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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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).

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...

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.

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.

Japan's healthcare policy for the elderly through the concepts of self-help (Ji-jo), mutual aid (Go-jo), social solidarity care (Kyo-jo), and governmental care (Ko-jo).

PubMed

Sudo, Kyoko; Kobayashi, Jun; Noda, Shinichiro; Fukuda, Yoshiharu; Takahashi, Kenzo

2018-03-18

Elderly care is an emerging global issue threatening both developed and developing countries. The elderly in Japan increased to 26.7% of the population in 2015, and Japan is classified as a super-aged society. In this article, we introduce the financial aspects of the medical care and welfare services policy for the elderly in Japan. Japan's universal health insurance coverage system has been in place since 1961. Long-term care includes welfare services, which were separated from the medical care insurance scheme in 2000 when Japan was already recognized as an aging society. Since then, the percentage of the population over 65 has increased dramatically, with the productive-age population on the decrease. The Japanese government, therefore, is seeking to implement "The Community-based Integrated Care System" with the aim of building comprehensive up-to-the-end-of-life support services in each community. The system has four proposed elements: self-help (Ji-jo), mutual aid (Go-jo), social solidarity care (Kyo-jo), and government care (Ko-jo). From the financial perspective, as the government struggles against the financial burdens of an aging population, they are considering self-help and mutual aid. Based on Japan's present situation, both elements could lead to positive results. The Japanese government must also entrust the responsibility for implementing preventive support to municipalities through strongly required regional autonomy. As Japan has resolved this new challenge through several discussions over a long period of time, other aging countries could learn from the Japanese experience of solving barriers to healthcare policy for the elderly.

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

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...

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...

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.

Association between vitamin K intake from fermented soybeans, natto, and bone mineral density in elderly Japanese men: the Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) study.

PubMed

Fujita, Y; Iki, M; Tamaki, J; Kouda, K; Yura, A; Kadowaki, E; Sato, Y; Moon, J-S; Tomioka, K; Okamoto, N; Kurumatani, N

2012-02-01

A cross-sectional analysis of 1,662 community dwelling elderly Japanese men suggested that habitual natto intake was significantly associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD). When adjustment was made for undercarboxylated osteocalcin levels, this association was insignificant, showing the natto-bone association to be primarily mediated by vitamin K. Low vitamin K intake is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture, but reports have been inconsistent on its effect on BMD. Our first aim was to examine the association between BMD and intake of fermented soybeans, natto, which contain vitamin K1 (20 μg/pack) and K2 (380 μg/pack). Our second aim was to examine the association between undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), a biomarker of vitamin K intake, and BMD to evaluate the role of vitamin K in this association. Of the Japanese men aged ≥65 years who participated in the baseline survey of the Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men study, 1,662 men without diseases or medications known to affect bone metabolism were examined for associations between self-reported natto intake or serum ucOC levels with lumbar spine or hip BMD. The subjects with greater intake of natto showed significantly lower level of serum ucOC. Analysis after adjustment for confounding variables showed an association of greater intake of natto with both significantly higher BMD and lower risk of low BMD (T-score < -1 SD) at the total hip and femoral neck. This association became insignificant after further adjustment for ucOC level. Habitual intake of natto was associated with a beneficial effect on bone health in elderly men, and this association is primarily due to vitamin K content of natto, although the lack of information on dietary nutrient intake, including vitamin K1 and K2, prevented us from further examining the association.

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�

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

[Factors associated with activities of daily living (ADL) in independently living elderly persons in a community: a baseline examination of a large scale cohort study, Fujiwara-kyo study].

PubMed

Komatsu, Masayo; Nezu, Satoko; Tomioka, Kimiko; Hazaki, Kan; Harano, Akihiro; Morikawa, Masayuki; Takagi, Masahiro; Yamada, Masahiro; Matsumoto, Yoshitaka; Iwamoto, Junko; Ishizuka, Rika; Saeki, Keigo; Okamoto, Nozomi; Kurumatani, Norio

2013-01-01

To investigate factors associated with activities of daily living in independently living elderly persons in a community. The potential subjects were 4,472 individuals aged 65 years and older who voluntarily participated in a large cohort study, the Fujiwara-kyo study. We used self-administered questionnaires consisting of an activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaire with the Physical Fitness Test established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (12 ADL items) to determine the index of higher-level physical independence, demographics, Geriatric Depression Scale, and so on. Mini-mental state examination, measurement of physical fitness, and blood tests were also carried out. A lower ADL level was defined as having a total score of the 12 ADL items (range, 12-36 points) that was below the first quartile of a total score for all the subjects. Factors associated with a low ADL level were examined by multiple logistic regression. A total of 4,198 remained as subjects for analysis. The male, female and 5-year-old groups showed significant differences in the median score of 12 ADL items between any two groups. The highest odds ratio among factors associated with lower ADL level by multiple logistic regression with mutually adjusted independent variables was 4.49 (95%CI: 2.82-7.17) in the groups of "very sharp pain" or "strong pain" during the last month. Low physical ability, self-awareness of limb weakness, a BMI of over 25, low physical activity, cerebrovascular disorder, depression, low cognitive function, unable "to see normally", unable "to hear someone", "muscle, bone and joint pain" were independently associated with lower ADL level. Multiple factors are associated with lower ADL level assessed on the basis of the 12 ADL items.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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,…

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

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...

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.

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

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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…

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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].

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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…

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

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.

[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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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…

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

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

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.

[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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

Is Asian American Parenting Controlling and Harsh? Empirical Testing of Relationships between Korean American and Western Parenting Measures.

PubMed

Choi, Yoonsun; Kim, You Seung; Kim, Su Yeong; Park, Irene Kim

2013-03-01

Asian American parenting is often portrayed as highly controlling and even harsh. This study empirically tested the associations between a set of recently developed Korean ga-jung-kyo-yuk measures and several commonly used Western parenting measures to accurately describe Asian American family processes, specifically those of Korean Americans. The results show a much nuanced and detailed picture of Korean American parenting as a blend of Western authoritative and authoritarian styles with positive and-although very limited-negative parenting. Certain aspects of ga-jung-kyo-yuk are positively associated with authoritative style or authoritarian style, or even with both of them simultaneously. They were positively associated with positive parenting (warmth, acceptance, and communication) but not with harsh parenting (rejection and negative discipline). Exceptions to this general pattern were Korean traditional disciplinary practices and the later age of separate sleeping of children. The study discusses implications of these findings and provides suggestions for future research.

Is Asian American Parenting Controlling and Harsh? Empirical Testing of Relationships between Korean American and Western Parenting Measures

PubMed Central

Choi, Yoonsun; Kim, You Seung; Kim, Su Yeong; Park, Irene Kim

2013-01-01

Asian American parenting is often portrayed as highly controlling and even harsh. This study empirically tested the associations between a set of recently developed Korean ga-jung-kyo-yuk measures and several commonly used Western parenting measures to accurately describe Asian American family processes, specifically those of Korean Americans. The results show a much nuanced and detailed picture of Korean American parenting as a blend of Western authoritative and authoritarian styles with positive and—although very limited—negative parenting. Certain aspects of ga-jung-kyo-yuk are positively associated with authoritative style or authoritarian style, or even with both of them simultaneously. They were positively associated with positive parenting (warmth, acceptance, and communication) but not with harsh parenting (rejection and negative discipline). Exceptions to this general pattern were Korean traditional disciplinary practices and the later age of separate sleeping of children. The study discusses implications of these findings and provides suggestions for future research. PMID:23977415

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

[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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Development of a Visual System Interface to Support a Domain-Oriented Application Composition System

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-23

Austin Texas, 1990. 25. Kang, Kyo C. and others. Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ) Feasibility Study. Tech- nical Report CMU/SEI-90-TR-21, Software...Validation and Analysis of the Architect Visual System. .. .. .. .. .... ....... 5-1 5.1 Validation Domain...5-2 5.3 Analysis .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .... .... .. .... .... .. ....... 5-2 5.3.1 The REFINE Environment

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.…

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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;…

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

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)

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)

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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,…

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Audio Podcasting in a Tablet PC-Enhanced Biochemistry Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyles, Heather; Robertson, Brian; Mangino, Michael; Cox, James R.

2007-01-01

This report describes the effects of making audio podcasts of all lectures in a large, basic biochemistry course promptly available to students. The audio podcasts complement a previously described approach in which a tablet PC is used to annotate PowerPoint slides with digital ink to produce electronic notes that can be archived. The fundamentals…

Efficacy of Low-Cost PC-Based Aviation Training Devices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reweti, Savern; Gilbey, Andrew; Jeffrey, Lynn

2017-01-01

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore whether a full cost flight training device (FTD) was significantly better for simulator training than a low cost PC-Based Aviation Training Device (PCATD). Background: A quasi-transfer study was undertaken to ascertain whether a Civil Aviation Authority certified Flight Training Device (FTD) was…

Identification of a β-lactamase inhibitory protein variant that is a potent inhibitor of Staphylococcus PC1 β-lactamase

PubMed Central

Yuan, Ji; Chow, Dar-Chone; Huang, Wanzhi; Palzkill, Timothy

2011-01-01

The β-lactamase inhibitory protein (BLIP) binds and inhibits a diverse collection of class A β-lactamases. Widespread resistance to β-lactam antibiotics currently limits treatment strategies for Staphylococcus infections. The goal of this study was to determine the binding affinity of BLIP for S. aureus PC1 β-lactamase and to identify mutants that alter binding affinity. The BLIP inhibition constant (Ki) for the PC1 β-lactamase was measured at 350 nM and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments indicated a binding constant (Kd) of 380 nM. A total of 23 residue positions in BLIP that contact β-lactamase were randomized and phage display was used to sort the libraries for tight binders to immobilized PC1 β-lactamase. The BLIP K74G mutant was the dominant clone selected and it was found to inhibit the PC1 β-lactamase with a Ki of 42 nM while calorimetry indicated a Kd of 26 nM. Molecular modeling studies suggested BLIP binds weakly to the PC1 β-lactamase due to the presence of alanine at position 104 of PC1. This position is occupied by glutamate in the TEM-1 enzyme where it forms a salt bridge with BLIP residue Lys74 that is important for the stability of the complex. This hypothesis was confirmed by showing that the A104E PC1 enzyme binds BLIP with 15-fold greater affinity than wild type PC1 β-lactamase. Kinetic measurements indicated similar association rates for all complexes with the variation in affinity due to altered dissociation rate constants suggesting changes in short-range interactions are responsible for the altered binding properties of the mutants. PMID:21238457

Activin A prevents neuron-like PC12 cell apoptosis after oxygen-glucose deprivation☆

PubMed Central

Xu, Guihua; He, Jinting; Guo, Hongliang; Mei, Chunli; Wang, Jiaoqi; Li, Zhongshu; Chen, Han; Mang, Jing; Yang, Hong; Xu, Zhongxin

2013-01-01

In this study, PC12 cells were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells using nerve growth factor, and were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation. Cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 ng/mL exogenous Activin A. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and Hoechst 33324 staining showed that the survival percentage of PC12 cells significantly decreased and the rate of apoptosis significantly increased after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Exogenous Activin A significantly increased the survival percentage of PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Reverse transcription-PCR results revealed a significant increase in Activin receptor IIA, Smad3 and Smad4 mRNA levels, which are key sites in the Activin A/Smads signaling pathway, in neuron-like cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation, while mRNA expression of the apoptosis-regulation gene caspase-3 decreased. Our experimental findings indicate that exogenous Activin A plays an anti-apoptotic role and protects neurons by means of activating the Activin A/Smads signaling pathway. PMID:25206395

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.

The integrity of the RRGDL sequence of the proprotein convertase PC1 is critical for its zymogen and C-terminal processing and for its cellular trafficking.

PubMed Central

Lusson, J; Benjannet, S; Hamelin, J; Savaria, D; Chrétien, M; Seidah, N G

1997-01-01

In order to define the functional importance of the conserved RRGDL motif in the P-domain of the mammalian proprotein convertases(PCs) we generated and cellularly expressed three mutant PC1 vaccinia-virus (VV) recombinants: ARGDL-PC1, RAGDL-PC1 and RRGEL-PC1. Functionally, these mutants caused a decreased level of processing of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) into beta-lipotropic pituitary hormone (beta-LPH), especially in the constitutively secreting BSC40 cells. Pulse-chase analyses demonstrated that, in part, this effect was due to both an increased degradation of the mutant PC1s within the endoplasmic reticulum and to a diminished level of zymogen processing in the same compartment. In addition, within cells containing secretory granules such as PC12 and GH4C1 cells, such mutations prevented the C-terminal auto-processing of PC1 into the fully mature 66 kDa form stored in the secretory granules of regulated cells. Since the 66 kDa PC1 is the most active form of the enzyme, it is proposed that the RRGDL sequence is critical for the generation of maximal intracellular PC1 activity. In regulated cells, co-expression of POMC with PC1 or its mutants together with the general PC inhibitor alpha1-antitrypsin Portland (alpha1-PDX), which acts primarily within the constitutive secretory pathway, demonstrated that the latter completely inhibited the formation of beta-LPH by PC1 mutants, whereas it only partially inhibited the ability of wild-type PC1 to process POMC. This suggests that RRGDL mutations prevent PC1 from entering secretory granules and hence the formation of the 66 kDa PC1, and result in the mis-sorting of PC1 mutants towards the constitutive secretory pathway. This conclusion was further supported by immunocytochemical data demonstrating that RRGDL mutants exhibit an intracellular localization pattern different from that of the granule-associated wild-type PC1,but similar to that of the Golgi-localized convertase PC5-B. PMID:9307023

Huperzine A derivative M3 protects PC12 cells against sodium nitroprusside-induced apoptosis

PubMed Central

Ning, Na; Hu, Jin-feng; Yuan, Yu-he; Zhang, Xin-yuan; Dai, Jun-gui; Chen, Nai-hong

2012-01-01

Aim: To investigate the effects of M3, a derivative of huperzine A, on the apoptosis induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in PC12 cells. Methods: Cell viability was detected using MTT method. Apoptosis was examined with annexin V/prodium iodide (PI) stain. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using fluorophotometric quantitation. The amount of malonaldehyde (MDA) was determined with MDA detection kits. The expression of caspase-3 and Hsp70 were analyzed using Western blotting. Results: Exposure of PC12 cells to SNP (200 μmol/L) for 24 h decreased the cell viability to 69.0% of that in the control group. Pretreatment with M3 (10 μmol/L) or huperzine A (10 μmol/L) significantly protected the cells against SNP-induced injury and apoptosis; the ratio of apoptotic bodies in PC12 cells was decreased from 27.3% to 15.0%. Pretreatment with M3 (10 μmol/L) significantly decreased ROS and MDA levels, and increased the expression of Hsp70 in the cells. Quercetin (10 μmol/L) blocked the protective effect of M3, while did not influence on that of huperzine A. Conclusion: M3 protects PC12 cells against SNP-induced apoptosis, possible due to ROS scavenging and Hsp70 induction. PMID:22120967

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

PC-SEAPAK is a user-interactive satellite data analysis software package specifically developed for oceanographic research. The program is used to process and interpret data obtained from the Nimbus-7/Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS), and the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). PC-SEAPAK is a set of independent microcomputer-based image analysis programs that provide the user with a flexible, user-friendly, standardized interface, and facilitates relatively low-cost analysis of oceanographic satellite data. Version 4.0 includes 114 programs. PC-SEAPAK programs are organized into categories which include CZCS and AVHRR level-1 ingest, level-2 analyses, statistical analyses, data extraction, remapping to standard projections, graphics manipulation, image board memory manipulation, hardcopy output support and general utilities. Most programs allow user interaction through menu and command modes and also by the use of a mouse. Most programs also provide for ASCII file generation for further analysis in spreadsheets, graphics packages, etc. The CZCS scanning radiometer aboard the NIMBUS-7 satellite was designed to measure the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and their degradation products in the ocean. AVHRR data is used to compute sea surface temperatures and is supported for the NOAA 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 satellites. The CZCS operated from November 1978 to June 1986. CZCS data may be obtained free of charge from the CZCS archive at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. AVHRR data may be purchased through NOAA's Satellite Data Service Division. Ordering information is included in the PC-SEAPAK documentation. Although PC-SEAPAK was developed on a COMPAQ Deskpro 386/20, it can be run on most 386-compatible computers with an AT bus, EGA controller, Intel 80387 coprocessor, and MS-DOS 3.3 or higher. A Matrox MVP-AT image board with appropriate monitor and cables is also required. Note that the authors have received some reports of

Establishment and comparison of four constitutive relationships of PC/ABS from low to high uniaxial strain rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haitao; Zhang, Yun; Huang, Zhigao; Tang, Zhongbin; Wang, Yanpei; Zhou, Huamin

2017-10-01

The objective of this paper is to accurately predict the rate/temperature-dependent deformation of a polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blend at low, moderate, and high strain rates for various temperatures. Four constitutive models have been employed to predict stress-strain responses of PC/ABS under these conditions, including the DSGZ model, the original Mulliken-Boyce (M-B) model, the modified M-B model, and an adiabatic model named the Wang model. To more accurately capture the large deformation of PC/ABS under the high strain rate loading, the original M-B model is modified by allowing for the evolution of the internal shear strength. All of the four constitutive models above have been implemented in the finite element software ABAQUS/Explicit. A comparison of prediction accuracies of the four constitutive models over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures has been presented. The modified M-B model is observed to be more accurate in predicting the deformation of PC/ABS at high strain rates for various temperatures than the original M-B model, and the Wang model is demonstrated to be the most accurate in simulating the deformation of PC/ABS at low, moderate, and high strain rates for various temperatures.

The Methylation of the PcMYB10 Promoter Is Associated with Green-Skinned Sport in Max Red Bartlett Pear1[C][W

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhigang; Meng, Dong; Wang, Aide; Li, Tianlai; Jiang, Shuling; Cong, Peihua; Li, Tianzhong

2013-01-01

Varieties of the European pear (Pyrus communis) can produce trees with both red- and green-skinned fruits, such as the Max Red Bartlett (MRB) variety, although little is known about the mechanism behind this differential pigmentation. In this study, we investigated the pigmentation of MRB and its green-skinned sport (MRB-G). The results suggest that a reduction in anthocyanin concentration causes the MRB-G sport. Transcript levels of PcUFGT (for UDP-glucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase), the key structural gene in anthocyanin biosynthesis, paralleled the change of anthocyanin concentration in both MRB and MRB-G fruit. We cloned the PcMYB10 gene, a transcription factor associated with the promoter of PcUFGT. An investigation of the 2-kb region upstream of the ATG translation start site of PcMYB10 showed the regions −604 to −911 bp and −1,218 to −1,649 bp to be highly methylated. A comparison of the PcMYB10 promoter methylation level between the MRB and MRB-G forms indicated a correlation between hypermethylation and the green-skin phenotype. An Agrobacterium tumefaciens infiltration assay was conducted on young MRB fruits by using a plasmid constructed to silence endogenous PcMYB10 via DNA methylation. The infiltrated fruits showed blocked anthocyanin biosynthesis, higher methylation of the PcMYB10 promoter, and lower expression of PcMYB10 and PcUFGT. We suggest that the methylation level of PcMYB10 is associated with the formation of the green-skinned sport in the MRB pear. The potential mechanism behind the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis is discussed. PMID:23629835

Teaching Mathematics in the PC Lab--The Students' Viewpoints

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmidt, Karsten; Kohler, Anke

2013-01-01

The Matrix Algebra portion of the intermediate mathematics course at the Schmalkalden University Faculty of Business and Economics has been moved from a traditional classroom setting to a technology-based setting in the PC lab. A Computer Algebra System license was acquired that also allows its use on the students' own PCs. A survey was carried…

PC-assisted translation of photogrammetric papers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Güthner, Karlheinz; Peipe, Jürgen

A PC-based system for machine translation of photogrammetric papers from the English into the German language and vice versa is described. The computer-assisted translating process is not intended to create a perfect interpretation of a text but to produce a rough rendering of the content of a paper. Starting with the original text, a continuous data flow is effected into the translated version by means of hardware (scanner, personal computer, printer) and software (OCR, translation, word processing, DTP). An essential component of the system is a photogrammetric microdictionary which is being established at present. It is based on several sources, including e.g. the ISPRS Multilingual Dictionary.

