The variety and quantity of resources provided by this family of devices make them very attractive for spaceflight applications. However,these devices will be susceptible to single event effects (SEE), which must be mitigated. Observations from prior testing of the Xilinx Virtex-II Pro suggest that the PowerPC core has significant vulnerability to SEES. However, these initial tests were not designed to exclusively target the functionality of the PowerPC, therefore making it difficult to distinguish processor upsets from fabric upsets. The main focus of this paper involves detailed SEE testing of the embedded PowerPC core. Due to the complexity of the PowerPC, various custom test applications, both static and dynamic, will be designed to isolate each Unit of the processor. Collective analysis of the test results will provide insight into the exact upset mechanism of the PowerPC. With this information, mitigations schemes can be developed and tested that address the specific susceptibilities of these devices. The test bed will be the Xilinx SEE Consortium Virtex-II Pro test board, which allows for configuration scrubbing, design triplication, and ease of data collection. Testing will be performed at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility using protons of varying energy levels and fluencies. This paper will present the detailed test approach along with the results.

  12. Antipodocalyxin Antibody chPcMab-47 Exerts Antitumor Activity in Mouse Xenograft Models of Colorectal Adenocarcinomas.

    PubMed

    Kaneko, Mika K; Kunita, Akiko; Yamada, Shinji; Nakamura, Takuro; Yanaka, Miyuki; Saidoh, Noriko; Chang, Yao-Wen; Handa, Saori; Ogasawara, Satoshi; Ohishi, Tomokazu; Abe, Shinji; Itai, Shunsuke; Harada, Hiroyuki; Kawada, Manabu; Nishioka, Yasuhiko; Fukayama, Masashi; Kato, Yukinari

    2017-08-01

    Podocalyxin (PODXL) is expressed in several cancers, including brain tumors and colorectal cancers. PODXL overexpression is an independent predictor of progression, metastasis, and poor outcome. We recently immunized mice with recombinant human PODXL, which was produced using LN229 glioblastoma cells, and produced a clone PcMab-47 that could be used for investigating PODXL expression by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis. Herein, we produced a human-mouse chimeric PcMab-47 (chPcMab-47) and investigated its antitumor activity against PODXL-expressing tumors. chPcMab-47 reacted with LN229, LN229/PODXL, and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)/PODXL cells, but it did not react with CHO-K1 or PODXL-knockout LN229 cell line (PDIS-13). chPcMab-47 exerted antitumor activity against a mouse xenograft model using CHO/PODXL. Furthermore, chPcMab-47 was reactive with colorectal cancer cell lines such as HCT-15, Caco-2, HCT-8, and DLD-1. chPcMab-47 also exhibited antitumor activity against a mouse xenograft model using HCT-15. These results suggest that chPcMab-47 could be useful for antibody therapy against PODXL-expressing cancers.

  13. A PC-based Workstation for Robotic Discectomy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Casadei, C.; Fiorini, P.; Martelli, S.; Montanari, M.; Morri, A.

    1998-01-01

    Ths paper describes a PC-based controller for robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. The development is motivated by the need of reducing the exposure of operating room personnel to X-rays during surgical procedures such as percutanrous discectomy.

  14. Integrating a Single Tablet PC in Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics Courses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rogers, James W.; Cox, James R.

    2008-01-01

    A tablet PC is a versatile computer that combines the computing power of a notebook with the pen functionality of a PDA (Cox and Rogers 2005b). The authors adopted tablet PC technology in order to improve the process and product of the lecture format in their chemistry, engineering, and physics courses. In this high-tech model, a single tablet PC…

  15. Evaluation of quality of life using a tablet PC-based survey in cancer patients treated with radiotherapy: a multi-institutional prospective randomized crossover comparison of paper and tablet PC-based questionnaires (KROG 12-01).

    PubMed

    Kim, Haeyoung; Park, Hee Chul; Yoon, Sang Min; Kim, Tae Hyun; Kim, Jinsung; Kang, Min Kyu; Jung, Jinhong; Kim, Sang-Won; Yea, Ji Woon; Park, Sung Ho; Park, Young Suk

    2016-10-01

    This study compared a tablet PC questionnaire with a paper method for reliability and patient preferences in the acquisition of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for patients treated with radiotherapy. By comparing the two modes of PRO administration, we aimed to evaluate the adequacy of using tablet PC questionnaires in future clinical use. Patients were randomized in a crossover study design using two different methods for PRO entry. A group of 89 patients answered a paper questionnaire followed by the tablet PC version, whereas 89 patients in another group completed the tablet PC questionnaire followed by the paper version. Surveys were performed four times per patient throughout the course of the radiotherapy. The Korean versions of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-K) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-K) were used. The primary endpoint of our current study was an assessment of patient preference for the survey method. The proportions of patients preferring each mode of questionnaire were evaluated. The proportion of patients who preferred the tablet PC version, paper form, or who had no preference was 52.2, 22.1, and 25.7 %, respectively. More than half of the patients preferred the tablet PC to the paper version in all four surveys. Age, gender, educational status, prior experience of using a tablet PC, and the order of paper to tablet PC administration did not impact patient preferences. Inter-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between the modes were 0.92 for MDASI-K and 0.94 for BFI-K and ranged from 0.91 to 0.96 on both instruments during the four surveys. A tablet PC-based PRO is an acceptable and reliable method compared with paper-based data collection for Korean patients receiving radiotherapy.

  16. PC Software for Artificial Intelligence Applications.

    PubMed

    Epp, H; Kalin, M; Miller, D

    1988-05-06

    Our review has emphasized that AI tools are programming languages inspired by some problem-solving paradigm. We want to underscore their status as programming languages; even if an AI tool seems to fit a problem perfectly, its proficient use still requires the training and practice associated with any programming language. The programming manuals for PC-Plus, Smalltalk/ V, and Nexpert Object are all tutorial in nature, and the corresponding software packages come with sample applications. We find the manuals to be uniformly good introductions that try to anticipate the problems of a user who is new to the technology. All three vendors offer free technical support by telephone to licensed users. AI tools are sometimes oversold as a way to make programming easy or to avoid it altogether. The truth is that AI tools demand programming-but programming that allows you to concentrate on the essentials of the problem. If we had to implement a diagnostic system, we would look first to a product such as PC-Plus rather than BASIC or C, because PC-Plus is designed specifically for such a problem, whereas these conventional languages are not. If we had to implement a system that required graphical interfaces and could benefit from inheritance, we would look first to an object-oriented system such as Smalltalk/V that provides built-in mechanisms for both. If we had to implement an expert system that called for some mix of AI and conventional techniques, we would look first to a product such as Nexpert Object that integrates various problem-solving technologies. Finally, we might use FORTRAN if we were concerned primarily with programming a well-defined numerical algorithm. AI tools are a valuable complement to traditional languages.

  17. [Investigation of Color Vision Using Pigment Color Plates and a Tablet PC].

    PubMed

    Tsimpri, P; Kuchenbecker, J

    2016-07-01

    Many applications (apps) for ophthalmic solutions, including colour vision tests, are currently available. However, no colour vision test app has been evaluated through clinical trials on a tablet PC. Using standard test conditions and a tablet pc (iPad2®), colour vision tests were performed with 19 Velhagen/Broschmann/Kuchenbecker colour plates and an HMC anomaloscope. The plates were alternately presented at first in a book (pigment colour plates) and then in a tablet PC (iPad®). A total of 77 volunteer subjects were examined. 62 subjects were colour normal and 15 male subjects had a colour vision deficiency. The coincidence and the 95 % confidence intervals were determined. The average age of all subjects (n = 77) was 42.8 ± 16.9 years. The mean near visual acuity of all subjects was 0.99 ± 0.15. The coincidence of the results of all subjects between books and tablet PC was 88.0 %. The 95 % confidence interval ranged from 81.6 to 89.6 %. In the group of subjects with colour vision deficiency (n = 15), the coincidence was 83.3 %. The 95 % confidence interval ranged from 78.4 to 87.3 %. In the group of subjects without colour vision deficiency (n = 62), the coincidence was 89.1 %. The 95 % confidence interval ranged from 87.1 to 90.8 %. The overlap of error numbers of colour normal subjects and colour vision deficiency subjects was 2 errors with the book and 5 errors with the tablet pc. Testing colour vision using book and tablet pc only gives roughly comparable results. However, separation with the book was better and the colour plates differed in validity. For this reason, only some of the colour plates could be used on a tablet PC. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  18. Genetic inactivation of prohormone convertase (PC1) causes a reduction in cholecystokinin (CCK) levels in the hippocampus, amygdala, pons and medulla in mouse brain that correlates with the degree of colocalization of PC1 and CCK mRNA in these structures in rat brain.

    PubMed

    Cain, B M; Connolly, K; Blum, A C; Vishnuvardhan, D; Marchand, J E; Zhu, X; Steiner, D F; Beinfeld, M C

    2004-04-01

    Prohormone convertase (PC1) is found in endocrine cell lines that express cholecystokinin (CCK) mRNA and process pro CCK to biologically active products. Other studies have demonstrated that PC1 may be a one of the enzymes responsible for the endoproteolytic cleavages that occur in pro CCK during its biosynthesis and processing. Prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) has a distribution that is similar to cholecystokinin (CCK) in rat brain. A moderate to high percentage of CCK mRNA-positive neurons express PC1 mRNA. CCK levels were measured in PC1 knockout and control mice to assess the degree to which loss of PC1 changed CCK content. CCK levels were decreased 62% in hippocampus, 53% in amygdala and 57% in pons-medulla in PC1 knockout mice as compared to controls. These results are highly correlated with the colocalization of CCK and PC1. The majority of CCK mRNA-positive neurons in the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus express PC1 mRNA and greater than 50% of CCK mRNA-positive neurons in several nuclei of the amygdala also express PC1. These results demonstrate that PC1 is important for CCK processing. PC2 and PC5 are also widely colocalized with CCK. It may be that PC2, PC5 or another non-PC enzyme are able to substitute for PC1 and sustain production of some amidated CCK. Together these enzymes may represent a redundant system to insure the production of CCK.

  19. Perceived pitch of vibrotactile stimuli: effects of vibration amplitude, and implications for vibration frequency coding.

    PubMed

    Morley, J W; Rowe, M J

    1990-12-01

    1. The effect of changes in amplitude on the perceived pitch of cutaneous vibratory stimuli was studied in psychophysical experiments designed to test whether the coding of information about the frequency of the vibration might be based on the ratio of recruitment of the PC (Pacinian corpuscle-associated) and RA (rapidly adapting) classes of tactile sensory fibres. The study was based on previous data which show that at certain vibration frequencies (e.g. 150 Hz) the ratio of recruitment of the PC and RA classes should vary as a function of vibration amplitude. 2. Sinusoidal vibration at either 30 Hz or 150 Hz, and at an amplitude 10 dB above subjective detection thresholds was delivered in a 1 s train to the distal phalangeal pad of the index finger in eight human subjects. This standard vibration was followed after 0.5 s by a 1 s comparison train of vibration which (unknown to the subject) was at the same frequency as the standard but at a range of amplitudes from 2 to 50 dB above the detection threshold. A two-alternative forced-choice procedure was used in which the subject had to indicate whether the comparison stimulus was higher or lower in pitch (frequency) than the standard. 3. Marked differences were seen from subject to subject in the effect of amplitude on perceived pitch at both 30 Hz and 150 Hz. At 150 Hz, five out of the eight subjects reported an increase in pitch as the amplitude of the comparison vibration increased, one experienced no change, and only two experienced the fall in perceived pitch that is predicted if the proposed ratio code contributes to vibrotactile pitch judgements. At 30 Hz similar intersubject variability was seen in the pitch-amplitude functions. 4. The results do not support the hypothesis that a ratio code contributes to vibrotactile pitch perception. We conclude that temporal patterning of impulse activity remains the major candidate code for pitch perception, at least over a substantial part of the vibrotactile frequency

  20. Software-codec-based full motion video conferencing on the PC using visual pattern image sequence coding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barnett, Barry S.; Bovik, Alan C.

    1995-04-01

    This paper presents a real time full motion video conferencing system based on the Visual Pattern Image Sequence Coding (VPISC) software codec. The prototype system hardware is comprised of two personal computers, two camcorders, two frame grabbers, and an ethernet connection. The prototype system software has a simple structure. It runs under the Disk Operating System, and includes a user interface, a video I/O interface, an event driven network interface, and a free running or frame synchronous video codec that also acts as the controller for the video and network interfaces. Two video coders have been tested in this system. Simple implementations of Visual Pattern Image Coding and VPISC have both proven to support full motion video conferencing with good visual quality. Future work will concentrate on expanding this prototype to support the motion compensated version of VPISC, as well as encompassing point-to-point modem I/O and multiple network protocols. The application will be ported to multiple hardware platforms and operating systems. The motivation for developing this prototype system is to demonstrate the practicality of software based real time video codecs. Furthermore, software video codecs are not only cheaper, but are more flexible system solutions because they enable different computer platforms to exchange encoded video information without requiring on-board protocol compatible video codex hardware. Software based solutions enable true low cost video conferencing that fits the `open systems' model of interoperability that is so important for building portable hardware and software applications.

  1. [Inhibition effects of black rice pericarp extracts on cell proliferation of PC-3 cells].

    PubMed

    Jiang, Weiwei; Yu, Xudong; Ren, Guofeng

    2013-05-01

    To observe the inhibitive effects of black rice pericarp extracts on cell proliferation of human prostate cancer cell PC-3 and to explore its effecting mechanism. The black rice pericarp extract was used to treat the PC-3 cells. The inhibitory effect of black rice pericarp extract on cells proliferation of PC-3 was tested by MTT method. Cell apoptosis rates and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometric assay (FCM). Western blot was used to study the protein expression levels of p38, p-p38, JNK, p-JNK. A dose-dependent and time-dependent proliferation inhibition of black rice pericarp extract was demonstrated in PC-3. The most prominent experiment condition was inhibitory concentration with 300microg/ml and treated for 72 h. The experiment result of flow cytometry analysis demonstrates that the apoptosis rate of PC-3 cells increased along with the increasing of black rice pericarp extract concentration, and a G1-S cell cycle arrest was induced in a dose-dependent manner. After PC-3 cell was treated with black rice pericarp extract for 72 h, the expressions of p-p38, p-JNK protein increased. Black rice pericarp extract could inhibit proliferation, change the cell cycle distributions and induce apoptosis in human prostatic cancer cell PC-3. Its inhibitory effect may be through promoting activation of the JNK, p38 signaling pathway. These results suggest that black rice pericarp extract maybe has an inhibitory effect on prostatic cancer.

  2. [A skin cell segregating control system based on PC].

    PubMed

    Liu, Wen-zhong; Zhou, Ming; Zhang, Hong-bing

    2005-11-01

    A skin cell segregating control system based on PC (personal computer) is presented in this paper. Its front controller is a single-chip microcomputer which enables the manipulation for 6 patients simultaneously, and thus provides a great convenience for clinical treatments for vitiligo. With the use of serial port communication technology, it's possible to monitor and control the front controller in a PC terminal. And the application of computer image acquisition technology realizes the synchronous acquisition of pathologic shin cell images pre/after the operation and a case history. Clinical tests prove its conformity with national standards and the pre-set technological requirements.

  3. Preliminary results of human PrPC protein studied by spectroscopic techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nowakowski, Michał; Czapla-Masztafiak, Joanna; Kozak, Maciej; Zhukov, Igor; Zhukova, Lilia; Szlachetko, Jakub; Kwiatek, Wojciech M.

    2017-11-01

    Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the malfunctions of human nervous system, being a class of complex and prominent pathologies. The human prion Protease Resistant Protein (PrP) is protein regulating copper metabolism in mammalian cells through binding of Cu(II) ions to specific fragments. Nowadays misfolding of this protein is associated with development of prion diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain structural information about coordination of Cu(II) by PrP protein. Herein, we report X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements, carried out on SuperXAS beamline (SLS, PSI Villigen) on PrPC-Cu(II) complexes. Obtained results were compared with theoretical predictions done by FEFF 9.6 software. Complementary to XAS data, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements were conducted to obtain low resolution structural information about prepared sample that allow to develop protocol of fixing PrPC molecules on solid substrate used for further experiments. It has been established that folded C-terminal domain of PrPC protein has around 5 nm in diameter. Presented results showed that both XAS and AFM methods are useful tools in detailed examination of complexes of human PrPC either with Cu(II) or with other divalent metal ions.

  4. Use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the determination of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) concentrations in PC/ABS plastics from e-waste.

    PubMed

    Costa, Vinicius Câmara; Aquino, Francisco Wendel Batista; Paranhos, Caio Marcio; Pereira-Filho, Edenir Rodrigues

    2017-12-01

    Due to the continual increase in waste generated from electronic devices, the management of plastics, which represents between 10 and 30% by weight of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste), becomes indispensable in terms of environmental and economic impacts. Considering the importance of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and their blends in the electronics and other industries, this study presents a new application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the fast and direct determination of PC and ABS concentrations in blends of these plastics obtained from samples of e-waste. From the LIBS spectra acquired for the PC/ABS blend, multivariate calibration models were built using partial least squares (PLS) regression. In general, it was possible to infer that the relative errors between the theoretical or reference and predicted values for the spiked samples were lower than 10%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. PC12 Cells Differentiate into Chromaffin Cell-Like Phenotype in Coculture with Adrenal Medullary Endothelial Cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mizrachi, Yaffa; Naranjo, Jose R.; Levi, Ben-Zion; Pollard, Harvey B.; Lelkes, Peter I.

    1990-08-01

    Previously we described specific in vitro interactions between PC12 cells, a cloned, catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytoma cell line derived from the rat adrenal medulla, and bovine adrenal medullary endothelial cells. We now demonstrate that these interactions induce the PC12 cells to acquire physical and biochemical characteristics reminiscent of chromaffin cells. Under coculture conditions involving direct cell-cell contact, the endothelial cells and the PC12 cells reduced their rates of proliferation; upon prolonged coculture PC12 cells clustered into nests of cells similar to the organization of chromaffin cells seen in vivo. Within 3 days in coculture with endothelial cells, but not with unrelated control cells, PC12 cells synthesized increased levels of [Met]enkephalin. In addition, PC12 cells, growing on confluent endothelial monolayers, failed to extend neurites in response to nerve growth factor. Neither medium conditioned by endothelial cells nor fixed endothelial cells could by themselves induce all of these different phenomena in the PC12 cells. These results suggest that under coculture conditions PC12 cells change their state of differentiation toward a chromaffin cell-like phenotype. The rapid, transient increase in the expression of the protooncogene c-fos suggests that the mechanism(s) inducing the change in the state of differentiation in PC12 cells in coculture with the endothelial cells may be distinct from that described for the differentiation of PC12 cells--e.g., by glucocorticoids. We propose that similar interactions between endothelial cells and chromaffin cell precursors may occur during embryonic development and that these interactions might be instrumental for the organ-specific differentiation of the adrenal medulla in vivo.

  6. Hydrogen Peroxide-Reducing Factor Released by PC12D Cells Increases Cell Tolerance against Oxidative Stress.

    PubMed

    Muraishi, Asami; Haneta, Emi; Saito, Yoshiro; Hitomi, Yutaka; Sano, Mamoru; Noguchi, Noriko

    2018-01-01

    PC12D cells, a subline of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, extend neurites rapidly in response to differentiation stimuli and are used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of neurite extension. In the present study, we found significant tolerance of PC12D cells against Parkinson's disease-related stimuli such as dopamine and 6-hydroxydopamine; this tolerance was significantly decreased by a change in the medium. Conditioned medium from PC12D cells induced tolerance against oxidative stress, which suggests that cytoprotective factor may be released by PC12D cells into the culture medium. Conditioned medium-induced tolerance was not found for PC12 cells or human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. A cytoprotective factor generated by PC12D cells exhibited hydrogen peroxide-reducing activity. Chemical characterization showed that this cytoprotective factor is water soluble and has a molecular weight about 1000 Da, and that its activity is inhibited by sodium cyanide. Release of this cytoprotective factor was increased by differentiation stimuli and oxidative stress. Taken together, these results suggest that release of a hydrogen peroxide-reducing factor by PC12D cells increases cell tolerance against oxidative stress. This study provides new insights into the antioxidative properties of factors in extracellular fluid.

  7. Quasi-Chemical PC-SAFT: An Extended Perturbed Chain-Statistical Associating Fluid Theory for Lattice-Fluid Mixtures.

    PubMed

    Parvaneh, Khalil; Shariati, Alireza

    2017-09-07

    In this study, a new modification of the perturbed chain-statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT) has been proposed by incorporating the lattice fluid theory of Guggenheim as an additional term to the original PC-SAFT terms. As the proposed model has one more term than the PC-SAFT, a new mixing rule has been developed especially for the new additional term, while for the conventional terms of the PC-SAFT, the one-fluid mixing rule is used. In order to evaluate the proposed model, the vapor-liquid equilibria were estimated for binary CO 2 mixtures with 16 different ionic liquids (ILs) of the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium family with various anions consisting of bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide, hexafluorophosphate, tetrafluoroborate, and trifluoromethanesulfonate. For a comprehensive comparison, three different modes (different adjustable parameters) of the proposed model were compared with the conventional PC-SAFT. Results indicate that the proposed modification of the PC-SAFT EoS is generally more reliable with respect to the conventional PC-SAFT in all the three proposed modes of vapor-liquid equilibria, giving good agreement with literature data.

  8. Action and perception in literacy: A common-code for spelling and reading.

    PubMed

    Houghton, George

    2018-01-01

    There is strong evidence that reading and spelling in alphabetical scripts depend on a shared representation (common-coding). However, computational models usually treat the two skills separately, producing a wide variety of proposals as to how the identity and position of letters is represented. This article treats reading and spelling in terms of the common-coding hypothesis for perception-action coupling. Empirical evidence for common representations in spelling-reading is reviewed. A novel version of the Start-End Competitive Queuing (SE-CQ) spelling model is introduced, and tested against the distribution of positional errors in Letter Position Dysgraphia, data from intralist intrusion errors in spelling to dictation, and dysgraphia because of nonperipheral neglect. It is argued that no other current model is equally capable of explaining this range of data. To pursue the common-coding hypothesis, the representation used in SE-CQ is applied, without modification, to the coding of letter identity and position for reading and lexical access, and a lexical matching rule for the representation is proposed (Start End Position Code model, SE-PC). Simulations show the model's compatibility with benchmark findings from form priming, its ability to account for positional effects in letter identification priming and the positional distribution of perseverative intrusion errors. The model supports the view that spelling and reading use a common orthographic description, providing a well-defined account of the major features of this representation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

  9. Long non-coding RNA and Polycomb: an intricate partnership in cancer biology.

    PubMed

    Achour, Cyrinne; Aguilo, Francesca

    2018-06-01

    High-throughput analyses have revealed that the vast majority of the transcriptome does not code for proteins. These non-translated transcripts, when larger than 200 nucleotides, are termed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and play fundamental roles in diverse cellular processes. LncRNAs are subject to dynamic chemical modification, adding another layer of complexity to our understanding of the potential roles that lncRNAs play in health and disease. Many lncRNAs regulate transcriptional programs by influencing the epigenetic state through direct interactions with chromatin-modifying proteins. Among these proteins, Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1 and PRC2) have been shown to be recruited by lncRNAs to silence target genes. Aberrant expression, deficiency or mutation of both lncRNA and Polycomb have been associated with numerous human diseases, including cancer. In this review, we have highlighted recent findings regarding the concerted mechanism of action of Polycomb group proteins (PcG), acting together with some classically defined lncRNAs including X-inactive specific transcript ( XIST ), antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus ( ANRIL ), metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 ( MALAT1 ), and HOX transcript antisense RNA ( HOTAIR ).

  10. Multitasking Operating Systems for the IBM PC.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Owen, G. Scott

    1985-01-01

    The ability of a microcomputer to execute several programs at the same time is called "multitasking." The nature and use of one multitasking operating system Concurrent PC-DOS from Digital Research (the developers of the CP/M operating system) are discussed. (JN)

  11. A Comparison of the Apple Macintosh and IBM PC in Laboratory Applications.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Williams, Ron

    1986-01-01

    Compares Apple Macintosh and IBM PC microcomputers in terms of their usefulness in the laboratory. No attempt is made to equalize the two computer systems since they represent opposite ends of the computer spectrum. Indicates that the IBM PC is the most useful general-purpose personal computer for laboratory applications. (JN)

  12. Using a Tablet PC in the German Classroom to Enliven Teacher Input

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Van Orden, Stephen

    2006-01-01

    Providing students with lively, authentic comprehensible input is one of the most important tasks of introductory German teachers. Using a Tablet PC can enable teachers to improve the quality of the comprehensible input they provide their students. This article describes how integrating a Tablet PC into daily teaching processes allows classroom…

  13. Estimation of the radial diffusion coefficient using REE-associated ground Pc 5 pulsations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fujimoto, A.; Yumoto, K.

    2010-12-01

    Pc 5 pulsations with frequencies between 1.67 and 6.67 mHz are believed to contribute to the REE in the outer radiation belt during magnetic storms, by means of the observations [Baker et al., 1998; Rostoker et al., 1998; Mathie and Mann, 2000; O'Brien et al., 2001, 2003] and several theoretical studies. The latter studies are roughly categorized into two themes: in-situ acceleration at L lower than 6.6 by wave-particle interactions [Liu et al., 199 9; Summers et al., 1999; Summers and Ma, 2000] and acceleration by radial diffusion from the outer to the inner magnetosphere [Elkington et al., 1999, 2003; Hudson et al., 2000; Kim et al., 2001]. One possible acceleration mechanism is the resonant interaction with Pc 5 toroidal and poloidal pulsations, referred as the radial diffusion mechanism. One of unsolved problems is where and which Pc 5 pulsation mode (toroidal and/or poloidal) play effective role in the radial diffusion process. In order to verify Pc 5 pulsation as the major roles for REEs, we have to examine the time variation of electron phase space density (cf. Green et al., 2004). Electron phase space density is not directly measured, but we can estimate radial diffusion coefficients which determine the electron transportation efficiency, using ground-based magnetic field data. We estimated the radial diffusion coefficient of ground Pc 5 pulsations associated with the Relativistic Electron Enhancement (REE) in the geosynchronous orbit. In order to estimate the radial diffusion coefficient D_LL, we need the value of in-situ Pc 5 electric field power spectral density. In this paper, however, we estimated the equatorial electric field mapped from Pc 5 pulsations power spectral density on the ground. Reciprocal of radial diffusion coefficient describes the timescale T_LL for an electron to diffuse 1 Re. Applying a superposed epoch analysis about timescales T_LL of the radial diffusion for 12 REE events in 2008, we found that when the relativistic electron

  14. The white dwarfs within 25 pc of the Sun: Kinematics and spectroscopic subtypes

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

    Sion, Edward M.; McCook, George P.; Wasatonic, Richard

    2014-06-01

    We present the fractional distribution of spectroscopic subtypes, range and distribution of surface temperatures, and kinematical properties of the white dwarfs (WDs) within 25 pc of the Sun. There is no convincing evidence of halo WDs in the total 25 pc sample of 224 WDs. There is also little to suggest the presence of genuine thick disk subcomponent members within 25 pc. It appears that the entire 25 pc sample likely belongs to the thin disk. We also find no significant kinematic differences with respect to spectroscopic subtypes. The total DA to non-DA ratio of the 25 pc sample ismore » 1.8, a manifestation of deepening envelope convection, which transforms DA stars with sufficiently thin H surface layers into non-DAs. We compare this ratio with the results of other studies. We find that at least 11% of the WDs within 25 pc of the Sun (the DAZ and DZ stars) have photospheric metals that likely originate from accretion of circumstellar material (debris disks) around them. If this interpretation is correct, then it suggests the possibility that a similar percentage have planets, asteroid-like bodies, or debris disks orbiting them. Our volume-limited sample reveals a pileup of DC WDs at the well-known cutoff in DQ WDs at T {sub eff} ∼ 6000 K. Mindful of small number statistics, we speculate on its possible evolutionary significance. We find that the incidence of magnetic WDs in the 25 pc sample is at least 8% in our volume-limited sample, dominated by cool WDs. We derive approximate formation rates of DB and DQ degenerates and present a preliminary test of the evolutionary scenario that all cooling DB stars become DQ WDs via helium convective dredge-up with the diffusion tail of carbon extending upward from their cores.« less

  15. Using the AUDIT-PC to predict alcohol withdrawal in hospitalized patients.

    PubMed

    Pecoraro, Anna; Ewen, Edward; Horton, Terry; Mooney, Ruth; Kolm, Paul; McGraw, Patty; Woody, George

    2014-01-01

    Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs when alcohol-dependent individuals abruptly reduce or stop drinking. Hospitalized alcohol-dependent patients are at risk. Hospitals need a validated screening tool to assess withdrawal risk, but no validated tools are currently available. To examine the admission Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-(Piccinelli) Consumption (AUDIT-PC) ability to predict the subsequent development of AWS among hospitalized medical-surgical patients admitted to a non-intensive care setting. Retrospective case–control study of patients discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of AWS. All patients with AWS were classified as presenting with AWS or developing AWS later during admission. Patients admitted to an intensive care setting and those missing AUDIT-PC scores were excluded from analysis. A hierarchical (by hospital unit) logistic regression was performed and receiver-operating characteristics were examined on those developing AWS after admission and randomly selected controls. Because those diagnosing AWS were not blinded to the AUDIT-PC scores, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The study cohort included all patients age ≥18 years admitted to any medical or surgical units in a single health care system from 6 October 2009 to 7 October 2010. After exclusions, 414 patients were identified with AWS. The 223 (53.9 %) who developed AWS after admission were compared to 466 randomly selected controls without AWS. An AUDIT-PC score ≥4 at admission provides 91.0 % sensitivity and 89.7 % specificity (AUC=0.95; 95 % CI, 0.94–0.97) for AWS, and maximizes the correct classification while resulting in 17 false positives for every true positive identified. Performance remained excellent on sensitivity analysis (AUC=0.92; 95 % CI, 0.90–0.93). Increasing AUDIT-PC scores were associated with an increased risk of AWS (OR=1.68, 95 % CI 1.55–1.82, p<0.001). The admission AUDIT-PC score is an excellent discriminator of AWS and could be

  16. Toward the optimization of PC-based training

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cho, Kohei; Murai, Shunji

    Since 1992, the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) have been co-organising the Regional Remote Sensing Seminar on Tropical Ecosystem Management (Program Chairman: Prof. Shunji Murai) every year in some country in Asia. In these seminars, the members of the ISPRS Working Group VI/2 'Computer Assisted Teaching' have been performing a PC-based hands-on-training on remote sensing and GIS for beginners. The main objective of the training was to transfer not only knowledge but also the technology of remote sensing and GIS to the beginners. The software and CD-ROM data set provided at the training were well designed not only for training but also for practical data analysis. This paper presents an outline of the training and discusses the optimisation of PC-based training for remote sensing and GIS.

  17. Human FDC express PrPc in vivo and in vitro

    PubMed Central

    Thielen, Caroline; Antoine, Nadine; Mélot, France; Cesbron, Jean-Yves; Heinen, Ernst

    2001-01-01

    Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by accumulation of abnormal prion protein (protease-resistant prion, PrPres). PrPres accumulation is also detected in lymphoid organs after peripheral infection. Several studies suggest that follicular dendritic cells (FDC) could be the site of PrPres retention and amplification. Here we show that human follicular dendritic cells can express normal cellular prion protein (PrPc) both in situ and in vitro. When tonsillar cryosections were treated with anti-PrP antibody, the label was found on some very delicate cell extensions inside the lymphoid follicles, especially in the germinal centres. These extensions react with DRC1 antibody, used frequently to label FDC. Other structures labelled with anti-PrP antibody were the keratinocytes. To confirm the ability of FDC to synthesise PrPc, we isolated FDC by a non-enzymatic procedure and cultured them. By cytochemistry and flow cytometry it was clearly shown that FDC do produce PrPc. PMID:11785675

  18. Waveform and polarization of compressional Pc 5 waves at geosynchronous orbit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Higuchi, Tomoyuki; Kokubun, Susumu

    1988-12-01

    The factors controlling the occurrence and the properties of compressional Pc 5 waves were examined by studying the statistical characteristics of compressional Pc 5 waves, using magnetic-field data obtained by GOES 2 and GOES 3 satellites during the August 1978 - August 1980 period. The compressional Pc 5 waves could be classified into the harmonic, transitional, and normal types, on the basis of the second-harmonic component in the compressional component of the magnetic field oscillation. It was found that the harmonic and the transitional waves have significant azimuthal perturbations and show right-handed polarization with respect to the local magnetic field, while most of the normal-type waves have small amplitude in the azimuthal component. The polarization properties of transverse perturbation, which may reflect the spatial inhomogeneity of the medium, are investigated.

  19. Dual-opposite multi-walled carbon nanotube modified carbon fiber microelectrode for microfluidic chip-capillary electrophoresis determination of methyl parathion metabolites in human urine.

    PubMed

    Du, Fuying; Fung, Ying-Sing

    2018-06-01

    Methyl parathion (MP) is a highly toxic organophosphate and its exposure may lead to substantial adverse effects to human health. The existence of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the form of free phenol, glucuronide (4-NP-G) or as a sulfate ester (4-NP-S) can be used as biomarkers to assess the duration and extent of MP exposure. In this work, a MC-CE device incorporating post-CE amperometric detection using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) modified carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) was fabricated and assessed for simultaneous determination of 4-NP, 4-NP-G, and 4-NP-S in human urine. The detection sensitivity and stability was greatly enhanced by the modification of MWNTs. The capability of the MC-CE device with dual MWNTs modified CFME for detecting impurity was assessed and reliability established by high recoveries from 95 to 97% for spiked MP biomarkers. The method developed is shown to provide a simple, sensitive, and reliable means for monitoring 4-NP, 4-NP-G, and 4-NP-S in human urine. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Low-Temperature Electrical Characteristics of Si-Based Device with New Tetrakis NiPc-SNS Active Layer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yavuz, Arzu Büyükyağci; Carbas, Buket Bezgın; Sönmezoğlu, Savaş; Soylu, Murat

    2016-01-01

    A new tetrakis 4-(2,5-di-2-thiophen-2-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-substituted nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc-SNS) has been synthesized. This synthesized NiPc-SNS thin film was deposited on p-type Si substrate using the spin coating method (SCM) to fabricate a NiPc-SNS/ p-Si heterojunction diode. The temperature-dependent electrical characteristics of the NiPc-SNS/ p-Si heterojunction with good rectifying behavior were investigated by current-voltage ( I- V) measurements between 50 K and 300 K. The results indicate that the ideality factor decreases while the barrier height increases with increasing temperature. The barrier inhomogeneity across the NiPc-SNS/ p-Si heterojunction reveals a Gaussian distribution at low temperatures. These results provide further evidence of the more complicated mechanisms occurring in this heterojunction. Based on these findings, NiPc-SNS/ p-Si junction diodes are feasible for use in low-temperature applications.

  1. An Enhanced GINGERSimulation Code with Harmonic Emission and HDF5IO Capabilities

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

    Fawley, William M.

    GINGER [1] is an axisymmetric, polychromatic (r-z-t) FEL simulation code originally developed in the mid-1980's to model the performance of single-pass amplifiers. Over the past 15 years GINGER's capabilities have been extended to include more complicated configurations such as undulators with drift spaces, dispersive sections, and vacuum chamber wakefield effects; multi-pass oscillators; and multi-stage harmonic cascades. Its coding base has been tuned to permit running effectively on platforms ranging from desktop PC's to massively parallel processors such as the IBM-SP. Recently, we have made significant changes to GINGER by replacing the original predictor-corrector field solver with a new direct implicitmore » algorithm, adding harmonic emission capability, and switching to the HDF5 IO library [2] for output diagnostics. In this paper, we discuss some details regarding these changes and also present simulation results for LCLS SASE emission at {lambda} = 0.15 nm and higher harmonics.« less

  2. Non-activated plasma-derived PC improves amputation rate of children undergoing sepsis.

    PubMed

    Piccin, Andrea; O' Marcaigh, Aengus; Mc Mahon, Corrina; Murphy, Ciaran; Okafor, Ikechukwu; Marcheselli, Luigi; Casey, William; Claffey, Liam; Smith, Owen Patrick

    2014-07-01

    Low circulating protein C (PC) levels have been observed in sepsis, especially in patients with Neisseriae Meningitides infections. Poor clinical outcome and high limb amputation rates have been associated in infected patients with low circulating PC levels. Published studies using activated PC replacement therapy patients with sepsis have shown reduced mortality rates, however, its use has been associated with severe bleeding events. Paediatric sepsis studies using non-activated plasma-derived PC (Ceprotin®) are lacking. We present a retrospective study in children with sepsis who were treated with Ceprotin® focusing on amputation rate post treatment. Thirty subjects were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 2 years. Twenty-one (70%) were treated for Nesseria Meningitides and one (3%) for Streptococcus-A β-haemolyticus, another 8 (26%) patients with malignancies were treated for neutropenic sepsis. Following Ceprotin® administration, a significant increase in leukocyte count (p=0.004), neutrophil count (p=0.001) and PC (pretreatment=13%, posttreatment=88.5%; p=0.0001) was seen. Prothrombin time (pretreatment =30.3 seconds, posttreatment =16.5; p=0.000) and activated partial thromboplastin time (pretreatment =61.8 sec, postreatment =42.6 sec; p=0.000) were significantly reduced, while fibrinogen levels were significantly elevated (pretreatment =1.9 g/dL, posttreatment =4.4 g/dL; p=0.000). The median time between admission to intensive care and Ceprotin® administration was 10 hrs. Limb amputation rate was reduced (16-23% versus 30-50% from previous studies) and there were no haemorrhagic events observed. This study demonstrates the safe administration of non-activated plasma-derived PC concentrate in patients with sepsis who are coagulopathic and it associated with a reduction in amputation rates. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Rhythmic complexity and predictive coding: a novel approach to modeling rhythm and meter perception in music

    PubMed Central

    Vuust, Peter; Witek, Maria A. G.

    2014-01-01

    Musical rhythm, consisting of apparently abstract intervals of accented temporal events, has a remarkable capacity to move our minds and bodies. How does the cognitive system enable our experiences of rhythmically complex music? In this paper, we describe some common forms of rhythmic complexity in music and propose the theory of predictive coding (PC) as a framework for understanding how rhythm and rhythmic complexity are processed in the brain. We also consider why we feel so compelled by rhythmic tension in music. First, we consider theories of rhythm and meter perception, which provide hierarchical and computational approaches to modeling. Second, we present the theory of PC, which posits a hierarchical organization of brain responses reflecting fundamental, survival-related mechanisms associated with predicting future events. According to this theory, perception and learning is manifested through the brain’s Bayesian minimization of the error between the input to the brain and the brain’s prior expectations. Third, we develop a PC model of musical rhythm, in which rhythm perception is conceptualized as an interaction between what is heard (“rhythm”) and the brain’s anticipatory structuring of music (“meter”). Finally, we review empirical studies of the neural and behavioral effects of syncopation, polyrhythm and groove, and propose how these studies can be seen as special cases of the PC theory. We argue that musical rhythm exploits the brain’s general principles of prediction and propose that pleasure and desire for sensorimotor synchronization from musical rhythm may be a result of such mechanisms. PMID:25324813

  4. PC/AT-based architecture for shared telerobotic control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schinstock, Dale E.; Faddis, Terry N.; Barr, Bill G.

    1993-03-01

    A telerobotic control system must include teleoperational, shared, and autonomous modes of control in order to provide a robot platform for incorporating the rapid advances that are occurring in telerobotics and associated technologies. These modes along with the ability to modify the control algorithms are especially beneficial for telerobotic control systems used for research purposes. The paper describes an application of the PC/AT platform to the control system of a telerobotic test cell. The paper provides a discussion of the suitability of the PC/AT as a platform for a telerobotic control system. The discussion is based on the many factors affecting the choice of a computer platform for a real time control system. The factors include I/O capabilities, simplicity, popularity, computational performance, and communication with external systems. The paper also includes a description of the actuation, measurement, and sensor hardware of both the master manipulator and the slave robot. It also includes a description of the PC-Bus interface cards. These cards were developed by the researchers in the KAT Laboratory, specifically for interfacing to the master manipulator and slave robot. Finally, a few different versions of the low level telerobotic control software are presented. This software incorporates shared control by supervisory systems and the human operator and traded control between supervisory systems and the human operator.

  5. The CNS glycoprotein Shadoo has PrPC-like protective properties and displays reduced levels in prion infections

    PubMed Central

    Watts, Joel C; Drisaldi, Bettina; Ng, Vivian; Yang, Jing; Strome, Bob; Horne, Patrick; Sy, Man-Sun; Yoong, Larry; Young, Rebecca; Mastrangelo, Peter; Bergeron, Catherine; Fraser, Paul E; Carlson, George A; Mount, Howard T J; Schmitt-Ulms, Gerold; Westaway, David

    2007-01-01

    The cellular prion protein, PrPC, is neuroprotective in a number of settings and in particular prevents cerebellar degeneration mediated by CNS-expressed Doppel or internally deleted PrP (‘ΔPrP'). This paradigm has facilitated mapping of activity determinants in PrPC and implicated a cryptic PrPC-like protein, ‘π'. Shadoo (Sho) is a hypothetical GPI-anchored protein encoded by the Sprn gene, exhibiting homology and domain organization similar to the N-terminus of PrP. Here we demonstrate Sprn expression and Sho protein in the adult CNS. Sho expression overlaps PrPC, but is low in cerebellar granular neurons (CGNs) containing PrPC and high in PrPC-deficient dendritic processes. In Prnp0/0 CGNs, Sho transgenes were PrPC-like in their ability to counteract neurotoxic effects of either Doppel or ΔPrP. Additionally, prion-infected mice exhibit a dramatic reduction in endogenous Sho protein. Sho is a candidate for π, and since it engenders a PrPC-like neuroprotective activity, compromised neuroprotective activity resulting from reduced levels may exacerbate damage in prion infections. Sho may prove useful in deciphering several unresolved facets of prion biology. PMID:17703189

  6. Operational Implementation of a Pc Uncertainty Construct for Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Newman, Lauri K.; Hejduk, Matthew D.; Johnson, Lauren C.

    2016-01-01

    Earlier this year the NASA Conjunction Assessment and Risk Analysis (CARA) project presented the theoretical and algorithmic aspects of a method to include the uncertainties in the calculation inputs when computing the probability of collision (Pc) between two space objects, principally uncertainties in the covariances and the hard-body radius. The output of this calculation approach is to produce rather than a single Pc value an entire probability density function that will represent the range of possible Pc values given the uncertainties in the inputs and bring CA risk analysis methodologies more in line with modern risk management theory. The present study provides results from the exercise of this method against an extended dataset of satellite conjunctions in order to determine the effect of its use on the evaluation of conjunction assessment (CA) event risk posture. The effects are found to be considerable: a good number of events are downgraded from or upgraded to a serious risk designation on the basis of consideration of the Pc uncertainty. The findings counsel the integration of the developed methods into NASA CA operations.

  7. Structure of the polycystic kidney disease TRP channel Polycystin-2 (PC2).

    PubMed

    Grieben, Mariana; Pike, Ashley C W; Shintre, Chitra A; Venturi, Elisa; El-Ajouz, Sam; Tessitore, Annamaria; Shrestha, Leela; Mukhopadhyay, Shubhashish; Mahajan, Pravin; Chalk, Rod; Burgess-Brown, Nicola A; Sitsapesan, Rebecca; Huiskonen, Juha T; Carpenter, Elisabeth P

    2017-02-01

    Mutations in either polycystin-1 (PC1 or PKD1) or polycystin-2 (PC2, PKD2 or TRPP1) cause autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) through unknown mechanisms. Here we present the structure of human PC2 in a closed conformation, solved by electron cryomicroscopy at 4.2-Å resolution. The structure reveals a novel polycystin-specific 'tetragonal opening for polycystins' (TOP) domain tightly bound to the top of a classic transient receptor potential (TRP) channel structure. The TOP domain is formed from two extensions to the voltage-sensor-like domain (VSLD); it covers the channel's endoplasmic reticulum lumen or extracellular surface and encloses an upper vestibule, above the pore filter, without blocking the ion-conduction pathway. The TOP-domain fold is conserved among the polycystins, including the homologous channel-like region of PC1, and is the site of a cluster of ADPKD-associated missense variants. Extensive contacts among the TOP-domain subunits, the pore and the VSLD provide ample scope for regulation through physical and chemical stimuli.

  8. Mathematics Instruction and the Tablet PC

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fister, K. Renee; McCarthy, Maeve L.

    2008-01-01

    The use of tablet PCs in teaching is a relatively new phenomenon. A cross between a notebook computer and a personal digital assistant (PDA), the tablet PC has all of the features of a notebook with the additional capability that the screen can also be used for input. Tablet PCs are usually equipped with a stylus that allows the user to write on…

  9. Defective transport of the obesity mutant PC1/3 N222D contributes to loss of function.

    PubMed

    Prabhu, Yogikala; Blanco, Elias H; Liu, Ming; Peinado, Juan R; Wheeler, Matthew C; Gekakis, Nicholas; Arvan, Peter; Lindberg, Iris

    2014-07-01

    Mutations in the PCSK1 gene encoding prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) are strongly associated with obesity in humans. The PC1/3(N222D) mutant mouse thus far represents the only mouse model that mimics the PC1/3 obesity phenotype in humans. The present investigation addresses the cell biology of the N222D mutation. Metabolic labeling experiments reveal a clear defect in the kinetics of insulin biosynthesis in islets from PC1/3(N222D) mutant mice, resulting in an increase in both proinsulin and its processing intermediates, predominantly lacking cleavage at the Arg-Arg site. Although the mutant PC1/3 zymogen is correctly processed to the 87-kDa form, pulse-chase immunoprecipitation experiments, labeling, and immunohistochemical experiments using uncleavable variants all demonstrate that the PC1/3-N222D protein is largely mislocalized compared with similar wild-type (WT) constructs, being predominantly retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. The PC1/3-N222D mutant also undergoes more efficient degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system than the WT enzyme. Lastly, the mutant PC1/3-N222D protein coimmunoprecipitates with WT PC1/3 and exerts a modest effect on intracellular retention of the WT enzyme. These profound alterations in the cell biology of PC1/3-N222D are likely to contribute to the defective insulin biosynthetic events observed in the mutant mice and may be relevant to the dramatic contributions of polymorphisms in this gene to human obesity.

  10. Defective Transport of the Obesity Mutant PC1/3 N222D Contributes to Loss of Function

    PubMed Central

    Prabhu, Yogikala; Blanco, Elias H.; Liu, Ming; Peinado, Juan R.; Wheeler, Matthew C.; Gekakis, Nicholas; Arvan, Peter

    2014-01-01

    Mutations in the PCSK1 gene encoding prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) are strongly associated with obesity in humans. The PC1/3N222D mutant mouse thus far represents the only mouse model that mimics the PC1/3 obesity phenotype in humans. The present investigation addresses the cell biology of the N222D mutation. Metabolic labeling experiments reveal a clear defect in the kinetics of insulin biosynthesis in islets from PC1/3N222D mutant mice, resulting in an increase in both proinsulin and its processing intermediates, predominantly lacking cleavage at the Arg-Arg site. Although the mutant PC1/3 zymogen is correctly processed to the 87-kDa form, pulse-chase immunoprecipitation experiments, labeling, and immunohistochemical experiments using uncleavable variants all demonstrate that the PC1/3-N222D protein is largely mislocalized compared with similar wild-type (WT) constructs, being predominantly retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. The PC1/3-N222D mutant also undergoes more efficient degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system than the WT enzyme. Lastly, the mutant PC1/3-N222D protein coimmunoprecipitates with WT PC1/3 and exerts a modest effect on intracellular retention of the WT enzyme. These profound alterations in the cell biology of PC1/3-N222D are likely to contribute to the defective insulin biosynthetic events observed in the mutant mice and may be relevant to the dramatic contributions of polymorphisms in this gene to human obesity. PMID:24828610

  11. Acorus tatarinowii Schott extract protects PC12 cells from amyloid-beta induced neurotoxicity.

    PubMed

    An, Hong-Mei; Li, Guo-Wen; Lin, Chen; Gu, Chao; Jin, Miao; Sun, Wen-Xian; Qiu, Ming-Feng; Hu, Bing

    2014-05-01

    Amyloid-beta induced neurotoxicity has been identified as a major cause of Alzheimer's disease. Acorus tatarinowii Schott is one of the most frequently used Chinese herbs for Alzheimer's disease treatment. However, the effects of Acorus tatarinowii Schott on amyloid-beta mediated nerve cell damage remains unknown. In the present study, neuronal differentiated PC12 cells were used as a model to evaluate the effects of A. tatarinowii Schott extract (ATSE) against Abeta25-35 induced neurotoxicity. The results showed pretreatment with ATSE significantly protected PC12 cells from Abeta25-35 induced cell death, lactate dehydrogenase release, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. In addition, pretreatment with ATSE also significantly inhibited Abeta25-35 induced caspase-3 activation and reactive oxygen species generation in PC12 cells. These observations suggested that ATSE protects PC12 cells from amyloid-beta induced neurotoxicity.

  12. [A clinical study of PC-904 in pediatrics (author's transl)].

    PubMed

    Hori, M; Kono, S; Hashimoto, F

    1978-07-01

    A clinical study of PC-904 was performed in children. The results were as follows; 1) Serum levels of PC-904 after single administration of 20 mg/kg were studied in patients by one-shot intravenous injection or drip infusion for 1 hour or 2 hours. The results obtained in this fundamental study led to the suggestion that the proper dosage in bacterial infections would be 50 approximately 100 mg/kg intravenously in 3 approximately 4 divided doses daily. 2) A clinical study of PC-904 was performed in 16 patients including acute pharyngitis and bronchitis (3 cases), acute bronchopneumonia (3 cases), pertussis pneumonia (1 case), lymphadenitis purulenta (2 cases), acute bronchopneumonia (3 cases), pertussis pneumonia (1 case), lymphadenitis purulenta (2 cases), abscess with chronic granuloma (2 cases) and urinary tract infection (5 cases). About 50 approximately 100 mg/kg of PC-904 were administered in 3 approximately 4 divided doses daily by one-shot intravenous injection. The clinical effects of 2 cases out of 16 were impossible to be evaluated, and thses cases were excluded from the clinical evaluation. Ten cases out of 14 showed excellent or good responses (efficacy rate: 71.4%). 3) The bacteriological examinations were performed and the causative or isolated organisms were determined in 11 cases. The responses were "disappeared" in 6 cases, "decreased" in 2 cases and "not disappeared" in 3 cases. 4) No side effects were observed. Abnormalities of laboratory findings were not also noticed.

  13. Inhibition of human prostate cancer (PC-3) cells and targeting of PC-3-derived prostate cancer stem cells with koenimbin, a natural dietary compound from Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng.

    PubMed

    Kamalidehghan, Behnam; Ghafouri-Fard, Soudeh; Motevaseli, Elahe; Ahmadipour, Fatemeh

    2018-01-01

    Inhibition of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) is an efficient curative maintenance protocol for the prevention of prostate cancer. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficiency of koenimbin, a major biologically active component of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng, in the suppression of PC-3 cells and to target PC-3-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs) through apoptotic and CSC signaling pathways in vitro. The antiproliferative activity of koenimbin was examined using MTT, and the apoptotic detection was carried out by acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) double-staining and multiparametric high-content screening (HCS) assays. Caspase bioluminescence assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunoblotting were conducted to confirm the expression of apoptotic-associated proteins. Cell cycle analysis was investigated using flow cytometry. Involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was analyzed using HCS assay. Aldefluor™ and prostasphere formation examinations were used to evaluate the impact of koenimbin on PC-3 CSCs in vitro. Koenimbin remarkably inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Koenimbin induced nuclear condensation, formation of apoptotic bodies, and G 0 /G 1 phase arrest of PC-3 cells. Koenimbin triggered the activation of caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 and the release of cytochrome c , decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and HSP70 proteins, increased pro-apoptotic Bax proteins, and inhibited NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, leading to the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Koenimbin significantly ( P <0.05) reduced the aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cell population of PC-3 CSCs and the size and number of PC-3 CSCs in primary, secondary, and tertiary prostaspheres in vitro. Koenimbin has chemotherapeutic potential that may be employed for future treatment through decreasing the recurrence of cancer, resulting in the improvement of cancer management strategies and

  14. Glycyl-alanyl-histidine protects PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide toxicity.

    PubMed

    Shimura, Hideki; Tanaka, Ryota; Shimada, Yoshiaki; Yamashiro, Kazuo; Hattori, Nobutaka; Urabe, Takao

    2017-11-22

    Peptides with cytoprotective functions, including antioxidants and anti-infectives, could be useful therapeutics. Carnosine, β-alanine-histidine, is a dipeptide with anti-oxidant properties. Tripeptides of Ala-His-Lys, Pro-His-His, or Tyr-His-Tyr are also of interest in this respect. We synthesized several histidine-containing peptides including glycine or alanine, and tested their cytoprotective effects on hydrogen peroxide toxicity for PC12 cells. Of all these peptides (Gly-His-His, Ala-His-His, Ala-His-Ala, Ala-Ala-His, Ala-Gly-His, Gly-Ala-His (GAH), Ala-His-Gly, His-Ala-Gly, His-His-His, Gly-His-Ala, and Gly-Gly-His), GAH was found to have the strongest cytoprotective activity. GAH decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, apoptosis, morphological changes, and nuclear membrane permeability changes against hydrogen peroxide toxicity in PC12 cells. The cytoprotective activity of GAH was superior to that of carnosine against hydrogen peroxide toxicity in PC12 cells. GAH also protected PC12 cells against damage caused by actinomycin D and staurosporine. Additionally, it was found that GAH also protected SH-SY5Y and Jurkat cells from damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, as assessed by LDH leakage. Thus, a novel tripeptide, GAH, has been identified as having broad cytoprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell damage.

  15. Enforcing positivity in intrusive PC-UQ methods for reactive ODE systems

    DOE PAGES

    Najm, Habib N.; Valorani, Mauro

    2014-04-12

    We explore the relation between the development of a non-negligible probability of negative states and the instability of numerical integration of the intrusive Galerkin ordinary differential equation system describing uncertain chemical ignition. To prevent this instability without resorting to either multi-element local polynomial chaos (PC) methods or increasing the order of the PC representation in time, we propose a procedure aimed at modifying the amplitude of the PC modes to bring the probability of negative state values below a user-defined threshold. This modification can be effectively described as a filtering procedure of the spectral PC coefficients, which is applied on-the-flymore » during the numerical integration when the current value of the probability of negative states exceeds the prescribed threshold. We demonstrate the filtering procedure using a simple model of an ignition process in a batch reactor. This is carried out by comparing different observables and error measures as obtained by non-intrusive Monte Carlo and Gauss-quadrature integration and the filtered intrusive procedure. Lastly, the filtering procedure has been shown to effectively stabilize divergent intrusive solutions, and also to improve the accuracy of stable intrusive solutions which are close to the stability limits.« less

  16. On the robustness of EC-PC spike detection method for online neural recording.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Yin; Wu, Tong; Rastegarnia, Amir; Guan, Cuntai; Keefer, Edward; Yang, Zhi

    2014-09-30

    Online spike detection is an important step to compress neural data and perform real-time neural information decoding. An unsupervised, automatic, yet robust signal processing is strongly desired, thus it can support a wide range of applications. We have developed a novel spike detection algorithm called "exponential component-polynomial component" (EC-PC) spike detection. We firstly evaluate the robustness of the EC-PC spike detector under different firing rates and SNRs. Secondly, we show that the detection Precision can be quantitatively derived without requiring additional user input parameters. We have realized the algorithm (including training) into a 0.13 μm CMOS chip, where an unsupervised, nonparametric operation has been demonstrated. Both simulated data and real data are used to evaluate the method under different firing rates (FRs), SNRs. The results show that the EC-PC spike detector is the most robust in comparison with some popular detectors. Moreover, the EC-PC detector can track changes in the background noise due to the ability to re-estimate the neural data distribution. Both real and synthesized data have been used for testing the proposed algorithm in comparison with other methods, including the absolute thresholding detector (AT), median absolute deviation detector (MAD), nonlinear energy operator detector (NEO), and continuous wavelet detector (CWD). Comparative testing results reveals that the EP-PC detection algorithm performs better than the other algorithms regardless of recording conditions. The EC-PC spike detector can be considered as an unsupervised and robust online spike detection. It is also suitable for hardware implementation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. N2pc is modulated by stimulus-stimulus, but not by stimulus-response incompatibilities.