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.

An overview of the USL/DBMS NASA/PC R and D project working paper series

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor)

1984-01-01

An introduction is given to the University of Southwestern Louisiana Data Base Management System (USL/DBMS) NASA/PC R and D Working Paper Series which has been established to provide a foundation for both a formal and informal information dissemination mechanism concerning PC-based research and development activities being performed pursuant to the NASA contract. This entry also serves as an index to the collection of Working Paper Series reports.

[Effect of sodium phenylbutyrate on the sensitivity of PC3/DTX-resistant prostate cancer cells to docetaxel].

PubMed

Xu, Ya-Wen; Zheng, Shao-Bo; Chen, Bin-Sheng; Wen, Yong; Zhu, Shan-Wen

To investigate the effect of sodium phenylbutyrate (SPB) in modulating docetaxel resistance in human prostate cancer cells in vitro. A PC3/docetaxel-resistant human prostate cancer cell line PC3/DTX was induced and examined for proliferation, viability, and cell inhibition rate in the presence of SPB. The concentration of concentration of docetaxel required to kill 50% of PC3/DTX cells incubated with 0, 1, 2, and 4 mmol/L SPB was determined using MTT assay. Cell apoptosis rate was analyzed with flow cytometry and the cellular expressions of p21, cyclin D1 and survivin proteins were detected using Western blotting. Treatment of PC3/DTX cells with 0, 1, 2, and 4 mmol/L of SPB for 48 h resulted in cell viabilities of (99.85∓2.69)%, (84.68∓3.87)%, (68.65∓4.54)% and (43.54∓5.69)%, and cell inhibition rates of (10.69∓3.65)%, (25.78∓4.58)%, (54.68∓3.98)% and (69.84∓6.54)%, respectively (P<0.05). The concentration of docetaxel required to kill 50% of PC3/DTX cells cultured in the presence of with 0, 1, 2, and 4 mmol/L SPB was 135.98∓2.69, 109.65∓3.87, 87.65∓3.84 and 64.62∓2.98 nmol/L, respectively (P<0.05), and the cell apoptosis rates were (7.2∓0.8)%, (10.2∓0.9)%, (19.8∓2.1)% and (27.4∓2.5)%, respectively. SPB treatment promoted the protein expression of p21 and suppressed the expressions of cyclin D1 and survivin in PC3/DTX cells. SPB can affect the expressions of p21, cyclin D1, and survivin in PC3/DTX cells and increase the sensitivity to the drug-resistant cells to docetaxel.

Source biases in midlatitude magnetotelluric transfer functions due to Pc3-4 geomagnetic pulsations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Benjamin S.; Egbert, Gary D.

2018-01-01

The magnetotelluric (MT) method for imaging the electrical conductivity structure of the Earth is based on the assumption that source magnetic fields can be considered quasi-uniform, such that the spatial scale of the inducing source is much larger than the intrinsic length scale of the electromagnetic induction process (the skin depth). Here, we show using EarthScope MT data that short spatial scale source magnetic fields from geomagnetic pulsations (Pc's) can violate this fundamental assumption. Over resistive regions of the Earth, the skin depth can be comparable to the short meridional range of Pc3-4 disturbances that are generated by geomagnetic field-line resonances (FLRs). In such cases, Pc's can introduce narrow-band bias in MT transfer function estimates at FLR eigenperiods ( 10-100 s). Although it appears unlikely that these biases will be a significant problem for data inversions, further study is necessary to understand the conditions under which they may distort inverse solutions.[Figure not available: see fulltext.

One-step facile synthesis of Ni2P/C as cathode material for Ni/Zn aqueous secondary battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, JiLan; Chen, ChangGuo

2018-01-01

Nickel phosphides/carbon(Ni2P/C) composites have been successfully synthesized via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method using glucose as carbon source for the first time. By contrast, the pure Ni2P was prepared under the same conditions without glucose. The results show that glucose not only provide the carbon source, but also prevent the aggregation of Ni2P particles. The as-obtained Ni2P/C composites and pure Ni2P were used as cathode material for alkaline Ni/Zn battery. Owing to unique Ni2P/C composites and loose, Ultra thin flower-like shape the synthesized Ni2P/C material delivers high capacity of 176 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 82 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 current density in Ni2P/C-Zn battery. Moreover, it shows a good cycling life that capacity fading only about 6.2% after 1500 cycles. All of these indicate that the prepared Ni2P/C composites may be a new promising cathode material for Ni-Zn rechargeable battery.

The Third Replicon of Members of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex, Plasmid pC3, Plays a Role in Stress Tolerance

PubMed Central

Agnoli, Kirsty; Frauenknecht, Carmen; Freitag, Roman; Schwager, Stephan; Jenul, Christian; Vergunst, Annette; Carlier, Aurelien

2014-01-01

The metabolically versatile Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) occupies a variety of niches, including the plant rhizosphere and the cystic fibrosis lung (where it is often fatal to the patient). Bcc members have multipartite genomes, of which the third replicon, pC3 (previously chromosome 3), has been shown to be a nonessential megaplasmid which confers virulence and both antifungal and proteolytic activity on several strains. In this study, pC3 curing was extended to cover strains of 16 of the 17 members of the Bcc, and the phenotypes conferred by pC3 were determined. B. cenocepacia strains H111, MCO-3, and HI2424 were previously cured of pC3; however, this had not proved possible in the epidemic strain K56-2. Here, we investigated the mechanism of this unexpected stability and found that efficient toxin-antitoxin systems are responsible for maintaining pC3 of strain K56-2. Identification of these systems allowed neutralization of the toxins and the subsequent deletion of K56-2pC3. The cured strain was found to exhibit reduced antifungal activity and was attenuated in both the zebrafish and the Caenorhabditis elegans model of infection. We used a PCR screening method to examine the prevalence of pC3 within 110 Bcc isolates and found that this replicon was absent in only four cases, suggesting evolutionary fixation. It is shown that plasmid pC3 increases the resistance of B. cenocepacia H111 to various stresses (oxidative, osmotic, high-temperature, and chlorhexidine-induced stresses), explaining the prevalence of this replicon within the Bcc. PMID:24334662

Investigation of Patient-Specific Cerebral Aneurysm using Volumetric PIV, CFD, and In Vitro PC-MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brindise, Melissa; Dickerhoff, Ben; Saloner, David; Rayz, Vitaliy; Vlachos, Pavlos

2017-11-01

4D PC-MRI is a modality capable of providing time-resolved velocity fields in cerebral aneurysms in vivo. The MRI-measured velocities and subsequent hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear stress, and oscillatory shear index, can help neurosurgeons decide a course of treatment for a patient, e.g. whether to treat or monitor the aneurysm. However, low spatiotemporal resolution, limited velocity dynamic range, and inherent noise of PC-MRI velocity fields can have a notable effect on subsequent calculations, and should be investigated. In this work, we compare velocity fields obtained with 4D PC-MRI, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and volumetric particle image velocimetry (PIV), using a patient-specific model of a basilar tip aneurysm. The same in vitro model is used for all three modalities and flow input parameters are controlled. In vivo, PC-MRI data was also acquired for this patient and used for comparison. Specifically, we investigate differences in the resulting velocity fields and biases in subsequent calculations. Further, we explore the effect these errors may have on assessment of the aneurysm progression and seek to develop corrective algorithms and other methodologies that can be used to improve the accuracy of hemodynamic analysis in clinical setting.

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

A PC-based multispectral scanner data evaluation workstation: Application to Daedalus scanners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jedlovec, Gary J.; James, Mark W.; Smith, Matthew R.; Atkinson, Robert J.

1991-01-01

In late 1989, a personal computer (PC)-based data evaluation workstation was developed to support post flight processing of Multispectral Atmospheric Mapping Sensor (MAMS) data. The MAMS Quick View System (QVS) is an image analysis and display system designed to provide the capability to evaluate Daedalus scanner data immediately after an aircraft flight. Even in its original form, the QVS offered the portability of a personal computer with the advanced analysis and display features of a mainframe image analysis system. It was recognized, however, that the original QVS had its limitations, both in speed and processing of MAMS data. Recent efforts are presented that focus on overcoming earlier limitations and adapting the system to a new data tape structure. In doing so, the enhanced Quick View System (QVS2) will accommodate data from any of the four spectrometers used with the Daedalus scanner on the NASA ER2 platform. The QVS2 is designed around the AST 486/33 MHz CPU personal computer and comes with 10 EISA expansion slots, keyboard, and 4.0 mbytes of memory. Specialized PC-McIDAS software provides the main image analysis and display capability for the system. Image analysis and display of the digital scanner data is accomplished with PC-McIDAS software.

Generation and measurement of velocity bunched ultrashort bunch of pC charge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, X. H.; Tang, C. X.; Li, R. K.; To, H.; Andonian, G.; Musumeci, P.

2015-03-01

In this paper, we discuss the velocity compression in a short rf linac of an electron bunch from a rf photoinjector operated in the blowout regime. Particle tracking simulations shows that with a beam charge of 2 pC an ultrashort bunch duration of 16 fs can be obtained at a tight longitudinal focus downstream of the linac. A simplified coherent transition radiation (CTR) spectrum method is developed to enable the measurement of ultrashort (sub-50 fs) bunches at low bunch energy (5 MeV) and low bunch charges (<10 pC ). In this method, the ratio of the radiation energy selected by two narrow bandwidth filters is used to estimate the bunch length. The contribution to the coherent form factor of the large transverse size of the bunch suppresses the radiation signal significantly and is included in the analysis. The experiment was performed at the UCLA Pegasus photoinjector laboratory. The measurement results show bunches of sub-40 fs with 2 pC of charge well consistent with the simulation using actual experimental conditions. These results open the way to the generation of ultrashort bunches with time-duration below 10 fs once some of the limitations of the setup (rf phase jitter, amplitude instability and low field in the gun limited by breakdown) are corrected.

Evaluation of FPGA to PC feedback loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linczuk, Pawel; Zabolotny, Wojciech M.; Wojenski, Andrzej; Krawczyk, Rafal D.; Pozniak, Krzysztof T.; Chernyshova, Maryna; Czarski, Tomasz; Gaska, Michal; Kasprowicz, Grzegorz; Kowalska-Strzeciwilk, Ewa; Malinowski, Karol

2017-08-01

The paper presents the evaluation study of the performance of the data transmission subsystem which can be used in High Energy Physics (HEP) and other High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems. The test environment consisted of Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA and server-grade PC connected via the PCIe 4xGen2 bus. The DMA engine was based on the Xilinx DMA for PCI Express Subsystem1 controlled by the modified Xilinx XDMA kernel driver.2 The research is focused on the influence of the system configuration on achievable throughput and latency of data transfer.

Wf/pc Cycle 2 Calib: Measles Monitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacKenty, John

1991-07-01

This program takes "uniform illuminated" pictures of the earth to monitor the measles effect observed in WFPC observations. The goals of this program are: 1. Look for changes in measle numbers/characteristics 2. Have before/after images in place for decontaminations. This program will also build up a high quality flat field. The observations are done only with PC with a frequency of once every two weeks. The sequence (during a single earth occultation) is: F517N+OPEN, F517N+F122M, F517N+OPEN

The Influence of channel length to the characteristics of CuPc based OFET thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sujarwata; Handayani, L.; Mosik; Fianti

2018-03-01

The main focus of this research is to characterize organic field effect transistor (OFET) thin films based on CuPc with a bottom-contact structure and varied channel length. OFET was prepared by Si substrate cleaning in the ultrasonic cleaner first, then deposition of the source and drain electrodes on the substrate with vacuum evaporation at room temperature, and finally CuPc thin film deposition among the source, drain, and gate electrodes. The distance between source anddrain electrodes is the channel length of the CuPc thin film. In this research, the channel length was varied; 100 μm, 200 μm and 300 μm, with the same active areas of 2.9-3.42 V and different current, IDS. The result showed that the shorter channel length causes, the bigger IDS flowing on the OFET

Facile synthesis of ZnPc nanocubes: An electron emitting material for field emission display devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samanta, M.; Ghorai, U. K.; Mukherjee, M.; Howli, P.; Chattopadhyay, K. K.

2017-05-01

A simple low temperature water chemical route for synthesizing Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) nanostructures were reported here. The as-prepared samples were well analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) technique. The plausible formation mechanism of cube like nanostructures was also explained here. Cold cathode emission properties of ZnPc nanocubes were studied by using an indigenously designed high vacuum system at anode to cathode distance 130 µm. The turn on field and enhancement factor is found to be 5.0 V/μm @ 1µA/cm2 and 1757 respectively. Cold cathode emission properties were further investigated theoretically by finite element method using ANSYS Maxwell simulation package. The obtained results strongly professed that ZnPc nanocubes can act as potential candidate for electron emitter for field emission display devices and many more.

A Method for Populating the Knowledge Base of AFIT’s Domain-Oriented Application Composition System

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

Analysis ( FODA ). The approach identifies prominent features (similarities) and distinctive features (differences) of software systems within an... analysis approaches we have summarized, the re- searchers described FODA in sufficient detail to use on large domain analysis projects (ones with...Software Technology Center, July 1991. 18. Kang, Kyo C. and others. Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ) Feasibility Study. Technical Report, Software

Formal Foundations for the Specification of Software Architecture.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-03-01

Architectures For- mally: A Case-Study Using KWIC." Kestrel Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304, April 1994. 58. Kang, Kyo C. Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ...6.3.5 Constraint-Based Architectures ................. 6-60 6.4 Summary ......... ............................. 6-63 VII. Analysis of Process-Based...between these architec- ture theories were investigated. A feasibility analysis on an image processing application demonstrated that architecture theories

Understanding the adsorption of CuPc and ZnPc on noble metal surfaces by combining quantum-mechanical modelling and photoelectron spectroscopy.

PubMed

Huang, Yu Li; Wruss, Elisabeth; Egger, David A; Kera, Satoshi; Ueno, Nobuo; Saidi, Wissam A; Bucko, Tomas; Wee, Andrew T S; Zojer, Egbert

2014-03-07

Phthalocyanines are an important class of organic semiconductors and, thus, their interfaces with metals are both of fundamental and practical relevance. In the present contribution we provide a combined theoretical and experimental study, in which we show that state-of-the-art quantum-mechanical simulations are nowadays capable of treating most properties of such interfaces in a quantitatively reliable manner. This is shown for Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) and Zn-phthalocyanine (ZnPc) on Au(111) and Ag(111) surfaces. Using a recently developed approach for efficiently treating van der Waals (vdW) interactions at metal/organic interfaces, we calculate adsorption geometries in excellent agreement with experiments. With these geometries available, we are then able to accurately describe the interfacial electronic structure arising from molecular adsorption. We find that bonding is dominated by vdW forces for all studied interfaces. Concomitantly, charge rearrangements on Au(111) are exclusively due to Pauli pushback. On Ag(111), we additionally observe charge transfer from the metal to one of the spin-channels associated with the lowest unoccupied π-states of the molecules. Comparing the interfacial density of states with our ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) experiments, we find that the use of a hybrid functionals is necessary to obtain the correct order of the electronic states.

(1-3)-beta-D-glucan in association with lactate dehydrogenase as biomarkers of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) in HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Esteves, F; Lee, C-H; de Sousa, B; Badura, R; Seringa, M; Fernandes, C; Gaspar, J F; Antunes, F; Matos, O

2014-07-01

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) is a major HIV-related illness caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii. Definitive diagnosis of PcP requires microscopic detection of P. jirovecii in pulmonary specimens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of two serum markers in the diagnosis of PcP. Serum levels of (1-3)-beta-d-glucan (BG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were investigated in 100 HIV-positive adult patients and 50 healthy blood donors. PcP cases were confirmed using indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal anti-Pneumocystis antibodies and nested-PCR to amplify the large subunit mitochondrial rRNA gene of P. jirovecii in pulmonary specimens. BG and LDH levels in serum were measured using quantitative microplate-based assays. BG and LDH positive sera were statistically associated with PcP cases (P ≤ 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV), and positive/negative likelihood ratios (PLR/NLR) were 91.3 %, 61.3 %, 85.1 %, 79.2 %, 2.359, and 0.142, respectively, for the BG kit assay, and 91.3 %, 35.5 %, 75.9 %, 64.7 %, 1.415 and 0.245, respectively, for the LDH test. Serologic markers levels combined with the clinical diagnostic criteria for PcP were evaluated for their usefulness in diagnosis of PcP. The most promising cutoff levels for diagnosis of PcP were determined to be 400 pg/ml of BG and 350 U/l of LDH, which combined with clinical data presented 92.8 % sensitivity, 83.9 % specificity, 92.8 % PPV, 83.9 % NPV, 5.764 PLR and 0.086 NLR (P < 0.001). This study confirmed that BG is a reliable indicator for detecting P. jirovecii infection. The combination between BG/LDH levels and clinical data is a promising alternative approach for PcP diagnosis.

Behavioral abnormalities in prion protein knockout mice and the potential relevance of PrPc for the cytoskeleton

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved protein, which is anchored to the outer surface of the plasma membrane. Even though its physiological function has already been investigated in different cell or mouse models where PrPC expression is either up-regulated or depleted, its exact p...

The Design of PC/MISI, a PC-Based Common User Interface to Remote Information Storage and Retrieval Systems. M.S. ThesisFinal Report, 1 Jul. 1985 - 31 Dec. 1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1985-01-01

The amount of information contained in the data bases of large-scale information storage and retrieval systems is very large and growing at a rapid rate. The methods available for assessing this information have not been successful in making the information easily available to the people who have the greatest need for it. This thesis describes the design of a personal computer based system which will provide a means for these individuals to retrieve this data through one standardized interface. The thesis identifies each of the major problems associated with providing access to casual users of IS and R systems and describes the manner in which these problems are to be solved by the utilization of the local processing power of a PC. Additional capabilities, not available with standard access methods, are also provided to improve the user's ability to make use of this information. The design of PC/MISI is intended to facilitate its use as a research vehicle. Evaluation mechanisms and possible areas of future research are described. The PC/MISI development effort is part of a larger research effort directed at improving access to remote IS and R systems. This research effort, supported in part by NASA, is also reviewed.

Osthole Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells through Inhibition of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and ROS Production

PubMed Central

Shokoohinia, Yalda; Hosseinzadeh, Leila; Moieni-Arya, Maryam; Mostafaie, Ali; Mohammadi-Motlagh, Hamid-Reza

2014-01-01

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent, broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic drug used for treatment of several types of cancers. Despite its effectiveness, it has a wide range of toxic side effects, many of which most likely result from its inherent prooxidant activity. It has been reported that DOX has toxic effects on normal tissues, including brain tissue. In the current study, we investigated the protective effect of osthole isolated from Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. on oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by DOX in PC12 as a neuronal model cell line. PC12 cells were pretreated with osthole 2 h after treatment with different concentrations of DOX. 24 h later, the cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), the activity of caspase-3, the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and the generation of intracellular ROS were detected. We found that pretreatment with osthole on PC12 cells significantly reduced the loss of cell viability, the activity of caspase-3, the increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the generation of intracellular ROS induced by DOX. Moreover, pretreatment with osthole led to an increase in MMP in PC12 cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that pretreatment with nontoxic concentrations of osthole protected PC12 cells from DOX-mediated apoptosis by inhibition of ROS production. PMID:25013759

Ghrelin inhibits proliferation and increases T-type Ca{sup 2+} channel expression in PC-3 human prostate carcinoma cells

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

Diaz-Lezama, Nundehui; Hernandez-Elvira, Mariana; Sandoval, Alejandro

Research highlights: {yields} Ghrelin decreases prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells proliferation. {yields} Ghrelin favors apoptosis in PC-3 cells. {yields} Ghrelin increase in intracellular free Ca{sup 2+} levels in PC-3 cells. {yields} Grelin up-regulates expression of T-type Ca{sup 2+} channels in PC-3 cells. {yields} PC-3 cells express T-channels of the Ca{sub V}3.1 and Ca{sub V}3.2 subtype. -- Abstract: Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide hormone with roles in growth hormone release, food intake and cell proliferation. With ghrelin now recognized as important in neoplastic processes, the aim of this report is to present findings from a series of in vitro studies evaluating themore » cellular mechanisms involved in ghrelin regulation of proliferation in the PC-3 human prostate carcinoma cells. The results showed that ghrelin significantly decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis. Consistent with a role in apoptosis, an increase in intracellular free Ca{sup 2+} levels was observed in the ghrelin-treated cells, which was accompanied by up-regulated expression of T-type voltage-gated Ca{sup 2+} channels. Interestingly, T-channel antagonists were able to prevent the effects of ghrelin on cell proliferation. These results suggest that ghrelin inhibits proliferation and may promote apoptosis by regulating T-type Ca{sup 2+} channel expression.« less

Deciding when It's Time to Buy a New PC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldsborough, Reid

2004-01-01

How to best decide when it's time to replace your PC, whether at home or at work, is always tricky. Spending on computers can make you more productive, but it's money you otherwise cannot spend, invest or save, and faster systems always await you in the future. What is clear is that the computer industry really wants you to buy, and the computer…

Pathogenic prions deviate PrPC signaling in neuronal cells and impair A-beta clearance

PubMed Central

Pradines, E; Hernandez-Rapp, J; Villa-Diaz, A; Dakowski, C; Ardila-Osorio, H; Haik, S; Schneider, B; Launay, J-M; Kellermann, O; Torres, J-M; Mouillet-Richard, S

2013-01-01

The subversion of the normal function exerted by the cellular prion protein (PrPC) in neurons by pathogenic prions is assumed to have a central role in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Using two murine models of prion infection, the 1C11 neuronal cell line and neurospheres, we document that prion infection is associated with the constitutive activation of signaling targets normally coupled with PrPC, including the Fyn kinase, the mitogen-associated protein kinases ERK1/2 and the CREB transcription factor. PrPC-dependent signaling overactivation in infected cells is associated with the recruitment of p38 and JNK stress-associated kinases. Downstream from CREB, prion-infected cells exhibit reduced activity of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9. As MMP-9 catalyzes the degradation of the amyloid A-beta peptide, the decrease in MMP-9 activity in prion-infected cells causes a significant impairment of the clearance of A-beta, leading to its accumulation. By exploiting two 1C11-infected clones accumulating high or moderate levels of prions, we show that the prion-induced changes are correlated with the level of infectivity. Of note, a dose-dependent increase in A-beta levels was also found in the cerebrospinal fluid of mice inoculated with these infected clones. By demonstrating that pathogenic prions trigger increases in A-beta levels through the deviation of PrPC signaling, our data argue that A-beta may exacerbate prion-induced toxicity. PMID:23303130

Dasatinib inhibits both osteoclast activation and prostate cancer PC-3-cell-induced osteoclast formation.

PubMed

Araujo, John C; Poblenz, Ann; Corn, Paul; Parikh, Nila U; Starbuck, Michael W; Thompson, Jerry T; Lee, Francis; Logothetis, Christopher J; Darnay, Bryant G

2009-11-01

Therapies to target prostate cancer bone metastases have only limited effects. New treatments are focused on the interaction between cancer cells, bone marrow cells and the bone matrix. Osteoclasts play an important role in the development of bone tumors caused by prostate cancer. Since Src kinase has been shown to be necessary for osteoclast function, we hypothesized that dasatinib, a Src family kinase inhibitor, would reduce osteoclast activity and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell-induced osteoclast formation. Dasatinib inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived monocytes with an EC(50) of 7.5 nM. PC-3 cells, a human prostate cancer cell line, were able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocytic cell line, into osteoclasts, and dasatinib inhibited this differentiation. In addition, conditioned medium from PC-3 cell cultures was able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells into osteoclasts and this too, was inhibited by dasatinib. Even the lowest concentration of dasatinib, 1.25 nmol, inhibited osteoclast differentiation by 29%. Moreover, dasatinib inhibited osteoclast activity by 58% as measured by collagen 1 release. We performed in vitro experiments utilizing the Src family kinase inhibitor dasatinib to target osteoclast activation as a means of inhibiting prostate cancer bone metastases. Dasatinib inhibits osteoclast differentiation of mouse primary bone marrow-derived monocytes and PC-3 cell-induced osteoclast differentiation. Dasatinib also inhibits osteoclast degradation activity. Inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity may be an effective targeted therapy in patients with prostate cancer bone metastases.

An ab-initio density functional theory investigation of fullerene/Zn-phthalocyanine (C60/ZnPc) interface with face-on orientation

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

Javaid, Saqib; National Centre of Physics, Islamabad; Javed Akhtar, M., E-mail: javedakhtar6@gmail.com

2015-07-28

We have employed density functional theory to study the C60/ZnPc interface with face-on orientation, which has recently been tailored experimentally. For this purpose, adsorption of ZnPc on C60 has been studied, while taking into account different orientations of C60. Out of various adsorption sites investigated, 6:6 C-C bridge position in apex configuration of C60 has been found energetically the most favourable one with C60-ZnPc adsorption distance of ∼2.77 Å. The adsorption of ZnPc on C60 ensues both charge re-organization and charge transfer at the interface, resulting in the formation of interface dipole. Moreover, by comparing results with that of C60/CuPc interface,more » we show that the direction of interface dipole can be tuned by the change of the central atom of the phthalocyanine molecule. These results highlight the complexity of electronic interactions present at the C60/Phthalocyanine interface.« less

Silibinin inhibits fibronectin induced motility, invasiveness and survival in human prostate carcinoma PC3 cells via targeting integrin signaling

PubMed Central

Deep, Gagan; Kumar, Rahul; Jain, Anil K; Agarwal, Chapla; Agarwal, Rajesh

2014-01-01

Prostate cancer (PCA) is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Preventing or inhibiting metastasis-related events through non-toxic agents could be a useful approach for lowering high mortality among PCA patients. We have earlier reported that natural flavonoid silibinin possesses strong anti-metastatic efficacy against PCA however, mechanism/s of its action still remains largely unknown. One of the major events during metastasis is the replacement of cell-cell interaction with integrins-based cell-matrix interaction that controls motility, invasiveness and survival of cancer cells. Accordingly, here we examined silibinin effect on advanced human PCA PC3 cells' interaction with extracellular matrix component fibronectin. Silibinin (50-200 μM) treatment significantly decreased the fibronectin (5 μg/ml)-induced motile morphology via targeting actin cytoskeleton organization in PC3 cells. Silibinin also decreased the fibronectin-induced cell proliferation and motility but significantly increased cell death in PC3 cells. Silibinin also inhibited the PC3 cells invasiveness in Transwell invasion assays with fibronectin or cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serving as chemoattractant. Importantly, PC3-luc cells cultured on fibronectin showed rapid dissemination and localized in lungs following tail vein injection in athymic male nude mice; however, in silibinin-treated PC3-luc cells, dissemination and lung localization was largely compromised. Molecular analyses revealed that silibinin treatment modulated the fibronectin-induced expression of integrins (α5, αV, β1 and β3), actin-remodeling (FAK, Src, GTPases, ARP2 and cortactin), apoptosis (cPARP and cleaved caspase 3), EMT (E-cadherin and β-catenin), and cell survival (survivin and Akt) related signaling molecules in PC3 cells. Furthermore, PC3-xenograft tissue analyses confirmed the inhibitory effect of silibinin on fibronectin and integrins expression. Together, these

Silibinin inhibits fibronectin induced motility, invasiveness and survival in human prostate carcinoma PC3 cells via targeting integrin signaling.

PubMed

Deep, Gagan; Kumar, Rahul; Jain, Anil K; Agarwal, Chapla; Agarwal, Rajesh

2014-10-01

Prostate cancer (PCA) is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Preventing or inhibiting metastasis-related events through non-toxic agents could be a useful approach for lowering high mortality among PCA patients. We have earlier reported that natural flavonoid silibinin possesses strong anti-metastatic efficacy against PCA however, mechanism/s of its action still remains largely unknown. One of the major events during metastasis is the replacement of cell-cell interaction with integrins-based cell-matrix interaction that controls motility, invasiveness and survival of cancer cells. Accordingly, here we examined silibinin effect on advanced human PCA PC3 cells' interaction with extracellular matrix component fibronectin. Silibinin (50-200 μM) treatment significantly decreased the fibronectin (5 μg/ml)-induced motile morphology via targeting actin cytoskeleton organization in PC3 cells. Silibinin also decreased the fibronectin-induced cell proliferation and motility but significantly increased cell death in PC3 cells. Silibinin also inhibited the PC3 cells invasiveness in Transwell invasion assays with fibronectin or cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serving as chemoattractant. Importantly, PC3-luc cells cultured on fibronectin showed rapid dissemination and localized in lungs following tail vein injection in athymic male nude mice; however, in silibinin-treated PC3-luc cells, dissemination and lung localization was largely compromised. Molecular analyses revealed that silibinin treatment modulated the fibronectin-induced expression of integrins (α5, αV, β1 and β3), actin-remodeling (FAK, Src, GTPases, ARP2 and cortactin), apoptosis (cPARP and cleaved caspase 3), EMT (E-cadherin and β-catenin), and cell survival (survivin and Akt) related signaling molecules in PC3 cells. Furthermore, PC3-xenograft tissue analyses confirmed the inhibitory effect of silibinin on fibronectin and integrins expression. Together, these

Effect of simulated microgravity on oxidation-sensitive gene expression in PC12 cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Ohwon; Sartor, Maureen; Tomlinson, Craig R.; Millard, Ronald W.; Olah, Mark E.; Sankovic, John M.; Banerjee, Rupak K.

2006-01-01

Oxygen utilization by and oxygen dependence of cellular processes may be different in biological systems that are exposed to microgravity (micro-g). A baseline in which cellular changes in oxygen sensitive molecular processes occur during micro-g conditions would be important to pursue this question. The objective of this research is to analyze oxidation-sensitive gene expression in a model cell line [rat pheochromocytoma (PC12)] under simulated micro-g conditions. The PC12 cell line is well characterized in its response to oxygen, and is widely recognized as a sensitive model for studying the responses of oxygen-sensitive molecular and cellular processes. This study uses the rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV) designed at NASA to simulate micro-g. Gene expression in PC12 cells in response to micro-g was analyzed by DNA microarray technology. The microarray analysis of PC12 cells cultured for 4 days under simulated micro-g under standardized oxygen environment conditions revealed more than 100 genes whose expression levels were changed at least twofold (up-regulation of 65 genes and down-regulation of 39 genes) compared with those from cells in the unit gravity (unit-g) control. This study observed that genes involved in the oxidoreductase activity category were most significantly differentially expressed under micro-g conditions. Also, known oxidation-sensitive transcription factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor-2α, c-myc, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ were changed significantly. Our initial results from the gene expression microarray studies may provide a context in which to evaluate the effect of varying oxygen environments on the background of differential gene regulation of biological processes under variable gravity conditions.

Effect of simulated microgravity on oxidation-sensitive gene expression in PC12 cells

PubMed Central

Kwon, Ohwon; Sartor, Maureen; Tomlinson, Craig R.; Millard, Ronald W.; Olah, Mark E.; Sankovic, John M.; Banerjee, Rupak K.

2008-01-01

Oxygen utilization by and oxygen dependence of cellular processes may be different in biological systems that are exposed to microgravity (micro-g). A baseline in which cellular changes in oxygen sensitive molecular processes occur during micro-g conditions would be important to pursue this question. The objective of this research is to analyze oxidation-sensitive gene expression in a model cell line [rat pheochromocytoma (PC12)] under simulated micro-g conditions. The PC12 cell line is well characterized in its response to oxygen, and is widely recognized as a sensitive model for studying the responses of oxygen-sensitive molecular and cellular processes. This study uses the rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV) designed at NASA to simulate micro-g. Gene expression in PC12 cells in response to micro-g was analyzed by DNA microarray technology. The microarray analysis of PC12 cells cultured for 4 days under simulated micro-g under standardized oxygen environment conditions revealed more than 100 genes whose expression levels were changed at least twofold (up-regulation of 65 genes and down-regulation of 39 genes) compared with those from cells in the unit gravity (unit-g) control. This study observed that genes involved in the oxidoreductase activity category were most significantly differentially expressed under micro-g conditions. Also, known oxidation-sensitive transcription factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor-2α, c-myc, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ were changed significantly. Our initial results from the gene expression microarray studies may provide a context in which to evaluate the effect of varying oxygen environments on the background of differential gene regulation of biological processes under variable gravity conditions. PMID:19081771

Pc 4 photodynamic therapy of U87 (human glioma) orthotopic tumor in nude rat brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dean, David; George, John E., III; Ahmad, Yusra; Wolfe, Michael S.; Lilge, Lothar; Morris, Rachel L.; Peterson, Allyn; Lust, W. D.; Totonchi, Ali; Varghai, Davood; Li, Xiaolin; Hoppel, Charles L.; Sun, Jiayang; Oleinick, Nancy L.

2005-04-01

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for Barrett"s esophagus, advanced esophageal cancer, and both early and late inoperable lung carcinoma is now FDA-approved using the first generation photosensitizer PhotofrinTM (Axcan Pharma, Birmingham, AL). Photofrin-mediated PDT of glioma is now in Phase III clinical trials. A variety of second generation photosensitizers have been developed to provide improved: (1) specificity for the target tissue, (2) tumoricidal capability, and (3) rapid clearance the vascular compartment, skin, and eyes. The phthalocyanine Pc 4 is a second generation photosensitizer that is in early phase I clinical trials for skin cancer. We have undertaken a preclinical study that seeks to determine if Pc 4-mediated PDT can be of benefit for the intra-operative localization and treatment of glioma. Methods: Using a stereotactic frame, 250,000 U87 cells were injected via Hamilton syringe through a craniotomy, and the dura, 1-2 mm below the cortical surface of nude (athymic) rat brains (N=91). The craniotomy was filled with a piece of surgical PVC and the scalp closed. After two weeks of tumor growth, the animals received 0.5 mg/kg Pc 4 via tail vein injection. One day later the scalp was re-incised, and the PVC removed. The tumor was then illuminated with either 5 or 30 Joule/cm2 of 672-nm light from a diode laser at 50 mW/cm2. The animals were sacrificed one day later and the brain was cold-perfused with formaldehyde. Two thirds of the explanted brains are now being histologically surveyed for necrosis after staining with hematoxylin and eosin and for apoptosis via immunohistochemistry (i.e., TUNEL assay). The other third were analyzed by HPLC-mass spectrometry for the presence of drug in tumor, normal brain, and plasma at sacrifice. Initial histological results show PDT-induced apoptosis and necrosis confined to the growing (live) portion of the tumor. Preliminary analysis shows an average selectivity of Pc 4 uptake in the bulk tumor to be 3

Changes of Attention during Value-Based Reversal Learning Are Tracked by N2pc and Feedback-Related Negativity

PubMed Central

Oemisch, Mariann; Watson, Marcus R.; Womelsdorf, Thilo; Schubö, Anna

2017-01-01

Previously learned reward values can have a pronounced impact, behaviorally and neurophysiologically, on the allocation of selective attention. All else constant, stimuli previously associated with a high value gain stronger attentional prioritization than stimuli previously associated with a low value. The N2pc, an ERP component indicative of attentional target selection, has been shown to reflect aspects of this prioritization, by changes of mean amplitudes closely corresponding to selective enhancement of high value target processing and suppression of high value distractor processing. What has remained unclear so far is whether the N2pc also reflects the flexible and repeated behavioral adjustments needed in a volatile task environment, in which the values of stimuli are reversed often and unannounced. Using a value-based reversal learning task, we found evidence that the N2pc amplitude flexibly and reversibly tracks value-based choices during the learning of reward associated stimulus colors. Specifically, successful learning of current value-contingencies was associated with reduced N2pc amplitudes, and this effect was more apparent for distractor processing, compared with target processing. In addition, following a value reversal the feedback related negativity(FRN), an ERP component that reflects feedback processing, was amplified and co-occurred with increased N2pc amplitudes in trials following low-value feedback. Importantly, participants that showed the greatest adjustment in N2pc amplitudes based on feedback were also the most efficient learners. These results allow further insight into how changes in attentional prioritization in an uncertain and volatile environment support flexible adjustments of behavior. PMID:29163113

Changes of Attention during Value-Based Reversal Learning Are Tracked by N2pc and Feedback-Related Negativity.