    PubMed

    Cespón, J; Galdo-Álvarez, S; Díaz, F

    2013-04-01

    Studies of the N2pc in Simon-type tasks have revealed inconsistent results. That is, N2pc was only modulated when a stimulus-stimulus (S-S) overlap covaries with the stimulus-response (S-R) overlap. The present study aimed to establish whether N2pc is modulated by the S-R or by the S-S overlap. Therefore, we designed a Simon task requiring response to a colour stimulus (an arrow) with two irrelevant dimensions (position and direction). The following conditions were thus generated: compatible direction-compatible position (CDCP); incompatible direction-compatible position (IDCP); compatible direction-incompatible position (CDIP); and incompatible direction-incompatible position (IDIP). In IDCP and CDIP, both irrelevant dimensions conveyed contradictory spatial information (S-S incompatibility), while compatibility between both irrelevant dimensions occurred in CDCP and IDIP (the direction indicated was compatible with stimulus position). The N2pc amplitude was smaller in IDCP and CDIP than in CDCP and IDIP, what suggests that N2pc was modulated by S-S incompatibility and not by S-R incompatibilities. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Single-event upset in advanced PowerPC microprocessors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Irom, F.; Swift, G. M.; Farmanesh, F.; Millward, D. G.

    2002-01-01

    Proton and heavy-ion single-event upset susceptibility has been measured for the MotorolaPowerPC7400. The results show that this advanced device has low upset susceptibility, despite the scaling and design advances.

  19. Trending in Pc Measurements via a Bayesian Zero-Inflated Mixed Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vallejo, Jonathon; Hejduk, Matthew; Stamey, James

    2015-01-01

    Two satellites predicted to come within close proximity of one another, usually a high-value satellite and a piece of space debris moving the active satellite is a means of reducing collision risk but reduces satellite lifetime, perturbs satellite mission, and introduces its own risks. So important to get a good statement of the risk of collision in order to determine whether a maneuver is truly necessary. Two aspects of this Calculation of the Probability of Collision (Pc) based on the most recent set of position velocity and uncertainty data for both satellites. Examination of the changes in the Pc value as the event develops. Events should follow a canonical development (Pc vs time to closest approach (TCA)). Helpful to be able to guess where the present data point fits in the canonical development in order to guide operational response.

  20. Pc-5 wave power in the plasmasphere and trough: CRRES observations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hartinger, M.; Moldwin, M.; Angelopoulos, V.; Takahashi, K.; Singer, H. J.; Anderson, R. R.

    2009-12-01

    The CRRES (Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite) mission provides an opportunity to study the distribution of MHD wave power in the inner magnetosphere both inside the high-density plasmasphere and in the low-density trough. We present a statistical survey of Pc-5 wave power using CRRES magnetometer and plasma wave data separated into plasmasphere and trough intervals. Using a database of plasmapause crossings, we examined differences in power spectral density between the plasmasphere and trough regions. We found significant differences between the plasmasphere and trough in the radial profiles of Pc-5 wave power. On average, wave power was higher in the trough, but the difference in power depended on magnetic local time. Our study shows that determining the plasmapause location is important for understanding and modeling the MHD wave environment in the Pc-5 frequency band.

  1. Software Reviews. PC Software for Artificial Intelligence Applications.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Epp, Helmut; And Others

    1988-01-01

    Contrasts artificial intelligence and conventional programming languages. Reviews Personal Consultant Plus, Smalltalk/V, and Nexpert Object, which are PC-based products inspired by problem-solving paradigms. Provides information on background and operation of each. (RT)

  2. Desktop Publishing in a PC-Based Environment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sims, Harold A.

    1987-01-01

    Identifies, considers, and interrelates the functionality of hardware, firmware, and software types; discusses the relationship of input and output devices in the PC-based desktop publishing environment; and reports some of what has been experienced in three years of working intensively in/with desktop publishing devices and solutions. (MES)

  3. NASTRAN data deck generation on the PC

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Guyan, R. J.

    1986-01-01

    Using two commercial programs an application was developed to aid in generating a run-ready NASTRAN data deck on the PC. Macros are used to access relevant reference material and card files while editing the deck. The application can be easily customized to suit individual or group needs.

  4. PC-ECONPACK Version 3.0 Users Manual.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-11-01

    for inclusi on in cost sensitivity analysis UPDer Limit of the Change (%). PC-ECONPACK varies all the stipulated expense items both in an upward...Assumptions as stated in the Assumptions text information block. This section is used to discuss why certain alternatives were selected for inclusi ,n in the

  5. Requirement of the Listeria monocytogenes broad-range phospholipase PC-PLC during infection of human epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Gründling, Angelika; Gonzalez, Mark D; Higgins, Darren E

    2003-11-01

    In this study, we investigated the requirement of the Listeria monocytogenes broad-range phospholipase C (PC-PLC) during infection of human epithelial cells. L. monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen of humans and a variety of animal species. After entering a host cell, L. monocytogenes is initially surrounded by a membrane-bound vacuole. Bacteria promote their escape from this vacuole, grow within the host cell cytosol, and spread from cell to cell via actin-based motility. Most infection studies with L. monocytogenes have been performed with mouse cells or an in vivo mouse model of infection. In all mouse-derived cells tested, the pore-forming cytolysin listeriolysin O (LLO) is absolutely required for lysis of primary vacuoles formed during host cell entry. However, L. monocytogenes can escape from primary vacuoles in the absence of LLO during infection of human epithelial cell lines Henle 407, HEp-2, and HeLa. Previous studies have shown that the broad-range phospholipase C, PC-PLC, promotes lysis of Henle 407 cell primary vacuoles in the absence of LLO. Here, we have shown that PC-PLC is also required for lysis of HEp-2 and HeLa cell primary vacuoles in the absence of LLO expression. Furthermore, our results indicated that the amount of PC-PLC activity is critical for the efficiency of vacuolar lysis. In an LLO-negative derivative of L. monocytogenes strain 10403S, expression of PC-PLC has to increase before or upon entry into human epithelial cells, compared to expression in broth culture, to allow bacterial escape from primary vacuoles. Using a system for inducible PC-PLC expression in L. monocytogenes, we provide evidence that phospholipase activity can be increased by elevated expression of PC-PLC or Mpl, the enzyme required for proteolytic activation of PC-PLC. Lastly, by using the inducible PC-PLC expression system, we demonstrate that, in the absence of LLO, PC-PLC activity is not only required for lysis of primary vacuoles in

  6. FTIR analysis on aging characteristics of ABS/PC blend under UV-irradiation in air

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Jiarong; Chen, Fu; Yang, Long; Jiang, Long; Dan, Yi

    2017-09-01

    Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is adopted to study the aging characteristics of poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)/polycarbonate (ABS/PC) blend under UV-irradiation in air by analyzing the variation of the three main absorbance at about 967 cm- 1, 1720 cm- 1 and 3420 cm- 1 associated with carbon-hydrogen bonds belonging to 1,4 butadiene, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, respectively. Results indicate that, under UV-irradiation in air, the photo-oxidation of the blend is not a simple combination of the photo-oxidation of corresponding ABS and PC themselves and takes place predominantly at the ABS component. Due to the interaction between the two components and the Fries rearrangement taken place in the PC component during the UV-irradiation in air, the ABS/PC blends behave higher photo-stability than ABS has.

  7. The single-strand DNA binding activity of human PC4 preventsmutagenesis and killing by oxidative DNA damage

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

    Wang, Jen-Yeu; Sarker, Altaf Hossain; Cooper, Priscilla K.

    Human positive cofactor 4 (PC4) is a transcriptional coactivator with a highly conserved single-strand DNA (ssDNA) binding domain of unknown function. We identified PC4 as a suppressor of the oxidative mutator phenotype of the Escherichia coli fpg mutY mutant and demonstrate that this suppression requires its ssDNA binding activity. Yeast mutants lacking their PC4 ortholog Sub1 are sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and exhibit spontaneous and peroxide induced hypermutability. PC4 expression suppresses the peroxide sensitivity of the yeast sub l{Delta} mutant, suggesting that the human protein has a similar function. A role for yeast and human proteins in DNA repair ismore » suggested by the demonstration that Sub1 acts in a peroxide-resistance pathway involving Rad2 and by the physical interaction of PC4 with the human Rad2 homolog XPG. We show XPG recruits PC4 to a bubble-containing DNA substrate with resulting displacement of XPG and formation of a PC4-DNA complex. We discuss the possible requirement for PC4 in either global or transcription-coupled repair of oxidative DNA damage to mediate the release of XPG bound to its substrate.« less

  8. Optical imaging of TNF-α induced apoptosis pathway in living PC12 cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Lan; Xing, Da; Chen, Miaojuan

    2007-05-01

    Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) elicits a wide range of biological responses, including neuronal apoptosis and neuroprotection, and this functional pleiotropy is essentially determined by the individual molecular orchestration. Two main pathways lead to apoptosis - the 'extrinsic' or death receptor-initiated pathway, and the 'intrinsic' or mitochondrial pathway. In this study we firstly examine the signaling pathways involved in TNF-α induced apoptosis in living PC12 cells by optical imaging. Our results show that the cleavage of BID has been monitored in real time using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique after PC12 cells treated with TNF-α. Then we observe BAX can't translocation to mitochondria during PC12 cells apoptosis induced by TNF-α, and that there is no any evidence of cytochrome C release into cytosol during cell apoptosis. Our data support that TNF-α mediated PC12 cells apoptosis is extrinsic apoptotic pathway which independent of mitochondria.

  9. Generating code adapted for interlinking legacy scalar code and extended vector code

    DOEpatents

    Gschwind, Michael K

    2013-06-04

    Mechanisms for intermixing code are provided. Source code is received for compilation using an extended Application Binary Interface (ABI) that extends a legacy ABI and uses a different register configuration than the legacy ABI. First compiled code is generated based on the source code, the first compiled code comprising code for accommodating the difference in register configurations used by the extended ABI and the legacy ABI. The first compiled code and second compiled code are intermixed to generate intermixed code, the second compiled code being compiled code that uses the legacy ABI. The intermixed code comprises at least one call instruction that is one of a call from the first compiled code to the second compiled code or a call from the second compiled code to the first compiled code. The code for accommodating the difference in register configurations is associated with the at least one call instruction.

  10. Dissociation and reconstruction of double-decker bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium(III) complex (TbPc2) on Pd(001): A theoretical investigation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Heng; Hu, Yujie; Wang, Hao; Jiang, Bo; Xu, Xuechun; Cai, Yingxiang

    2017-01-01

    The study of molecule dissociation is helpful to disclose the nature of chemical bonds and to extend molecular functions. The double-decker bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium(III) complex (TbPc2) is a promising single-molecule magnet (SMM) which exhibits potential applications in spin-devices. In this study, we investigate the dissociation and reconstruction of TbPc2 on Pd(001) surface. The results show that a single TbPc2 adsorbed on Pd(001) tends to split into Pc/Pd(001)+TbPc. However, the TbPc/Pd(001)+Pc might also be observed in an experimental study due to only a slight difference in their dissociation energy. The TbPc2 molecules on Pd(001) will form a (5×3) reconstruction which is different from the (3×4) reconstruction of PbPc on Pd(001). If the TbPc2 molecules with (5×3) reconstruction is dissociated, this reconstruction will be inherited by its daughter molecules due to strong molecule-substrate interaction. In addition, nudged elastic band (NEB) calculation shows that Tb-down is the stable state of TbPc/Pd(001) and Tb-up is a metastable state. The transition between two states might be utilized to realize TbPc's switch or storage functions.

  11. PrPC expression and prion seeding activity in the alimentary tract and lymphoid tissue of deer

    PubMed Central

    Davenport, Kristen A.; Hoover, Clare E.; Bian, Jifeng; Telling, Glenn C.; Mathiason, Candace K.; Hoover, Edward A.

    2017-01-01

    The agent responsible for prion diseases is a misfolded form of a normal protein (PrPC). The prion hypothesis stipulates that PrPC must be present for the disease to manifest. Cervid populations across the world are infected with chronic wasting disease, a horizontally-transmissible prion disease that is likely spread via oral exposure to infectious prions (PrPCWD). Though PrPCWD has been identified in many tissues, there has been little effort to characterize the overall PrPC expression in cervids and its relationship to PrPCWD accumulation. We used immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to describe PrPC expression in naïve white-tailed deer. We used real-time, quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to detect prion seeding activity in CWD-infected deer. We assessed tissues comprising the alimentary tract, alimentary-associated lymphoid tissue and systemic lymphoid tissue from 5 naïve deer. PrPC was expressed in all tissues, though expression was often very low compared to the level in the CNS. IHC identified specific cell types wherein PrPC expression is very high. To compare the distribution of PrPC to PrPCWD, we examined 5 deer with advanced CWD infection. Using RT-QuIC, we detected prion seeding activity in all 21 tissues. In 3 subclinical deer sacrificed 4 months post-inoculation, we detected PrPCWD consistently in alimentary-associated lymphoid tissue, irregularly in alimentary tract tissues, and not at all in the brain. Contrary to our hypothesis that PrPC levels dictate prion accumulation, PrPC expression was higher in the lower gastrointestinal tissues than in the alimentary-associated lymphoid system and was higher in salivary glands than in the oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue. These data suggest that PrPC expression is not the sole driver of prion accumulation and that alimentary tract tissues accumulate prions before centrifugal spread from the brain occurs. PMID:28880938

  12. A clinical and molecular review of ubiquitous glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency caused by G6PC3 mutations

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    The G6PC3 gene encodes the ubiquitously expressed glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme (G-6-Pase β or G-6-Pase 3 or G6PC3). Bi-allelic G6PC3 mutations cause a multi-system autosomal recessive disorder of G6PC3 deficiency (also called severe congenital neutropenia type 4, MIM 612541). To date, at least 57 patients with G6PC3 deficiency have been described in the literature. G6PC3 deficiency is characterized by severe congenital neutropenia, recurrent bacterial infections, intermittent thrombocytopenia in many patients, a prominent superficial venous pattern and a high incidence of congenital cardiac defects and uro-genital anomalies. The phenotypic spectrum of the condition is wide and includes rare manifestations such as maturation arrest of the myeloid lineage, a normocellular bone marrow, myelokathexis, lymphopaenia, thymic hypoplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, primary pulmonary hypertension, endocrine abnormalities, growth retardation, minor facial dysmorphism, skeletal and integument anomalies amongst others. Dursun syndrome is part of this extended spectrum. G6PC3 deficiency can also result in isolated non-syndromic severe neutropenia. G6PC3 mutations in result in reduced enzyme activity, endoplasmic reticulum stress response, increased rates of apoptosis of affected cells and dysfunction of neutrophil activity. In this review we demonstrate that loss of function in missense G6PC3 mutations likely results from decreased enzyme stability. The condition can be diagnosed by sequencing the G6PC3 gene. A number of G6PC3 founder mutations are known in various populations and a possible genotype-phenotype relationship also exists. G6PC3 deficiency should be considered as part of the differential diagnoses in any patient with unexplained congenital neutropenia. Treatment with G-CSF leads to improvement in neutrophil numbers, prevents infections and improves quality of life. Mildly affected patients can be managed with prophylactic antibiotics. Untreated G6PC3 deficiency

  13. An overview of the evaluation plan for PC/MISI: PC-based Multiple Information System Interface

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Lim, Bee Lee; Hall, Philip P.

    1985-01-01

    An initial evaluation plan for the personal computer multiple information system interface (PC/MISI) project is discussed. The document is intend to be used as a blueprint for the evaluation of this system. Each objective of the design project is discussed along with the evaluation parameters and methodology to be used in the evaluation of the implementation's achievement of those objectives. The potential of the system for research activities related to more general aspects of information retrieval is also discussed.

  14. CWG - MUTUAL COUPLING PROGRAM FOR CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDE-FED APERTURE ARRAY (IBM PC VERSION)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bailey, M. C.

    1994-01-01

    aperture combinations. The scattering matrix can then be used to determine the complex modal field amplitudes for each aperture with a specified array excitation. CWG is written in VAX FORTRAN for DEC VAX series computers running VMS (LAR-15236) and IBM PC series and compatible computers running MS-DOS (LAR-15226). It requires 360K of RAM for execution. To compile the source code for the PC version, the NDP Fortran compiler and linker will be required; however, the distribution medium for the PC version of CWG includes a sample MS-DOS executable which was created using NDP Fortran with the -vms compiler option. The standard distribution medium for the PC version of CWG is a 3.5 inch 1.44Mb MS-DOS format diskette. The standard distribution medium for the VAX version of CWG is a 1600 BPI 9track magnetic tape in DEC VAX BACKUP format. The VAX version is also available on a TK50 tape cartridge in DEC VAX BACKUP format. Both machine versions of CWG include an electronic version of the documentation in Microsoft Word for Windows format. CWG was developed in 1993 and is a copyrighted work with all copyright vested in NASA.

  15. Possible Domain Formation In PE/PC Bilayers Containing High Cholesterol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hein, Matthew; Hussain, Fazle; Huang, Juyang

    2015-03-01

    Cholesterol is a significant component of animal cell membranes, and its presence has the effects of not only adding rigidity to the lipid bilayer, but also leading to the formation of lipid domains. Two other lipids of interest are phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), which constitutes about 45 percent of the phospholipids found in human nervous tissues, and phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is found in every cell of the human body. The maximum solubility of cholesterol is the highest mole fraction of cholesterol that the lipid bilayer can retain, at which point cholesterol begins to precipitate out to form cholesterol monohydrate crystals. We have measured the maximum solubility of cholesterol in mixtures of 16:0-18:1PE and 16:0-18:1PC using a new light scattering technique, which utilizes the anisotropic nature of light scattering by cholesterol crystals. This new method is highly accurate and reproducible. Our results show that the maximum solubility of cholesterol increases linearly as a function of the molar ratio POPC/(POPE+POPC), which suggests possible domain formation in mixtures of PE and PC containing maximum amount of cholesterol.

  16. Optimization of a Nanomedicine-based Pc 4-PDT Strategy for Targeted Treatment of EGFR-Overexpressing Cancers

    PubMed Central

    Master, Alyssa M.; Livingston, Megan; Oleinick, Nancy L.; Gupta, Anirban Sen

    2012-01-01

    The current clinical mainstays for cancer treatment, namely, surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can cause significant trauma, systemic toxicity, and functional/cosmetic debilitation of tissue, especially if repetitive treatment becomes necessary due to tumor recurrence. Hence there is significant clinical interest in alternate treatment strategies like photodynamic therapy (PDT) which can effectively and selectively eradicate tumors and can be safely repeated if needed. We have previously demonstrated that the second-generation photosensitizer Pc 4 can be formulated within polymeric micelles, and these micelles can be specifically targeted to EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells using GE11 peptide ligands, to enhance cell-specific Pc 4 delivery and internalization. In the current study, we report on the in vitro optimization of the EGFR-targeting, Pc 4 loading of the micellar nanoformulation, along with optimization of the corresponding photoirradiation conditions to maximize Pc 4 delivery, internalization and subsequent PDT-induced cytotoxicity in EGFR-overexpressing cells in vitro. In our studies, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to monitor the cell-specific uptake of the GE11-decorated Pc 4-loaded micelles and the cytotoxic singlet oxygen production from the micelle-encapsulated Pc 4, to determine the optimum ligand density and Pc 4 loading. It was found that the micelle formulations bearing 10 mole% of GE11-modified polymer component resulted in the highest cellular uptake in EGFR-overexpressing A431 cells within the shortest incubation periods. Also, the loading of ~50 μg Pc 4 per mg of polymer in these micellar formulations resulted in the highest levels of singlet oxygen production. When formulations bearing these optimized parameters were tested in vitro on A431 cells for PDT effect, a formulation dose containing 400 nM Pc 4 and photoirradiation duration of 400 seconds at a fluence of 200 mJ/cm2 yielded close to 100% cell

  17. Simultaneous Determination of Parathion, Malathion, Diazinon, and Pirimiphos Methyl in Dried Medicinal Plants Using Solid-Phase Microextraction Fibre Coated with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

    PubMed Central

    Ahmadkhaniha, Reza; Samadi, Nasrin; Salimi, Mona; Sarkhail, Parisa; Rastkari, Noushin

    2012-01-01

    A reliable and sensitive headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of different organophosphorus pesticides in dried medicinal plant samples is described. The analytes were extracted by single-walled carbon nanotubes as a new solid-phase microextraction adsorbent. The developed method showed good performance. For diazinon and pirimiphos methyl calibration, curves were linear (r 2 ≥ 0.993) over the concentration ranges from 1.5 to 300 ng g−1, and the limit of detection at signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was 0.3 ng g−1. For parathion and malathion, the linear range and limit of detection were 2.5–300 (r 2 ≥ 0.991) and 0.5 ng g−1, respectively. In addition, a comparative study between the single-walled carbon nanotubes and a commercial polydimethylsiloxane fibre for the determination of target analytes was carried out. Single-walled carbon nanotubes fibre showed higher extraction capacity, better thermal stability (over 350°C), and longer lifespan (over 250 times) than the commercial polydimethylsiloxane fibre. The developed method was successfully applied to determine target organophosphorus pesticides in real samples. PMID:22645439

  18. Implications of pleiotrophin in human PC3 prostate cancer cell growth in vivo.

    PubMed

    Tsirmoula, Sotiria; Dimas, Kostas; Hatziapostolou, Maria; Lamprou, Margarita; Ravazoula, Panagiota; Papadimitriou, Evangelia

    2012-10-01

    Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a heparin-binding growth factor with diverse functions related to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Pleiotrophin seems to have a significant role in prostate cancer cell growth and to mediate the stimulatory actions of other factors that affect prostate cancer cell functions. However, all studies carried out up to date are in vitro, using different types of human prostate cancer cell lines. The aim of the present work was to study the role of endogenous PTN in human prostate cancer growth in vivo. For this purpose, human prostate cancer PC3 cells were stably transfected with a plasmid vector, bearing the antisense PTN sequence, in order to inhibit PTN expression (AS-PC3). Migration, apoptosis, and adhesion on osteoblastic cells were measured in vitro. In vivo, PC3 cells were s.c. injected into male NOD/SCID mice, and tumor growth, survival rates, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and the number of metastasis were estimated. Pleiotrophin depletion resulted in a decreased migration capability of AS-PC3 cells compared with the corresponding mock-transfected or the non-transfected PC3 cells, as well as increased apoptosis and decreased adhesiveness to osteoblastic cells in vitro. In prostate cancer NOD/SCID mouse xenografts, PTN depletion significantly suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis and induced apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition, PTN depletion decreased the number of metastases, providing a survival benefit for the animals bearing AS-PC3 xenografts. Our data suggest that PTN is implicated in human prostate cancer growth in vivo and could be considered a potential target for the development of new therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer. © 2012 Japanese Cancer Association.

  19. Establishing a communications link between two different, incompatible, personal computers: with practical examples and illustrations and program code.

    PubMed

    Davidson, R W

    1985-01-01

    The increasing need to communicate to exchange data can be handled by personal microcomputers. The necessity for the transference of information stored in one type of personal computer to another type of personal computer is often encountered in the process of integrating multiple sources of information stored in different and incompatible computers in Medical Research and Practice. A practical example is demonstrated with two relatively inexpensive commonly used computers, the IBM PC jr. and the Apple IIe. The basic input/output (I/O) interface chip for serial communication for each computer are joined together using a Null connector and cable to form a communications link. Using BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) Computer Language and the Disk Operating System (DOS) the communications handshaking protocol and file transfer is established between the two computers. The BASIC programming languages used are Applesoft (Apple Personal Computer) and PC BASIC (IBM Personal computer).

  20. 4-Fluorobenzaldehyde limonene-based thiosemicarbazone induces apoptosis in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Dos Santos Rodrigues, Bruna; de Ávila, Renato Ivan; Benfica, Polyana Lopes; Bringel, Ludmila Pires; de Oliveira, Cecília Maria Alves; Vandresen, Fábio; da Silva, Cleuza Conceição; Valadares, Marize Campos

    2018-06-15

    This study evaluated parameters of toxicity and antiproliferative effects of (+)-N(1)-4-fluorobenzaldehyde-N(4)-{1-methyl-1-[(1R)-4-methylcyclohexene-3-il]-ethyl}-thiossemicarbazone (4-FTSC) in PC-3 adenocarcinoma prostate cells. Cytotoxicity of 4-FTSC in PC-3 cells was evaluated using MTT assay. Morphology examination of PC-3 cells treated with 4-FTSC was also performed as well as the cell death mechanisms induced were investigated using flow cytometry. Parameters of toxicity of 4-FTSC was conducted by the investigation of its potential myelotoxicity and lymphotoxicity, hemolytic activity and acute oral toxicity profile. 4-FTSC showed promising cytotoxic effects against PC-3 cells (IC 50  = 18.46 μM). It also triggered apoptotic morphological changes, phosphatidylserine externalization and a significant increase of DNA fragmentation in PC-3 cells. Moreover, 4-FTSC did not show changes in the PC-3 cell cycle with levels of p21, p27, NFĸB and cyclin D1 similar to those found in both control and treated cells. 4-FTSC also promoted an increase of p53 levels associated with mitochondrial impairment through loss of ∆Ψm and ROS overproduction. 4-FTSC-induced cell death mechanism in PC-3 cells involved activation of caspase-3/-7 through apoptosis intrinsic pathway via caspase-9. Regarding toxicological profile, 4-FTSC showed in vitro lymphotoxicity, although with low cytotoxicity for bone marrow progenitors and no hemolytic potential. Moreover, it was classified as GHS category 5 (LD 50  > 2000-5000 mg/Kg), suggesting it has low acute oral systemic toxicity. 4-FTSC seems to be a promising candidate to be used as a clinical tool in prostate cancer treatment. Further studies are required to better clarify its toxicopharmacological effects found in this compound. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  1. General specifications for the development of a USL/DBMS NASA/PC R and D distributed workstation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Chum, Frank Y.

    1984-01-01

    The general specifications for the development of a PC-based distributed workstation (PCDWS) for an information storage and retrieval systems environment are defined. This research proposes the development of a PCDWS prototype as part of the University of Southwestern Louisiana Data Base Management System (USL/DBMS) NASA/PC R and D project in the PC-based workstation environment.

  2. Genetically engineered Pseudomonas putida X3 strain and its potential ability to bioremediate soil microcosms contaminated with methyl parathion and cadmium.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Rong; Xu, Xingjian; Chen, Wenli; Huang, Qiaoyun

    2016-02-01

    A multifunctional Pseudomonas putida X3 strain was successfully engineered by introducing methyl parathion (MP)-degrading gene and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene in P. putida X4 (CCTCC: 209319). In liquid cultures, the engineered X3 strain utilized MP as sole carbon source for growth and degraded 100 mg L(-1) of MP within 24 h; however, this strain did not further metabolize p-nitrophenol (PNP), an intermediate metabolite of MP. No discrepancy in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cobalt (Co) was observed between the engineered X3 strain and its host strain. The inoculated X3 strain accelerated MP degradation in different polluted soil microcosms with 100 mg MP kg(-1) dry soil and/or 5 mg Cd kg(-1) dry soil; MP was completely eliminated within 40 h. However, the presence of Cd in the early stage of remediation slightly delayed MP degradation. The application of X3 strain in Cd-contaminated soil strongly affected the distribution of Cd fractions and immobilized Cd by reducing bioavailable Cd concentrations with lower soluble/exchangeable Cd and organic-bound Cd. The inoculated X3 strain also colonized and proliferated in various contaminated microcosms. Our results suggested that the engineered X3 strain is a potential bioremediation agent showing competitive advantage in complex contaminated environments.

  3. PC Games and the Teaching of History

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McMichael, Andrew

    2007-01-01

    Although the use of PC games in the history classroom might be relatively new, the ideas for these assignments and the theory behind their use borrows heavily from a number of areas and combines different pedagogical techniques. Using computer games allows teachers to recombine disparate teaching threads into something novel that will serve…

  4. Impact of a Recombinant Biocontrol Bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens pc78, on Microbial Community in Tomato Rhizosphere.

    PubMed

    Kong, Hyun Gi; Kim, Nam Hee; Lee, Seung Yeup; Lee, Seon-Woo

    2016-04-01

    Pseudomonas fluorescens pc78 is an effective biocontrol agent for soil-borne fungal diseases. We previously constructed a P43-gfp tagged biocontrol bacteria P. fluorescens pc78-48 to investigate bacterial traits in natural ecosystem and the environmental risk of genetically modified biocontrol bacteria in tomato rhizosphere. Fluctuation of culturable bacteria profile, microbial community structure, and potential horizontal gene transfer was investigated over time after the bacteria treatment to the tomato rhizosphere. Tagged gene transfer to other organisms such as tomato plants and bacteria cultured on various media was examined by polymerase chain reaction, using gene specific primers. Transfer of chromosomally integrated P43-gfp from pc78 to other organisms was not apparent. Population and colony types of culturable bacteria were not significantly affected by the introduction of P. fluorescens pc78 or pc78-48 into tomato rhizosphere. Additionally, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles were investigated to estimate the influence on the microbial community structure in tomato rhizosphere between non-treated and pc78-48-treated samples. Interestingly, rhizosphere soil treated with strain pc78-48 exhibited a significantly different bacterial community structure compared to that of non-treated rhizosphere soil. Our results suggest that biocontrol bacteria treatment influences microbial community in tomato rhizosphere, while the chromosomally modified biocontrol bacteria may not pose any specific environmental risk in terms of gene transfer.