PubMed

Oemisch, Mariann; Watson, Marcus R; Womelsdorf, Thilo; Schubö, Anna

2017-01-01

Previously learned reward values can have a pronounced impact, behaviorally and neurophysiologically, on the allocation of selective attention. All else constant, stimuli previously associated with a high value gain stronger attentional prioritization than stimuli previously associated with a low value. The N2pc, an ERP component indicative of attentional target selection, has been shown to reflect aspects of this prioritization, by changes of mean amplitudes closely corresponding to selective enhancement of high value target processing and suppression of high value distractor processing. What has remained unclear so far is whether the N2pc also reflects the flexible and repeated behavioral adjustments needed in a volatile task environment, in which the values of stimuli are reversed often and unannounced. Using a value-based reversal learning task, we found evidence that the N2pc amplitude flexibly and reversibly tracks value-based choices during the learning of reward associated stimulus colors. Specifically, successful learning of current value-contingencies was associated with reduced N2pc amplitudes, and this effect was more apparent for distractor processing, compared with target processing. In addition, following a value reversal the feedback related negativity(FRN), an ERP component that reflects feedback processing, was amplified and co-occurred with increased N2pc amplitudes in trials following low-value feedback. Importantly, participants that showed the greatest adjustment in N2pc amplitudes based on feedback were also the most efficient learners. These results allow further insight into how changes in attentional prioritization in an uncertain and volatile environment support flexible adjustments of behavior.

Diverse Nuclear Star-forming Activities in the Heart of NGC 253 Resolved with 10-pc-scale ALMA Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ando, Ryo; Nakanishi, Kouichiro; Kohno, Kotaro; Izumi, Takuma; Martín, Sergio; Harada, Nanase; Takano, Shuro; Kuno, Nario; Nakai, Naomasa; Sugai, Hajime; Sorai, Kazuo; Tosaki, Tomoka; Matsubayashi, Kazuya; Nakajima, Taku; Nishimura, Yuri; Tamura, Yoichi

2017-11-01

We present an 8 pc × 5 pc resolution view of the central ˜200 pc region of the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253, based on ALMA Band 7 (λ ≃ 0.85 {mm} or ν ˜ 350 GHz) observations covering 11 GHz. We resolve the nuclear starburst of NGC 253 into eight dusty star-forming clumps, 10 pc in scale, for the first time. These clumps, each of which contains (4-10) × {10}4 {M}⊙ of dust (assuming that the dust temperature is 25 K) and up to 6× {10}2 massive (O5V) stars, appear to be aligned in two parallel ridges, while they have been blended in previous studies. Despite the similarities in sizes and dust masses of these clumps, their line spectra vary drastically from clump to clump, although they are separated by only ˜10 pc. Specifically, one of the clumps, Clump 1, exhibits line-confusion-limited spectra with at least 36 emission lines from 19 molecules (including CH3OH, HNCO, H2CO, CH3CCH, H2CS, and H3O+) and a hydrogen recombination line (H26α), while far fewer kinds of molecular lines are detected in some other clumps where fragile species, such as complex organic molecules and HNCO, completely disappear from their spectra. We demonstrate the existence of hot molecular gas ({T}{rot}({{SO}}2)=90+/- 11 K) in the former clump, which suggests that the hot and chemically rich environments are localized within a 10-pc-scale star-forming clump.

Superiority of PC-SOD to other anti-COPD drugs for elastase-induced emphysema and alteration in lung mechanics and respiratory function in mice.

PubMed

Tanaka, Ken-Ichiro; Sato, Keizo; Aoshiba, Kazutetsu; Azuma, Arata; Mizushima, Tohru

2012-06-15

Bronchodilators (such as ipratropium bromide), steroids (such as fluticasone propionate), and newly developed anti-inflammatory drugs (such as roflumilast) are used for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We recently reported that lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC-SOD) confers a protective effect in mouse models of COPD. We here examined the therapeutic effect of the combined administration of PC-SOD with ipratropium bromide on pulmonary emphysema and compared the effect of PC-SOD to other types of drugs. The severity of emphysema in mice was assessed by various criteria. Lung mechanics (elastance) and respiratory function (ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first 0.05 s to forced vital capacity) were assessed. Administration of PC-SOD by inhalation suppressed elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema, alteration of lung mechanics, and respiratory dysfunction. The concomitant intratracheal administration of ipratropium bromide did not alter the ameliorating effects of PC-SOD. Administration of ipratropium bromide, fluticasone propionate, or roflumilast alone did not suppress the elastase-induced increase in the pulmonary level of superoxide anion, pulmonary inflammatory response, pulmonary emphysema, alteration of lung mechanics, or respiratory dysfunction as effectively as did PC-SOD. PC-SOD, but not the other drugs, showed a therapeutic effect even when the drug was administered after the development of emphysema. PC-SOD also suppressed the cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammatory response and increase in airway resistance. Based on these results, we consider that the inhalation of PC-SOD would be therapeutically beneficial for COPD.

Using a PC as a Frequency Meter or a Counter.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sartori, J.; And Others

1995-01-01

Describes hardware that enables the use of an IBM PC microcomputer as a frequency meter or a counter by using the parallel printer port. Eliminates the 16-bit time-day counter through the use of an external time base that can be conveniently set depending on the desired frequency range. (JRH)

Effects of RNAi-mediated MUC4 gene silencing on the proliferation and migration of human pancreatic carcinoma BxPC-3 cells.

PubMed

Li, Yong; Wu, Changqiang; Chen, Tianwu; Zhang, Juanjuan; Liu, Gang; Pu, Yu; Zhu, Jiang; Shen, Chengyi; Zhang, Yang; Zeng, Nanlin; Zhang, Xiaoming

2016-12-01

It was previously demonstrated that mucin 4 (MUC4) is not expressed in normal pancreatic tissues or in chronic pancreatitis tissue but is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer (PC) tissue. Effective MUC4 gene knockdown in PC may contribute to the elucidation of pancreatic tumor development and metastasis, and may be valuable in new therapeutic approaches. Thus to confirm this, in the present study, the BxPC-3 cell line was transfected with eight pairs of shRNA lentiviral vectors for MUC4. The qPCR results showed that expression of MUC4 mRNA in the BxPC-3 cells was significantly decreased at 96 h after transfection. One of these shRNA lentiviral vectors (shRNA‑A141) had showed the strongest suppressive effect on MUC4 mRNA expression and was used for MUC4 knockdown in BxPC-3 cells. After stable transfection, BxPC-3 cells showed a significantly lower expression of MUC4 mRNA and MUC4 protein, and were suppressed on cell growth and migration. In vivo, lower tumor growth rates and tumor volume were observed in the tumors derived from the MUC4-knockdown cells, whereas the transplanted tumors derived from the control group cells, grew rapidly. Thus, inhibition of MUC4 expression may be an effective means for mitigating metastasis and invasion of PC.

Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC): Part II. Treatment and Ongoing Management.

PubMed

Cheung, Amy H; Zuckerbrot, Rachel A; Jensen, Peter S; Laraque, Danielle; Stein, Ruth E K

2018-02-26

To update clinical practice guidelines to assist primary care (PC) in the screening and assessment of depression. In this second part of the updated guidelines, we address treatment and ongoing management of adolescent depression in the PC setting. By using a combination of evidence- and consensus-based methodologies, the guidelines were updated in 2 phases as informed by (1) current scientific evidence (published and unpublished) and (2) revision and iteration among the steering committee, including youth and families with lived experience. These updated guidelines are targeted for youth aged 10 to 21 years and offer recommendations for the management of adolescent depression in PC, including (1) active monitoring of mildly depressed youth, (2) treatment with evidence-based medication and psychotherapeutic approaches in cases of moderate and/or severe depression, (3) close monitoring of side effects, (4) consultation and comanagement of care with mental health specialists, (5) ongoing tracking of outcomes, and (6) specific steps to be taken in instances of partial or no improvement after an initial treatment has begun. The strength of each recommendation and the grade of its evidence base are summarized. The Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care cannot replace clinical judgment, and they should not be the sole source of guidance for adolescent depression management. Nonetheless, the guidelines may assist PC clinicians in the management of depressed adolescents in an era of great clinical need and a shortage of mental health specialists. Additional research concerning the management of depressed youth in PC is needed, including the usability, feasibility, and sustainability of guidelines, and determination of the extent to which the guidelines actually improve outcomes of depressed youth. Copyright © 2018 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Insight Into the Role of PC71BM on Enhancing the Photovoltaic Performance of Ternary Organic Solar Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Bei; Fu, Yingying; Yan, Chi; Zhang, Rui; Yang, Qingqing; Han, Yanchun; Xie, Zhiyuan

2018-01-01

The development of non-fullerene acceptor molecules have remarkably boosted power conversion efficiency (PCE) of polymer solar cells (PSCs) due to the improved spectral coverage and reduced energy loss. An introduction of fullerene molecules into the non-fullerene acceptor-based blend may further improve the photovoltaic performance of the resultant ternary PSCs. However, the underlying mechanism is still debatable. Herein, the ternary PSCs based on PBDB-T:ITIC:PC 71 BM blend were fabricated and its PCE was increased to 10.2% compared to 9.2% for the binary PBDB-T:ITIC devices and 8.1% for the PBDB-T:PC 71 BM PSCs. Systematic investigation was carried out to disclose the effect of PC 71 BM on the blend morphology and charge transport behavior. It is found that the PC 71 BM tends to intermix with the PBDB-T donor compared to the ITIC counterpart. A small amount of PC 71 BM in the ternary blend is helpful for ITIC to aggregate and form efficient electron-transport pathways. Accordingly, the electron mobility is increased and the density of electron traps is decreased in the ternary blend in comparison with the PBDB-T:ITIC blend. Finally, the suppressed bimolecular recombination and enhanced charge collection lead to high PCE for the ternary solar cells.

USL/DBMS NASA/PC R and D project system design standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1984-01-01

A set of system design standards intended to assure the completeness and quality of designs developed for PC research and development projects is established. The standards presented address the areas of problem definition, initial design plan, design specification, and re-evaluation.

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

Theoretical modeling of the electronic structure and exchange interactions in a Cu(II)Pc one-dimensional chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wei; Fisher, A. J.; Harrison, N. M.

2011-07-01

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.

Comparative study of I- V methods to extract Au/FePc/p-Si Schottky barrier diode parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oruç, Çiğdem; Altındal, Ahmet

2018-01-01

So far, various methods have been proposed to extract the Schottky diode parameters from measured current-voltage characteristics. In this work, Schottky barrier diode with structure of Au/2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetra(4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-8-methylcoumarin-7 oxy) phthalocyaninatoiron(II) (FePc)/p-Si was fabricated and current-voltage measurements were carried out on it. In addition, current-voltage measurements were also performed on Au/p-Si structure, without FePc, to clarify the influence of the presence of an interface layer on the device performance. The measured current-voltage characteristics indicate that the interface properties of a Schottky barrier diode can be controlled by the presence of an organic interface layer. It is found that the room temperature barrier height of Au/FePc/p-Si structure is larger than that of the Au/p-Si structure. The obtained forward bias current-voltage characteristics of the Au/FePc/p-Si device was analysed by five different analytical methods. It is found that the extracted values of SBD parameters strongly depends on the method used.

Development of the Low-cost Analog-to-Digital Converter (for nuclear physics experiments) with PC sound card

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugihara, Kenkoh

2009-10-01

A low-cost ADC (Analogue-to-Digital Converter) with shaping embedded for undergraduate physics laboratory is developed using a home made circuit and a PC sound card. Even though an ADC is needed as an essential part of an experimental set up, commercially available ones are very expensive and are scarce for undergraduate laboratory experiments. The system that is developed from the present work is designed for a gamma-ray spectroscopy laboratory with NaI(Tl) counters, but not limited. For this purpose, the system performance is set to sampling rate of 1-kHz with 10-bit resolution using a typical PC sound card with 41-kHz or higher sampling rate and 16-bit resolution ADC with an addition of a shaping circuit. Details of the system and the status of development will be presented. Ping circuit and PC soundcard as typical PC sound card has 41.1kHz or heiger sampling rate and 16bit resolution ADCs. In the conference details of the system and the status of development will be presented.

Immunohistochemical Analysis Using Antipodocalyxin Monoclonal Antibody PcMab-47 Demonstrates Podocalyxin Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

PubMed

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

2017-10-01

Podocalyxin is a CD34-related type I transmembrane protein that is highly glycosylated with N-glycan, O-glycan, and keratan sulfate. Podocalyxin was originally found in the podocytes of rat kidney and is reportedly expressed in many types of tumors, including brain tumors, colorectal cancers, and breast cancers. Overexpression of podocalyxin is an independent predictor of progression, metastasis, and poor outcome. We recently immunized mice with recombinant human podocalyxin, which was produced using LN229 glioblastoma cells, and produced a novel antipodocalyxin monoclonal antibody (mAb), PcMab-47, which reacts with endogenous podocalyxin-expressing cancer cell lines and normal cell lines independent of glycosylation in Western blot, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical analyses. In this study, we performed immunohistochemical analysis against oral cancers using PcMab-47. PcMab-47-stained oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in a cytoplasmic pattern and detected 26/38 (68.4%) of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells on tissue microarrays. These results indicate that PcMab-47 is useful in detecting podocalyxin of oral cancers for immunohistochemical analysis.

Osteopontin splice variants expression is involved on docetaxel resistance in PC3 prostate cancer cells.

PubMed

Nakamura, K D M; Tilli, T M; Wanderley, J L; Palumbo, A; Mattos, R M; Ferreira, A C; Klumb, C E; Nasciutti, L E; Gimba, E R

2016-02-01

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoprotein that activates several aspects of tumor progression. Alternative splicing of the OPN primary transcript generates three splicing isoforms, OPNa, OPNb and OPNc. In this report, we investigated some cellular mechanisms by which OPN splice variants could mediate PC3 prostate cancer (PCa) cell survival and growth in response to docetaxel (DXT)-induced cell death. Cell survival before and after DXT treatment was analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy and crystal-violet staining assays. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunocytochemical staining assays were used to evaluate the putative involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and OPN isoforms on mediating PC3 cell survival. Upon DXT treatment, PC3 cells overexpressing OPNb or OPNc isoforms showed higher cell densities, compared to cells overexpressing OPNa and controls. Notably, cells overexpressing OPNb or OPNc isoforms showed a downregulated pattern of EMT epithelial cell markers, while mesenchymal markers were mostly upregulated in these experimental conditions. We concluded that OPNc or OPNb overexpression in PC3 cells can mediate resistance and cell survival features in response to DXT-induced cell death. Our data also provide evidence the EMT program could be one of the molecular mechanisms mediating survival in OPNb- or OPNc-overexpressing cells in response to DXT treatment. These data could further contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which PCa cells acquire resistance to DXT treatment.

A Tutorial for SPSS/PC+ Studentware. Study Guide for the Doctor of Arts in Computer-Based Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacFarland, Thomas W.; Hou, Cheng-I

The purpose of this tutorial is to provide the basic information needed for success with SPSS/PC+ Studentware, a student version of the statistical analysis software offered by SPSS, Inc., for the IBM PC+ and compatible computers. It is intended as a convenient summary of how to organize and conduct the most common computer-based statistical…

PC index as a proxy of the solar wind energy that entered into the magnetosphere and energy accumulated in the magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troshichev, Oleg; Sormakov, Dmitry

The PC index has been approved by the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (Merida, Mexico, 2013) as a new international index of magnetic activity. Application of the PC index as a proxy of a solar wind energy that entered into the magnetosphere determines a principal distinction of the PC index from AL and Dst indices, which are regarded as characteristics of the energy that realized in magnetosphere in form of substorms and magnetic storms. This conclusion is based on results of analysis of relationships between the polar cap magnetic activity (PC-index) and parameters of the solar wind, on the one hand, relationships between changes of PC and development of magnetospheric substorms (AL-index) and magnetic storms (Dst-index), on the other hand. In this study the relationships between the PC and Dst indices in course of more than 200 magnetic storms observed in epoch of solar maximum (1998-2004) have been examined for different classes of storms separated by their kind and intensity. Results of statistical analysis demonstrate that depression of geomagnetic field starts to develop as soon as PC index steadily excess the threshold level ~1.5 mV/m; the storm intensity (DstMIN) follows, with delay ~ 1 hour, the maximum of PC in course of the storm. Main features of magnetic storms are determined, irrespective of their class and intensity, by the accumulated-mean PC value (PCAM): storm is developed as long as PCAM increases, comes to maximal intensity when PCAM attains the maximum, and starts to decay as soon as PCAM value displays decline. The run of “anomalous” magnetic storm on January 21-22, 2005, lasting many hours (with intensity of ≈ -100 nT) under conditions of northward or close to zero BZ component, is perfectly governed by behavior of the accumulated-mean PCAM index and, therefore, this storm should be regarded as an ordinary phenomenon. The conclusion is made that the PC index provides the unique on-line information on solar wind

Fast modulations of pulsating proton aurora related to subpacket structures of Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations at subauroral latitudes

DOE PAGES

Ozaki, M.; Shiokawa, K.; Miyoshi, Y.; ...

2016-08-16

To understand the role of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in determining the temporal features of pulsating proton aurora (PPA) via wave-particle interactions at subauroral latitudes, high-time-resolution (1/8 s) images of proton-induced N 2>+ emissions were recorded using a new electron multiplying charge-coupled device camera, along with related Pc1 pulsations on the ground. The observed Pc1 pulsations consisted of successive rising-tone elements with a spacing for each element of 100 s and subpacket structures, which manifest as amplitude modulations with a period of a few tens of seconds. In accordance with the temporal features of the Pc1 pulsations, the auroralmore » intensity showed a similar repetition period of 100 s and an unpredicted fast modulation of a few tens of seconds. Furthermore, these results indicate that PPA is generated by pitch angle scattering, nonlinearly interacting with Pc1/EMIC waves at the magnetic equator.« less

Fast modulations of pulsating proton aurora related to subpacket structures of Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations at subauroral latitudes

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

Ozaki, M.; Shiokawa, K.; Miyoshi, Y.

To understand the role of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in determining the temporal features of pulsating proton aurora (PPA) via wave-particle interactions at subauroral latitudes, high-time-resolution (1/8 s) images of proton-induced N 2>+ emissions were recorded using a new electron multiplying charge-coupled device camera, along with related Pc1 pulsations on the ground. The observed Pc1 pulsations consisted of successive rising-tone elements with a spacing for each element of 100 s and subpacket structures, which manifest as amplitude modulations with a period of a few tens of seconds. In accordance with the temporal features of the Pc1 pulsations, the auroralmore » intensity showed a similar repetition period of 100 s and an unpredicted fast modulation of a few tens of seconds. Furthermore, these results indicate that PPA is generated by pitch angle scattering, nonlinearly interacting with Pc1/EMIC waves at the magnetic equator.« less

Generation of Pc 1 waves by the ion temperature anisotropy associated with fast shocks caused by sudden impulses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mandt, M. E.; Lee, L. C.

1991-01-01

The high correlation of Pc 1 events with magnetospheric compressions is known. A mechanism is proposed which leads to the generation of Pc 1 waves. The interaction of a dynamic pressure pulse with the earth's bow shock leads to the formation of a weak fast-mode shock propagating into the magnetoshealth. The shock wave can pass right through a tangential discontinuity (magnetopause) and into the magnetosphere, without disturbing either of the structures. In a quasiperpendicular geometry, the shock wave exhibits anisotropic heating. This anisotropy drives unstable ion-cyclotron waves which can contribute to the generation of the Pc 1 waves which are detected. The viability of the mechanism is demonstrated with simulations. This mechanism could explain the peak in the occurrence of observed Pc 1 waves in the postnoon sector where a field-aligned discontinuity in the solar wind would most often be parallel to the magnetopause surface due to the average Parker-spiral magnetic-field configuration.

36. View of preset counter (PC) console and tracking console ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

36. View of preset counter (PC) console and tracking console on right, located in MWOC facility in transmitter building no. 102. - Clear Air Force Station, Ballistic Missile Early Warning System Site II, One mile west of mile marker 293.5 on Parks Highway, 5 miles southwest of Anderson, Anderson, Denali Borough, AK

[Over-expression of miR-151a-3p inhibits proliferation and migration of PC-3 prostate cancer cells].

PubMed

Zhang, Yi; Hao, Tongtong; Zhang, Han; Wei, Pengtao; Li, Xiaohui

2018-03-01

Objective To observe the effect of microRNA-151a-3p (miR-151a-3p) up-regulation on the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells and explore the possible molecular mechanism. Methods The expression of miR-151a-3p in PC-3M, C4-2B, 22RV1, DU-145, PC-3, LNCap human prostate cancer cells and RWPE-1 human normal prostate epithelial cells was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. PC-3 cells with the lowest expression of miR-151a-3p were used for subsequent experiments. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to predict and test potential target genes of miR-151a-3p. The miR-151a-3p mimics or negative control microRNAs (miR-NCs) were transfected into PC-3 cells. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-151a-3p and potential target gene mRNA. The protein expressions of target genes and downstream signaling pathway proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. The proliferation of PC-3 cells was examined by MTT assay, and the migration of PC-3 cells was detected by Transwell TM assay. Results The expression level of miR-151a-3p in the prostate cancer cells was significantly lower than that in RWPE-1 normal human prostate epithelial cells. PC-3 cells had the lowest expression level of miR-151a-3p. The bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that NEK2 was the potential target gene for miR-151a-3p. After transfection with miR-151a-3p mimics, the expression of miR-151a-3p in PC-3 cells significantly increased and the expression of NEK2 mRNA significantly decreased. The protein expressions of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway were also reduced. Up-regulation of miR-151a-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of PC-3 cells. Conclusion The expression of miR-151a-3p is reduced in prostate cancer cells. Up-regulation of miR-151a-3p can inhibit the proliferation and migration of P-3 in prostate cancer by decreasing the expression of NEK2 and PI3K

PcFKH1, a novel regulatory factor from the forkhead family, controls the biosynthesis of penicillin in Penicillium chrysogenum.

PubMed

Domínguez-Santos, Rebeca; García-Estrada, Carlos; Kosalková, Katarina; Prieto, Carlos; Santamarta, Irene; Martín, Juan-Francisco

2015-08-01

Penicillin biosynthesis in Penicillium chrysogenum (re-identified as Penicillium rubens) is a good example of a biological process subjected to complex global regulatory networks and serves as a model to study fungal secondary metabolism. The winged-helix family of transcription factors recently described, which includes the forkhead type of proteins, is a key type of regulatory proteins involved in this process. In yeasts and humans, forkhead transcription factors are involved in different processes (cell cycle regulation, cell death control, pre-mRNA processing and morphogenesis); one member of this family of proteins has been identified in the P. chrysogenum genome (Pc18g00430). In this work, we have characterized this novel transcription factor (named PcFKH1) by generating knock-down mutants and overexpression strains. Results clearly indicate that PcFKH1 positively controls antibiotic biosynthesis through the specific interaction with the promoter region of the penDE gene, thus regulating penDE mRNA levels. PcFKH1 also binds to the pcbC promoter, but with low affinity. In addition, it also controls other ancillary genes of the penicillin biosynthetic process, such as phlA (encoding phenylacetyl CoA ligase) and ppt (encoding phosphopantetheinyl transferase). PcFKH1 also plays a role in conidiation and spore pigmentation, but it does not seem to be involved in hyphal morphology or cell division in the improved laboratory reference strain Wisconsin 54-1255. A genome-wide analysis of processes putatively coregulated by PcFKH1 and PcRFX1 (another winged-helix transcription factor) in P. chrysogenum provided evidence of the global effect of these transcription factors in P. chrysogenum metabolism. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

Therapeutic Molecules and Endogenous Ligands Regulate the Interaction between Brain Cellular Prion Protein (PrPC) and Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5)*

PubMed Central

Haas, Laura T.; Kostylev, Mikhail A.; Strittmatter, Stephen M.

2014-01-01

Soluble Amyloid-β oligomers (Aβo) can trigger Alzheimer disease (AD) pathophysiology by binding to cell surface cellular prion protein (PrPC). PrPC interacts physically with metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), and this interaction controls the transmission of neurotoxic signals to intracellular substrates. Because the interruption of the signal transduction from PrPC to mGluR5 has therapeutic potential for AD, we developed assays to explore the effect of endogenous ligands, agonists/antagonists, and antibodies on the interaction between PrPC and mGluR5 in cell lines and mouse brain. We show that the PrPC segment of amino acids 91–153 mediates the interaction with mGluR5. Agonists of mGluR5 increase the mGluR5-PrPC interaction, whereas mGluR5 antagonists suppress protein association. Synthetic Aβo promotes the protein interaction in mouse brain and transfected HEK-293 cell membrane preparations. The interaction of PrPC and mGluR5 is enhanced dramatically in the brains of familial AD transgenic model mice. In brain homogenates with Aβo, the interaction of PrPC and mGluR5 is reversed by mGluR5-directed antagonists or antibodies directed against the PrPC segment of amino acids 91–153. Silent allosteric modulators of mGluR5 do not alter Glu or basal mGluR5 activity, but they disrupt the Aβo-induced interaction of mGluR5 with PrPC. The assays described here have the potential to identify and develop new compounds that inhibit the interaction of PrPC and mGluR5, which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease by transmitting the signal from extracellular Aβo into the cytosol. PMID:25148681

Bacteriophage T5 encodes a homolog of the eukaryotic transcription coactivator PC4 implicated in recombination-dependent DNA replication.

PubMed

Steigemann, Birthe; Schulz, Annina; Werten, Sebastiaan

2013-11-15

The RNA polymerase II cofactor PC4 globally regulates transcription of protein-encoding genes through interactions with unwinding DNA, the basal transcription machinery and transcription activators. Here, we report the surprising identification of PC4 homologs in all sequenced representatives of the T5 family of bacteriophages, as well as in an archaeon and seven phyla of eubacteria. We have solved the crystal structure of the full-length T5 protein at 1.9Å, revealing a striking resemblance to the characteristic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding core domain of PC4. Intriguing novel structural features include a potential regulatory region at the N-terminus and a C-terminal extension of the homodimerisation interface. The genome organisation of T5-related bacteriophages points at involvement of the PC4 homolog in recombination-dependent DNA replication, strongly suggesting that the protein corresponds to the hitherto elusive replicative ssDNA-binding protein of the T5 family. Our findings imply that PC4-like factors intervene in multiple unwinding-related processes by acting as versatile modifiers of nucleic acid conformation and raise the possibility that the eukaryotic transcription coactivator derives from ancestral DNA replication, recombination and repair factors. © 2013.

Generation and measurement of velocity bunched ultrashort bunch of pC charge

DOE PAGES

Lu, X.  H.; Tang, C.  X.; Li, R.  K.; ...

2015-03-01

In this paper, we discuss the velocity compression in a short rf linac of an electron bunch from a rf photoinjector operated in the blowout regime. Particle tracking simulations shows that with a beam charge of 2 pC an ultrashort bunch duration of 16 fs can be obtained at a tight longitudinal focus downstream of the linac. A simplified coherent transition radiation (CTR) spectrum method is developed to enable the measurement of ultrashort (sub-50 fs) bunches at low bunch energy (5 MeV) and low bunch charges (<10 pC). In this method, the ratio of the radiation energy selected by twomore » narrow bandwidth filters is used to estimate the bunch length. The contribution to the coherent form factor of the large transverse size of the bunch suppresses the radiation signal significantly and is included in the analysis. The experiment was performed at the UCLA Pegasus photoinjector laboratory. The measurement results show bunches of sub-40 fs with 2 pC of charge well consistent with the simulation using actual experimental conditions. These results open the way to the generation of ultrashort bunches with time-duration below 10 fs once some of the limitations of the setup (rf phase jitter, amplitude instability and low field in the gun limited by breakdown) are corrected.« less

Cell metabolomics reveals the neurotoxicity mechanism of cadmium in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Zong, Li; Xing, Junpeng; Liu, Shu; Liu, Zhiqiang; Song, Fengrui

2018-01-01

The heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) can induce neurotoxicity. Extensive studies about the effects of Cd on human health have been reported, however, a systematic investigation on the molecular mechanisms of the effects of Cd on central nervous system is still needed. In this paper, the neuronal PC-12 cells were treated with a series of concentrations of CdCl 2 for 48h. Then the cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The IC 15 value (15% inhibiting concentration) was selected for further mechanism studies. After PC-12 cells incubated with CdCl 2 at a dose of IC 15 for 48h, the intracellular and extracellular metabolites were profiled using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)-based cell metabolomics approach. As found, the effects of the heavy metal Cd produced on the PC-12 cell viability were dose-dependent. The metabolic changes were involved in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, biopterin metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and fatty acids beta-oxidation. These could cause the perturbation of cell membrane, redox balance, energy supply, cellular detoxification, further affecting the cellular proliferation and apoptosis and other cellular activities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dasatinib inhibits both osteoclast activation and prostate cancer PC-3 cell-induced osteoclast formation

PubMed Central

Araujo, John C.; Poblenz, Ann; Corn, Paul G.; Parikh, Nila U.; Starbuck, Michael W.; Thompson, Jerry T.; Lee, Francis; Logothetis, Christopher J.; Darnay, Bryant G.

2013-01-01

Purpose Therapies to target prostate cancer bone metastases have only limited effects. New treatments are focused on the interaction between cancer cells, bone marrow cells and the bone matrix. Osteoclasts play an important role in the development of bone tumors caused by prostate cancer. Since Src kinase has been shown to be necessary for osteoclast function, we hypothesized that dasatinib, a Src family kinase inhibitor, would reduce osteoclast activity and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell-induced osteoclast formation. Results Dasatinib inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived monocytes with an EC50 of 7.5 nM. PC-3 cells, a human prostate cancer cell line, were able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocytic cell line, into osteoclasts and dasatinib inhibited this differentiation. In addition, conditioned medium from PC-3 cell cultures was able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells into osteoclasts and this too, was inhibited by dasatinib. Even the lowest concentration of dasatinib, 1.25 nmol, inhibited osteoclast differentiation by 29%. Moreover, dasatinib inhibited osteoclast activity by 58% as measured by collagen 1 release. Experimental design We performed in vitro experiments utilizing the Src family kinase inhibitor dasatinib to target osteoclast activation as a means of inhibiting prostate cancer bone metastases. Conclusion Dasatinib inhibits osteoclast differentiation of mouse primary bone marrow-derived monocytes and PC-3 cell-induced osteoclast differentiation. Dasatinib also inhibits osteoclast degradation activity. Inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity may be an effective targeted therapy in patients with prostate cancer bone metastases. PMID:19855158

The South American Meridional B-field Array (SAMBA) and Pc4-5 Wave Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sterner, Lt. Nathan; Zesta, Eftyhia; Boudouridis, Athanasios; Moldwin, Mark; Yizengaw, Endawoke; Chi, Peter

The Antarctic continent, the only landmass in the southern polar region, offers the unique opportunity for observations that geomagnetically range from polar latitudes to well into the inner magnetosphere, thus enabling conjugate observations in a wide range of geomagnetic lat-itudes. The SAMBA (South American Meridional B-field Array) chain is a meridional chain of 12 magnetometers, 11 of them at L=1.1 to L=2.5 along the coast of Chile and in the Antarc-tica peninsula, and one auroral station along the same meridian. SAMBA is conjugate to the northern hemisphere MEASURE and McMAC chains, offering unique opportunities for inter-hemispheric studies. In particular, we study asymmetries in the power of ULF waves and the role of the ionosphere in such observed asymmetries. Utilizing conjugate magnetometer stations at L=1.7 and L=2.3, we previously demonstrated that the northern hemisphere consistently shows higher ULF wave power. One possible reason for the asymmetry is solar zenith angles differences with the northern hemisphere station being closer to the ecliptic plain and having a higher power ratio. These hemispheric differences were also observed with TEC measurements indicating that the north and south conjugate ionospheres are similarly asymmetric. The initial study was done with Pc3 waves, which include the resonance frequencies for the flux tubes of our conjugate stations. We now extend the study to Pc4 and Pc5 waves that reach the lower latitudes via different mechanisms and compare these waves to the resonant Pc3 waves.

The South American Meridional B-field Array (SAMBA) and Pc4-5 Wave Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sterner, N. L.; Zesta, E.; Boudouridis, A.; Moldwin, M.; Yizengaw, E.; Chi, P. J.

2010-12-01

The Antarctic continent, the only landmass in the southern polar region, offers the unique opportunity for observations that geomagnetically range from polar latitudes to well into the inner magnetosphere, thus enabling conjugate observations in a wide range of geomagnetic latitudes. The SAMBA (South American Meridional B-field Array) chain is a meridional chain of 12 magnetometers, 11 of them at L=1.1 to L=2.5 along the coast of Chile and in the Antarctica peninsula, and one auroral station along the same meridian. SAMBA is conjugate to the northern hemisphere MEASURE and McMAC chains, offering unique opportunities for inter-hemispheric studies. In particular, we study asymmetries in the power of ULF waves and the role of the ionosphere in such observed asymmetries. Utilizing conjugate magnetometer stations at L=1.7 and L=2.3, we previously demonstrated that the northern hemisphere consistently shows higher ULF wave power. One possible reason for the asymmetry is solar zenith angles differences with the northern hemisphere station being closer to the ecliptic plain and having a higher power ratio. These hemispheric differences were also observed with TEC measurements indicating that the north and south conjugate ionospheres are similarly asymmetric. The initial study was done with Pc3 waves, which include the resonance frequencies for the flux tubes of our conjugate stations. We now extend the study to Pc4 and Pc5 waves that reach the lower latitudes via different mechanisms and compare these waves to the resonant Pc3 waves.

Global nature of Pc 5 magnetic pulsation during the WHI observation campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujimoto, A.; Tokunaga, T.; Abe, S.; Uozumi, T.; Yoshikawa, A.; Yumoto, K.; Group, M.

2008-12-01

In conjunction with the activities of IHY(International Heliophysical Year), an international observation campaign was planned and carried out from March 20 to April 16 of 2008. The name of this campaign is Whole Heliosphere Interval (WHI). During WHI, the nations of the world worked together to collect relevant scientific data. As a result, there now exists an exceptionally good data set of multi-point ground-based and satellite magnetometer data for this time frame. There were no clear and outstanding geomagnetic storms during WHI, but there were some moderate geomagnetically active moments. For example, on March 26, Dst index decreased from 25 nT to -41 nT for 10 hours(1000 -1900 UT). The amplitude of Pc 5 pulsation in the frequency band between 1.67 and 6.67 mHz at the MAGDAS stations increased for few days after March 26. Using magnetometer data obtained globally from ULTIMA(Ultra Large Terrestrial International Magnetic Array) stations, we will investigate the occurrence and wave characteristics(amplitude, period and phase) of Pc 5 pulsations. Particularly high-latitude Pc 5 observed at THEMIS (the Time History of Events and Macroscopic Interactions during Substorms), CARISMA(Canadian Array for Realtime Investigations of Magnetic Activity) and McMaC (Mid-continent Magnetoseismic Chain) stations will be compared with equatorial-latitude Pc 5 observed at MAGDAS stations(TIR, DAV, YAP, ANC, EUS, ILR, and UT=LT+5h, +8h, +9h, -5h, -2h and 0h, respectively). Acknowledgment: MAGDAS data used in this paper were obtained in mutual collaborations with the following representatives of various organizations; Prof. Archana Bhattacharya(Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, TIR), Fr. Daniel McNamara(Manila Observatory, DAV), Dr. David Aranug(Weather Service Office YAP, YAP), Dr. Ronald Woodman Pollitt(Instituto Geofisico del Peru, ANC), Dr. Severino L. G. Dutra(Brazilian National Space Research Institute (INPE), EUS), Dr. A. Babatunde Rabiu(Federal University of Technology

An eastward propagating compressional Pc 5 wave observed by AMPTE/CCE in the postmidnight sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, K.; Lopez, R. E.; McEntire, R. W.; Zanetti, L. J.; Kistler, L. M.; Ipavich, F. M.

1987-12-01

This paper presents a detailed analysis of a compressional Pc 5 wave observed in the postmidnight sector on July 21, 1986, using data from the magnetometer, the charge-energy-mass spectrometer, and the medium-energy particle analyzer aboard the AMPTE/Charge Composition Explorer (CCE) spacecraft. The Pc 5 wave exhibited harmonically related transverse and compressional magnetic oscillations, modulation of the flux of medium energy protons, and a large azimuthal wave number, i.e., properties that are similar to those of compressional Pc5 waves observed previously at geostationary orbit. The unique observations recorded by the AMPTE/CCE included the occurrence of the wave in the postmidnight sector, its sunward propagation with respect to the spacecraft, and the left-handed polarization of the perturbed magnetic field. In spite of the morphological uniqueness observed, the excitation of the July 21 event is considered to be due to the same type of instability as operates at geostationary orbit.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE CURRENT CENSUS OF NORTHERN WHITE DWARFS WITHIN 40 pc OF THE SUN

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

Limoges, M.-M.; Bergeron, P.; Lépine, S., E-mail: limoges@astro.umontreal.ca, E-mail: bergeron@astro.umontreal.ca, E-mail: slepine@chara.gsu.edu

We present a detailed description of the physical properties of our current census of white dwarfs within 40 pc of the Sun, based on an exhaustive spectroscopic survey of northern hemisphere candidates from the SUPERBLINK proper motion database. Our method for selecting white dwarf candidates is based on a combination of theoretical color–magnitude relations and reduced proper motion diagrams. We reported in an earlier publication the discovery of nearly 200 new white dwarfs, and we present here the discovery of an additional 133 new white dwarfs, among which we identify 96 DA, 3 DB, 24 DC, 3 DQ, and 7more » DZ stars. We further identify 178 white dwarfs that lie within 40 pc of the Sun, representing a 40% increase of the current census, which now includes 492 objects. We estimate the completeness of our survey at between 66% and 78%, allowing for uncertainties in the distance estimates. We also perform a homogeneous model atmosphere analysis of this 40 pc sample and find a large fraction of massive white dwarfs, indicating that we are successfully recovering the more massive, and less luminous objects often missed in other surveys. We also show that the 40 pc sample is dominated by cool and old white dwarfs, which populate the faint end of the luminosity function, although trigonometric parallaxes will be needed to shape this part of the luminosity function more accurately. Finally, we identify 4 probable members of the 20 pc sample, 4 suspected double degenerate binaries, and we also report the discovery of two new ZZ Ceti pulsators.« less

Formal Transformations from Graphically-Based Object-Oriented Representations to Theory-Based Specifications

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-06-01

for Software Synthesis." KBSE 󈨡. IEEE, 1993. 51. Kang, Kyo C., et al. Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ) Feasibility Study. Technical Report...and usefulness in domain analysis and modeling. Rumbaugh uses three distinct views to describe a domain: (1) the object model describes structural...Gibbons describe a methodology where Structured Analysis is used to build a hierarchical system structure chart. This structure chart is then translated

Differential inhibitory effects of 2-azafluorenones on PI-PLC activation but not on PC-PLC- or PC-PLD-activation induced by histamine, PAF, PMA or A23187 in C6 glioma cells.