  5. The Fossil Nuclear Outflow in the Central 30 pc of the Galactic Center

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hsieh, Pei-Ying; Ho, Paul T. P.; Hwang, Chorng-Yuan; Shimajiri, Yoshito; Matsushita, Satoki; Koch, Patrick M.; Iono, Daisuke

    2016-11-01

    We report a new 1 pc (30″) resolution CS(J=2-1) line map of the central 30 pc of the Galactic center (GC), made with the Nobeyama 45 m telescope. We revisit our previous study of an extraplanar feature called the polar arc (PA), which is a molecular cloud located above SgrA*, with a velocity gradient perpendicular to the galactic plane. We find that the PA can be traced back to the galactic disk. This provides clues to the launching point of the PA, roughly 6 × 106 years ago. Implications of the dynamical timescale of the PA might be related to the Galactic center lobe at parsec scale. Our results suggest that, in the central 30 pc of the GC, the feedback from past explosions could alter the orbital path of molecular gas down to the central tenth of a parsec. In the follow-up work of our new CS(J=2-1) map, we also find that, near systemic velocity, the molecular gas shows an extraplanar hourglass-shaped feature (HG-feature) with a size of ˜13 pc. The latitude-velocity diagrams show that the eastern edge of the HG-feature is associated with an expanding bubble B1, ˜7 pc away from SgrA*. The dynamical timescale of this bubble is ˜3 × 105 years. This bubble is interacting with the 50 km s-1 cloud. Part of the molecular gas from the 50 km s-1 cloud was swept away by the bubble to b=-0\\buildrel{\\circ}\\over{.} 2. The western edge of the HG-feature seems to be molecular gas entrained from the 20 km s-1 cloud toward the north of the galactic disk. Our results suggest a fossil explosion in the central 30 pc of the GC, a few 105 years ago.

  6. Opposite Roles of Furin and PC5A in N-Cadherin Processing12

    PubMed Central

    Maret, Deborah; Sadr, Mohamad Seyed; Sadr, Emad Seyed; Colman, David R; Del Maestro, Rolando F; Seidah, Nabil G

    2012-01-01

    We recently demonstrated that lack of Furin-processing of the N-cadherin precursor (proNCAD) in highly invasive melanoma and brain tumor cells results in the cell-surface expression of a nonadhesive protein favoring cell migration and invasion in vitro. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of malignant human brain tumor cells revealed that of all proprotein convertases (PCs) only the levels of Furin and PC5A are modulated, being inversely (Furin) or directly (PC5A) correlated with brain tumor invasive capacity. Intriguingly, the N-terminal sequence following the Furin-activated NCAD site (RQKR↓DW161, mouse nomenclature) reveals a second putative PC-processing site (RIRSDR↓DK189) located in the first extracellular domain. Cleavage at this site would abolish the adhesive functions of NCAD because of the loss of the critical Trp161. This was confirmed upon analysis of the fate of the endogenous prosegment of proNCAD in human malignant glioma cells expressing high levels of Furin and low levels of PC5A (U343) or high levels of PC5A and negligible Furin levels (U251). Cellular analyses revealed that Furin is the best activating convertase releasing an ∼17-kDa prosegment, whereas PC5A is the major inactivating enzyme resulting in the secretion of an ∼20-kDa product. Like expression of proNCAD at the cell surface, cleavage of the NCAD molecule at RIRSDR↓DK189 renders the U251 cancer cells less adhesive to one another and more migratory. Our work modifies the present view on posttranslational processing and surface expression of classic cadherins and clarifies how NCAD possesses a range of adhesive potentials and plays a critical role in tumor progression. PMID:23097623

  7. PC-SEAPAK user's guide, version 4.0

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcclain, Charles R.; Fu, Gary; Darzi, Michael; Firestone, James K.

    1992-01-01

    PC-SEAPAK is designed to provide a complete and affordable capability for processing and analysis of NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Nimbus-7 Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) data. Since the release of version 3.0 over a year ago, significant revisions were made to the AVHRR and CZCS programs and to the statistical data analysis module, and a number of new programs were added. This new version has 114 procedures listed in its menus. The package continues to emphasize user-friendliness and interactive data analysis. Additionally, because the scientific goals of the ocean color research being conducted have shifted to larger space and time scales, batch processing capabilities were enhanced, allowing large quantities of data to be easily ingested and analyzed. The development of PC-SEAPAK was paralled by two other activities that were influential and assistive: the global CZCS processing effort at GSFC and the continued development of VAX-SEAPAK. SEAPAK incorporates the instrument calibration and support all levels of data available from the CZCS archive.

  8. DIFFERENTIAL MODULATION OF CATECHOLAMINES BY CHLOROTRIAZINE HERBICIDES IN PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA (PC12) CELLS IN VITRO

    EPA Science Inventory

    Differential modulation of catecholamines by chlorotriazine herbicides in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells in vitro.

    Das PC, McElroy WK, Cooper RL.

    Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, USA.

    Epidemiological, wildlife, and lab...

  9. Redefining Projections of Disease and Nonbattle Injury Patient Condition Code Distributions with Casualty Data from Operation Iraqi Freedom

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-07-30

    complicated 0.07% 0.13% 282 Infectious mononucleosis all cases 0.03% 0.06% 283 Hepatitis infectious viral all cases 0.38% 0.69% 329 Trachoma all cases 0.00... infectious /parasitic, neuropsychiatric, and miscellaneous. Although considerable overlapping existed between the two coding formats (PC and ICD-9), there...Std Residual n (%) Std Residual n (%) Std Residual n (%) Infectious 10 (0.9) -1.9 80 (1.5) -1.3 183 (1.9) 1.6 273 (1.7) Neoplasm 16 (1.5

  10. The ePLAS Code for Ignition Studies

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

    Mason, Rodney J

    2012-09-20

    Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) presents unique opportunities for the extraction of clean energy from Fusion. Intense lasers and particle beams can create and interact with such plasmas, potentially yielding sufficient energy to satisfy all our national needs. However, few models are available to help aid the scientific community in the study and optimization of such interactions. This project enhanced and disseminated the computer code ePLAS for the early understanding and control of Ignition in ICF. ePLAS is a unique simulation code that tracks the transport of laser light to a target, the absorption of that light resulting in the generationmore » and transport of hot electrons, and the heating and flow dynamics of the background plasma. It uses an implicit electromagnetic field-solving method to greatly reduce computing demands, so that useful target interaction studies can often be completed in 15 minutes on a portable 2.1 GHz PC. The code permits the rapid scoping of calculations for the optimization of laser target interactions aimed at fusion. Recent efforts have initiated the use of analytic equations of state (EOS), K-alpha image rendering graphics, allocatable memory for source-free usage, and adaption to the latest Mac and Linux Operating Systems. The speed and utility of ePLAS are unequaled in the ICF simulation community. This project evaluated the effects of its new EOSs on target heating, compared fluid and particle models for the ions, initiated the simultaneous use of both ion models in the code, and studied long time scale 500 ps hot electron deposition for shock ignition. ePLAS has been granted EAR99 export control status, permitting export without a license to most foreign countries. Beta-test versions of ePLAS have been granted to several Universities and Commercial users. The net Project was aimed at achieving early success in the laboratory ignition of thermonuclear targets and the mastery of controlled fusion power for the nation.« less

  11. Theoretical modeling of the electronic structure and exchange interactions in Cu(II)Pc

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Wei; Fisher, A. J.; Harrison, N. M.; Wang, Hai; Wu, Zhenlin; Gardener, Jules; Heutz, Sandrine; Jones, Tim; Aeppli, Gabriel

    2012-12-01

    We calculate the electronic structure and exchange interactions in a copper(II)phthalocyanine (Cu(II)Pc) crystal as a one-dimensional molecular chain using hybrid exchange density functional theory (DFT). In addition, the intermolecular exchange interactions are also calculated in a molecular dimer using Green's function perturbation theory (GFPT) to illustrate the underlying physics. We find that the exchange interactions depend strongly on the stacking angle, but weakly on the sliding angle (defined in the text). The hybrid DFT calculations also provide an insight into the electronic structure of the Cu(II)Pc molecular chain and demonstrate that on-site electron correlations have a significant effect on the nature of the ground state, the band gap and magnetic excitations. The exchange interactions predicted by our DFT calculations and GFPT calculations agree qualitatively with the recent experimental results on newly found η-Cu(II)Pc and the previous results for the α- and β-phases. This work provides a reliable theoretical basis for the further application of Cu(II)Pc to molecular spintronics and organic-based quantum information processing.

  12. Effects and mechanisms of melatonin on the proliferation and neural differentiation of PC12 cells

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

    Liu, Yumei; Zhang, Ziqiang; Lv, Qiongxia

    Melatonin, a lipophilic molecule that is mainly synthesized in the pineal gland, performs various neuroprotective functions. However, the detailed role and mechanisms of promoting neuronal differentiation remains limited. This study demonstrated that 10 μM melatonin led to significant increases in the proliferation and neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. Increased expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2, a neuron-specific protein) was also observed. However, luzindole (melatonin receptor antagonist) and PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) attenuated these increases. LY294002 (AKT inhibitor) inhibited melatonin-mediated proliferation in PC12 cells and did not affect melatonin-induced neural differentiation. The expression of p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 was increased by melatonin treatment for 14 days in PC12 cells,more » whereas luzindole or PD98059 reduced the melatonin-induced increase. These results suggest that the activation of both the MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways could potentially contribute to melatonin-mediated proliferation, but that only the MEK/ERK pathway participates in the melatonin-induced neural differentiation of PC12 cells. Altogether, our study demonstrates for the first time that melatonin may exert a positive effect on neural differentiation via melatonin receptor signalling and that the MEK/ERK1/2 signalling may act down stream from the melatonin pathway. - Highlights: • Melatonin improves the proliferation of PC12 cells. • Melatonin induces neural differentiation of PC12 cells. • Melatonin-mediated proliferation in PC12 cells relies on the ERK and AKT pathways. • Activation of ERK is essential for melatonin-induced neural differentiation of PC12.« less

  13. Survey of Ionospheric Pc3-5 ULF Wave Signatures in SuperDARN High Time Resolution Data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, X.; Ruohoniemi, J. M.; Baker, J. B. H.; Lin, D.; Bland, E. C.; Hartinger, M. D.; Scales, W. A.

    2018-05-01

    Ionospheric signatures of ultralow frequency (ULF) wave in the Pc3-5 band (1.7-40.0 mHz) were surveyed using ˜6-s resolution data from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars in the Northern Hemisphere from 2010 to 2016. Numerical experiments were conducted to derive wave period-dependent thresholds for automated detection of ULF waves using the Lomb-Scargle periodogram technique. The spatial occurrence distribution, frequency characteristics, seasonal effects, solar wind condition, and geomagnetic activity level dependence have been studied. Pc5 wave events were found to dominate at high and polar latitudes with a most probable frequency of 2.08 ± 0.07 mHz, while Pc3-4 waves were relatively more common at midlatitudes on the nightside with a most probable frequency of 11.39 ± 0.14 mHz. At high latitudes, the occurrence rate of Pc4-5 waves maximizes in the dusk sector and during winter. These events tend to occur during low geomagnetic activity and northward interplanetary magnetic field. For the category of radially bounded but longitudinally extended Pc4 events in the duskside ionosphere, an internal driving source is suggested. At midlatitudes, the poloidal Pc3-4 occurrence rate maximizes premidnight and during equinox. This tendency becomes more prominent with increasing auroral electrojet (AE) index and during southward interplanetary magnetic field, which suggests that many of these events are Pi2 and Pc3-4 pulsations associated with magnetotail dynamics during active geomagnetic intervals. The overall occurrence rate of Pc3-5 wave events is lowest in summer, which suggests that the ionospheric conductivity plays a role in controlling ULF wave occurrence.

  14. Model of Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation in PC12 Cells and Detection of HSP70 Protein

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Jinting; Yang, Le; Shao, Yankun

    2018-01-01

    Objective: PC12 cell was used to set up a ischemia model by OGD and detected HSP70 protein. Methods: Use of PC12 cells induced by NGF stimulation into nerve cells, oxygen and glucose deprivation to build the nerve cells of oxygen and glucose deprivation model; using Western blot analysis of PC12 cells into neuron-like cells and oxygen-glucose deprivation model established. Results: The application of a final concentration of 50 ng / ml of NGF in DMEM complete mediumPC12 cells showed a typical neuronal morphology with the increase in cell culture time. NGF culture time showed a positive correlation, the establishment of oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) training environment, the OGD after nerve element appears different degrees of damage, OGD can effectively induce the expression of HSP70. Conclusion: PC12 cell transformed into cells by NGF; the cell model of OGD was established.

  15. Improved color coordinates of green monochromatic pc-LED capped with a band-pass filter.

    PubMed

    Oh, Ji Hye; Yang, Su Ji; Sung, Yeon-Goog; Do, Young Rag

    2013-02-25

    This study introduces a "greener" green monochromatic phosphor-converted light-emitting diode (pc-LED) using a band-pass filter (BPF) combined with a long-pass dichroic filter (LPDF) and a short-pass dichroic filter (SPDF) to improve the color quality of our previously developed LPDF-capped green pc-LED. This can also address the drawbacks of III-V semiconductor-type green LEDs, which show a low luminous efficacy and a poor current dependence of the efficacy and color coordinates compared to blue semiconductor-type LEDs. The optical properties of green monochromatic pc-LEDs using a BPF are compared with those of LPDF-capped green pc-LEDs, which have a broad band spectrum, and III-V semiconductor-type green LEDs by changing the transmittance wavelength range of the BPF and the peak wavelength of the green phosphors. BPF-capped green monochromatic pc-LEDs provide a high luminous efficacy (134 lm/W at 60 mA), and "greener" 1931 Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE; CIEx, CIEy) color coordinates (0.24, 0.66) owing to the narrowed emission spectrum. We also propose a two-dimensional (2D) polystyrene (PS) microbead (2-μm diameter) monolayer as a scattering layer to overcome the poor angular dependence of the color coordinates of the transmitted light through a nano-multilayered dichroic filter such as an LPDF or BPF. The 2D PS scattering layer improves the angular dependence of the green color emitted from a BPF-capped green pc-LED with only 3% loss of luminous efficacy.

  16. Protective Effect of Quercetin against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity in Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC-12) Cells.

    PubMed

    Bao, Dengke; Wang, Jingkai; Pang, Xiaobin; Liu, Hongliang

    2017-07-06

    Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many kinds of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found ubiquitously in fruits and vegetables, and has antioxidative activity. However, the underlying mechanism of the antioxidative effect of quercetin in neurodegenerative diseases has not been well explored. Here, we investigated the antioxidative effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of quercetin on PC-12 cells. We found that PC-12 cells pretreated with quercetin exhibited an increased cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release when exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The significantly-alleviated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipoperoxidation of the cell membrane of PC-12 cells induced by H₂O₂ were observed in the quercetin pretreated group. Furthermore, quercetin pretreatment markedly reduced the apoptosis of PC-12 cells and hippocampal neurons. The inductions of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in PC-12 cells exposed to H₂O₂ were significantly reduced by preatment with quercetin. In addition, quercetin pretreatment significantly increased Bcl-2 expression, and reduced Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and p53 expressions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that quercetin exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in PC-12 cells. Our findings suggested that quercetin may be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases induced by oxidative stress.

  17. Recent Developments in Organophosphorus Flame Retardants Containing P-C Bond and Their Applications

    PubMed Central

    Wendels, Sophie; Chavez, Thiebault; Bonnet, Martin; Gaan, Sabyasachi

    2017-01-01

    Organophosphorus compounds containing P-C bonds are increasingly developed as flame retardant additives due to their excellent thermal and hydrolytic stability and ease of synthesis. The latest development (since 2010) in organophosphorus flame retardants containing P-C bonds summarized in this review. In this review, we have broadly classified such phosphorus compounds based on the carbon unit linked to the phosphorus atom i.e., could be a part of either an aliphatic or an aromatic unit. We have only considered those published literature where a P-C bond was created as a part of synthetic strategy to make either an intermediate or a final organophosphorus compound with an aim to use it as a flame retardant. General synthetic strategies to create P-C bonds are briefly discussed. Most popular synthetic strategies used for developing P-C containing phosphorus based flame retardants include Michael addition, Michaelis–Arbuzov, Friedels–Crafts and Grignard reactions. In general, most flame retardant derivatives discussed in this review have been prepared via a one- to two-step synthetic strategy with relatively high yields greater than 80%. Specific examples of P-C containing flame retardants synthesized via suitable synthetic strategy and their applications on various polymer systems are described in detail. Aliphatic phosphorus compounds being liquids or low melting solids are generally applied in polymers via coatings (cellulose) or are incorporated in the bulk of the polymers (epoxy, polyurethanes) during their polymerization as reactive or non-reactive additives. Substituents on the P atoms and the chemistry of the polymer matrix greatly influence the flame retardant behavior of these compounds (condensed phase vs. the gas phase). Recently, aromatic DOPO based phosphinate flame retardants have been developed with relatively higher thermal stabilities (>250 °C). Such compounds have potential as flame retardants for high temperature processable polymers such as

  18. Aqueous PCDTBT:PC71 BM Photovoltaic Inks Made by Nanoprecipitation.

    PubMed

    Prunet, Geoffrey; Parrenin, Laurie; Pavlopoulou, Eleni; Pecastaings, Gilles; Brochon, Cyril; Hadziioannou, Georges; Cloutet, Eric

    2018-01-01

    The fabrication of organic solar cells from aqueous dispersions of photoactive nanoparticles has recently attracted the interest of the photovoltaic community, since these dispersions offer an eco-friendly solution for the fabrication of solar cells, avoiding the use of toxic solvents. In this work, aqueous dispersions of pure poly[n-9'-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4',7'-di-2-thienyl-2',1',3'-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C 71 -butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) nanoparticles, as well as of composite PC 71 BM:PCDTBT nanoparticles, are prepared using the nanoprecipitation postpolymerization method. These dispersions are subsequently used to form the active layer of organic photovoltaic cells. Thin films of PC 71 BM and PCDTBT are obtained by spray deposition of the nanoparticles' dispersions, and are characterized using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Photovoltaics that incorporate these active layers are fabricated thereafter. The impact of the annealing temperature and of the composition of the active layer on the efficiency of the solar cells is studied. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. The use of PC based VR in clinical medicine: the VREPAR projects.

    PubMed

    Riva, G; Bacchetta, M; Baruffi, M; Borgomainerio, E; Defrance, C; Gatti, F; Galimberti, C; Fontaneto, S; Marchi, S; Molinari, E; Nugues, P; Rinaldi, S; Rovetta, A; Ferretti, G S; Tonci, A; Wann, J; Vincelli, F

    1999-01-01

    Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that alters the way individuals interact with computers: a 3D computer-generated environment in which a person can move about and interact as if he actually was inside it. Given to the high computational power required to create virtual environments, these are usually developed on expensive high-end workstations. However, the significant advances in PC hardware that have been made over the last three years, are making PC-based VR a possible solution for clinical assessment and therapy. VREPAR - Virtual Reality Environments for Psychoneurophysiological Assessment and Rehabilitation - are two European Community funded projects (Telematics for health - HC 1053/HC 1055 - http://www.psicologia.net) that are trying to develop a modular PC-based virtual reality system for the medical market. The paper describes the rationale of the developed modules and the preliminary results obtained.

  20. Propagation characteristics of Pc 3 compressional waves generated at the dayside magnetopause

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zhang, X.; Comfort, R. H.; Musielak, Z. E.; Moore, T. E.; Gallagher, D. L.; Green, J. L.

    1993-01-01

    New, 3D ray tracing of Pc 3 compressional waves from the magnetosheath reveals that the magnetosphere can present a major propagation barrier to the penetration of these waves to the plasmasphere. This barrier is the ion-ion cutoff between the He(+) and O(+) gyroresonances. As a result of the frequency-dependent location of this cutoff, the magnetosphere behaves like a filter for Pc 3 compressional waves, and only low-frequency components of Pc 3 compressional waves can penetrate to inner magnetosphere. Results are in agreement with previous satellite observations. This 'filter action' strongly depends on the relative concentration of He(+) and O(+) and is therefore sensitive to solar and magnetic activity. Ray-tracing results are based on a cold plasma dispersion relation, a semiempirical model of plasma density, and the Mead-Fairfield (1975) magnetic field model.

  1. Source Biases in Magnetotelluric Transfer Functions due to Pc3/Pc4 ( 10-100s) Geomagnetic Activity at Mid-Latitudes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murphy, B. S.; Egbert, G. D.

    2017-12-01

    Discussion of possible bias in magnetotelluric (MT) transfer functions due to the finite spatial scale of external source fields has largely focused on long periods (>1000 s), where skin depths are large, and high latitudes (>60° N), where sources are dominated by narrow electrojets. However, a significant fraction ( 15%) of the 1000 EarthScope USArray apparent resistivity and phase curves exhibit nonphysical "humps" over a narrow period range (typically between 25-60 s) that are suggestive of narrow-band source effects. Maps of locations in the US where these biases are seen support this conclusion: they mostly occur in places where the Earth is highly resistive, such as cratonic regions, where skin depths are largest and hence where susceptibility to bias from short-wavelength sources would be greatest. We have analyzed EarthScope MT time series using cross-phase techniques developed in the space physics community to measure the period of local field line resonances associated with geomagnetic pulsations (Pc's). In most cases the biases occur near the periods of field line resonance determined from this analysis, suggesting that at mid-latitude ( 30°-50° N) Pc's can bias the time-averaged MT transfer functions. Because Pc's have short meridional wavelengths (hundreds of km), even at these relatively short periods the plane-wave assumption of the MT technique may be violated, at least in resistive domains with large skin depths. It is unclear if these biases (generally small) are problematic for MT data inversion, but their presence in the transfer functions is already a useful zeroth-order indicator of resistive regions of the Earth.

  2. Solar cells of metal-free phthalocyanine dispersed in polyvinyl carbazole. 1: Effects of the recrystallization of H2PC on cell characteristics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shimura, M.; Baba, H.

    1983-01-01

    The development of an organic semiconductor solar cell and the effects of the recrystallization of metal free phthalocyanine (H2PC) on the characteristics of NESA/H2PC-PVK/Au sandwich cells were investigated. Alfa-H2PC sandwich cells showed photovoltage and photocurrent in a two direction opposite to that shown y as supplied H2PC cells, which consists mainly of beta-H2PC. Some difference was observed in the response times of the two cells. It is suggested that photocharacteristics change with the specific resistance of the H2PC, which is related to its crystal forms. In the cells with low resistance H2PC carriers are generated in H2PC by illumination, while in high resistance H2PC cells, carriers are generated in PVK which is sensitized with H2PC.

  3. Privacy Impact Assessment for the PC Label System

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The PC Label System collects contact information for individuals with an interest in EPA's Region 1. Learn how this data will be collected in the system, how it will be used, access to the data, the purpose of data collection, and record retention policies

  4. Synergistic effect of curcumin on epigallocatechin gallate-induced anticancer action in PC3 prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Eom, Dae-Woon; Lee, Ji Hwan; Kim, Young-Joo; Hwang, Gwi Seo; Kim, Su-Nam; Kwak, Jin Ho; Cheon, Gab Jin; Kim, Ki Hyun; Jang, Hyuk-Jai; Ham, Jungyeob; Kang, Ki Sung; Yamabe, Noriko

    2015-08-01

    Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and curcumin are well known to naturally-occurring anticancer agents. The aim of this study was to verify the combined beneficial anticancer effects of curcumin and EGCG on PC3 prostate cancer cells, which are resistant to chemotherapy drugs and apoptosis inducers. EGCG showed weaker inhibitory effect on PC3 cell proliferation than two other prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and DU145. Co-treatment of curcumin improved antiproliferative effect of EGCG on PC3 cells. The protein expressions of p21 were significantly increased by the co-treatment of EGCG and curcumin, whereas it was not changed by the treatment with each individual compound. Moreover, treatments of EGCG and curcumin arrested both S and G2/M phases of PC3 cells. These results suggest that the enhanced inhibitory effect of EGCG on PC3 cell proliferation by curcumin was mediated by the synergic up-regulation of p21-induced growth arrest and followed cell growth arrest.

  5. Electromagnetic multipole moments of the P_c^+(4380) pentaquark in light-cone QCD

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Özdem, U.; Azizi, K.

    2018-05-01

    We calculate the electromagnetic multipole moments of the P_c^+(4380) pentaquark by modeling it as the diquark-diquark-antiquark and {\\bar{D}}^*Σ _c molecular state with quantum numbers J^P = 3/2^-. In particular, the magnetic dipole, electric quadrupole and magnetic octupole moments of this particle are extracted in the framework of light-cone QCD sum rule. The values of the electromagnetic multipole moments obtained via two pictures differ substantially from each other, which can be used to pin down the underlying structure of P_c^+(4380). The comparison of any future experimental data on the electromagnetic multipole moments of the P_c^+(4380) pentaquark with the results of the present work can shed light on the nature and inner quark organization of this state.

  6. [Effect of mitogen activated protein kinase signal transduction on apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by electromagnetic exposure].

    PubMed

    Yang, Xue-Sen; Zhang, Wei; Gong, Qian-Fen

    2008-06-01

    To observe the effect of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction system on the apoptosis induced by electromagnetic exposure in PC12 cells. After pretreated by SB203580 alone or together with U0126, PC12 cells were exposed to 65 mW/cm(2) electromagnetic wave for 20 min. The phosphorylations of ERK1/2, JNK and P38 MAPK were tested by Western-blot at 3 h and 24 h after electromagnetic exposure. The apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected by Annexin-V-FITC flow cytometry. U0126, but not SB203580 could inhibit the activation of ERK1/2 induced by electromagnetic exposure. U0126 and SB203580 had no effects on the activation of JNK. SB203580 could inhibit the activation of P38 MAPK significantly. But U0126 had no such effect on the activation of P38 MAPK. After pretreated by SB203580 alone or together with U0126, the apoptosis of PC12 cells decreased. But the pretreatment by U0126 alone had no influence on the apoptosis of PC12 cells. The P38 MAPK signal transduction modulate the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by electromagnetic exposure. ERK signal transduction has no effect on the apoptosis of PC12 cells. JNK signal transduction may promote the apoptosis of PC12 cells in the early stage after electromagnetic exposure.

  7. A Sensor-Type PC Strand with an Embedded FBG Sensor for Monitoring Prestress Forces

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Sung Tae; Park, YoungHwan; Park, Sung Yong; Cho, Keunhee; Cho, Jeong-Rae

    2015-01-01

    Prestressed Concrete Wire and Strand (PC) strands are the most used materials to introduce prestress in a Pre-Stressed Concrete (PSC) structure. However, it is difficult to evaluate the final prestress force of the PC strand after prestressing or its residual prestress force after completion of the structure on site. This impossibility to assess eventual loss of prestress of the PC strand has resulted in a number of serious accidents and even in the collapse of several structures. This situation stresses the necessity to maintain the prestress force residual or after prestressing for the evaluation of the health of the concrete structure throughout its lifespan. Recently, several researchers have studied methods enabling one to verify the prestress force by inserting an optical fiber sensor inside the strand but failed to provide simple techniques for the fabrication of these devices to fulfill measurement performance from the design prestress to failure. Moreover, these methods require the additional installation of electrical resistance strain gages, displacement sensors and load cells on the outer surface of the structure for long-term precise measurement. This paper proposes a method enabling one to evaluate precisely and effectively the prestress force of the PC strand and intends to verify the applicability of the proposed method on actual concrete structures. To that end, an innovative PC strand is developed by embedding a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor in the core wire of the PC strand so as to enable short term as well as long term monitoring. The measurement performance of the developed strand is then evaluated experimentally and the reliability of the monitoring data is assessed. PMID:25580903

  8. A sensor-type PC strand with an embedded FBG sensor for monitoring prestress forces.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sung Tae; Park, YoungHwan; Park, Sung Yong; Cho, Keunhee; Cho, Jeong-Rae

    2015-01-08

    Prestressed Concrete Wire and Strand (PC) strands are the most used materials to introduce prestress in a Pre-Stressed Concrete (PSC) structure. However, it is difficult to evaluate the final prestress force of the PC strand after prestressing or its residual prestress force after completion of the structure on site. This impossibility to assess eventual loss of prestress of the PC strand has resulted in a number of serious accidents and even in the collapse of several structures. This situation stresses the necessity to maintain the prestress force residual or after prestressing for the evaluation of the health of the concrete structure throughout its lifespan. Recently, several researchers have studied methods enabling one to verify the prestress force by inserting an optical fiber sensor inside the strand but failed to provide simple techniques for the fabrication of these devices to fulfill measurement performance from the design prestress to failure. Moreover, these methods require the additional installation of electrical resistance strain gages, displacement sensors and load cells on the outer surface of the structure for long-term precise measurement. This paper proposes a method enabling one to evaluate precisely and effectively the prestress force of the PC strand and intends to verify the applicability of the proposed method on actual concrete structures. To that end, an innovative PC strand is developed by embedding a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor in the core wire of the PC strand so as to enable short term as well as long term monitoring. The measurement performance of the developed strand is then evaluated experimentally and the reliability of the monitoring data is assessed.

  9. Ionospheric signatures of cusp latitude Pc 3 pulsations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Engebretson, M. J.; Anderson, B. J.; Cahill, L. J., Jr.; Arnoldy, R. L.; Rosenberg, T. J.

    1990-01-01

    Search coil magnetometer, riometer, photometer, and ELF-VLF receiver data obtained at South Pole Station and McMurdo, Antarctica during selected days in March and April 1986 are compared. Narrow-band magnetic pulsations in the Pc 3 period range are observed simultaneously at both stations in the dayside sector during times of low IMF cone angle, but are considerably stronger at South Pole, which is located at a latitude near the nominal foot point of the dayside cusp/cleft region. Pulsations in auroral light at 427.8 nm wavelength are often observed with magnetic pulsations at South Pole, but such optical pulsations are not observed at McMurdo. The observations suggest that precipitating magnetosheathlike electrons at nominal dayside cleft latitudes are at times modulated with frequencies similar to those of upstream waves. These particles may play an important role, via modification of ionospheric currents and conductivities, in the transmission of upstream wave signals into the magnetosphere and in the generation of dayside high-latitude Pc 3 pulsations.

  10. Factors influencing the expression of T15 idiotopes during an antigen-driven response to phosphorylcholine (PC)

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

    Strickland, F.; Cronkhite, R.; Cerny, J.

    1986-03-01

    The idiotypy of the serum antibody response to PC was examined in twelve inbred strains of mice including several Igh- and h-2 congenics. The sera were collected after primary (1/sup 0/), and secondary (2/sup 0/), and tertiary (3/sup 0/) immunizations with either S. pneumoniae R36a (Pn) or PC coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanine (PC-KLH). Concentrations of PC-binding activity and of four distinct T15 idiotopes (Id) detectable with monoclonal anti-Id AB1-2, MaId5-4, B36-82 and B24-44 were measured in solid-phase radioimmunoassay. These Id are independent clonotypic markers of the anti-PC antibody repertoire. The serum levels of the Id had kinetics distinct frommore » each other and from the total PC-binding activity. For example, the concentration of AB1-2 decreased after 2/sup 0/ and 3/sup 0/ challenge with PC-KLH while the levels of B36-82 and B24-44 remained stable in several strains. Marked differences in Id serum levels were observed among various strains; however, their genetic mapping has been difficult in that an apparent effect of H-2 locus seemed to be modified by the genetic background of the mice. The only unambiguous linkage was the absence of AB1-2 and MaId5-4 in mice bearing Igh/sup j/. The authors data indicate that idiotopically-distinct T15/sup +/ clones are selected during an antigen-driven response in genetically different mice. Mechanisms regulating these patterns are being studied.« less

  11. Enhanced proliferation of PC12 neural cells on untreated, nanotextured glass coverslips

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Islam, Muhymin; Atmaramani, Rahul; Mukherjee, Siddhartha; Ghosh, Santaneel; Iqbal, Samir M.

    2016-10-01

    Traumatic injury to the central nervous system is a significant health problem. There is no effective treatment available partly because of the complexity of the system. Implementation of multifunctional micro- and nano-device based combinatorial therapeutics can provide biocompatible and tunable approaches to perform on-demand release of specific drugs. This can help the damaged cells to improve neuronal survival, regeneration of axons, and their reconnection to appropriate targets. Nano-topological features induced rapid cell growth is especially important towards the design of effective platforms to facilitate damaged neural circuit reconstruction. In this study, for the first time, feasibility of neuron-like PC12 cell growth on untreated and easy to prepare nanotextured surfaces has been carried out. The PC12 neuron-like cells were cultured on micro reactive ion etched nanotextured glass coverslips. The effect of nanotextured topology as physical cue for the growth of PC12 cells was observed exclusively, eliminating the possible influence(s) of the enhanced concentration of coated materials on the surface. The cell density was observed to increase by almost 200% on nanotextured coverslips compared to plain coverslips. The morphology study indicated that PC12 cell attachment and growth on the nanotextured substrates did not launch any apoptotic machinery of the cell. Less than 5% cells deformed and depicted condensed nuclei with apoptotic bodies on nanotextured surfaces which is typical for the normal cell handling and culture. Enhanced PC12 cell proliferation by such novel and easy to prepare substrates is not only attractive for neurite outgrowth and guidance, but may be used to increase the affinity of similar cancerous cells (ex: B35 neuroblastoma) and rapid proliferation thereafter—towards the development of combinatorial theranostics to diagnose and treat aggressive cancers like neuroblastoma.

  12. Integrated Solution for Physical Activity Monitoring Based on Mobile Phone and PC.

    PubMed

    Lee, Mi Hee; Kim, Jungchae; Jee, Sun Ha; Yoo, Sun Kook

    2011-03-01

    This study is part of the ongoing development of treatment methods for metabolic syndrome (MS) project, which involves monitoring daily physical activity. In this study, we have focused on detecting walking activity from subjects which includes many other physical activities such as standing, sitting, lying, walking, running, and falling. Specially, we implemented an integrated solution for various physical activities monitoring using a mobile phone and PC. We put the iPod touch has built in a tri-axial accelerometer on the waist of the subjects, and measured change in acceleration signal according to change in ambulatory movement and physical activities. First, we developed of programs that are aware of step counts, velocity of walking, energy consumptions, and metabolic equivalents based on iPod. Second, we have developed the activity recognition program based on PC. iPod synchronization with PC to transmit measured data using iPhoneBrowser program. Using the implemented system, we analyzed change in acceleration signal according to the change of six activity patterns. We compared results of the step counting algorithm with different positions. The mean accuracy across these tests was 99.6 ± 0.61%, 99.1 ± 0.87% (right waist location, right pants pocket). Moreover, six activities recognition was performed using Fuzzy c means classification algorithm recognized over 98% accuracy. In addition we developed of programs that synchronization of data between PC and iPod for long-term physical activity monitoring. This study will provide evidence on using mobile phone and PC for monitoring various activities in everyday life. The next step in our system will be addition of a standard value of various physical activities in everyday life such as household duties and a health guideline how to select and plan exercise considering one's physical characteristics and condition.

  13. Exogenous Indole Regulates Lipopeptide Biosynthesis in Antarctic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Pc3.

    PubMed

    Ding, Lianshuai; Zhang, Song; Guo, Wenbin; Chen, Xinhua

    2018-05-28

    Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Pc3 was isolated from Antarctic seawater with antifungal activity. In order to investigate the metabolic regulation mechanism in the biosynthesis of lipopeptides in B. amyloliquefaciens Pc3, GC/MS-based metabolomics was used when exogenous indole was added. The intracellular metabolite profiles showed decreased asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glutamic acid, threonine, valine, isoleucine, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid in the indole-treated groups, which were involved in the biosynthesis of lipopeptides. B. amyloliquefaciens Pc3 exhibited a growth promotion, bacterial total protein increase, and lipopeptide biosynthesis inhibition upon the addition of indole. Besides this, real-time PCR analysis further revealed that the transcription of lipopeptide biosynthesis genes ituD, fenA , and srfA-A were downregulated by indole with 22.4-, 21.98-, and 26.0-fold, respectively. It therefore was speculated that as the metabolic flux of most of the amino acids and fatty acids were transferred to the synthesis of proteins and biomass, lipopeptide biosynthesis was weakened owing to the lack of precursor amino acids and fatty acids.

  14. Gene Expression in Class 2 Integrons Is SOS-Independent and Involves Two Pc Promoters.

    PubMed

    Jové, Thomas; Da Re, Sandra; Tabesse, Aurore; Gassama-Sow, Amy; Ploy, Marie-Cécile

    2017-01-01

    Integrons are powerful bacterial genetic elements that permit the expression and dissemination of antibiotic-resistance gene cassettes. They contain a promoter Pc that allows the expression of gene cassettes captured through site-specific recombination catalyzed by IntI, the integron-encoded integrase. Class 1 and 2 integrons are found in both clinical and environmental settings. The regulation of intI and of Pc promoters has been extensively studied in class 1 integrons and the regulatory role of the SOS response on intI expression has been shown. Here we investigated class 2 integrons. We characterized the P intI2 promoter and showed that intI2 expression is not regulated via the SOS response. We also showed that, unlike class 1 integrons, class 2 integrons possess not one but two active Pc promoters that are located within the attI2 region that seem to contribute equally to gene cassette expression. Class 2 integrons mostly encode an inactive truncated integrase, but the rare class 2 integrons that encode an active integrase are associated with less efficient Pc2 promoter variants. We propose an evolutionary model for class 2 integrons in which the absence of repression of the integrase gene expression led to mutations resulting in either inactive integrase or Pc variants of weaker activity, thereby reducing the potential fitness cost of these integrons.

  15. Ninjin'yoeito and ginseng extract prevent oxaliplatin-induced neurodegeneration in PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Toshiaki; Yamamoto, Ayano; Ohsawa, Masahiro; Motoo, Yoshiharu; Mizukami, Hajime; Makino, Toshiaki

    2015-10-01

    Ninjin'yoeito (NYT) is a formula of Japanese traditional kampo medicine composed of 12 crude drugs, and is designed to improve the decline in constitution after recovery from disease, fatigue, anemia, anorexia, perspiration during sleep, cold limbs, slight fever, chills, persistent cough, malaise, mental disequilibrium, insomnia, and constipation. Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a platinum-based anticancer drug used to treat colorectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. However, it often causes acute and chronic peripheral neuropathies including cold allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of NYT on neuronal degeneration caused by L-OHP using PC12 cells, which are derived from the rat adrenal medulla and differentiate into nerve-like cells after exposure to nerve growth factor. L-OHP treatment decreased the elongation of neurite-like projection outgrowths in differentiated PC12 cells. When PC12 cells were treated with NYT hot water extract, neurodegeneration caused by L-OHP was significantly prevented in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the 12 crude drugs composing NYT, the extract of Ginseng (the root of Panax ginseng) exhibited the strongest preventive effects on neurodegeneration in differentiated PC12 cells. By activity-guided fractionation, we found that the fraction containing ginsenosides displayed preventive activity and, among several ginsenosides, ginsenoside F2 exhibited significant preventive effects on L-OHP-induced decreases in neurite-like outgrowths in differentiated PC12 cells. These results suggest that NYT and ginseng are promising agents for preventing L-OHP-induced neuropathies and present ginsenoside F2 as one of the active ingredients in ginseng.

  16. An Intervention to Control Vasomotor Symptoms for Advanced PC Patients on Hormone Therapy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-08-01

    Symptoms for Advanced PC Patients on Hormone Therapy PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Michael A. Diefenbach, Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION...Control Vasomotor Symptoms for Advanced PC Patients on Hormone Therapy 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-11-1-0604 5c...NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Vasomotor Symptom (Hot Flashes) is a common side-effect of hormone therapy for prostate cancer survivors who experience a rising

  17. OGO 5 observations of Pc 5 waves - Particle flux modulations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kokubun, S.; Kivelson, M. G.; Mcpherron, R. L.; Russell, C. T.; West, H. I., Jr.

    1977-01-01

    An investigation is conducted concerning the modulations of particle fluxes associated with Pc 5 waves in the region beyond the plasmapause. A study of thermal flux modulations indicates that some of the density enhancements observed are not spatial structures but are spurious features caused by temporal flux variations associated with hydromagnetic waves. A resonance model of the energetic particle flux modulations is discussed. Energetic particle modulations are also considered. The reported observations reveal that modulations are dominant at energies of about 100 keV for electrons and at 100 keV to 1 MeV for protons. This may indicate that the bounce resonance interaction is not important for Pc 5 waves.

  18. Shikonin protects dopaminergic cell line PC12 against 6-hydroxydopamine-mediated neurotoxicity via both glutathione-dependent and independent pathways and by inhibiting apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Esmaeilzadeh, Emran; Gardaneh, Mossa; Gharib, Ehsan; Sabouni, Farzaneh

    2013-08-01

    We have investigated the mechanism of shikonin function on protection of dopaminergic neurons against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity. Treatment of rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 by serial dilutions of shikonin determined 10 μM of the compound as its optimum concentration for protection saving nearly 70 % of the cells against toxicity. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis of shikonin-treated cells showed threefold increase in mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) as a representative component of the intracellular anti-oxidant defense system. To elucidate shikonin-GPX1 relationships and maximize protection, we transduced PC12 cells using recombinant lentivirus vectors that harbored GPX-1 coding sequence. This change upregulated GPX-1 expression, increased peroxidase activity and made neuronal cells resistant to 6-OHDA-mediated toxicity. More importantly, addition of shikonin to GPX1-overexpressing PC12 cells augmented GPX-1 protein content by eightfold leading to fivefold increase of enzymatic activity, 91 % cell survival against neurotoxicity and concomitant increases in intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Depletion of intracellular GSH rendered all cell groups highly susceptible to toxicity; however, shikonin was capable of partially saving them. Subsequently, GSH-independent superoxide dismutase mRNA was found upregulated by shikonin. As signs of apoptosis inhibition, the compound upregulated Bcl-2, downregulated Bax, and prevented cell nuclei from undergoing morphological changes typical of apoptosis. Also, a co-staining method demonstrated GPX-1 overexpression significantly increases the percent of live cells that is maximized by shikonin treatment. Our data indicate that shikonin as an antioxidant compound protects dopaminergic neurons against 6-OHDA toxicity and enhances their survival via both glutathione-dependent and direct anti-apoptotic pathways.

  19. FLY MPI-2: a parallel tree code for LSS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Becciani, U.; Comparato, M.; Antonuccio-Delogu, V.

    2006-04-01

    New version program summaryProgram title: FLY 3.1 Catalogue identifier: ADSC_v2_0 Licensing provisions: yes Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADSC_v2_0 Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 158 172 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 4 719 953 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 90, C Computer: Beowulf cluster, PC, MPP systems Operating system: Linux, Aix RAM: 100M words Catalogue identifier of previous version: ADSC_v1_0 Journal reference of previous version: Comput. Phys. Comm. 155 (2003) 159 Does the new version supersede the previous version?: yes Nature of problem: FLY is a parallel collisionless N-body code for the calculation of the gravitational force Solution method: FLY is based on the hierarchical oct-tree domain decomposition introduced by Barnes and Hut (1986) Reasons for the new version: The new version of FLY is implemented by using the MPI-2 standard: the distributed version 3.1 was developed by using the MPICH2 library on a PC Linux cluster. Today the FLY performance allows us to consider the FLY code among the most powerful parallel codes for tree N-body simulations. Another important new feature regards the availability of an interface with hydrodynamical Paramesh based codes. Simulations must follow a box large enough to accurately represent the power spectrum of fluctuations on very large scales so that we may hope to compare them meaningfully with real data. The number of particles then sets the mass resolution of the simulation, which we would like to make as fine as possible. The idea to build an interface between two codes, that have different and complementary cosmological tasks, allows us to execute complex cosmological simulations with FLY, specialized for DM evolution, and a code specialized for hydrodynamical components that uses a Paramesh block

  20. Photocurrent Measurement of PC and PV HgCdTe Detectors

    PubMed Central

    Eppeldauer, George P.; Martin, Robert J.

    2001-01-01

    Novel preamplifiers for working standard photoconductive (PC) and photovoltaic (PV) HgCdTe detectors have been developed to maintain the spectral responsivity scale of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the wavelength range of 5 μm to 20 μm. The linear PC mode preamplifier does not need any compensating source to zero the effect of the detector bias current for the preamplifier output. The impedance multiplication concept with a positive feedback buffer amplifier was analyzed and utilized in a bootstrap PV transimpedance amplifier to measure photocurrent of a 200 Ω shunt resistance photodiode with a maximum signal gain of 108 V/A. In spite of the high performance lock-in used as a second-stage signal-amplifier, the signal-to-noise ratio had to be optimized for the output of the photocurrent preamplifiers. Noise and drift were equalized for the output of the PV mode preamplifier. The signal gain errors were calculated to determine the signal frequency range where photocurrent-to-voltage conversion can be performed with very low uncertainties. For the design of both PC and PV detector preamplifiers, the most important gain equations are described. Measurement results on signal ranges and noise performance are discussed. PMID:27500036

  1. Photocurrent Measurement of PC and PV HgCdTe Detectors.

    PubMed

    Eppeldauer, G P; Martin, R J

    2001-01-01

    Novel preamplifiers for working standard photoconductive (PC) and photovoltaic (PV) HgCdTe detectors have been developed to maintain the spectral responsivity scale of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the wavelength range of 5 μm to 20 μm. The linear PC mode preamplifier does not need any compensating source to zero the effect of the detector bias current for the preamplifier output. The impedance multiplication concept with a positive feedback buffer amplifier was analyzed and utilized in a bootstrap PV transimpedance amplifier to measure photocurrent of a 200 Ω shunt resistance photodiode with a maximum signal gain of 10(8) V/A. In spite of the high performance lock-in used as a second-stage signal-amplifier, the signal-to-noise ratio had to be optimized for the output of the photocurrent preamplifiers. Noise and drift were equalized for the output of the PV mode preamplifier. The signal gain errors were calculated to determine the signal frequency range where photocurrent-to-voltage conversion can be performed with very low uncertainties. For the design of both PC and PV detector preamplifiers, the most important gain equations are described. Measurement results on signal ranges and noise performance are discussed.

  2. Microstructural and electrical properties of Al/n-type Si Schottky diodes with Au-CuPc nanocomposite films as interlayer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reddy, P. R. Sekhar; Janardhanam, V.; Jyothi, I.; Chang, Han-Soo; Lee, Sung-Nam; Lee, Myung Sun; Reddy, V. Rajagopal; Choi, Chel-Jong

    2017-11-01

    Au-CuPc nanocomposite films were prepared by simultaneous evaporation of Au and CuPc with various Au and CuPc concentrations. Microstructural analysis of Au-CuPc films revealed elongated Au cluster formation from isolated Au nanoclusters with increasing Au concentration associated with coalescence of Au clusters. Au-CuPc films with different compositions were employed as interlayer in Al/n-Si Schottky diode. Barrier height and series resistance of the Al/n-Si Schottky diode with Au-CuPc interlayer decreased with increasing Au concentration. This could be associated with the enhancement of electron tunneling between neighboring clusters due to decrease in spacing of Au clusters and formation of conducting paths through the composite material. Interface state density of the Al/n-Si Schottky diode with Au-CuPc interlayer increased with increasing Au concentration. This might be because the inclusion of metal decreases the crystallinity and crystal size of the polymer matrix accompanied by the formation of local defect sites at the places of metal nucleation.

  3. Phase II enzyme induction by a carotenoid, lutein, in a PC12D neuronal cell line

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

    Miyake, Seiji; Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582; Wakasa Seikatsu Co., Ltd., 134 Chudoujiminami-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8813

    Highlights: • Lutein reduced ROS levels in a PC12D neuronal cell line. • Lutein induced mRNAs of phase II antioxidative enzymes in PC12D neuronal cells. • Lutein increased protein levels of HO-1, SOD2, and NQO-1 in PC12D neuronal cells. • Lutein had no effect on intranuclear Nrf2 levels in PC12D neuronal cells. • Lutein did not activate potential upstream Nrf2 nuclear translocation pathways. - Abstract: The mechanism by which lutein, a carotenoid, acts as an antioxidant in retinal cells is still not fully understood. Here, lutein treatment of a neuronal cell line (PC12D) immediately resulted in reduced intracellular ROS levels,more » implying that it has a direct role in ROS scavenging. Significantly, lutein treatment also induced phase II antioxidative enzyme expression, probably via a nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2) independent pathway. This latter mechanism could explain why lutein acts diversely to protect against oxidative/cytotoxic stress, and why it is physiologically involved in the human neural tissue, such as the retina.« less

  4. PC-based automation system streamlines operations

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

    Bowman, J.

    1995-10-01

    The continued emergence of PC-based automation systems in the modern compressor station is driving the need for personnel who have the special skills need to support them. However, the dilemma is that operating budget restraints limit the overall number of people available to operate and maintain compressor stations. An ideal solution is to deploy automation systems which can be easily understood and supported by existing compressor station personnel. This paper reviews such a system developed by Waukesha-Pearce Industries, Inc.

  5. Simulation on an optimal combustion control strategy for 3-D temperature distributions in tangentially pc-fired utility boiler furnaces.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xi-fen; Zhou, Huai-chun

    2005-01-01

    The control of 3-D temperature distribution in a utility boiler furnace is essential for the safe, economic and clean operation of pc-fired furnace with multi-burner system. The development of the visualization of 3-D temperature distributions in pc-fired furnaces makes it possible for a new combustion control strategy directly with the furnace temperature as its goal to improve the control quality for the combustion processes. Studied in this paper is such a new strategy that the whole furnace is divided into several parts in the vertical direction, and the average temperature and its bias from the center in every cross section can be extracted from the visualization results of the 3-D temperature distributions. In the simulation stage, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code served to calculate the 3-D temperature distributions in a furnace, then a linear model was set up to relate the features of the temperature distributions with the input of the combustion processes, such as the flow rates of fuel and air fed into the furnaces through all the burners. The adaptive genetic algorithm was adopted to find the optimal combination of the whole input parameters which ensure to form an optimal 3-D temperature field in the furnace desired for the operation of boiler. Simulation results showed that the strategy could soon find the factors making the temperature distribution apart from the optimal state and give correct adjusting suggestions.

  6. Creating Security System Models Using SNAP-PC.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-05-01

    Submodel ATTGRD Prompts ............ 228 x ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SNAP was originally developed in the late 1970’s by Pritsker & Associates, Inc., for Sandia...systems. The other was to simplify the simulation process so that a person knowledgeable in security planning and who had little experience in ...simulation techniques could use simulation in his evaluation of security systems. SNAP-PC was developed by Pritsker & Associates, Inc., for Sandia with

  7. A PC-Based Controller for Dextrous Arms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fiorini, Paolo; Seraji, Homayoun; Long, Mark

    1996-01-01

    This paper describes the architecture and performance of a PC-based controller for 7-DOF dextrous manipulators. The computing platform is a 486-based personal computer equipped with a bus extender to access the robot Multibus controller, together with a single board computer as the graphical engine, and with a parallel I/O board to interface with a force-torque sensor mounted on the manipulator wrist.

  8. Magnetospheric filter effect for Pc 3 Alfven mode waves

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zhang, X.; Comfort, R. H.; Gallagher, D. L.; Green, J. L.; Musielak, Z. E.; Moore, T. E.

    1995-01-01

    We present a ray-tracing study of the propagation of Pc 3 Alfven mode waves originating at the dayside magnetopause. This study reveals interesting features of magnetospheric filter effect for these waves. Pc 3 Alfven mode waves cannot penetrate to low Earth altitudes unless the wave frequency is below approximately 30 mHz. Configurations of the dispersion curves and the refractive index show that the gyroresonance and pseudo-cutoff introduced by the heavy ion O(+) block the waves. When the O(+) concentration is removed from the plasma composition, the barriers caused by the O(+) no longer exist, and waves with much higher frequencies than 30 mHz can penetrate to low altitudes. The result that the 30 mHz or lower frequency Alfven waves can be guided to low altitudes agrees with ground-based power spectrum observation at high altitudes.

  9. Magnetospheric filter effect for Pc 3 Alfven mode waves

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zhang, X.; Comfort, R. H.; Gallagher, D. L.; Green, J. L.; Musielak, Z. E.; Moore, T. E.

    1994-01-01

    We present a ray-tracing study of the propagation of Pc 3 Alfven mode waves originating at the dayside magnetopause. This study reveals interesting features of a magnetospheric filter effect for these waves. Pc 3 Alfven mode waves cannot penetrate to low Earth altitudes unless the wave frequency is below approximately 30 mHz. Configurations of the dispersion curves and the refractive index show that the gyroresonance and pseudo-cutoff introduced by the heavy ion O(+) block the waves. When the O(+) concentration is removed from the plasma composition, the barriers caused by the O(+) no longer exist, and waves with much higher frequencies than 30 mHz can penetrate to low altitudes. The result that the 30 mHz or lower frequency Alfven waves can be guided to low altitudes agrees with ground-based power spectrum observations at high latitudes.

  10. MtDNA depleted PC3 cells exhibit Warburg effect and cancer stem cell features

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xiaoran; Zhong, Yali; Lu, Jie; Axcrona, Karol; Eide, Lars; Syljuåsen, Randi G.; Peng, Qian; Wang, Junbai; Zhang, Hongquan; Goscinski, Mariusz Adam; Kvalheim, Gunnar; Nesland, Jahn M.; Suo, Zhenhe

    2016-01-01

    Reducing mtDNA content was considered as a critical step in the metabolism restructuring for cell stemness restoration and further neoplastic development. However, the connections between mtDNA depletion and metabolism reprograming-based cancer cell stemness in prostate cancers are still lack of studies. Here, we demonstrated that human CRPC cell line PC3 tolerated high concentration of the mtDNA replication inhibitor ethidium bromide (EtBr) and the mtDNA depletion triggered a universal metabolic remodeling process. Failure in completing that process caused lethal consequences. The mtDNA depleted (MtDP) PC3 cells could be steadily maintained in the special medium in slow cycling status. The MtDP PC3 cells contained immature mitochondria and exhibited Warburg effect. Furthermore, the MtDP PC3 cells were resistant to therapeutic treatments and contained greater cancer stem cell-like subpopulations: CD44+, ABCG2+, side-population and ALDHbright. In conclusion, these results highlight the association of mtDNA content, mitochondrial function and cancer cell stemness features. PMID:27248169

  11. Diagnostic Accuracy of the Primary Care Screener for Affective Disorder (PC-SAD) in Primary Care.

    PubMed

    Picardi, Angelo; Adler, D A; Rogers, W H; Lega, I; Zerella, M P; Matteucci, G; Tarsitani, L; Caredda, M; Gigantesco, A; Biondi, M

    2013-01-01

    Depression goes often unrecognised and untreated in non-psychiatric medical settings. Screening has recently gained acceptance as a first step towards improving depression recognition and management. The Primary Care Screener for Affective Disorders (PC-SAD) is a self-administered questionnaire to screen for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Dysthymic Disorder (Dys) which has a sophisticated scoring algorithm that confers several advantages. This study tested its performance against a 'gold standard' diagnostic interview in primary care. A total of 416 adults attending 13 urban general internal medicine primary care practices completed the PC-SAD. Of 409 who returned a valid PC-SAD, all those scoring positive (N=151) and a random sample (N=106) of those scoring negative were selected for a 3-month telephone follow-up assessment including the administration of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) by a psychiatrist who was masked to PC-SAD results. Most selected patients (N=212) took part in the follow-up assessment. After adjustment for partial verification bias the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for MDD were 90%, 83%, 51%, and 98%. For Dys, the corresponding figures were 78%, 79%, 8%, and 88%. While some study limitations suggest caution in interpreting our results, this study corroborated the diagnostic validity of the PC-SAD, although the low PPV may limit its usefulness with regard to Dys. Given its good psychometric properties and the short average administration time, the PC-SAD might be the screening instrument of choice in settings where the technology for computer automated scoring is available.