PubMed

Wang, Hai-Long; Wang, Li-Chuan; Wei, Jiann-Wu

2013-02-28

In this study, C6 glioma cells were used to test the effects of 2-azafluorenone and its related compounds on membrane phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) turnover. An increase of [³H]-labeled inositol phosphate (IP1) formation by histamine (100 μM) or A23187 (100 nM) via the activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) to breakdown labeled substrate was observed, and this effect could be partially blocked by about half at 100 μM of 2-azafluorenones. Histamine induced the increase of IP1 formation, but failed to cause an increase in extracellularly releasing of [3H]choline metabolites, or intracellular accumulation of [³H]phosphscholine. However, platelet activation factor (PAF) from 0.2 to 1 μM, and phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) at 1 μM caused an increase in extracellularly releasing of [³H]choline metabolites, and intracellular accumulation of [³H]phosphocholine via the activation on phosphatidylcholine (PC)-PLC. These responses of PAF and PMA were not affected by 2-azafluorenone or 4-methyl-2-azafluorenone even at high concentration (10⁻⁴ M). A23187 induced an increase of intracellular [³H]choline release via the activation of PCphospholipase D (PLD). This increasing effect of 100 nM A23187 was not affected by 2-azafluorenone or 4-methyl-2-azafluorenone even at a high concentration of 10⁻⁴ M. In summary, the inhibitory effect of 2-azafluorenone and its related compound 4-methyl-2-azafluorenone was observed selectively on PIPLC, but not on PC-PLC or PC-PLD based on changes of products after the activation of these enzymes.

Targeted Elimination of PCDH-PC Expressing Prostate Cancer Cells for Control of Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-01

or antisense oligonucleotides ( ASOs ) might be useful in preventing the development of castration- recurrent prostate cancer in prostate cancer...patients. To this end, we have created functional shRNA vectors and ASOs capable of suppressing PCDH-PC expression and we have also created a monoclonal...electrophoresed on an SDS-PAGE gel and blotted onto a filter. The filter was probed with an anti-myc antibody. The levels of myc-tagged PCDH-PC protein

Targeted Elimination of PCDH-PC Expressing Prostate Cancer Cells for Control of Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

expression knockout by shRNAs or antisense oligonucleotides ( ASOs ) might be useful in preventing the development of castration-recurrent prostate...cancer in prostate cancer patients. To this end, we have created functional shRNA vectors and ASOs capable of suppressing PCDH-PC expression and we have...containing PCDH-PC cDNA. Cell extracts were prepared 48 hrs after co-transfection and were electrophoresed on an SDS-PAGE gel and blotted onto a

Teaching mathematics in the PC lab - the students' viewpoints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Karsten; Köhler, Anke

2013-04-01

The Matrix Algebra portion of the intermediate mathematics course at the Schmalkalden University Faculty of Business and Economics has been moved from a traditional classroom setting to a technology-based setting in the PC lab. A Computer Algebra System license was acquired that also allows its use on the students' own PCs. A survey was carried out to analyse the students' attitudes towards the use of technology in mathematics teaching.

Evaluation of the internal construct validity of the Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool (PC-PART) using Rasch analysis.

PubMed

Darzins, Susan; Imms, Christine; Di Stefano, Marilyn; Taylor, Nicholas F; Pallant, Julie F

2014-11-05

The Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool (PC-PART) is a 43-item, clinician-administered assessment, designed to identify patients' unmet needs (participation restrictions) in activities of daily living (ADL) required for community life. This information is important for identifying problems that need addressing to enable, for example, discharge from inpatient settings to community living. The objective of this study was to evaluate internal construct validity of the PC-PART using Rasch methods. Fit to the Rasch model was evaluated for 41 PC-PART items, assessing threshold ordering, overall model fit, individual item fit, person fit, internal consistency, Differential Item Functioning (DIF), targeting of items and dimensionality. Data used in this research were taken from admission data from a randomised controlled trial conducted at two publically funded inpatient rehabilitation units in Melbourne, Australia, with 996 participants (63% women; mean age 74 years) and with various impairment types. PC-PART items assessed as one scale, and original PC-PART domains evaluated as separate scales, demonstrated poor fit to the Rasch model. Adequate fit to the Rasch model was achieved in two newly formed PC-PART scales: Self-Care (16 items) and Domestic Life (14 items). Both scales were unidimensional, had acceptable internal consistency (PSI =0.85, 0.76, respectively) and well-targeted items. Rasch analysis did not support conventional summation of all PC-PART item scores to create a total score. However, internal construct validity of the newly formed PC-PART scales, Self-Care and Domestic Life, was supported. Their Rasch-derived scores provided interval-level measurement enabling summation of scores to form a total score on each scale. These scales may assist clinicians, managers and researchers in rehabilitation settings to assess and measure changes in ADL participation restrictions relevant to community living. Data used in this research were

A critical note on the IAGA-endorsed Polar Cap (PC) indices: excessive excursions in the real-time index values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stauning, Peter

2018-04-01

The Polar Cap (PC) indices were approved by the International Association for Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) in 2013 and made available at the web portal http://pcindex.org holding prompt (real-time) as well as archival index values. The present note provides the first reported examination of the validity of the IAGA-endorsed method to generate real-time PC index values. It is demonstrated that features of the derivation procedure defined by Janzhura and Troshichev (2011) may cause considerable excursions in the real-time PC index values compared to the final index values. In examples based on occasional downloads of index values, the differences between real-time and final values of PC indices were found to exceed 3 mV m-1, which is a magnitude level that may indicate (or hide) strong magnetic storm activity.

Operating a Geiger-Muller Tube Using a PC Sound Card

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azooz, A. A.

2009-01-01

In this paper, a simple MATLAB-based PC program that enables the computer to function as a replacement for the electronic scalar-counter system associated with a Geiger-Muller (GM) tube is described. The program utilizes the ability of MATLAB to acquire data directly from the computer sound card. The signal from the GM tube is applied to the…

The impact of Internet and PC addiction in school performance of Cypriot adolescents.

PubMed

Siomos, Konstantinos; Paradeisioti, Anna; Hadjimarcou, Michalis; Mappouras, Demetrios G; Kalakouta, Olga; Avagianou, Penelope; Floros, Georgios

2013-01-01

In this paper we present the results of a cross-sectional survey designed to ascertain Internet and personal computer (PC) addiction in the Republic of Cyprus. This is a follow-up to a pilot study conducted one year earlier. Data were collected from a representative sample of the adolescent student population of the first and fourth grades of high school. Total sample was 2684 students, 48.5% of them male and 51.5% female. Research material included extended demographics and an Internet security questionnaire, the Young's Diagnostic questionnaire (YDQ), the Adolescent Computer Addiction Test (ACAT). Results indicated that the Cypriot population had comparable addiction statistics with other Greek-speaking populations in Greece; 15.3% of the students were classified as Internet addicted by their YDQ scores and 16.3% as PC addicted by their ACAT scores. Those results are among the highest in Europe. Our results were alarming and have led to the creation of an Internet and PC addiction prevention program which will focus on high-school professor training and the creation of appropriate prevention material for all high-schools, starting immediately after the conclusion of the pan-Cypriot survey, focusing especially on those areas where the frequency of addictive behaviors will be highest.

Threshold levels of ERK activation for chemotactic migration differ for NGF and EGF in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells.

PubMed

Ho, W C; Uniyal, S; Zhou, H; Morris, V L; Chan, B M C

2005-03-01

In a previous study, we show that stimulation of chemotaxis in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells by nerve growth factor (NGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) requires activation of the RAS-ERK signaling pathway. In this study, we compared the threshold levels of ERK activation required for EGF and NGF-stimulated chemotaxis in PC12 cells. The threshold ERK activity required for NGF to stimulate chemotaxis was approximately 30% lower than that for EGF. PD98059 treatment inhibited EGF stimulation of growth and chemotaxis; however, stimulation of chemotaxis required an EGF concentration approximately 10 times higher than for stimulation of PC12 cell growth. Thus, ERK-dependent cellular functions can be differentially elicited by the concentration of EGF. Also, treatment of PC12 cells with the PI3-K inhibitor LY294002 reduced ERK activation by NGF; thus, higher NGF concentrations were required to initiate chemotaxis and to achieve the same maximal chemotactic response seen in untreated PC12 cells. Therefore, the threshold NGF concentration to stimulate chemotaxis could be adjusted by the crosstalk between the ERK and PI3-K pathways, and the contributions of PI3-K and ERK to signal chemotaxis varied with the concentrations of NGF used. In comparison, LY294002 treatment had no effect on ERK activation by EGF, but the chemotactic response was reduced at all the concentrations of EGF tested indicating that NGF and EGF differed in the utilization of ERK and PI3-K to signal chemotaxis in PC12 cells.

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of the mouse PC1/3-N222D hypomorph and human PCSK1 mutations contributes to obesity.

PubMed

Stijnen, P; Brouwers, B; Dirkx, E; Ramos-Molina, B; Van Lommel, L; Schuit, F; Thorrez, L; Declercq, J; Creemers, J W M

2016-06-01

The proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), encoded by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), cleaves and hence activates several orexigenic and anorexigenic proproteins. Congenital inactivation of PCSK1 leads to obesity in human but not in mice. However, a mouse model harboring the hypomorphic mutation N222D is obese. It is not clear why the mouse models differ in phenotype. Gene expression analysis was performed with pancreatic islets from Pcsk1(N222D/N222D) mice. Subsequently, biosynthesis, maturation, degradation and activity were studied in islets, pituitary, hypothalamus and cell lines. Coimmunoprecipitation of PC1/3-N222D and human PC1/3 variants associated with obesity with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone BiP was studied in cell lines. Gene expression analysis of islets of Pcsk1(N222D/N222D) mice showed enrichment of gene sets related to the proteasome and the unfolded protein response. Steady-state levels of PC1/3-N222D and in particular the carboxy-terminally processed form were strongly reduced in islets, pituitary and hypothalamus. However, impairment of substrate cleavage was tissue dependent. Proinsulin processing was drastically reduced, while processing of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in pituitary was only mildly impaired. Growth hormone expression and IGF-1 levels were normal, indicating near-normal processing of hypothalamic proGHRH. PC1/3-N222D binds to BiP and is rapidly degraded by the proteasome. Analysis of human PC1/3 obesity-associated mutations showed increased binding to BiP and prolonged intracellular retention for all investigated mutations, in particular for PC1/3-T175M, PC1/3-G226R and PC1/3-G593R. This study demonstrates that the hypomorphic mutation in Pcsk1(N222D) mice has an effect on catalytic activity in pancreatic islets, pituitary and hypothalamus. Reduced substrate processing activity in Pcsk1(N222D/N222D) mice is due to enhanced degradation in addition to reduced

AUTOPLAN: A PC-based automated mission planning tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paterra, Frank C.; Allen, Marc S.; Lawrence, George F.

1987-01-01

A PC-based automated mission and resource planning tool, AUTOPLAN, is described, with application to small-scale planning and scheduling systems in the Space Station program. The input is a proposed mission profile, including mission duration, number of allowable slip periods, and requirement profiles for one or more resources as a function of time. A corresponding availability profile is also entered for each resource over the whole time interval under study. AUTOPLAN determines all integrated schedules which do not require more than the available resources.

Inferring functional connectivity in MRI using Bayesian network structure learning with a modified PC algorithm

PubMed Central

Iyer, Swathi; Shafran, Izhak; Grayson, David; Gates, Kathleen; Nigg, Joel; Fair, Damien

2013-01-01

Resting state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) is a popular technique used to gauge the functional relatedness between regions in the brain for typical and special populations. Most of the work to date determines this relationship by using Pearson's correlation on BOLD fMRI timeseries. However, it has been recognized that there are at least two key limitations to this method. First, it is not possible to resolve the direct and indirect connections/influences. Second, the direction of information flow between the regions cannot be differentiated. In the current paper, we follow-up on recent work by Smith et al (2011), and apply a Bayesian approach called the PC algorithm to both simulated data and empirical data to determine whether these two factors can be discerned with group average, as opposed to single subject, functional connectivity data. When applied on simulated individual subjects, the algorithm performs well determining indirect and direct connection but fails in determining directionality. However, when applied at group level, PC algorithm gives strong results for both indirect and direct connections and the direction of information flow. Applying the algorithm on empirical data, using a diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) structural connectivity matrix as the baseline, the PC algorithm outperformed the direct correlations. We conclude that, under certain conditions, the PC algorithm leads to an improved estimate of brain network structure compared to the traditional connectivity analysis based on correlations. PMID:23501054

Targeted Elimination of PCDH-PC Expressing Prostate Cancer Cells for Control of Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-01

SDS-PAGE gel . The Western blot made from this gel was probed with antibody that recognizes the myc-tag. When compared to the extracts from the...SDS-PAGE gel and blotted onto a filter. The filter was probed with an anti-myc antibody. The levels of myc-tagged PCDH-PC protein in cells co...Specific Aim 2. Design and test antisense oligonucleotides ( ASOs ) that suppress PCDH-PC expression in prostate cancer cells. Work Done: We used

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor Modification Machinery Deficiency Is Responsible for the Formation of Pro-Prion Protein (PrP) in BxPC-3 Protein and Increases Cancer Cell Motility*

PubMed Central

Yang, Liheng; Gao, Zhenxing; Hu, Lipeng; Wu, Guiru; Yang, Xiaowen; Zhang, Lihua; Zhu, Ying; Wong, Boon-Seng; Xin, Wei; Sy, Man-Sun; Li, Chaoyang

2016-01-01

The normal cellular prion protein (PrP) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface glycoprotein. However, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines, such as BxPC-3, PrP exists as a pro-PrP retaining its glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) peptide signaling sequence. Here, we report the identification of another pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line, AsPC-1, which expresses a mature GPI-anchored PrP. Comparison of the 24 genes involved in the GPI anchor modification pathway between AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 revealed 15 of the 24 genes, including PGAP1 and PIG-F, were down-regulated in the latter cells. We also identified six missense mutations in DPM2, PIG-C, PIG-N, and PIG-P alongside eight silent mutations. When BxPC-3 cells were fused with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which lack endogenous PrP, pro-PrP was successfully converted into mature GPI-anchored PrP. Expression of the individual gene, such as PGAP1, PIG-F, or PIG-C, into BxPC-3 cells does not result in phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C sensitivity of PrP. However, when PIG-F but not PIG-P is expressed in PGAP1-expressing BxPC-3 cells, PrP on the surface of the cells becomes phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-sensitive. Thus, low expression of PIG-F and PGAP1 is the major factor contributing to the accumulation of pro-PrP. More importantly, BxPC-3 cells expressing GPI-anchored PrP migrate much slower than BxPC-3 cells bearing pro-PrP. In addition, GPI-anchored PrP-bearing AsPC-1 cells also migrate slower than pro-PrP bearing BxPC-3 cells, although both cells express filamin A. “Knocking out” PRNP in BxPC-3 cell drastically reduces its migration. Collectively, these results show that multiple gene irregularity in BxPC-3 cells is responsible for the formation of pro-PrP, and binding of pro-PrP to filamin A contributes to enhanced tumor cell motility. PMID:26683373

Astroglia overexpressing heme oxygenase-1 predispose co-cultured PC12 cells to oxidative injury.

PubMed

Song, Linyang; Song, Wei; Schipper, Hyman M

2007-08-01

The mechanisms responsible for the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and pathologic iron deposition in the substantia nigra pars compacta of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) remain unclear. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the oxidative degradation of heme to ferrous iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin, is upregulated in affected PD astroglia and may contribute to abnormal mitochondrial iron sequestration in these cells. To determine whether glial HO-1 hyper-expression is toxic to neuronal compartments, we co-cultured dopaminergic PC12 cells atop monolayers of human (h) HO-1 transfected, sham-transfected, or non-transfected primary rat astroglia. We observed that PC12 cells grown atop hHO-1 transfected astrocytes, but not the astroglia themselves, were significantly more susceptible to dopamine (1 microM) + H(2)O(2) (1 microM)-induced death (assessed by nuclear ethidium monoazide bromide staining and anti-tyrosine hydroxylase immunofluorescence microscopy) relative to control preparations. In the experimental group, PC12 cell death was attenuated significantly by the administration of the HO inhibitor, SnMP (1.5 microM), the antioxidant, ascorbate (200 microM), or the iron chelators, deferoxamine (400 microM), and phenanthroline (100 microM). Exposure to conditioned media derived from HO-1 transfected astrocytes also augmented PC12 cell killing in response to dopamine (1 microM) + H(2)O(2) (1 microM) relative to control media. In PD brain, overexpression of HO-1 in nigral astroglia and accompanying iron liberation may facilitate the bioactivation of dopamine to neurotoxic free radical intermediates and predispose nearby neuronal constituents to oxidative damage. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Protective effect of arctigenin on ethanol-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Huang, Jia; Xiao, Lan; Wei, Jing-Xiang; Shu, Ya-Hai; Fang, Shi-Qi; Wang, Yong-Tang; Lu, Xiu-Min

2017-04-01

As a neurotropic substance, ethanol can damage nerve cells through an increase in the production of free radicals, interference of neurotrophic factor signaling pathways, activation of endogenous apoptotic signals and other molecular mechanisms. Previous studies have revealed that a number of natural drugs extracted from plants offer protection of nerve cells from damage. Among these, arctigenin (ATG) is a lignine extracted from Arctium lappa (L.), which has been found to exert a neuroprotective effect on scopolamine‑induced memory deficits in mice with Alzheimer's disease and glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in primary neurons. As a result, it may offer beneficial effects on ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. However, the effects of ATG on ethanol‑induced nerve damage remain to be elucidated. To address this issue, the present study used rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells to investigate the neuroprotective effects of ATG on ethanol-induced cell damage by performing an MTT reduction assay, cell cycle analysis, Hoechst33342/propidium iodide fluorescence staining and flow cytometry to examine apoptosis. The results showed that 10 µM ATG effectively promoted the proliferation of damaged cells, and increased the distribution ratio of the cells at the G2/M and S phases (P<0.05). In addition, the apoptosis and necrosis of the PC12 cells were significantly decreased following treatment with ATG. Therefore, it was concluded that 10 µM ATG had a protective effect on ethanol‑induced injury in PC12 cells.

Field and Simulator Evaluations of a PC-Based Attention Maintenance Training Program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-07-01

This report presents the results of three research studies regarding driver distraction from the forward roadway due to : secondary in-vehicle tasks. Study 1 included the development and evaluation of a PC-based training program named : FOrward Conce...