  12. A Preliminary Model for the Protective Role of the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachydonylglycerol in Neuroinflammation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-30

    example, Liu et al. (2013) measured the effect of chlorpyrifos (280 mg/kg via subcutaneous (sc) injection) and parathion (27 mg/kg sc) in rats on 2...rats to the organophosphates (OPs) chlorpyrifos (280 mg/kg, sc) and parathion (27 mg/kg, sc), and correspond to 53 and 20 percent predicted inhibition...Effects of Parathion and Chlorpyrifos on Extracellular Endocannabinoid Levels in Rat Hippocampus: Influence on Cholinergic Toxicity. Toxicol Appl

  13. Development of microarray device for functional evaluation of PC12D cell axonal extension ability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakamachi, Eiji; Yanagimoto, Junpei; Murakami, Shinya; Morita, Yusuke

    2014-04-01

    In this study, we developed a microarray bio-MEMS device that could trap PC12D (rat pheochromocytoma cells) cells to examine the intercellular interaction effect on the cell activation and the axonal extension ability. This is needed to assign particular patterns of PC12D cells to establish a cell functional evaluation technique. This experimental observation-based technique can be used for design of the cell sheet and scaffold for peripheral and central nerve regeneration. We have fabricated a micropillar-array bio-MEMS device, whose diameter was approximately 10 μm, by using thick photoresist SU-8 on the glass slide substrate. A maximum trapped PC12D cell ratio, 48.5%, was achieved. Through experimental observation of patterned PC12D "bi-cells" activation, we obtained the following results. Most of the PC12D "bi-cells" which had distances between 40 and 100 μm were connected after 24 h with a high probability. On the other hand, "bi-cells" which had distances between 110 and 200 μm were not connected. In addition, we measured axonal extension velocities in cases where the intercellular distance was between 40 and 100 μm. A maximum axonal extension velocity, 86.4 μm/h, was obtained at the intercellular distance of 40 μm.

  14. Effect of 'PC Game Room' use and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure on plasma testosterone concentrations in young male Koreans.

    PubMed

    Kim, Heon; Kang, Jong-Won; Ku, Seung-Yup; Kim, Seok Hyun; Cho, Soo-Hun; Koong, Sung-Soo; Kim, Yong-Dae; Lee, Chul-Ho

    2005-03-01

    'PC Game Rooms' were first popularized in Korea, although the concept is now becoming popular worldwide. PC Game Rooms provide users with high-performance PC connected to the high-speed internet, and access to computer games. However, PC Game Room users are exposed to various hazardous agents such as cigarette smoke in a confined environment, and thus it is likely that excessive PC Game Room use involves abnormal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as well as being associated with disturbed sleep or circadian rhythm. In this cross-sectional study, the exposure to PAH was evaluated by measuring urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol. The correlations between PC Game Room use and PAH exposure and plasma testosterone and LH levels were analysed in 208 young male Koreans. Urinary 1-OHP concentrations increased (P = 0.0001) and plasma testosterone levels decreased (P = 0.0153) significantly with increased duration of PC Game Room use. Correlation analysis showed that plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with urinary 1-OHP (r = -0.22, P = 0.0012) and 2-naphthol (r = -0.15, P = 0.0308) concentrations. Moreover, these associations persisted after adjusting for other independent variables. However, the duration of PC Game Room use itself was not found to be an independent significant determinant of plasma testosterone level. Rather, PC Game Room use increased PAH exposure, which decreased plasma testosterone level. The younger age group (15-19 years) showed a more prominent decrease in plasma testosterone concentrations with increasing duration of PC Game Room use than the older age group (20-24 years) (r2 = 0.355, P = 0.0301 versus r2 = 0.213, P = 0.0001). These results imply that the excessive use of PC Game Rooms is related to an adverse impact on sex hormonal status in young male Koreans via PAH exposure. This effect was more prominent in the younger age group.

  15. A density functional theory study of the correlation between analyte basicity, ZnPc adsorption strength, and sensor response.

    PubMed

    Tran, N L; Bohrer, F I; Trogler, W C; Kummel, A C

    2009-05-28

    Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were used to determine the binding strength of 12 electron-donating analytes to the zinc metal center of a zinc phthalocyanine molecule (ZnPc monomer). The analyte binding strengths were compared to the analytes' enthalpies of complex formation with boron trifluoride (BF(3)), which is a direct measure of their electron donating ability or Lewis basicity. With the exception of the most basic analyte investigated, the ZnPc binding energies were found to correlate linearly with analyte basicities. Based on natural population analysis calculations, analyte complexation to the Zn metal of the ZnPc monomer resulted in limited charge transfer from the analyte to the ZnPc molecule, which increased with analyte-ZnPc binding energy. The experimental analyte sensitivities from chemiresistor ZnPc sensor data were proportional to an exponential of the binding energies from DFT calculations consistent with sensitivity being proportional to analyte coverage and binding strength. The good correlation observed suggests DFT is a reliable method for the prediction of chemiresistor metallophthalocyanine binding strengths and response sensitivities.

  16. Statistical studies of Pc 3-5 pulsations and their relevance for possible source mechanisms of ULF waves

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anderson, Brian J.

    1993-01-01

    A number of statistical studies using spacecraft data have been made of ULF waves in the magnetosphere. These studies provide an overview of ULF pulsation activity for r = 5-15 R(E) and allow an assessment of likely source mechanisms. In this review pulsations are categorized into five general types: compressional Pc 5, poloidal Pc 4, toroidal harmonics, toroidal Pc 5 (fundamental mode), and incoherent noise. The occurrence distributions and/or distributions of wave power of the different types suggest that compressional Pc 5 and poloidal Pc 4 derive their energy locally, most likely from energetic protons. The toroidal pulsations, both harmonic and fundamental mode, appear to be driven by an energy source outside the magnetopause - directly upstream in the sheath and solar wind for harmonics and the flanks for fundamentals. Incoherent pulsations are a prominent pulsation type but from their occurrence distribution alone it is unclear what their dominant energy source may be.

  17. Nanostructured Polyaniline Coating on ITO Glass Promotes the Neurite Outgrowth of PC 12 Cells by Electrical Stimulation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Liping; Huang, Qianwei; Wang, Jin-Ye

    2015-11-10

    A conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) with nanostructure was synthesized on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. The effect of electrical stimulation on the proliferation and the length of neurites of PC 12 cells was investigated. The dynamic protein adsorption on PANI and ITO surfaces in a cell culture medium was also compared with and without electrical stimulation. The adsorbed proteins were characterized using SDS-PAGE. A PANI coating on ITO surface was shown with 30-50 nm spherical nanostructure. The number of PC 12 cells was significantly greater on the PANI/ITO surface than on ITO and plate surfaces after cell seeding for 24 and 36 h. This result confirmed that the PANI coating is nontoxic to PC 12 cells. The electrical stimulation for 1, 2, and 4 h significantly enhanced the cell numbers for both PANI and ITO conducting surfaces. Moreover, the application of electrical stimulation also improved the neurite outgrowth of PC 12 cells, and the number of PC 12 cells with longer neurite lengths increased obviously under electrical stimulation for the PANI surface. From the mechanism, the adsorption of DMEM proteins was found to be enhanced by electrical stimulation for both PANI/ITO and ITO surfaces. A new band 2 (around 37 kDa) was observed from the collected adsorbed proteins when PC 12 cells were cultured on these surfaces, and culturing PC 12 cells also seemed to increase the amount of band 1 (around 90 kDa). When immersing PANI/ITO and ITO surfaces in a DMEM medium without a cell culture, the number of band 3 (around 70 kDa) and band 4 (around 45 kDa) proteins decreased compared to that of PC 12 cell cultured surfaces. These results are valuable for the design and improvement of the material performance for neural regeneration.

  18. Evaluation of tablet PC as a tool for teaching tooth brushing to children.

    PubMed

    Salama, F; Abobakr, I; Al-Khodair, N; Al-Wakeel, M

    2016-12-01

    This study evaluated the effect of a single time tooth brushing instruction using video on a tablet PC (Apple iPad) compared to operator presentation using jaw model for plaque removal. This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 100 children divided into two groups. For Group 1 brushing was demonstrated to the child by the operator with the use of a jaw model. This demonstration was videotaped for subsequent use in Group 2 using a tablet PC (Apple iPad). Plaque index was recorded before and after demonstration of the assigned method of teaching tooth brushing. The results showed a significant difference using the two methods. The difference between the mean plaque index values with the jaw model and tablet PC at baseline and after tooth brushing represented 17.27% (50% improvement) and 11.56% (34% improvement) respectively. Boys showed a 18.3%. higher improvement in tooth brushing compared to girls. Seventy-five percent of the children reported using tablet computers in their daily life. CONCLUSION Teaching children by using a jaw model was more effective in improving plaque index score than using video on tablet PC by 16%. Both methods of tooth brushing teaching were fully accepted by all children.

  19. Effect of copper phthalocyanine thickness on surface morphology, optical and electrical properties of Au/CuPc/n-Si heterojunction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reddy, P. R. Sekhar; Janardhanam, V.; Jyothi, I.; Harsha, Cirandur Sri; Reddy, V. Rajagopal; Lee, Sung-Nam; Won, Jonghan; Choi, Chel-Jong

    2018-02-01

    Effects of the thickness of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) film (2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 nm) on the surface morphology, optical and electrical properties of Au/CuPc/n-Si heterojunction have been investigated. The optical band gap of CuPc film was increased with increase in the thickness of the CuPc film. The electrical properties of the Au/n-Si Schottky junction and Au/CuPc/n-Si heterojunctions were characterized by current-voltage ( I-V) and capacitance-voltage ( C-V) measurements. The barrier height, ideality factor and series resistance were estimated based on the I-V, Cheung's and Norde's methods. The barrier heights increased with increasing CuPc interlayer thickness up to 15 nm and remained constant for thickness above 20 nm, associated with the incapability of the generated carriers to reach the interface. The discrepancy in the barrier heights obtained from I-V and C-V measurements indicates the presence of barrier inhomogeneity at the interface as evidenced by higher ideality factor values. It can be concluded that the electrical properties of Au/n-Si Schottky junction can be significantly altered with the variation of CuPc thickness as interlayer.

  20. Enhancing 4D PC-MRI in an aortic phantom considering numerical simulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kratzke, Jonas; Schoch, Nicolai; Weis, Christian; Müller-Eschner, Matthias; Speidel, Stefanie; Farag, Mina; Beller, Carsten J.; Heuveline, Vincent

    2015-03-01

    To date, cardiovascular surgery enables the treatment of a wide range of aortic pathologies. One of the current challenges in this field is given by the detection of high-risk patients for adverse aortic events, who should be treated electively. Reliable diagnostic parameters, which indicate the urge of treatment, have to be determined. Functional imaging by means of 4D phase contrast-magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) enables the time-resolved measurement of blood flow velocity in 3D. Applied to aortic phantoms, three dimensional blood flow properties and their relation to adverse dynamics can be investigated in vitro. Emerging "in silico" methods of numerical simulation can supplement these measurements in computing additional information on crucial parameters. We propose a framework that complements 4D PC-MRI imaging by means of numerical simulation based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). The framework is developed on the basis of a prototypic aortic phantom and validated by 4D PC-MRI measurements of the phantom. Based on physical principles of biomechanics, the derived simulation depicts aortic blood flow properties and characteristics. The framework might help identifying factors that induce aortic pathologies such as aortic dilatation or aortic dissection. Alarming thresholds of parameters such as wall shear stress distribution can be evaluated. The combined techniques of 4D PC-MRI and numerical simulation can be used as complementary tools for risk-stratification of aortic pathology.

  1. Caspase cascade regulated mitochondria mediated apoptosis in monocrotophos exposed PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Kashyap, M P; Singh, A K; Siddiqui, M A; Kumar, V; Tripathi, V K; Khanna, V K; Yadav, S; Jain, S K; Pant, A B

    2010-11-15

    Monocrotophos (MCP) is a commonly used organophosphorus (OP) pesticide. We studied apoptotic changes in PC12 cells exposed to MCP. A significant induction in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxide (LPO), and the ratio of glutathione disulfide (GSSG)/reduced glutathione (GSH) was observed in cells exposed to selected doses of MCP. Following the exposure of PC12 cells to MCP, the levels of protein and mRNA expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax, p53, P(21), Puma, and cytochrome-c were significantly upregulated, whereas the levels of Bcl(2), Bcl(w), and Mcl1 were downregulated. TUNEL assay, DNA laddering, and micronuclei induction show that long-term exposure of PC12 cells to MCP at higher concentration (10(-5) M) decreases the number of apoptotic events due to an increase in the number of necrotic cells. MCP-induced translocation of Bax and cytochrome-c proteins between the cytoplasm and mitochondria confirmed the role of p53 and Puma in mitochondrial membrane permeability. Mitochondria mediated apoptosis induction was confirmed by the increased activity of caspase cascade. We believe that this is the first report showing MCP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, which is mitochondria mediated and regulated through the caspase cascade. Our data demonstrates that MCP induced the apoptotic cell death in neuronal cells and identifies the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of organophosphate pesticide-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells.

  2. PC vs. Mac--Which Way Should You Go?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wodarz, Nan

    1997-01-01

    Outlines the factors in hardware, software, and administration to consider in developing specifications for choosing a computer operating system. Compares Microsoft Windows 95/NT that runs on PC/Intel-based systems and System 7.5 that runs on the Apple-based systems. Lists reasons why the Microsoft platform clearly stands above the Apple platform.…

  3. Preclinical Characterization of PC786, an Inhaled Small-Molecule Respiratory Syncytial Virus L Protein Polymerase Inhibitor

    PubMed Central

    Coates, Matthew; Brookes, Daniel; Kim, Young-In; Allen, Heather; Fordyce, Euan A. F.; Meals, Elizabeth A.; Colley, Thomas; Ciana, Claire-Lise; Parra, Guillaume F.; Sherbukhin, Vladimir; Stockwell, Jennifer A.; Thomas, Jennifer C.; Hunt, S. Fraser; Anderson-Dring, Lauren; Onions, Stuart T.; Cass, Lindsey; Murray, Peter J.; Strong, Pete; DeVincenzo, John P.; Rapeport, Garth

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Although respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children, attempts to develop an effective therapy have so far proved unsuccessful. Here we report the preclinical profiles of PC786, a potent nonnucleoside RSV L protein polymerase inhibitor, designed for inhalation treatment of RSV infection. PC786 demonstrated a potent and selective antiviral activity against laboratory-adapted or clinical isolates of RSV-A (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50], <0.09 to 0.71 nM) and RSV-B (IC50, 1.3 to 50.6 nM), which were determined by inhibition of cytopathic effects in HEp-2 cells without causing detectable cytotoxicity. The underlying inhibition of virus replication was confirmed by PCR analysis. The effects of PC786 were largely unaffected by the multiplicity of infection (MOI) and were retained in the face of established RSV replication in a time-of-addition study. Persistent anti-RSV effects of PC786 were also demonstrated in human bronchial epithelial cells. In vivo intranasal once daily dosing with PC786 was able to reduce the virus load to undetectable levels in lung homogenates from RSV-infected mice and cotton rats. Treatment with escalating concentrations identified a dominant mutation in the L protein (Y1631H) in vitro. In addition, PC786 potently inhibited RSV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity in a cell-free enzyme assay and minigenome assay in HEp-2 cells (IC50, 2.1 and 0.5 nM, respectively). Thus, PC786 was shown to be a potent anti-RSV agent via inhibition of RdRp activity, making topical treatment with this compound a novel potential therapy for the treatment of human RSV infections. PMID:28652242

  4. Flexible missile autopilot design studies with PC-MATLAB/386

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ruth, Michael J.

    1989-01-01

    Development of a responsive, high-bandwidth missile autopilot for airframes which have structural modes of unusually low frequency presents a challenging design task. Such systems are viable candidates for modern, state-space control design methods. The PC-MATLAB interactive software package provides an environment well-suited to the development of candidate linear control laws for flexible missile autopilots. The strengths of MATLAB include: (1) exceptionally high speed (MATLAB's version for 80386-based PC's offers benchmarks approaching minicomputer and mainframe performance); (2) ability to handle large design models of several hundred degrees of freedom, if necessary; and (3) broad extensibility through user-defined functions. To characterize MATLAB capabilities, a simplified design example is presented. This involves interactive definition of an observer-based state-space compensator for a flexible missile autopilot design task. MATLAB capabilities and limitations, in the context of this design task, are then summarized.

  5. PC1/3 Deficiency Impacts Pro-opiomelanocortin Processing in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Hypothalamic Neurons.

    PubMed

    Wang, Liheng; Sui, Lina; Panigrahi, Sunil K; Meece, Kana; Xin, Yurong; Kim, Jinrang; Gromada, Jesper; Doege, Claudia A; Wardlaw, Sharon L; Egli, Dieter; Leibel, Rudolph L

    2017-02-14

    We recently developed a technique for generating hypothalamic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. Here, as proof of principle, we examine the use of these cells in modeling of a monogenic form of severe obesity: PCSK1 deficiency. The cognate enzyme, PC1/3, processes many prohormones in neuroendocrine and other tissues. We generated PCSK1 (PC1/3)-deficient human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines using both short hairpin RNA and CRISPR-Cas9, and investigated pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) processing using hESC-differentiated hypothalamic neurons. The increased levels of unprocessed POMC and the decreased ratios (relative to POMC) of processed POMC-derived peptides in both PCSK1 knockdown and knockout hESC-derived neurons phenocopied POMC processing reported in PC1/3-null mice and PC1/3-deficient patients. PC1/3 deficiency was associated with increased expression of melanocortin receptors and PRCP (prolylcarboxypeptidase, a catabolic enzyme for α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH)), and reduced adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion. We conclude that the obesity accompanying PCSK1 deficiency may not be primarily due to αMSH deficiency. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Synthesis and characterization of novel 4-Tetra-4-Tolylsulfonyl ZnPc thin films for optoelectronic applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khalil, Salah; Tazarki, Helmi; Souli, Mehdi; Guasch, Cathy; Jamoussi, Bassem; Kamoun, Najoua

    2017-11-01

    Novel 4-Tetra-4-Tolylsulfonyl:zinc phthalocyanine and simple zinc phthalocyanine were synthesized. Our materials were grown on glass substrates by spin coating technique. Thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electronic micrograph (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), spectrophotometer and Hall effect measurement. X-ray spectra reveal that 4-Tetra-4-Tolylsulfonyl:zinc phthalocyanine (4T4TS:ZnPc) and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) thin films have a monoclinic crystalline structure in β phase. The surface properties and chemical composition were detailed using XPS measurement. SEM were used to investigate the surface morphology for 4T4TS:ZnPc and ZnPc thin films. Atomic force microscopy images have shown a decrease in surface roughness after substitution. Optical properties were investigated by measuring transmission and reflection spectra. Electrical properties were studied and the different electrical parameters was measured and compared on glass, silicon and tin dioxide substrates by Hall Effect technique. All obtained results indicate an improvement in physical properties of 4T4TS:ZnPc which allows used it in optoelectronic applications.

  7. Electronic states of Ca/PC61BM: Mechanism of low work function metal as interfacial material

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Du, Ying-Ying; Chen, Guang-Hua; Li, Wen-Jie; Bai, Xin-Yuan; Lin, De-Qu; Ju, Huanxin; Hu, Shanwei; Xu, Qian; Wang, Yan; Li, Xiong; Zhu, Junfa; Li, Hong-Nian

    2018-03-01

    We have studied the electronic states at Ca/PC61BM interface using photoemission spectroscopy. It is found that the state of unoccupied molecular orbitals of the top molecular layer (TML) becomes occupied by the electrons transferred from the Ca atoms. The work function of the heavily doped TML of PC61BM film is smaller than that of metal Ca, and thus the contact between the TML and metal Ca is Ohmic. A transition layer (TL) of several molecular layers forms beneath the TML due to the diffusion of the Ca atoms. The TL is conductive and aligns its Fermi level with the negative integer charge transfer level of the interior PC61BM. The built-in electric field in the TL facilitates the electron transport from the interior of the PC61BM film to the TML.

  8. Implementation of RS-485 Communication between PLC and PC of Distributed Control System Based on VB

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lian Zhang, Chuan; Da Huang, Zhi; Qing Zhou, Gui; Chong, Kil To

    2015-05-01

    This paper focuses on achieving RS-485 communication between programmable logical controller (PLC) and PC based on visual basic 6.0 (VB6.0) on an experimental automatic production line. Mitsubishi FX2N PLCs and a PC are chosen as slave stations and main station, respectively. Monitoring software is developed using VB6.0 for data input/output, flow control and online parameters setting. As a result, all functions are fulfilled with robust performance. It is concluded from results that one PC can monitor several PLCs using RS-485 communication.

  9. Concatenated Coding Using Trellis-Coded Modulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thompson, Michael W.

    1997-01-01

    In the late seventies and early eighties a technique known as Trellis Coded Modulation (TCM) was developed for providing spectrally efficient error correction coding. Instead of adding redundant information in the form of parity bits, redundancy is added at the modulation stage thereby increasing bandwidth efficiency. A digital communications system can be designed to use bandwidth-efficient multilevel/phase modulation such as Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), Phase Shift Keying (PSK), Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM). Performance gain can be achieved by increasing the number of signals over the corresponding uncoded system to compensate for the redundancy introduced by the code. A considerable amount of research and development has been devoted toward developing good TCM codes for severely bandlimited applications. More recently, the use of TCM for satellite and deep space communications applications has received increased attention. This report describes the general approach of using a concatenated coding scheme that features TCM and RS coding. Results have indicated that substantial (6-10 dB) performance gains can be achieved with this approach with comparatively little bandwidth expansion. Since all of the bandwidth expansion is due to the RS code we see that TCM based concatenated coding results in roughly 10-50% bandwidth expansion compared to 70-150% expansion for similar concatenated scheme which use convolution code. We stress that combined coding and modulation optimization is important for achieving performance gains while maintaining spectral efficiency.

  10. Examples of Data Analysis with SPSS/PC+ Studentware.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    MacFarland, Thomas W.

    Intended for classroom use only, these unpublished notes contain computer lessons on descriptive statistics with files previously created in WordPerfect 4.2 and Lotus 1-2-3 Version 1.A for the IBM PC+. The statistical measures covered include Student's t-test with two independent samples; Student's t-test with a paired sample; Chi-square analysis;…

  11. Interface design of VSOP'94 computer code for safety analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Natsir, Khairina; Yazid, Putranto Ilham; Andiwijayakusuma, D.; Wahanani, Nursinta Adi

    2014-09-01

    Today, most software applications, also in the nuclear field, come with a graphical user interface. VSOP'94 (Very Superior Old Program), was designed to simplify the process of performing reactor simulation. VSOP is a integrated code system to simulate the life history of a nuclear reactor that is devoted in education and research. One advantage of VSOP program is its ability to calculate the neutron spectrum estimation, fuel cycle, 2-D diffusion, resonance integral, estimation of reactors fuel costs, and integrated thermal hydraulics. VSOP also can be used to comparative studies and simulation of reactor safety. However, existing VSOP is a conventional program, which was developed using Fortran 65 and have several problems in using it, for example, it is only operated on Dec Alpha mainframe platforms and provide text-based output, difficult to use, especially in data preparation and interpretation of results. We develop a GUI-VSOP, which is an interface program to facilitate the preparation of data, run the VSOP code and read the results in a more user friendly way and useable on the Personal 'Computer (PC). Modifications include the development of interfaces on preprocessing, processing and postprocessing. GUI-based interface for preprocessing aims to provide a convenience way in preparing data. Processing interface is intended to provide convenience in configuring input files and libraries and do compiling VSOP code. Postprocessing interface designed to visualized the VSOP output in table and graphic forms. GUI-VSOP expected to be useful to simplify and speed up the process and analysis of safety aspects.

  12. The "Down the PC" view - A new tool to assess screw positioning in the posterior column of the acetabulum.

    PubMed

    Osterhoff, G; Amiri, S; Unno, F; Dodd, A; Guy, P; O'Brien, P J; Lefaivre, K A

    2015-08-01

    Minimal-invasive placement of screws into the posterior column of the acetabulum (PC) is challenging. Due to the saddle-shaped curvature of the medial cortical border of the PC, the standard fluoroscopic views of the pelvis cannot provide the desired safety during screw insertion. The aim of this study was to define a view tangentially to the medial cortex of the PC and to evaluate its accuracy and inter-observer reproducibility. Radio-dense markers on the medial cortex of the PC along the axis of a PC screw were brought in line and landmarks of the new "Down the PC" view were determined. Kirschner wires were placed into the PC of a pelvis composite model and five pelvic cadaver specimens in a total of 34 different correct and incorrect positions. Based on either only the "Down the PC" view, only the standard views, or a combination of both, three fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons had to decide if the inserted wires were in bone in the posterior column or had exited cortex, and if they penetrated the acetabulum. Sensitivity, specificity, and the intra-class correlation coefficient were calculated. A view using three radiographic landmarks (pelvic brim, medial cortical wall of the body of the ischium, ischial spine) was found. Sensitivity and specificity to detect perforation out of the bone were 1.00 and 0.97 for the "Down the PC" view, 0.46 and 0.97 if only the standard views were used, and 1.00 and 0.95 for a combination of both. Sensitivity and specificity to detect intra-articular wire placement were 1.00 and 0.96 for the "Down the PC" view, 0.72 and 0.95 if only the standard views were used, and 0.94 and 0.99 for a combination of both. Inter-observer agreement using only the "Down the PC" view was excellent with an ICC of 0.92 for perforation and ICC of 0.82 for intra-articular wire placement. The "Down the PC" view is a useful addendum in the orthopaedic trauma surgeon's tool box. Using simple landmarks, it is easily to reproduce and thereby shows

  13. Mathematics Programming on the Apple II and IBM PC.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Myers, Roy E.; Schneider, David I.

    1987-01-01

    Details the features of BASIC used in mathematics programming and provides the information needed to translate between the Apple II and IBM PC computers. Discusses inputing a user-defined function, setting scroll windows, displaying subscripts and exponents, variable names, mathematical characters and special symbols. (TW)

  14. An Apple for Your IBM PC--The Quadlink Board.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Owen, G. Scott

    1984-01-01

    Describes nature and installation of the QUADLINK board which allows Apple software to be run on IBM PC microcomputers. Although programs tested ran without problems, users should test their own programs since there are some copy protection schemes that can baffle the board. (JN)

  15. Monocrotophos Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells: Role of Xenobiotic Metabolizing Cytochrome P450s

    PubMed Central

    Kashyap, Mahendra Pratap; Singh, Abhishek Kumar; Kumar, Vivek; Tripathi, Vinay Kumar; Srivastava, Ritesh Kumar; Agrawal, Megha; Khanna, Vinay Kumar; Yadav, Sanjay; Jain, Swatantra Kumar; Pant, Aditya Bhushan

    2011-01-01

    Monocrotophos (MCP) is a widely used organophosphate (OP) pesticide. We studied apoptotic changes and their correlation with expression of selected cytochrome P450s (CYPs) in PC12 cells exposed to MCP. A significant induction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels were observed in cells exposed to MCP. Following the exposure of PC12 cells to MCP (10−5 M), the levels of protein and mRNA expressions of caspase-3/9, Bax, Bcl2, P53, P21, GSTP1-1 were significantly upregulated, whereas the levels of Bclw, Mcl1 were downregulated. A significant induction in the expression of CYP1A1/1A2, 2B1/2B2, 2E1 was also observed in PC12 cells exposed to MCP (10−5 M), whereas induction of CYPs was insignificant in cells exposed to 10−6 M concentration of MCP. We believe that this is the first report showing altered expressions of selected CYPs in MCP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. These apoptotic changes were mitochondria mediated and regulated by caspase cascade. Our data confirm the involvement of specific CYPs in MCP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and also identifies possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of organophosphate pesticide-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells. PMID:21445290

  16. Monocrotophos induced apoptosis in PC12 cells: role of xenobiotic metabolizing cytochrome P450s.

    PubMed

    Kashyap, Mahendra Pratap; Singh, Abhishek Kumar; Kumar, Vivek; Tripathi, Vinay Kumar; Srivastava, Ritesh Kumar; Agrawal, Megha; Khanna, Vinay Kumar; Yadav, Sanjay; Jain, Swatantra Kumar; Pant, Aditya Bhushan

    2011-03-21

    Monocrotophos (MCP) is a widely used organophosphate (OP) pesticide. We studied apoptotic changes and their correlation with expression of selected cytochrome P450s (CYPs) in PC12 cells exposed to MCP. A significant induction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels were observed in cells exposed to MCP. Following the exposure of PC12 cells to MCP (10(-5) M), the levels of protein and mRNA expressions of caspase-3/9, Bax, Bcl(2), P(53), P(21), GSTP1-1 were significantly upregulated, whereas the levels of Bclw, Mcl1 were downregulated. A significant induction in the expression of CYP1A1/1A2, 2B1/2B2, 2E1 was also observed in PC12 cells exposed to MCP (10(-5) M), whereas induction of CYPs was insignificant in cells exposed to 10(-6) M concentration of MCP. We believe that this is the first report showing altered expressions of selected CYPs in MCP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. These apoptotic changes were mitochondria mediated and regulated by caspase cascade. Our data confirm the involvement of specific CYPs in MCP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and also identifies possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of organophosphate pesticide-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells.