Tailoring the electronic transitions of NdNiO{sub 3} films through (111){sub pc} oriented interfaces

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

Catalano, S., E-mail: sara.catalano@unige.ch; Gibert, M.; Zubko, P.

2015-06-01

Bulk NdNiO{sub 3} and thin films grown along the pseudocubic (001){sub pc} axis display a 1st order metal to insulator transition (MIT) together with a Néel transition at T = 200 K. Here, we show that for NdNiO{sub 3} films deposited on (111){sub pc} NdGaO{sub 3}, the MIT occurs at T = 335 K and the Néel transition at T = 230 K. By comparing transport and magnetic properties of layers grown on substrates with different symmetries and lattice parameters, we demonstrate a particularly large tuning when the epitaxy is realized on (111){sub pc} surfaces. We attribute this effect tomore » the specific lattice matching conditions imposed along this direction when using orthorhombic substrates.« less

Purification and characterization of protein PC, a component of glycine reductase from Eubacterium acidaminophilum.

PubMed

Schräder, T; Andreesen, J R

1992-05-15

Protein PC of the glycine reductase from Eubacterium acidaminophilum was purified to homogeneity by chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose and Sepharose S. The apparent molecular mass of the native protein, which showed an associating/dissociating behaviour, was about 420 kDa. Sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of protein PC revealed two protein bands corresponding to 48 and 57 kDa, indicating an alpha 4 beta 4 composition. The smaller subunit was identified as an acetyl-group-transferring protein, the 57-kDa protein was hydrophobic. N-terminal amino acid sequences were determined for both subunits. Antibodies raised against the 48-kDa subunit showed cross-reactions with extracts of E. acidaminophilum grown on different substrates and with extracts from other glycine-utilizing anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium purinolyticum, C. sticklandii, and C. sporogenes. The respective protein from the former two organisms corresponded in molecular mass. When protein PA was chemically carboxymethylated by iodo[2-14C]acetate and incubated with protein PC, acetyl phosphate was a reaction product, thus establishing it as the product of the glycine reductase reaction by using homogeneous preparations of these two proteins from E. acidaminophilum.

The Discoloration effect of White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (WMTA), Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM), and Portland Cement (PC) on Human Teeth.

PubMed

Salem-Milani, Amin; Ghasemi, Saeede; Rahimi, Saeed; Ardalan-Abdollahi, Amir; Asghari-Jafarabadi, Mohammad

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the discoloration induced by CEM cement, Portland cement (PC) and MTA mixed with propylene glycol (MTA-PG) in comparison to White MTA. Ninety extracted premolar and canine teeth were resected 2 mm below the CEJ. The coronal part of crown was prepared with peeso reamer and Gates-Glidden drills, and the specimens were randomly divided into 4 experimental (n=20) and one control (n=10) groups. The tooth crowns in experimental groups 1 to 4 were filled with White MTA, PC, CEM cement and MTA-PG, respectively; and in group 5, the teeth were kept empty. After incubation, digital photographs of teeth were acquired at 4 time points (before, immediately after placing the materials, 3 and 6 months afterwards). Images were transferred to Adobe Photoshop CS4 and CIE L*a*b color space was used for tooth shade assessment. One-Way ANOVA and One-Sample t-test were used to compare discoloration of teeth between groups. Significant statistical discoloration was only observed in the cervical one third of all groups at each time points (except between 3 and 6 months). Tooth discoloration was greatest in PC and lower in MTA and MTA-PG at the end of 6 months. The tooth discoloration between immediately and 3 months after placing the materials had significant difference only between MTA and PC; and also the tooth discoloration between immediately and 6 months after placing the materials was observed only between PC and MTA, and PC and MTA-PG. All of the experimental biomaterials caused tooth discoloration after 6 months, of those, PC had the most and MTA and MTA-PG had the least discoloration effect. Key words: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Calcium enriched mixture (CEM). Propylene glycol. Portland cement.

[Study of 3D-pcASL in differentiation of acute cerebral infarction and acute encephalitis].

PubMed

Mao, Chuanwan; Fu, Yuchuan; Ye, Xinjian; Wu, Aiqin; Yan, Zhihan

2015-06-16

To investigate the value of three-dimentional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging in differentiating acute cerebral infarction from acute encephalitis. From September 2013 to September 2014, 42 patients with actue stroke onset and 20 healthy volunteers underwent conventional brain MRI DWI and 3D-ASL Perfusion Imaging in our hospital. Only 20 patients whose lesions located in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory were enrolled in this study. Of these cases, 12 cases were diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction, 8 were diagnosed with encephalitis. First, we analyzed the imaging features of the 20 patients and 20 volunteers. Then, CBF values of the lesions in the 20 patients and the gray matter of MCA territory in the 20 volunteers were measured on 3D-pcASL images. Third, the difference of mean CBF values between patients and volunteers were analyzed. Out of 20 study group, 19 patients whose lesions presented high signal intensity on DWI images, 12 cases were acute cerebral infarction and 8 were encephalitis. All the lesions of 20 cases showed abnormal perfusion on 3D-pcASL images. 3D-pcASL has good consistency with DWI in diagnostic capabilities (χ² = 0.565, P = 0.01). On 3D-pcASL, 11 acute cerebral infarction patients presented perfusion defects or low perfusion, 1 acute cerebral infarction patients showed high perfusion, 8 encephalitis patients showed inhomogeneous perfusion. The mean value of CBF was (17 ± 6) ml · min⁻¹ · 100 g⁻¹ in 12 acute cerebral infarction patients, (136 ± 69) ml · min⁻¹ · 100 g⁻¹ in 8 encephalitis patients and (68 ± 12) ml · min⁻¹ · 100 g⁻¹ three in 20 healthy volunteers. The difference in mean value of CBF among the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Acute cerebral infarction often shows low perfusion and acute encephalitis shows high perfusion on 3D-pcASL images, which has a higher application value in diagnosis and differentiation of acute cerebral

A scalable PC-based parallel computer for lattice QCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fodor, Z.; Katz, S. D.; Pappa, G.

2003-05-01

A PC-based parallel computer for medium/large scale lattice QCD simulations is suggested. The Eo¨tvo¨s Univ., Inst. Theor. Phys. cluster consists of 137 Intel P4-1.7GHz nodes. Gigabit Ethernet cards are used for nearest neighbor communication in a two-dimensional mesh. The sustained performance for dynamical staggered (wilson) quarks on large lattices is around 70(110) GFlops. The exceptional price/performance ratio is below $1/Mflop.

Western State Hospital: implementing a MUMPS-based PC network.

PubMed

Russ, D C

1991-06-01

Western State Hospital, a state-administered 1,200-bed mental health institution near Tacoma, Wash., confronted the challenge of automating its large campus through the application of the Healthcare Integrated Information System (HIIS). It is the first adaptation of the Veterans Administration's Decentralized Hospital Computer Program software in a mental health institution of this size, and the first DHCP application to be installed on a PC client/server network in a large U.S. hospital.

A New PC and LabVIEW Package Based System for Electrochemical Investigations.

PubMed

Stević, Zoran; Andjelković, Zoran; Antić, Dejan

2008-03-15

The paper describes a new PC and LabVIEW software package based system forelectrochemical research. An overview of well known electrochemical methods, such aspotential measurements, galvanostatic and potentiostatic method, cyclic voltammetry andEIS is given. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been adapted for systemscontaining large capacitances. For signal generation and recording of the response ofinvestigated electrochemical cell, a measurement and control system was developed, basedon a PC P4. The rest of the hardware consists of a commercially available AD-DA converterand an external interface for analog signal processing. The interface is a result of authorsown research. The software platform for desired measurement methods is LabVIEW 8.2package, which is regarded as a high standard in the area of modern virtual instruments. Thedeveloped system was adjusted, tested and compared with commercially available systemand ORCAD simulation.

Analysis of Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Membrane Potential under the Exposure to Millimeter-wave Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizuno, M.; Hirata, A.; Kawase, K.; Otani, C.; Nagatsuma, T.

2004-08-01

Non-thermal effects of millimeter wave (MMW) on Pheochromocytoma (PC12) were studied by potential measurement with a voltage sensitive dye (DiBAC4(3)). Cells were irradiated at fixed frequencies of 30, 40, 60, 76GHz as well as sweeping frequency between 10 and 100 GHz by an MMW generator based on a uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD), the most widely tunable MMW source. However there were no significant changes in membrane potential between MMW-irradiated and control cells. The results suggest that MMW irradiation in the range from 10 to 100GHz appears to be safe for ordinary PC12 cells under non-thermal conditions.

PC4/Tis7/IFRD1 Stimulates Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Is Involved in Myoblast Differentiation as a Regulator of MyoD and NF-κB*

PubMed Central

Micheli, Laura; Leonardi, Luca; Conti, Filippo; Maresca, Giovanna; Colazingari, Sandra; Mattei, Elisabetta; Lira, Sergio A.; Farioli-Vecchioli, Stefano; Caruso, Maurizia; Tirone, Felice

2011-01-01

In skeletal muscle cells, the PC4 (Tis7/Ifrd1) protein is known to function as a coactivator of MyoD by promoting the transcriptional activity of myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C). In this study, we show that up-regulation of PC4 in vivo in adult muscle significantly potentiates injury-induced regeneration by enhancing myogenesis. Conversely, we observe that PC4 silencing in myoblasts causes delayed exit from the cell cycle, accompanied by delayed differentiation, and we show that such an effect is MyoD-dependent. We provide evidence revealing a novel mechanism underlying the promyogenic actions of PC4, by which PC4 functions as a negative regulator of NF-κB, known to inhibit MyoD expression post-transcriptionally. In fact, up-regulation of PC4 in primary myoblasts induces the deacetylation, and hence the inactivation and nuclear export of NF-κB p65, in concomitance with induction of MyoD expression. On the contrary, PC4 silencing in myoblasts induces the acetylation and nuclear import of p65, in parallel with a decrease of MyoD levels. We also observe that PC4 potentiates the inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity mediated by histone deacetylases and that PC4 is able to form trimolecular complexes with p65 and HDAC3. This suggests that PC4 stimulates deacetylation of p65 by favoring the recruitment of HDAC3 to p65. As a whole, these results indicate that PC4 plays a role in muscle differentiation by controlling the MyoD pathway through multiple mechanisms, and as such, it positively regulates regenerative myogenesis. PMID:21127072

Inhibition of MPP+-induced mitochondrial damage and cell death by trifluoperazine and W-7 in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Lee, Chung Soo; Park, Se Young; Ko, Hyun Hee; Song, Jin Ho; Shin, Yong Kyoo; Han, Eun Sook

2005-01-01

Opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore has been recognized to be involved in cell death. The present study investigated the effect of trifluoperazine and W-7 on the MPP+-induced mitochondrial damage and cell death in undifferentiated PC12 cells. Calmodulin antagonists (trifluoperazine, W-7 and calmidazolium) at 0.5-1 microM significantly reduced the loss of cell viability in PC12 cells treated with 500 microM MPP+. Trifluoperazine and W-7 (0.5-1 microM) inhibited the nuclear damage, the loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential followed by cytochrome c release, and the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels due to MPP+ in PC12 cells and attenuated the formation of reactive oxygen species and the depletion of GSH. Calmodulin antagonists at 5-10 microM exhibited a cytotoxic effect on PC12 cells, and compounds at 10 microM did not attenuate cytotoxicity of MPP+. Calmodulin antagonists (0.5-1 microM) significantly reduced rotenone-induced mitochondrial damage and cell death, whereas they did not attenuate cell death and elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels due to H2O2 or ionomycin. The results show that trifluoperazine and W-7 exhibit a differential inhibitory effect against cytotoxicity of MPP+ depending on concentration. Both compounds at the concentrations less than 5 microM may attenuate the MPP+-induced viability loss in PC12 cells by suppressing change in the mitochondrial membrane permeability and by lowering the intracellular Ca2+ levels.

Protective effect of cinnamaldehyde against glutamate-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Lv, Chao; Yuan, Xing; Zeng, Hua-Wu; Liu, Run-Hui; Zhang, Wei-Dong

2017-11-15

Cinnamaldehyde is a main ingredient of cinnamon oils from the stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia, which has been widely used in food and traditional herbal medicine in Asia. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects and the potential mechanisms of cinnamaldehyde against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells were investigated. Exposure to 4mM glutamate altered the GSH, MDA levels and SOD activity, caused the generation of reactive oxygen species, resulted in the induction of oxidative stress in PC12 cell, ultimately induced cell death. However, pretreatment with cinnamaldehyde at 5, 10 and 20μM significantly attenuated cell viability loss, reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species, stabilised mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), decreased the release of cytochrome c and limited the activities of caspase-9 and -3. In addition, cinnamaldehyde also markedly increased Bcl-2 while inhibiting Bax expression，and decreased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio. These results indicate that cinnamaldehyde exists a potential protective effect against glutamate-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 cells. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Cluster observations of EMIC triggered emissions in association with Pc1 waves near Earth's plasmapause

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pickett, J. S.; Grison, B.; Omura, Y.; Engebretson, M. J.; Dandouras, I.; Masson, A.; Adrian, M. L.; Santolík, O.; Décréau, P. M. E.; Cornilleau-Wehrlin, N.; Constantinescu, D.

2010-05-01

The Cluster spacecraft were favorably positioned on the nightside near the equatorial plasmapause of Earth at L ˜ 4.3 on 30 March 2002 to observe electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) rising tone emissions in association with Pc1 waves at 1.5 Hz. The EMIC rising tone emissions were found to be left-hand, circularly polarized, dispersive, and propagating away from the equator. Their burstiness and dispersion of ˜30s/Hz rising out of the 1.5 Hz Pc1 waves are consistent with their identification as EMIC triggered chorus emissions, the first to be reported through in situ observations near the plasmapause. Along with the expected H+ ring current ions seen at higher energies (>300 eV), lower energy ions (300 eV and less) were observed during the most intense EMIC triggered emission events. Nonlinear wave-particle interactions via cyclotron resonance between the ˜2-10 keV H+ ions with temperature anisotropy and the linearly-amplified Pc1 waves are suggested as a possible generation mechanism for the EMIC triggered emissions.

Fabrication and charge/energy-transfer study of 4,7-bis(4-triphenylamino)benzo- 2,1,3-thiadiazole/CuPc composite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yuanyuan; Gu, Shuangxi; Wei, Xiao; Xue, Minzhao; Zhang, Qing; Sheng, Qiaorong; Liu, Yangang

2010-12-01

Composite films of 4,7-bis(4-triphenylamino)benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazole (TBT) and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) are fabricated via protonation-coelectrophoretic deposition from nitromethane solutions of TBT/CuPc mixture in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid as a protonation reagent. A nanospheres-nanowires interpenetrating network structure is obtained when the molar percentage of TBT is 70%. Furthermore, the existence of TBT makes α-phased CuPc be partly transformed into the β-phase, and simultaneously, CuPc disorganizes the TBT unit cells. The blue shift on the absorption edge of TBT and the significant fluorescence quenching in the composite films indicate energy/charge transfer and donor-acceptor (D-A) heterojunction formation. Then these results are proved from another point of view: the mutual overlap of absorption and emission spectra of TBT and CuPc lead to a bidirectional Förster resonance energy transfer at the interface; the molecular energy levels calculated from the results of cyclic voltammetry theoretically determine that there exist a D-A heterojunction and charge transfer from TBT to CuPc. Finally, from the investigation of the field-induced surface photovoltage spectra, it can be concluded that this charge transfer results in efficient dissociation of the photoinduced excitons in the composite films, followed by the generation of a strong photovoltage response.

Exploring Tablet PC Lectures: Lecturer Experiences and Student Perceptions in Biomedicine

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choate, Julia; Kotsanas, George; Dawson, Phillip

2014-01-01

Lecturers using tablet PCs with specialised pens can utilise real-time changes in lecture delivery via digital inking. We investigated student perceptions and lecturer experiences of tablet PC lectures in large-enrolment biomedicine subjects. Lecturers used PowerPoint or Classroom Presenter software for lecture preparation and in-lecture pen-based…

The proprotein convertase PC2 is involved in the maturation of prosomatostatin to somatostatin-14 but not in the somatostatin deficit in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Winsky-Sommerer, R; Grouselle, D; Rougeot, C; Laurent, V; David, J-P; Delacourte, A; Dournaud, P; Seidah, N G; Lindberg, I; Trottier, S; Epelbaum, J

2003-01-01

A somatostatin deficit occurs in the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer's disease patients without a major loss in somatostatin-containing neurons. This deficit could be related to a reduction in the rate of proteolytic processing of peptide precursors. Since the two proprotein convertases (PC)1 and PC2 are responsible for the processing of neuropeptide precursors directed to the regulated secretory pathway, we examined whether they are involved first in the proteolytic processing of prosomatostatin in mouse and human brain and secondly in somatostatin defect associated with Alzheimer's disease. By size exclusion chromatography, the cleavage of prosomatostatin to somatostatin-14 is almost totally abolished in the cortex of PC2 null mice, while the proportions of prosomatostatin and somatostatin-28 are increased. By immunohistochemistry, PC1 and PC2 were localized in many neuronal elements in human frontal and temporal cortex. The convertases levels were quantified by Western blot, as well as the protein 7B2 which is required for the production of active PC2. No significant change in PC1 levels was observed in Alzheimer's disease. In contrast, a marked decrease in the ratio of the PC2 precursor to the total enzymatic pool was observed in the frontal cortex of Alzheimer patients. This decrease coincides with an increase in the binding protein 7B2. However, the content and enzymatic activity of the PC2 mature form were similar in Alzheimer patients and controls. Therefore, the cortical somatostatin defect is not due to convertase alteration occuring during Alzheimer's disease. Further studies will be needed to assess the mechanisms involved in somatostatin deficiency in Alzheimer's disease.

Corn silk maysin induces apoptotic cell death in PC-3 prostate cancer cells via mitochondria-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Lee, Jisun; Lee, Seul; Kim, Sun-Lim; Choi, Ji Won; Seo, Jeong Yeon; Choi, Doo Jin; Park, Yong Il

2014-12-05

Despite recent advances in prostate cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, the overall survival rate still remains low. This study was aimed to assess potential anti-cancer activity of maysin, a major flavonoid of corn silk (CS, Zea mays L.), in androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells (PC-3). Maysin was isolated from CS of Kwangpyeongok, a Korean hybrid corn, via methanol extraction and preparative C18 reverse phase column chromatography. Maysin cytotoxicity was determined by either monitoring cell viability in various cancer cell lines by MTT assay or morphological changes. Apoptotic cell death was assessed by annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), expression levels of Bcl-2 and pro-caspase-3 and by terminal transferase mediated dUTP-fluorescein nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Underlying mechanism in maysin-induced apoptosis of PC-3 cells was explored by evaluating its effects on Akt and ERK pathway. Maysin dose-dependently reduced the PC-3 cell viability, with an 87% reduction at 200 μg/ml. Maysin treatment significantly induced apoptotic cell death, DNA fragmentation, depolarization of MMP, and reduction in Bcl-2 and pro-caspase-3 expression levels. Maysin also significantly attenuated phosphorylation of Akt and ERK. A combined treatment with maysin and other known anti-cancer agents, including 5-FU, etoposide, cisplatin, or camptothecin, synergistically enhanced PC-3 cell death. These results suggested for the first time that maysin inhibits the PC-3 cancer cell growth via stimulation of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic cell death and may have a strong therapeutic potential for the treatment of either chemo-resistant or androgen-independent human prostate cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced tumor targeting of cRGD peptide-conjugated albumin nanoparticles in the BxPC-3 cell line.