  17. Tailorable PC71 BM Isomers: Using the Most Prevalent Electron Acceptor to Obtain High-Performance Polymer Solar Cells.

    PubMed

    Zhan, Xin-Xing; Zhang, Xin; Dai, Si-Min; Li, Shu-Hui; Lu, Xu-Zhai; Deng, Lin-Long; Xie, Su-Yuan; Huang, Rong-Bin; Zheng, Lan-Sun

    2016-12-23

    Despite being widely used as electron acceptor in polymer solar cells, commercially available PC 71 BM (phenyl-C 71 -butyric acid methyl ester) usually has a "random" composition of mixed regioisomers or stereoisomers. Here PC 71 BM has been isolated into three typical isomers, α-, β 1 - and β 2 -PC 71 BM, to establish the isomer-dependent photovoltaic performance on changing the ternary composition of α-, β 1 - and β 2 -PC 71 BM. Mixing the isomers in a ratio of α/β 1 /β 2 =8:1:1 resulted in the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.67 % for the polymer solar cells with PTB7:PC 71 BM as photoactive layer (PTB7=poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl

  18. AMP-activated kinase mediates adipose stem cell-stimulated neuritogenesis of PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Tan, B; Luan, Z; Wei, X; He, Y; Wei, G; Johnstone, B H; Farlow, M; Du, Y

    2011-05-05

    Adipose tissue stroma contains a population of mesenchymal stem cells, which support repair of damaged tissues through the protective effects of secreted trophic factors. Neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF) have been identified in media collected from cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ASC). We previously demonstrated that administration of cell-free ASC conditioned medium (ASC-CM) at 24 h after injury reduced lesion volume and promoted functional recovery in a rat model of neonatal brain hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury. The timing of administration well after the peak in neural cell apoptosis in the affected region suggests that regeneration of lost neurons is promoted by factors in ASC-CM. In this study, we determined which of the factors in ASC-CM could induce neurogenesis by testing the ability of the mixture, either whole or after inactivating specific components, to stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro using the neurogenic cell line PC12. Neuritogenesis in PC12 cells treated with ASC-CM was observed at a level comparable to that observed with purified recombinant NGF. It was observed that NGF in ASC-CM was mainly responsible for inducing PC12 cell neuritogenesis. Interestingly, both ASC-CM and NGF induced PC12 cell neuritogenesis through activation of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) pathway which is the central protein involved in controlling many critical functions in response to changes in the cellular energy status. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of AMPK activity greatly reduced neuritogenesis in PC12 cells. These results suggest that, in addition to possessing neuroprotective properties, ASC-CM mediates repair of damaged tissues through inducing neuronal differentiation via NGF-induced AMPK activation. Copyright © 2011 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Correlation of random urine protein creatinine (P-C) ratio with 24-hour urine protein and P-C ratio, based on physical activity: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Sadjadi, Seyed-Ali; Jaipaul, Navin

    2010-09-07

    Quantification of proteinuria is usually predicated upon 24-hour urine collection. Multiple factors influence urine collection and the rate of protein and creatinine excretion. Urine collection is often incomplete, and therefore creatinine and protein excretion rates are underestimated. A random urine protein-creatinine (P-C) ratio has been shown over the years to be a reliable alternative to the 24-hour collection for detection and follow up of proteinuria. However, urine protein excretion may be influenced by physical activity. We studied 48 patients with proteinuria and varying levels of physical activity to determine the correlation between the measures of urine protein excretion. The correlation coefficient (r) between 24-hour urine total protein and random urine P-C ratio was 0.75 (P < 0.01) in the overall study population, but varied according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity in a stratified analysis: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.95 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.44 (P = not significant [NS]) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.44 (P = NS) and r = 0.58 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic- (>3500 mg/day) and non-nephrotic (<3500 mg/day) range proteinuria, respectively. The correlation appeared to be stronger between random urine and 24-hour urine P-C ratio for the overall study population (r = 0.84; P < 0.001), and when stratified according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.92 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.61 (P = NS) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.64 (P < 0.02) and r = 0.52 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic and non-nephrotic range proteinuria, respectively. We conclude that the random urine P-C ratio is a reliable and practical way of estimating and following proteinuria, but its precision and accuracy may be affected by the level of patient physical activity.

  20. Correlation of random urine protein creatinine (P-C) ratio with 24-hour urine protein and P-C ratio, based on physical activity: a pilot study

    PubMed Central

    Sadjadi, Seyed-Ali; Jaipaul, Navin

    2010-01-01

    Quantification of proteinuria is usually predicated upon 24-hour urine collection. Multiple factors influence urine collection and the rate of protein and creatinine excretion. Urine collection is often incomplete, and therefore creatinine and protein excretion rates are underestimated. A random urine protein-creatinine (P-C) ratio has been shown over the years to be a reliable alternative to the 24-hour collection for detection and follow up of proteinuria. However, urine protein excretion may be influenced by physical activity. We studied 48 patients with proteinuria and varying levels of physical activity to determine the correlation between the measures of urine protein excretion. The correlation coefficient (r) between 24-hour urine total protein and random urine P-C ratio was 0.75 (P < 0.01) in the overall study population, but varied according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity in a stratified analysis: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.95 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.44 (P = not significant [NS]) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.44 (P = NS) and r = 0.58 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic- (>3500 mg/day) and non-nephrotic (<3500 mg/day) range proteinuria, respectively. The correlation appeared to be stronger between random urine and 24-hour urine P-C ratio for the overall study population (r = 0.84; P < 0.001), and when stratified according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.92 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.61 (P = NS) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.64 (P < 0.02) and r = 0.52 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic and non-nephrotic range proteinuria, respectively. We conclude that the random urine P-C ratio is a reliable and practical way of estimating and following proteinuria, but its precision and accuracy may be affected by the level of patient physical activity. PMID:20856681

  1. A reexamination of ATS 6 magnetometer data for radially polarized Pc 3 magnetic pulsations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Takahashi, K.; Mcpherron, R. L.

    1983-01-01

    The polarization of Pc 3 (22-100 MHz) magnetic pulsations measured by the ATS 6 fluxgate magnetometer at synchronous orbit has been examined by using dynamic autospectral analysis. In contrast to the result obtained by Arthur et al. (1977) using the same data set, very few cases of radially polarized Pc 3 pulsations are found. It is suggested that satellite noise in the radial component, which depends on frequency f as 0.015/f (nT-squared/Hz), is responsible for this disagreement. In the presence of this type of noise, diagonalization of the spectral matrix can produce an erroneous major axis of polarization. Most Pc 3 pulsations classified as radially polarized by Arthur et al. appear to be a consequence of small amplitude azimuthal pulsations contaminated by satellite noise.

  2. Digital video timing analyzer for the evaluation of PC-based real-time simulation systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, Shawn R.; Crosby, Jay L.; Terry, John E., Jr.

    2009-05-01

    Due to the rapid acceleration in technology and the drop in costs, the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) PC-based hardware and software components for digital and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulations has increased. However, the increase in PC-based components creates new challenges for HWIL test facilities such as cost-effective hardware and software selection, system configuration and integration, performance testing, and simulation verification/validation. This paper will discuss how the Digital Video Timing Analyzer (DiViTA) installed in the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) provides quantitative characterization data for PC-based real-time scene generation systems. An overview of the DiViTA is provided followed by details on measurement techniques, applications, and real-world examples of system benefits.

  3. DA-9801 promotes neurite outgrowth via ERK1/2-CREB pathway in PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Won, Jong Hoon; Ahn, Kyong Hoon; Back, Moon Jung; Ha, Hae Chan; Jang, Ji Min; Kim, Ha Hyung; Choi, Sang-Zin; Son, Miwon; Kim, Dae Kyong

    2015-01-01

    In the present study, we examined the mechanisms underlying the effect of DA-9801 on neurite outgrowth. We found that DA-9801 elicits its effects via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. DA-9801, an extract from a mixture of Dioscorea japonica and Dioscorea nipponica, was reported to promote neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. The effects of DA-9801 on cell viability and expression of neuronal markers were evaluated in PC12 cells. To investigate DA-9801 action, specific inhibitors targeting the ERK signaling cascade were used. No cytotoxicity was observed in PC12 cells at DA-9801 concentrations of less than 30 µg/mL. In the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF, 2 ng/mL), DA-9801 promoted neurite outgrowth and increased the relative mRNA levels of neurofilament-L (NF-L), a marker of neuronal differentiation. The Raf-1 inhibitor GW5074 and MEK inhibitor PD98059 significantly attenuated DA-9801-induced neurite outgrowth. Additionally, the MEK1 and MEK2 inhibitor SL327 significantly attenuated the increase in the percentage of neurite-bearing PC12 cells induced by DA-9801 treatment. Conversely, the selective p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 did not attenuate the DA-9801 treatment-induced increase in the percentage of neurite-bearing PC12 cells. DA-9801 enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CREB in PC12 cells incubated with and without NGF. Pretreatment with PD98059 blocked the DA-9801-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CREB. In conclusion, DA-9801 induces neurite outgrowth by affecting the ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway. Insights into the mechanism underlying this effect of DA-9801 may suggest novel potential strategies for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

  4. The Speed of Serial Attention Shifts in Visual Search: Evidence from the N2pc Component.

    PubMed

    Grubert, Anna; Eimer, Martin

    2016-02-01

    Finding target objects among distractors in visual search display is often assumed to be based on sequential movements of attention between different objects. However, the speed of such serial attention shifts is still under dispute. We employed a search task that encouraged the successive allocation of attention to two target objects in the same search display and measured N2pc components to determine how fast attention moved between these objects. Each display contained one digit in a known color (fixed-color target) and another digit whose color changed unpredictably across trials (variable-color target) together with two gray distractor digits. Participants' task was to find the fixed-color digit and compare its numerical value with that of the variable-color digit. N2pc components to fixed-color targets preceded N2pc components to variable-color digits, demonstrating that these two targets were indeed selected in a fixed serial order. The N2pc to variable-color digits emerged approximately 60 msec after the N2pc to fixed-color digits, which shows that attention can be reallocated very rapidly between different target objects in the visual field. When search display durations were increased, thereby relaxing the temporal demands on serial selection, the two N2pc components to fixed-color and variable-color targets were elicited within 90 msec of each other. Results demonstrate that sequential shifts of attention between different target locations can operate very rapidly at speeds that are in line with the assumptions of serial selection models of visual search.

  5. In vitro synergistic efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid, oleic acid, safflower oil and taxol cytotoxicity on PC3 cells.

    PubMed

    Kızılşahin, Sadi; Nalbantsoy, Ayşe; Yavaşoğlu, N Ülkü Karabay

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to determine in vitro synergistic efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), oleic acid (OLA), safflower oil and taxol (Tax) cytotoxicity on human prostate cancer (PC3) cell line. To determine synergistic efficacy of oil combinations, PC3 treated with different doses of compounds alone and combined with 10 μg/mL Tax. The MTT results indicated that OLA-Tax combinations exhibited cytotoxicity against PC3 at doses of 30 nM+10 μg-Tax, 15 nM+5 μg-Tax and 7.5 nM+2.5 μg-Tax. The treatment of OLA or Tax did not show significant inhibition on PC3, while OLA-Tax combinations showed effective cytotoxicity at treated doses. CLA-Tax combinations demonstrated the same effect on PC3 as combined form with 45.72% versus the alone form as 74.51% viability. Cytotoxic synergy between Tax, OLA and CLA shows enhanced cytotoxicity on PC3 which might be used in the therapy of prostate cancer.

  6. Protective effects of red wine flavonols on 4-hydroxynonenal-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Jang, Young Jin; Kang, Nam Joo; Lee, Ki Won; Lee, Hyong Joo

    2009-08-01

    There is accumulating evidence that a moderate consumption of red wine has health benefits, such as the inhibition of neurodegenerative diseases. Although this is generally attributed to resveratrol, the protective mechanisms and the active substance(s) remain unclear. We examined whether and how red wine extract (RWE) and red wine flavonols quercetin and myricetin inhibited 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)-induced apoptosis of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. RWE attenuated HNE-induced PC12 cell death in a dose-dependent manner. HNE induced cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, which is involved in DNA repair in the nucleus, and this was inhibited by RWE treatment. Treatment with RWE also inhibited HNE-induced nuclear condensation in PC12 cells. Data of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate showed that RWE protected against apoptosis of PC12 cells by attenuating intracellular reactive oxygen species. The cytoprotective effects on HNE-induced cell death were stronger for quercetin and myricetin than for resveratrol. HNE-induced nuclear condensation was attenuated by quercetin and myricetin. These results suggest that the neuroprotective potential of red wine is attributable to flavonols rather than to resveratrol.

  7. CERISE, a French radioprotection code, to assess the radiological impact and acceptance criteria of installations for material handling, and recycling or disposal of very low-level radioactive waste

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

    Santucci, P.; Guetat, P.

    1993-12-31

    This document describes the code CERISE, Code d`Evaluations Radiologiques Individuelles pour des Situations en Enterprise et dans l`Environnement. This code has been developed in the frame of European studies to establish acceptance criteria of very low-level radioactive waste and materials. This code is written in Fortran and runs on PC. It calculates doses received by the different pathways: external exposure, ingestion, inhalation and skin contamination. Twenty basic scenarios are already elaborated, which have been determined from previous studies. Calculations establish the relation between surface, specific and/or total activities, and doses. Results can be expressed as doses for an average activitymore » unit, or as average activity limits for a set of reference doses (defined for each scenario analyzed). In this last case, the minimal activity values and the corresponding limiting scenarios, are selected and summarized in a final table.« less

  8. [Effects of controlling specific dangerous pesticides on prevention of acute pesticide poisoning in rural area].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ping; Zhao, Jiang-xia; Chang, Xiu-li; Zhou, Zhi-jun

    2010-09-01

    To investigate the effects of controlling the specific dangerous pesticides on prevention of acute pesticide poisoning in rural area. The data of reported cases of pesticide poisoning were analyzed to find out the specific dangerous pesticide in acute pesticide poisoning. Then the occurrence of occupational pesticide poisoning and fatality of non-occupational pesticide poisoning were estimated under the hypothesis of removing the specific dangerous pesticides. The data indicated that parathion (including methyl parathion) was the specific dangerous pesticide inducing occupational pesticide poisoning. After removing the use of parathion, the hazard of pesticides which caused occupational pesticide poisoning would be significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Parathion was also the most dangerous pesticide which caused non-occupational pesticide poisoning, with its fatality up to 15.8%. If parathion was well controlled, the fatality of non-occupational pesticide poisoning would be declined from 9.4% to 7.4%. The analyses of related literatures also revealed the similar results. The occurrence of occupational pesticide poisoning and fatality of non-occupational pesticide poisoning may decrease if the most dangerous pesticides are well supervised.

  9. Research based on the SoPC platform of feature-based image registration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Yue-dong; Wang, Zhi-hui

    2015-12-01

    This paper focuses on the study of implementing feature-based image registration by System on a Programmable Chip (SoPC) hardware platform. We solidify the image registration algorithm on the FPGA chip, in which embedded soft core processor Nios II can speed up the image processing system. In this way, we can make image registration technology get rid of the PC. And, consequently, this kind of technology will be got an extensive use. The experiment result indicates that our system shows stable performance, particularly in terms of matching processing which noise immunity is good. And feature points of images show a reasonable distribution.

  10. Analysis of the quantum numbers J(PC) of the X(3872) particle.

    PubMed

    Abulencia, A; Adelman, J; Affolder, T; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Ambrose, D; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Anikeev, K; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Aoki, M; Apollinari, G; Arguin, J-F; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Bedeschi, F; Behari, S; Belforte, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Budroni, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carillo, S; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, I; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciljak, M; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Coca, M; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Cyr, D; Daronco, S; Datta, M; D'Auria, S; Davies, T; D'Onofrio, M; Dagenhart, D; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; Dell'Orso, M; Delli Paoli, F; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; DiTuro, P; Dörr, C; Donati, S; Donega, M; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, I; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Foland, A; Forrester, S; Foster, G W; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garcia, J E; Garberson, F; Garfinkel, A F; Gay, C; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giannetti, P; Gibson, A; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Goldstein, J; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Griffiths, M; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Holloway, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ishizawa, Y; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jensen, H; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kemp, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kovalev, A; Kraan, A C; Kraus, J; Kravchenko, I; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Loverre, P; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Manca, G; Margaroli, F; Marginean, R; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Matsunaga, H; Mattson, M E; Mazini, R; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyamoto, A; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Mohr, B; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Nachtman, J; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nigmanov, T; Nodulman, L; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ranjan, N; Rappoccio, S; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Sabik, S; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Saltzberg, D; Sánchez, C; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savard, P; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Sjolin, J; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; Staveris-Polykalas, A; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Takikawa, K; Tanaka, M; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tsuchiya, R; Tsuno, S; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Unverhau, T; Uozumi, S; Usynin, D; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Veramendi, G; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vollrath, I; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, J; Wagner, W; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waschke, S; Waters, D; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zhou, J; Zucchelli, S

    2007-03-30

    We present an analysis of angular distributions and correlations of the X(3872) particle in the exclusive decay mode X(3872)-->J/psipi+ pi- with J/psi-->mu+ mu-. We use 780 pb-1 of data from pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We derive constraints on spin, parity, and charge conjugation parity of the X(3872) particle by comparing measured angular distributions of the decay products with predictions for different J(PC) hypotheses. The assignments J(PC)=1++ and 2-+ are the only ones consistent with the data.

  11. PcToll3 was involved in anti-Vibrio response by regulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides in red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii.

    PubMed

    Lan, Jiang-Feng; Wei, Shun; Wang, Yu-Qing; Dai, Yun-Jia; Tu, Jia-Gang; Zhao, Li-Juan; Li, Xin-Cang; Qin, Qi-Wei; Chen, Nan; Lin, Li

    2016-10-01

    Tolls and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in host immune defenses by regulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and cytokines, but the functional differences of crustacean Tolls from Drosophila Tolls or Mammal TLRs are largely unknown. A novel Toll receptor, named PcToll3, was identified from red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii. It was widely expressed in all detected tissues, and its transcript in hemocytes was up-regulated at 12 h after Vibrio parahemolyticus (Vibrio) injection or at 24 h post white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge. After knockdown of PcToll3, the activity of bacterial clearance was inhibited, and the expression levels of AMPs including Crustin1 (Cru1), Anti-lippopolysaccharide factor 1 (ALF1), and Lysozymes1 (Lys1), which could be up-regulated by Vibrio, were all affected. Meanwhile, PcToll3 silencing influenced the expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (PcMyd88), tumor necrosis factor-associated factor 6 (PcTRAF6), and PcDorsal, which were the counterparts of Drosophila Toll signaling pathway. Interestingly, PcToll3 silencing inhibited translocation of PcDorsal from cytoplasm to nucleus. Furthermore, the knockdown of PcDorsal also impaired the expression of AMPs after Vibrio challenge. Hence, we concluded that, besides participating in antiviral immunity, PcToll3 might also regulate the expression of Cru1 and Lys1 to participate in anti-Vibrio immune responses by promoting PcDorsal translocation into nucleus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom L-amino acid oxidase induces apoptosis in PC-3 cells and suppresses PC-3 solid tumor growth in a tumor xenograft mouse model.

    PubMed

    Lee, Mui Li; Fung, Shin Yee; Chung, Ivy; Pailoor, Jayalakshmi; Cheah, Swee Hung; Tan, Nget Hong

    2014-01-01

    King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom L-amino acid oxidase (OH-LAAO), a heat stable enzyme, has been shown to exhibit very potent anti-proliferative activity against human breast and lung tumorigenic cells but not in their non-tumorigenic counterparts. We further examine its in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in a human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) model. OH-LAAO demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against PC-3 cells with IC50 of 0.05 µg/mL after 72 h incubation in vitro. It induced apoptosis as evidenced with an increase in caspase-3/7 cleavages and an increase in annexin V-stained cells. To examine its in vivo anti-tumor activity, we treated PC-3 tumor xenograft implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient NU/NU (nude) mice with 1 µg/g OH-LAAO given intraperitoneally (i.p.). After 8 weeks of treatment, OH-LAAO treated PC-3 tumors were markedly inhibited, when compared to the control group (P <0.05). TUNEL staining analysis on the tumor sections showed a significantly increase of apoptotic cells in the LAAO-treated animals. Histological examinations of the vital organs in these two groups showed no significant differences with normal tissues, indicating no obvious tissue damage. The treatment also did not cause any significant changes on the body weight of the mice during the duration of the study. These observations suggest that OH-LAAO cytotoxic effects may be specific to tumor xenografts and less to normal organs. Given its potent anti-tumor activities shown in vitro as well as in vivo, the king cobra venom LAAO can potentially be developed to treat prostate cancer and other solid tumors.

  13. PROFIT-PC: a program for estimating maximum net revenue from multiproduct harvests in Appalachian hardwoods

    Treesearch

    Chris B. LeDoux; John E. Baumgras; R. Bryan Selbe

    1989-01-01

    PROFIT-PC is a menu driven, interactive PC (personal computer) program that estimates optimum product mix and maximum net harvesting revenue based on projected product yields and stump-to-mill timber harvesting costs. Required inputs include the number of trees/acre by species and 2 inches diameter at breast-height class, delivered product prices by species and product...

  14. Severe congenital neutropenia resulting from G6PC3 deficiency with increased neutrophil CXCR4 expression and myelokathexis.

    PubMed

    McDermott, David H; De Ravin, Suk See; Jun, Hyun Sik; Liu, Qian; Priel, Debra A Long; Noel, Pierre; Takemoto, Clifford M; Ojode, Teresa; Paul, Scott M; Dunsmore, Kimberly P; Hilligoss, Dianne; Marquesen, Martha; Ulrick, Jean; Kuhns, Douglas B; Chou, Janice Y; Malech, Harry L; Murphy, Philip M

    2010-10-14

    Mutations in more than 15 genes are now known to cause severe congenital neutropenia (SCN); however, the pathologic mechanisms of most genetic defects are not fully defined. Deficiency of G6PC3, a glucose-6-phosphatase, causes a rare multisystem syndrome with SCN first described in 2009. We identified a family with 2 children with homozygous G6PC3 G260R mutations, a loss of enzymatic function, and typical syndrome features with the exception that their bone marrow biopsy pathology revealed abundant neutrophils consistent with myelokathexis. This pathologic finding is a hallmark of another type of SCN, WHIM syndrome, which is caused by gain-of-function mutations in CXCR4, a chemokine receptor and known neutrophil bone marrow retention factor. We found markedly increased CXCR4 expression on neutrophils from both our G6PC3-deficient patients and G6pc3(-/-) mice. In both patients, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment normalized CXCR4 expression and neutrophil counts. In G6pc3(-/-) mice, the specific CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 rapidly reversed neutropenia. Thus, myelokathexis associated with abnormally high neutrophil CXCR4 expression may contribute to neutropenia in G6PC3 deficiency and responds well to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

  15. Liver X receptor activation inhibits PC-3 prostate cancer cells via the beta-catenin pathway.

    PubMed

    Youlin, Kuang; Li, Zhang; Weiyang, He; Jian, Kang; Siming, Liang; Xin, Gou

    2017-03-01

    Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors family of ligand-dependent transcription factors that play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. Recent studies show that LXR agonists exhibit anti-cancer activities in a variety of cancer cell lines including prostate. To further identify the potential mechanisms of LXRα activation on prostate cancer, we investigated the effect of LXR agonist T0901317 on PC3 prostate cancer cell and in which activity of beta-catenin pathway involved. Prostate cancer PC3 cells were transfected with LXR-a siRNA and treated with LXR activator T0901317. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the LXR-a expression. beta-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-MYC were analyzed by western blot. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell migration was detected by Transwell chambers. Data showed that T0901317 significantly inhibited PC3 cell proliferation as well as invasion and increased apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, we found that LXRα activation induced the reduction of beta-catenin expression in PC3 cells, and this inhibitory effect could be totally abolished when cells were treated with LXRα. Meanwhile, the expression of beta-catenin target gene cyclin D1 and c-MYC were also decreased. This study provided additional evidence that LXR activation inhibited PC-3 prostate cancer cells via suppressing beta-catenin pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  16. Experimental study on the neurotoxic effect of β-amyloid on the cytoskeleton of PC12 cells

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Zhenyu; Fan, Wenjuan; Liu, Hongliang; Deng, Jinbo; Deng, Jiexin

    2018-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to establish a cell model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and investigate the neurotoxic effects of β-amyloid (Aβ) on the cytoskeleton. PC12 cells were cultured and treated with Aβ25-35, and cell survival was analyzed with the MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was visualized using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Immunocytochemistry and phalloidin staining were used to label the cytoskeleton of PC12 cells. Aβ25-35 was found to induce PC12 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Moreover, Aβ25-35 also caused dose-dependent disintegration of the cytoskeleton (P<0.05). Therefore, the PC12 cell cytoskeleton was found to be sensitive to Aβ25-35 neurotoxicity. The disintegration of the cytoskeleton is likely an important pathological alteration in AD, and Aβ is a key molecule involved in AD pathogenesis. PMID:29436599

  17. Subcellular Distribution of S-Nitrosylated H-Ras in Differentiated and Undifferentiated PC12 Cells during Hypoxia.

    PubMed

    Barbakadze, Tamar; Goloshvili, Galina; Narmania, Nana; Zhuravliova, Elene; Mikeladze, David

    2017-10-01

    Hypoxia or exposure to excessive reactive oxygen or nitrogen species could induce S-nitrosylation of various target proteins, including GTPases of the Ras-superfamily. Under hypoxic conditions, the Ras-protein is translocated to the cytosol and interacts with the Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria. The mobility/translocation of Ras depend on the cells oxidative status. However, the importance of relocated Snitrosylated- H-Ras (NO-H-Ras) in proliferation/differentiation processes is not completely understood. We have determined the content of soluble- and membrane-bound-NO-HRas in differentiated (D) and undifferentiated (ND) rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. In our experimental study, we analyzed NO-H-Ras levels under hypoxic/normoxic conditions in membrane and soluble fractions of ND and D PC12 cells with/without nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatment. Cells were analyzed by the S-nitrosylated kit, immunoprecipitation, and Western blot. We assessed the action of NO-H-Ras on oxidative metabolism of isolated mitochondria by determining mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide generation via the scopoletin oxidation method and ATPproduction as estimated by the luminometric method. Hypoxia did not influence nitrosylation of soluble H-Ras in ND PC12 cells. Under hypoxic conditions, the nitrosylation of soluble-H-Ras greatly decreased in D PC12 cells. SNP didn't change the levels of nitrosylation of soluble-H-Ras, in either hypoxic or normoxic conditions. On the other hand, hypoxia, per se, did not affect the nitrosylation of membrane-bound-H-Ras in D and ND PC12 cells. SNP-dependent nitrosylation of membrane-bound-H-Ras greatly increased in D PC12 cells. Both unmodified normal and mutated H-Ras enhanced the mitochondrial synthesis of ATP, whereas the stimulatory effects on ATP synthesis were eliminated after S-nitrosylation of H-Ras. According to the results, it may be proposed that hypoxia can decrease S

  18. Enhanced thermostability of methyl parathion hydrolase from Ochrobactrum sp. M231 by rational engineering of a glycine to proline mutation.

    PubMed

    Tian, Jian; Wang, Ping; Gao, Shan; Chu, Xiaoyu; Wu, Ningfeng; Fan, Yunliu

    2010-12-01

    Protein thermostability can be increased by some glycine to proline mutations in a target protein. However, not all glycine to proline mutations can improve protein thermostability, and this method is suitable only at carefully selected mutation sites that can accommodate structural stabilization. In this study, homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations were used to select appropriate glycine to proline mutations to improve protein thermostability, and the effect of the selected mutations was proved by the experiments. The structure of methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) from Ochrobactrum sp. M231 (Ochr-MPH) was constructed by homology modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the modeled structure. A profile of the root mean square fluctuations of Ochr-MPH was calculated at the nanosecond timescale, and an eight-amino acid loop region (residues 186-193) was identified as having high conformational fluctuation. The two glycines nearest to this region were selected as mutation targets that might affect protein flexibility in the vicinity. The structures and conformational fluctuations of two single mutants (G194P and G198P) and one double mutant (G194P/G198P) were modeled and analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations. The results predicted that the mutant G194P had the decreased conformational fluctuation in the loop region and might increase the thermostability of Ochr-MPH. The thermostability and kinetic behavior of the wild-type and three mutant enzymes were measured. The results were consistent with the computational predictions, and the mutant G194P was found to have higher thermostability than the wild-type enzyme. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 FEBS.

  19. Tablet PC Enabled Body Sensor System for Rural Telehealth Applications

    PubMed Central

    Panicker, Nitha V.; Kumar, A. Sukesh

    2016-01-01

    Telehealth systems benefit from the rapid growth of mobile communication technology for measuring physiological signals. Development and validation of a tablet PC enabled noninvasive body sensor system for rural telehealth application are discussed in this paper. This system includes real time continuous collection of physiological parameters (blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature) and fall detection of a patient with the help of a body sensor unit and wireless transmission of the acquired information to a tablet PC handled by the medical staff in a Primary Health Center (PHC). Abnormal conditions are automatically identified and alert messages are given to the medical officer in real time. Clinical validation is performed in a real environment and found to be successful. Bland-Altman analysis is carried out to validate the wrist blood pressure sensor used. The system works well for all measurements. PMID:26884757

  20. Four-Channel PC/104 MIL-STD-1553 Circuit Board

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cox, Gary L.

    2004-01-01

    The mini bus interface card (miniBIC) is the first four-channel electronic circuit board that conforms to MIL-STD-1553 and to the electrical-footprint portion of PC/104. [MIL-STD-1553 is a military standard that encompasses a method of communication and electrical- interface requirements for digital electronic subsystems connected to a data bus. PC/104 is an industry standard for compact, stackable modules that are fully compatible (in architecture, hardware, and software) with personal-computer data- and power-bus circuitry.] Prior to the development of the miniBIC, only one- and two-channel PC/104 MIL-STD-1553 boards were available. To obtain four channels, it was necessary to include at least two boards in a PC/104 stack. In comparison with such a two-board stack, the miniBIC takes up less space, consumes less power, and is more reliable. In addition, the miniBIC includes 32 digital input/output channels. The miniBIC (see figure) contains four MIL-STD-1553B hybrid integrated circuits (ICs), four transformers, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) interface. Each hybrid IC includes a MILSTD-1553 dual transceiver, memory-management circuitry, processor interface logic circuitry, and 64Kx16 bits of shared static random access memory. The memory is used to configure message and data blocks. In addition, 23 16-bit registers are available for (1) configuring the hybrid IC for, and starting it in, various modes of operation; (2) reading the status of the functionality of the hybrid IC; and (3) resetting the hybrid IC to a known state. The miniBIC can operate as a remote terminal, bus controller, or bus monitor. The FPGA provides the chip-select and data-strobe signals needed for operation of the hybrid ICs. The FPGA also receives interruption signals and forwards them to the ISA bus. The ISA interface connects the address, data, and control interfaces of the hybrid ICs to the ISA backplane. Each channel is, in effect, a MIL

  1. On the predictive potential of Pc5 ULF waves to forecast relativistic electrons based on their relationships over two solar cycles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lam, Hing-Lan

    2017-01-01

    A statistical study of relativistic electron (>2 MeV) fluence derived from geosynchronous satellites and Pc5 ultralow frequency (ULF) wave power computed from a ground magnetic observatory data located in Canada's auroral zone has been carried out. The ground observations were made near the foot points of field lines passing through the GOESs from 1987 to 2009 (cycles 22 and 23). We determine statistical relationships between the two quantities for different phases of a solar cycle and validate these relationships in two different cycles. There is a positive linear relationship between log fluence and log Pc5 power for all solar phases; however, the power law indices vary for different phases of the cycle. High index values existed during the descending phase. The Pearson's cross correlation between electron fluence and Pc5 power indicates fluence enhancement 2-3 days after strong Pc5 wave activity for all solar phases. The lag between the two quantities is shorter for extremely high fluence (due to high Pc5 power), which tends to occur during the declining phases of both cycles. Most occurrences of extremely low fluence were observed during the extended solar minimum of cycle 23. The precursory attribute of Pc5 power with respect to fluence and the enhancement of fluence due to rising Pc5 power both support the notion of an electron acceleration mechanism by Pc5 ULF waves. This precursor behavior establishes the potential of using Pc5 power to predict relativistic electron fluence.

  2. Comparison of Polar Cap (PC) index calculations.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stauning, P.

    2012-04-01

    The Polar Cap (PC) index introduced by Troshichev and Andrezen (1985) is derived from polar magnetic variations and is mainly a measure of the intensity of the transpolar ionospheric currents. These currents relate to the polar cap antisunward ionospheric plasma convection driven by the dawn-dusk electric field, which in turn is generated by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere. Coefficients to calculate PCN and PCS index values from polar magnetic variations recorded at Thule and Vostok, respectively, have been derived by several different procedures in the past. The first published set of coefficients for Thule was derived by Vennerstrøm, 1991 and is still in use for calculations of PCN index values by DTU Space. Errors in the program used to calculate index values were corrected in 1999 and again in 2001. In 2005 DMI adopted a unified procedure proposed by Troshichev for calculations of the PCN index. Thus there exists 4 different series of PCN index values. Similarly, at AARI three different sets of coefficients have been used to calculate PCS indices in the past. The presentation discusses the principal differences between the various PC index procedures and provides comparisons between index values derived from the same magnetic data sets using the different procedures. Examples from published papers are examined to illustrate the differences.

  3. High-level PC-based laser system modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taylor, Michael S.

    1991-05-01

    Since the inception of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) there have been a multitude of comparison studies done in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness and relative sizes of complementary, and sometimes competitive, laser weapon systems. It became more and more apparent that what the systems analyst needed was not only a fast, but a cost effective way to perform high-level trade studies. In the present investigation, a general procedure is presented for the development of PC-based algorithmic systems models for laser systems. This procedure points out all of the major issues that should be addressed in the design and development of such a model. Issues addressed include defining the problem to be modeled, defining a strategy for development, and finally, effective use of the model once developed. Being a general procedure, it will allow a systems analyst to develop a model to meet specific needs. To illustrate this method of model development, a description of the Strategic Defense Simulation - Design To (SDS-DT) model developed and used by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is presented. SDS-DT is a menu-driven, fast executing, PC-based program that can be used to either calculate performance, weight, volume, and cost values for a particular design or, alternatively, to run parametrics on particular system parameters to perhaps optimize a design.

  4. The upstream enhancer elements of the G6PC promoter are critical for optimal G6PC expression in murine glycogen storage disease type Ia.

    PubMed

    Lee, Young Mok; Pan, Chi-Jiunn; Koeberl, Dwight D; Mansfield, Brian C; Chou, Janice Y

    2013-11-01

    Glycogen storage disease type-Ia (GSD-Ia) patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC) manifest impaired glucose homeostasis characterized by fasting hypoglycemia, growth retardation, hepatomegaly, nephromegaly, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and lactic acidemia. Two efficacious recombinant adeno-associated virus pseudotype 2/8 (rAAV8) vectors expressing human G6Pase-α have been independently developed. One is a single-stranded vector containing a 2864-bp of the G6PC promoter/enhancer (rAAV8-GPE) and the other is a double-stranded vector containing a shorter 382-bp minimal G6PC promoter/enhancer (rAAV8-miGPE). To identify the best construct, a direct comparison of the rAAV8-GPE and the rAAV8-miGPE vectors was initiated to determine the best vector to take forward into clinical trials. We show that the rAAV8-GPE vector directed significantly higher levels of hepatic G6Pase-α expression, achieved greater reduction in hepatic glycogen accumulation, and led to a better toleration of fasting in GSD-Ia mice than the rAAV8-miGPE vector. Our results indicated that additional control elements in the rAAV8-GPE vector outweigh the gains from the double-stranded rAAV8-miGPE transduction efficiency, and that the rAAV8-GPE vector is the current choice for clinical translation in human GSD-Ia. © 2013.

  5. Self-dual random-plaquette gauge model and the quantum toric code

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takeda, Koujin; Nishimori, Hidetoshi

    2004-05-01

    We study the four-dimensional Z2 random-plaquette lattice gauge theory as a model of topological quantum memory, the toric code in particular. In this model, the procedure of quantum error correction works properly in the ordered (Higgs) phase, and phase boundary between the ordered (Higgs) and disordered (confinement) phases gives the accuracy threshold of error correction. Using self-duality of the model in conjunction with the replica method, we show that this model has exactly the same mathematical structure as that of the two-dimensional random-bond Ising model, which has been studied very extensively. This observation enables us to derive a conjecture on the exact location of the multicritical point (accuracy threshold) of the model, pc=0.889972…, and leads to several nontrivial results including bounds on the accuracy threshold in three dimensions.

  6. Deficiency in prohormone convertase PC1 impairs prohormone processing in Prader-Willi syndrome.

    PubMed

    Burnett, Lisa C; LeDuc, Charles A; Sulsona, Carlos R; Paull, Daniel; Rausch, Richard; Eddiry, Sanaa; Carli, Jayne F Martin; Morabito, Michael V; Skowronski, Alicja A; Hubner, Gabriela; Zimmer, Matthew; Wang, Liheng; Day, Robert; Levy, Brynn; Fennoy, Ilene; Dubern, Beatrice; Poitou, Christine; Clement, Karine; Butler, Merlin G; Rosenbaum, Michael; Salles, Jean Pierre; Tauber, Maithe; Driscoll, Daniel J; Egli, Dieter; Leibel, Rudolph L

    2017-01-03

    Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is caused by a loss of paternally expressed genes in an imprinted region of chromosome 15q. Among the canonical PWS phenotypes are hyperphagic obesity, central hypogonadism, and low growth hormone (GH). Rare microdeletions in PWS patients define a 91-kb minimum critical deletion region encompassing 3 genes, including the noncoding RNA gene SNORD116. Here, we found that protein and transcript levels of nescient helix loop helix 2 (NHLH2) and the prohormone convertase PC1 (encoded by PCSK1) were reduced in PWS patient induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC-derived) neurons. Moreover, Nhlh2 and Pcsk1 expression were reduced in hypothalami of fasted Snord116 paternal knockout (Snord116p-/m+) mice. Hypothalamic Agrp and Npy remained elevated following refeeding in association with relative hyperphagia in Snord116p-/m+ mice. Nhlh2-deficient mice display growth deficiencies as adolescents and hypogonadism, hyperphagia, and obesity as adults. Nhlh2 has also been shown to promote Pcsk1 expression. Humans and mice deficient in PC1 display hyperphagic obesity, hypogonadism, decreased GH, and hypoinsulinemic diabetes due to impaired prohormone processing. Here, we found that Snord116p-/m+ mice displayed in vivo functional defects in prohormone processing of proinsulin, pro-GH-releasing hormone, and proghrelin in association with reductions in islet, hypothalamic, and stomach PC1 content. Our findings suggest that the major neuroendocrine features of PWS are due to PC1 deficiency.

  7. Deficiency in prohormone convertase PC1 impairs prohormone processing in Prader-Willi syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Burnett, Lisa C.; LeDuc, Charles A.; Sulsona, Carlos R.; Paull, Daniel; Rausch, Richard; Eddiry, Sanaa; Carli, Jayne F. Martin; Morabito, Michael V.; Skowronski, Alicja A.; Hubner, Gabriela; Zimmer, Matthew; Wang, Liheng; Day, Robert; Levy, Brynn; Dubern, Beatrice; Poitou, Christine; Clement, Karine; Rosenbaum, Michael; Salles, Jean Pierre; Tauber, Maithe; Egli, Dieter

    2016-01-01

    Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is caused by a loss of paternally expressed genes in an imprinted region of chromosome 15q. Among the canonical PWS phenotypes are hyperphagic obesity, central hypogonadism, and low growth hormone (GH). Rare microdeletions in PWS patients define a 91-kb minimum critical deletion region encompassing 3 genes, including the noncoding RNA gene SNORD116. Here, we found that protein and transcript levels of nescient helix loop helix 2 (NHLH2) and the prohormone convertase PC1 (encoded by PCSK1) were reduced in PWS patient induced pluripotent stem cell–derived (iPSC-derived) neurons. Moreover, Nhlh2 and Pcsk1 expression were reduced in hypothalami of fasted Snord116 paternal knockout (Snord116p–/m+) mice. Hypothalamic Agrp and Npy remained elevated following refeeding in association with relative hyperphagia in Snord116p–/m+ mice. Nhlh2-deficient mice display growth deficiencies as adolescents and hypogonadism, hyperphagia, and obesity as adults. Nhlh2 has also been shown to promote Pcsk1 expression. Humans and mice deficient in PC1 display hyperphagic obesity, hypogonadism, decreased GH, and hypoinsulinemic diabetes due to impaired prohormone processing. Here, we found that Snord116p–/m+ mice displayed in vivo functional defects in prohormone processing of proinsulin, pro-GH–releasing hormone, and proghrelin in association with reductions in islet, hypothalamic, and stomach PC1 content. Our findings suggest that the major neuroendocrine features of PWS are due to PC1 deficiency. PMID:27941249

  8. Multi-station basis for Polar Cap (PC) indices: ensuring credibility and operational reliability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stauning, Peter

    2018-02-01

    The Polar Cap (PC) indices, PCN (North) and PCS (South) are based on polar geomagnetic observations from Qaanaaq (Thule) and Vostok, respectively, processed to measure the transpolar plasma convection that may seriously affect space weather conditions. To establish reliable space weather forecasts based on PC indices, and also to ensure credibility of their use for scientific analyses of solar wind-magnetosphere interactions, additional sources of data for the PC indices are investigated. In the search for alternative index sources, objective quality criteria are established here to be used for the selection among potential candidates. These criteria are applied to existing PC index series to establish a quality scale. In the Canadian region, the data from Resolute Bay magnetometer are shown to provide alternative PCN indices of adequate quality. In Antarctica, the data from Concordia Dome-C observatory are shown to provide basis for alternative PCS indices. In examples to document the usefulness of these alternative index sources it is shown that PCN indices in a real-time version based on magnetometer data from Resolute Bay could have given 6 h of early warning, of which the last 2 h were "red alert", up to the onset of the strong substorm event on 13 March 1989 that caused power outage in Quebec. The alternative PCS indices based on data from Dome-C have helped to disclose that presently available Vostok-based PCS index values are corrupted throughout most of 2011.

  9. Self-complementary circular codes in coding theory.

    PubMed

    Fimmel, Elena; Michel, Christian J; Starman, Martin; Strüngmann, Lutz

    2018-04-01

    Self-complementary circular codes are involved in pairing genetic processes. A maximal [Formula: see text] self-complementary circular code X of trinucleotides was identified in genes of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, plasmids and viruses (Michel in Life 7(20):1-16 2017, J Theor Biol 380:156-177, 2015; Arquès and Michel in J Theor Biol 182:45-58 1996). In this paper, self-complementary circular codes are investigated using the graph theory approach recently formulated in Fimmel et al. (Philos Trans R Soc A 374:20150058, 2016). A directed graph [Formula: see text] associated with any code X mirrors the properties of the code. In the present paper, we demonstrate a necessary condition for the self-complementarity of an arbitrary code X in terms of the graph theory. The same condition has been proven to be sufficient for codes which are circular and of large size [Formula: see text] trinucleotides, in particular for maximal circular codes ([Formula: see text] trinucleotides). For codes of small-size [Formula: see text] trinucleotides, some very rare counterexamples have been constructed. Furthermore, the length and the structure of the longest paths in the graphs associated with the self-complementary circular codes are investigated. It has been proven that the longest paths in such graphs determine the reading frame for the self-complementary circular codes. By applying this result, the reading frame in any arbitrary sequence of trinucleotides is retrieved after at most 15 nucleotides, i.e., 5 consecutive trinucleotides, from the circular code X identified in genes. Thus, an X motif of a length of at least 15 nucleotides in an arbitrary sequence of trinucleotides (not necessarily all of them belonging to X) uniquely defines the reading (correct) frame, an important criterion for analyzing the X motifs in genes in the future.

  10. Falling PC Solitaire Cards: An Open-Inquiry Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gonzalez-Espada, Wilson J.

    2012-01-01

    Many of us have played the PC Solitaire game that comes as standard software in many computers. Although I am not a great player, occasionally I win a game or two. The game celebrates my accomplishment by pushing the cards forward, one at a time, falling gracefully in what appears to look like a parabolic path in a drag-free environment. One day,…

  11. Design and implementation of a scene-dependent dynamically selfadaptable wavefront coding imaging system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carles, Guillem; Ferran, Carme; Carnicer, Artur; Bosch, Salvador

    2012-01-01

    A computational imaging system based on wavefront coding is presented. Wavefront coding provides an extension of the depth-of-field at the expense of a slight reduction of image quality. This trade-off results from the amount of coding used. By using spatial light modulators, a flexible coding is achieved which permits it to be increased or decreased as needed. In this paper a computational method is proposed for evaluating the output of a wavefront coding imaging system equipped with a spatial light modulator, with the aim of thus making it possible to implement the most suitable coding strength for a given scene. This is achieved in an unsupervised manner, thus the whole system acts as a dynamically selfadaptable imaging system. The program presented here controls the spatial light modulator and the camera, and also processes the images in a synchronised way in order to implement the dynamic system in real time. A prototype of the system was implemented in the laboratory and illustrative examples of the performance are reported in this paper. Program summaryProgram title: DynWFC (Dynamic WaveFront Coding) Catalogue identifier: AEKC_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEKC_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 10 483 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2 437 713 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Labview 8.5 and NI Vision and MinGW C Compiler Computer: Tested on PC Intel ® Pentium ® Operating system: Tested on Windows XP Classification: 18 Nature of problem: The program implements an enhanced wavefront coding imaging system able to adapt the degree of coding to the requirements of a specific scene. The program controls the acquisition by a camera, the display of a spatial light modulator

  12. Two schemes for rapid generation of digital video holograms using PC cluster

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Hanhoon; Song, Joongseok; Kim, Changseob; Park, Jong-Il

    2017-12-01

    Computer-generated holography (CGH), which is a process of generating digital holograms, is computationally expensive. Recently, several methods/systems of parallelizing the process using graphic processing units (GPUs) have been proposed. Indeed, use of multiple GPUs or a personal computer (PC) cluster (each PC with GPUs) enabled great improvements in the process speed. However, extant literature has less often explored systems involving rapid generation of multiple digital holograms and specialized systems for rapid generation of a digital video hologram. This study proposes a system that uses a PC cluster and is able to more efficiently generate a video hologram. The proposed system is designed to simultaneously generate multiple frames and accelerate the generation by parallelizing the CGH computations across a number of frames, as opposed to separately generating each individual frame while parallelizing the CGH computations within each frame. The proposed system also enables the subprocesses for generating each frame to execute in parallel through multithreading. With these two schemes, the proposed system significantly reduced the data communication time for generating a digital hologram when compared with that of the state-of-the-art system.

  13. Coset Codes Viewed as Terminated Convolutional Codes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fossorier, Marc P. C.; Lin, Shu

    1996-01-01

    In this paper, coset codes are considered as terminated convolutional codes. Based on this approach, three new general results are presented. First, it is shown that the iterative squaring construction can equivalently be defined from a convolutional code whose trellis terminates. This convolutional code determines a simple encoder for the coset code considered, and the state and branch labelings of the associated trellis diagram become straightforward. Also, from the generator matrix of the code in its convolutional code form, much information about the trade-off between the state connectivity and complexity at each section, and the parallel structure of the trellis, is directly available. Based on this generator matrix, it is shown that the parallel branches in the trellis diagram of the convolutional code represent the same coset code C(sub 1), of smaller dimension and shorter length. Utilizing this fact, a two-stage optimum trellis decoding method is devised. The first stage decodes C(sub 1), while the second stage decodes the associated convolutional code, using the branch metrics delivered by stage 1. Finally, a bidirectional decoding of each received block starting at both ends is presented. If about the same number of computations is required, this approach remains very attractive from a practical point of view as it roughly doubles the decoding speed. This fact is particularly interesting whenever the second half of the trellis is the mirror image of the first half, since the same decoder can be implemented for both parts.

  14. Attenuation of Cisplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity by Cyanidin, a Natural Inhibitor of ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in PC12 Cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Da-wei; Sun, Jing-yi; Wang, Kun; Zhang, Shuai; Hou, Ya-jun; Yang, Ming-feng; Fu, Xiao-yan; Zhang, Zong-yong; Mao, Lei-lei; Yuan, Hui; Fang, Jie; Fan, Cun-dong; Zhu, Mei-jia; Sun, Bao-liang

    2015-10-01

    Cisplatin-based chemotherapy in clinic is severely limited by its adverse effect, including neurotoxicity. Oxidative damage contributes to cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity, but the mechanism remains unclearly. Cyanidin, a natural flavonoid compound, exhibits powerful antioxidant activity. Hence, we investigated the protective effects of cyanidin on PC12 cells against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity and explored the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was completely reversed by cyanidin through inhibition of PC12 cell apoptosis, as proved by the attenuation of Sub-G1 peak, PARP cleavage, and caspases-3 activation. Mechanistically, cyanidin significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA damage in cisplatin-treated PC12 cells. Our findings revealed that cyanidin as an apoptotic inhibitor effectively blocked cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity through inhibition of ROS-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis, predicating its therapeutic potential in prevention of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. Cisplatin caused DNA damage, activated p53, and subsequently induced PC12 cells apoptosis by triggering ROS overproduction. However, cyanidin administration effectively inhibited DNA damage, attenuated p53 phosphorylation, and eventually reversed cisplatin-induced PC12 cell apoptosis through inhibition ROS accumulation.

  15. The USL NASA PC R and D project: Detailed specifications of objects

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Chum, Frank Y.; Hall, Philip P.; Moreau, Dennis R.; Triantafyllopoulos, Spiros

    1984-01-01

    The specifications for a number of projects which are to be implemented within the University of Southwestern Louisiana NASA PC R and D Project are discussed. The goals and objectives of the PC development project and the interrelationships of the various components are discussed. Six projects are described. They are a NASA/RECON simulator, a user interface to multiple remote information systems, evaluation of various personal computer systems, statistical analysis software development, interactive presentation system development, and the development of a distributed processing environment. The relationships of these projects to one another and to the goals and objectives of the overall project are discussed.

  16. FGF2 Stimulation of the Pyrophosphate-Generating Enzyme, PC-1, in Pre-Osteoblast Cells Is Mediated by RUNX2

    PubMed Central

    Hatch, Nan E; Li, Yan; Franceschi, Renny T

    2009-01-01

    Pyrophosphate is an established inhibitor of hydroxyapatite deposition and crystal growth, yet when hydrolyzed into phosphate, it becomes a substrate for hydroxyapatite deposition. Pyrophosphate-generating enzyme (PC-1), Ank, and tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (Tnap) are three factors that regulate extracellular pyrophosphate levels through its generation, transport, and hydrolysis. We previously showed that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) induces PC-1 and Ank while inhibiting Tnap expression and mineralization in MC3T3E1(C4) calvarial pre-osteoblast cells. In this study, we showed similar FGF2 regulation of these genes in primary pre-osteoblast cultures. In contrast to Ank and Tnap that are regulated by FGF2 in multiple cell types, we found regulation of PC-1 to be selective to pre-osteoblastic cells and to require the osteoblast-related transcription factor, Runx2. Specifically, FGF2 was unable to induce PC-1 expression in Runx2-negative nonbone cells or in calvarial cells from Runx2-deficient mice. Transfection of these cells with a Runx2 expression vector restored FGF2 responsiveness. FGF2 was also shown to stimulate recruitment of Runx2 to the endogenous PC-1 promoter in MC3T3E1(C4) cells, as measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Taken together, our results establish that FGF2 is a specific inducer of PC-1 in pre-osteoblast cells and that FGF2 induces PC-1 expression through a mechanism involving Runx2. PMID:19049325

  17. Combinatorial neural codes from a mathematical coding theory perspective.

    PubMed

    Curto, Carina; Itskov, Vladimir; Morrison, Katherine; Roth, Zachary; Walker, Judy L

    2013-07-01

    Shannon's seminal 1948 work gave rise to two distinct areas of research: information theory and mathematical coding theory. While information theory has had a strong influence on theoretical neuroscience, ideas from mathematical coding theory have received considerably less attention. Here we take a new look at combinatorial neural codes from a mathematical coding theory perspective, examining the error correction capabilities of familiar receptive field codes (RF codes). We find, perhaps surprisingly, that the high levels of redundancy present in these codes do not support accurate error correction, although the error-correcting performance of receptive field codes catches up to that of random comparison codes when a small tolerance to error is introduced. However, receptive field codes are good at reflecting distances between represented stimuli, while the random comparison codes are not. We suggest that a compromise in error-correcting capability may be a necessary price to pay for a neural code whose structure serves not only error correction, but must also reflect relationships between stimuli.

  18. A contribution to ULF activity in the Pc 3-4 range correlated with IMF radial orientation. [geomagnetic micropulsations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Greenstadt, E. W.; Olson, J. V.

    1977-01-01

    The paper describes an experiment to determine whether the radial orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is associated with ULF activity in the Pc 3-4 range. Data are obtained from base levels, undisturbed intervals, IMF and disturbance selection, and trigonometric correlation. The results obtained are discussed, noting particularly that for low Kp, the probability of enhanced amplitude noise rises as IMF orientation with respect to the nominal solar wind flow decreases in both Pc 3 and Pc 4 channels.

  19. Hybrid ZnPc@TiO2 nanostructures for targeted photodynamic therapy, bioimaging and doxorubicin delivery.

    PubMed

    Flak, Dorota; Yate, Luis; Nowaczyk, Grzegorz; Jurga, Stefan

    2017-09-01

    In this study ZnPc@TiO 2 hybrid nanostructures, both nanoparticles and nanotubes, as potential photosensitizers for the photodynamic therapy, fluorescent bioimaging agents, as well as anti-cancer drug nanocarriers, were prepared via zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) deposition on TiO 2 . In order to provide the selectivity of prepared hybrid nanostructures towards cancer cells they were modified with folic acid molecules (FA). The efficient attachment of both ZnPc and FA molecules was confirmed with dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was presented that ZnPc and FA attachment has a strong effect on fluorescence emission properties of TiO 2 nanostructures, which can be further used for their simultaneous visualization upon cellular uptake. ZnPc@TiO 2 and FA/ZnPc@TiO 2 hybrid nanotubes were then employed as doxorubicin nanocarriers. It was demonstrated that doxorubicin can be easily loaded on these hybrid nanostructures via an electrostatic interaction and then released. In vitro cytotoxicity and photo-cytotoxic activity studies showed that prepared hybrid nanostructures were selectively targeting to cancer cells. Doxorubicin loaded hybrid nanostructures were significantly more cytotoxic than un-loaded ones and their cytotoxic effect was even more severe upon irradiation. The cellular uptake of prepared hybrid nanostructures and their localization in cells was monitored in vitro in 2D cell culture and tumor-like 3D multicellular culture environment with fluorescent confocal microscopy. These hybrid nanostructures preferentially penetrated into human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) than into normal fibroblasts (MSU-1.1) and were mainly localized within the cell cytoplasm. HeLa cells spheroids were also efficiently labelled by prepared hybrid nanostructures. Fluorescent imaging of Hela cells treated with doxorubicin loaded hybrid nanostructures showed that doxorubicin was effectively delivered into cells

  20. A WRKY transcription factor, PcWRKY33, from Polygonum cuspidatum reduces salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Bao, Wenqi; Wang, Xiaowei; Chen, Mo; Chai, Tuanyao; Wang, Hong

    2018-07-01

    PcWRKY33 is a transcription factor which can reduce salt tolerance by decreasing the expression of stress-related genes and increasing the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). WRKY transcription factors play important roles in the regulation of biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we report a group I WRKY gene from Polygonum cuspidatum, PcWRKY33, that encodes a nucleoprotein, which specifically binds to the W-box in the promoter of target genes to regulate their expression. The results from qPCR and promoter analysis show that expression of PcWRKY33 can be induced by various abiotic stresses, including NaCl and plant hormones. Overexpression of PcWRKY33 in Arabidopsis thaliana reduced tolerance to salt stress. More specifically, several physiological parameters (such as root length, seed germination rate, seedling survival rate, and chlorophyll concentration) of the transgenic lines were significantly lower than those of the wild type under salt stress. In addition, following exposure to salt stress, transgenic plants showed decreased expression of stress-related genes, a weakened ability to maintain Na + /K + homeostasis, decreased activities of reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) scavenging enzymes, and increased accumulation of ROS. Taken together, these results suggest that PcWRKY33 negatively regulates the salt tolerance in at least two ways: by down-regulating the induction of stress-related genes and by increasing the level of cellular ROS. In sum, our results indicate that PcWRKY33 is a group I WRKY transcription factor involved in abiotic stress regulation.