PubMed

Yu, Xinzhe; Song, Yunlong; Di, Yang; He, Hang; Fu, Deliang; Jin, Chen

2016-08-12

The emerging albumin nanoparticle brings new hope for the delivery of antitumor drugs. However, a lack of robust tumor targeting greatly limits its application. In this paper, cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic-conjugated, gemcitabine-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles (cRGD-Gem-HSA-NPs) were successfully prepared, characterized, and tested in vitro in the BxPC-3 cell line. Initially, 4-N-myristoyl-gemcitabine (Gem-C14) was formed by conjugating myristoyl to the 4-amino group of gemcitabine. Then, cRGD-HSA was synthesized using sulfosuccinimidyl-(4-N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC) cross-linkers. Finally, cRGD-Gem-HSA-NPs were formulated based on the nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) technology. The resulting NPs were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading efficiency. In vitro cellular uptake and inhibition studies were conducted to compare Gem-HSA-NPs and cRGD-Gem-HSA-NPs in a human pancreatic cancer cell line (BxPC-3). The cRGD-Gem-HSA-NPs exhibited an average particle size of 160 ± 23 nm. The encapsulation rate and drug loading rate were approximately 83 ± 5.6% and 11 ± 4.2%, respectively. In vitro, the cRGD-anchored NPs exhibited a significantly greater affinity for the BxPC-3 cells compared to non-targeted NPs and free drug. The cRGD-Gem-HSA-NPs also showed the strongest inhibitory effect in the BxPC-3 cells among all the analyzed groups. The improved efficacy of cRGD-Gem-HSA-NPs in the BxPC-3 cell line warrants further in vivo investigations.

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.

Structure-activity relationships of neoechinulin A analogues with cytoprotection against peroxynitrite-induced PC12 cell death.

PubMed

Kimoto, Kuniaki; Aoki, Toshiaki; Shibata, Yasushi; Kamisuki, Shinji; Sugawara, Fumio; Kuramochi, Kouji; Nakazaki, Atsuo; Kobayashi, Susumu; Kuroiwa, Kenji; Watanabe, Nobuo; Arai, Takao

2007-10-01

Neoechinulin A, an alkaloid from Eurotium rubrum Hiji025, protected neuronal PC12 cells against cell death induced by peroxynitrite derived from SIN-1 (3-(4-morpholinyl)sydnonimine hydrochloride). In this study, we investigated the structure-activity relationships of neoechinulin A and a set of its analogues by using assays to measure anti-nitration and antioxidant activities and cytoprotection against SIN-1-induced PC12 cell death. The presence of the diketopiperazine ring was essential for both the antioxidant and anti-nitration activities of neoechinulin A derivatives. Nevertheless, a derivative lacking the diketopiperazine ring could still protect PC12 cells against SIN-1 cytotoxicity. An acyclic analogue completely lost the cytoprotective effect while retaining its antioxidant/anti-nitration activities. Pre-incubation of the cells with neoechinulin A for at least 12 hours was essential for the cells to gain SIN-1 resistance. These results suggest that neoechinulin A endows the cells with cytoprotection through a biological effect different from the apparent antioxidant/anti-nitration activities.

Non-stationary Alfvén resonator: new results on Pc1 pearls and IPDP events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mursula, K.; Prikner, K.; Feygin, F. Z.; Bräysy, T.; Kangas, J.; Kerttula, R.; Pollari, P.; Pikkarainen, T.; Pokhotelov, O. A.

2000-03-01

We analyse a Pc1 pearl event observed by the Finnish search-coil magnetometer network on 15 December 1984, which subsequently developed into a structured IPDP after a substorm onset. The EISCAT radar was simultaneously monitoring the mid- to high-latitude ionosphere. We have calculated the ionospheric resonator properties during the different phases of the event using EISCAT observations. Contrary to the earlier results, we find that the Pc1/IPDP (Interval of Pulsations of Diminishing Period) frequency observed on the ground corresponds to the maximum of the transmission coefficient rather than that of the reflection coefficient. This casts strong doubts on the bouncing wave packet model of Pc1 pearls. Instead, we present evidence for an alternative model of pearl formation in which long-period ULF waves modulate the Pc1 growth rate. Moreover, we propose a new model for IPDP formation, whereby the ionosphere acts as an active agent in forming the IPDP signal on the ground. The model calculations show that the ionospheric resonator properties can be modified during the event so that the resonator eigenfrequency increases according to the observed frequency increase during the IPDP phase. We suggest that the IPDP signal on the ground is a combined effect of the frequency increase in the magnetospheric wave source and the simultaneous increase of the resonator eigenfrequency. The need for such a complicated matching of the two factors explains the rarity of IPDPs on the ground despite the ubiquitous occurrence of EMIC waves in the magnetosphere and the continuous substorm cycle.

Creating and Manipulating a Domain-Specific Formal Object Base to Support a Domain-Oriented Application Composition System

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

and add new attributes as needed (11:129). 2.2.3.2 Feature Oriented Domain Analysis In their Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ) study, the...dissertation, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas, 1990. 12. Kang, Kyo C. and others. Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ) Feasibil- ity Study...2-1 2.2.2 Requirements Languages ..................... 2-2 2.2.3 Domain Analysis ............................ 2-3 2.2.4

Synergistic effect of topography, surface chemistry and conductivity of the electrospun nanofibrous scaffold on cellular response of PC12 cells.

PubMed

Tian, Lingling; Prabhakaran, Molamma P; Hu, Jue; Chen, Menglin; Besenbacher, Flemming; Ramakrishna, Seeram

2016-09-01

Electrospun nanofibrous nerve implants is a promising therapy for peripheral nerve injury, and its performance can be tailored by chemical cues, topographical features as well as electrical properties. In this paper, a surface modified, electrically conductive, aligned nanofibrous scaffold composed of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and polypyrrole (Ppy), referred to as o-PLAPpy_A, was fabricated for nerve regeneration. The morphology, surface chemistry and hydrophilicity of nanofibers were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle, respectively. The effects of these nanofibers on neuronal differentiation using PC12 cells were evaluated. A hydrophilic surface was created by Poly-ornithine coating, which was able to provide a better environment for cell attachment, and furthermore aligned fibers were proved to be able to guide PC12 cells grow along the fiber direction and be beneficial for neurite outgrowth. The cellular response of PC12 cells to pulsed electrical stimulation was evaluated by NF 200 and alpha tubulin expression, indicating that electrical stimulation with a voltage of 40mV could enhance the neurite outgrowth. The PC12 cells stimulated with electrical shock showed greater level of neurite outgrowth and smaller cell body size. Moreover, the PC12 cells under electrical stimulation showed better viability. In summary, the o-PLAPpy_A nanofibrous scaffold supported the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of PC12 cells in the absence of electrical stimulation, which could be potential candidate for nerve regeneration applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Imaging the 'mosaic' structure of ICB by pre-critical PcP-PKiKP phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Z.; Ai, Y.; He, Y.; Jiang, M.

2013-12-01

Slowly growing in highly homogeneous liquid outer core, earth inner core has been thought lacking of significant heterogeneous structure. However, seismic observations of recent decades have demonstrated hierarchical heterogeneous structure as hemispherical longitudinal dichotomy superimposed by coda-generating scattering heterogeneities with diameters of tens of kilometers, indicating complicity of inner core crystallizing environment and related dynamic process. Furthermore, as boundary of phase transform and energy-material exchange, ICB has been unveiled as patchy mosaic-like surface, based on high variety of global pre-critical PcP-PKiKP amplitude ratios. From dense arrays deployed across East and South China in the year 2005~2011 and 13 earthquakes of west Pacific subduction zone, we have collected over 150 clear pre-critical PcP-PKiKP waveforms of epicenter distance range between 14~35°, providing an ideal sampling to detect possible ICB regional variation of the East Asia area. The amplitude observation exhibits good geographical coherency which is characterized as region of high density contrast (>1.0g/cm3) located beneath East China demarcated by the low (around or lower than 0.6g/cm3) on the periphery, except the southeastward stretching. This contrasting depicts vividly the claimed 'mosaic' ICB and bridges the gap between hemispherical (~1000km order) and scatter-inducing (~10km order or less) scales of heterogeneity. On the other hand, travel time residues of PcP-PKiKP in our study reveal a complex pattern north of ~18°N perturbed strongly by shallow (crust and mantle) anomalies and remarkable delay of PKiKP in the south, implicating effects of undetected ULVZ below Celebes Sea. This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, grant 90914011, 41125015). Distribution of PcP-PKiKP relative amplitude ratio

ID4 promotes AR expression and blocks tumorigenicity of PC3 prostate cancer cells

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

Komaragiri, Shravan Kumar; Bostanthirige, Dhanushka H.; Morton, Derrick J.

Deregulation of tumor suppressor genes is associated with tumorigenesis and the development of cancer. In prostate cancer, ID4 is epigenetically silenced and acts as a tumor suppressor. In normal prostate epithelial cells, ID4 collaborates with androgen receptor (AR) and p53 to exert its tumor suppressor activity. Previous studies have shown that ID4 promotes tumor suppressive function of AR whereas loss of ID4 results in tumor promoter activity of AR. Previous study from our lab showed that ectopic ID4 expression in DU145 attenuates proliferation and promotes AR expression suggesting that ID4 dependent AR activity is tumor suppressive. In this study, wemore » examined the effect of ectopic expression of ID4 on highly malignant prostate cancer cell, PC3. Here we show that stable overexpression of ID4 in PC3 cells leads to increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation and migration. In addition, in vivo studies showed a decrease in tumor size and volume of ID4 overexpressing PC3 cells, in nude mice. At the molecular level, these changes were associated with increased androgen receptor (AR), p21, and AR dependent FKBP51 expression. At the mechanistic level, ID4 may regulate the expression or function of AR through specific but yet unknown AR co-regulators that may determine the final outcome of AR function. - Highlights: • ID4 expression induces AR expression in PC3 cells, which generally lack AR. • ID4 expression increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation and invasion. • Overexpression of ID4 reduces tumor growth of subcutaneous xenografts in vivo. • ID4 induces p21 and FKBP51 expression- co-factors of AR tumor suppressor activity.« less

A New PC and LabVIEW Package Based System for Electrochemical Investigations

PubMed Central

Stević, Zoran; Andjelković, Zoran; Antić, Dejan

2008-01-01

The paper describes a new PC and LabVIEW software package based system for electrochemical research. An overview of well known electrochemical methods, such as potential measurements, galvanostatic and potentiostatic method, cyclic voltammetry and EIS is given. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been adapted for systems containing large capacitances. For signal generation and recording of the response of investigated electrochemical cell, a measurement and control system was developed, based on a PC P4. The rest of the hardware consists of a commercially available AD-DA converter and an external interface for analog signal processing. The interface is a result of authors own research. The software platform for desired measurement methods is LabVIEW 8.2 package, which is regarded as a high standard in the area of modern virtual instruments. The developed system was adjusted, tested and compared with commercially available system and ORCAD simulation. PMID:27879794

HFE p.C282Y homozygosity predisposes to rapid serum ferritin rise after menopause: A genotype-stratified cohort study of hemochromatosis in Australian women.

PubMed

Warne, Charles D; Zaloumis, Sophie G; Bertalli, Nadine A; Delatycki, Martin B; Nicoll, Amanda J; McLaren, Christine E; Hopper, John L; Giles, Graham G; Anderson, Greg J; Olynyk, John K; Powell, Lawrie W; Allen, Katrina J; Gurrin, Lyle C

2017-04-01

Women who are homozygous for the p.C282Y mutation in the HFE gene are at much lower risk of iron overload-related disease than p.C282Y homozygous men, presumably because of the iron-depleting effects of menstruation and pregnancy. We used data from a population cohort study to model the impact of menstruation cessation at menopause on serum ferritin (SF) levels in female p.C282Y homozygotes, with p.C282Y/p.H63D simple or compound heterozygotes and those with neither p.C282Y nor p.H63D mutations (HFE wild types) as comparison groups. A sample of the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study was selected for the "HealthIron" study (n = 1438) including all HFE p.C282Y homozygotes plus a random sample stratified by HFE-genotype (p.C282Y and p.H63D). The relationship between the natural logarithm of SF and time since menopause was examined using linear mixed models incorporating spline smoothing. For p.C282Y homozygotes, SF increased by a factor of 3.6 (95% CI (1.8, 7.0), P < 0.001) during the first 10 years postmenopause, after which SF continued to increase but at less than half the previous rate. In contrast, SF profiles for other HFE genotype groups increase more gradually and did not show a distinction between premenopausal and postmenopausal SF levels. Only p.C282Y homozygotes had predicted SF exceeding 200 μg/L postmenopause, but the projected SF did not increase the risk of iron overload-related disease. These data provide the first documented evidence that physiological blood loss is a major factor in determining the marked gender difference in expression of p.C282Y homozygosity. © 2016 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

The origin of high PCE in PTB7 based photovoltaics: proper charge neutrality level and free energy of charge separation at PTB7/PC71BM interface

PubMed Central

Park, Soohyung; Jeong, Junkyeong; Hyun, Gyeongho; Kim, Minju; Lee, Hyunbok; Yi, Yeonjin

2016-01-01

The energy level alignments at donor/acceptor interfaces in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) play a decisive role in device performance. However, little is known about the interfacial energetics in polymer OPVs due to technical issues of the solution process. Here, the frontier ortbial line-ups at the donor/acceptor interface in high performance polymer OPVs, PTB7/PC71BM, were investigated using in situ UPS, XPS and IPES. The evolution of energy levels during PTB7/PC71BM interface formation was investigated using vacuum electrospray deposition, and was compared with that of P3HT/PC61BM. At the PTB7/PC71BM interface, the interface dipole and the band bending were absent due to their identical charge neutrality levels. In contrast, a large interfacial dipole was observed at the P3HT/PC61BM interface. The measured photovoltaic energy gap (EPVG) was 1.10 eV for PTB7/PC71BM and 0.90 eV for P3HT/PC61BM. This difference in the EPVG leads to a larger open-circuit voltage of PTB7/PC71BM than that of P3HT/PC61BM. PMID:27734957

The origin of high PCE in PTB7 based photovoltaics: proper charge neutrality level and free energy of charge separation at PTB7/PC71BM interface.

PubMed

Park, Soohyung; Jeong, Junkyeong; Hyun, Gyeongho; Kim, Minju; Lee, Hyunbok; Yi, Yeonjin

2016-10-13

The energy level alignments at donor/acceptor interfaces in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) play a decisive role in device performance. However, little is known about the interfacial energetics in polymer OPVs due to technical issues of the solution process. Here, the frontier ortbial line-ups at the donor/acceptor interface in high performance polymer OPVs, PTB7/PC 71 BM, were investigated using in situ UPS, XPS and IPES. The evolution of energy levels during PTB7/PC 71 BM interface formation was investigated using vacuum electrospray deposition, and was compared with that of P3HT/PC 61 BM. At the PTB7/PC 71 BM interface, the interface dipole and the band bending were absent due to their identical charge neutrality levels. In contrast, a large interfacial dipole was observed at the P3HT/PC 61 BM interface. The measured photovoltaic energy gap (E PVG ) was 1.10 eV for PTB7/PC 71 BM and 0.90 eV for P3HT/PC 61 BM. This difference in the E PVG leads to a larger open-circuit voltage of PTB7/PC 71 BM than that of P3HT/PC 61 BM.

Composites Based on Core-Shell Structured HBCuPc@CNTs-Fe3O4 and Polyarylene Ether Nitriles with Excellent Dielectric and Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Zejun; Zhong, Jiachun; Liu, Xiaobo

2017-10-01

Core-shell structured magnetic carbon nanotubes (CNTs-Fe3O4) coated with hyperbranched copper phthalocyanine (HBCuPc) (HBCuPc@CNTs-Fe3O4) hybrids were prepared by the solvent-thermal method. The results indicated that the HBCuPc molecules were decorated on the surface of CNTs-Fe3O4 through coordination behavior of phthalocyanines, and the CNTs-Fe3O4 core was completely coaxial wrapped by a functional intermediate HBCuPc shell. Then, polymer-based composites with a relatively high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss were fabricated by using core-shell structured HBCuPc@CNTs-Fe3O4 hybrids as fillers and polyarylene ether nitriles (PEN) as the polymer matrix. The cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of composites showed that there is almost no agglomeration and internal delamination. In addition, the rheological analysis reveals that the core-shell structured HBCuPc@CNTs-Fe3O4 hybrids present better dispersion and stronger interface adhesion with the PEN matrix than CNTs-Fe3O4, thus resulting in significant improvement of the mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of polymer-based composites.

A Method for Transferring Photoelectric Photometry Data from Apple II+ to IBM PC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, Harry D.; Miller, James R.; Stephenson, Kipp

1989-06-01

A method is presented for transferring photoelectric photometry data files from an Apple II computer to an IBM PC computer in a form which is compatible with the AAVSO Photoelectric Photometry data collection process.

Decursin attenuates the amyloid-β-induced inflammatory response in PC12 cells via MAPK and nuclear factor-κB pathway.

PubMed

Li, Li; Yang, Yiqiu; Zheng, Jingbin; Cai, Guodi; Lee, Yongwoo; Du, Jikun

2018-02-01

Decursin, the major bioactive component of Angelica gigas Nakai, exhibited neuroprotective properties. Our previous studies showed that decursin conferred neuroprotective effects in PC12 cells induced by Amyloid-β (Aβ) 25-35 via antiapoptosis and antioxidant. In this study, the antiinflammatory effects of decursin against PC12 cells injury stimulated by Aβ 25-35 were assessed. Our results demonstrated that decursin suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 protein and prostaglandin E2 content which was stimulated by Aβ 25-35 in PC12 cells. Meanwhile, the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB in Aβ 25-35 -treated PC12 cells was also inhibited by decursin. In addition, decursin suppressed phosphorylation of the two upstream pathway kinases, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Overall, our findings indicate that decursin exerts protective effects against neuroinflammation stimulated by Aβ 25-35 in PC12 cells by abolishing cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression through inactivation of nuclear factor-κB via the upstream kinases including p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. This work provides a new insight into the pharmacological mode of decursin and should facilitate its therapeutic application in treatment of inflammatory disorders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Survey of Pc3-5 ULF velocity oscillations in SuperDARN THEMIS-mode data: Occurrence statistics and driving mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, X.; Ruohoniemi, J. M.; Baker, J. B.; Lin, D.; Bland, E. C.; Hartinger, M.; Scales, W.

2017-12-01

Ultra-low frequency (ULF: 1 mHz-10 Hz) waves are believed to play an important role in the energization and transport of plasma within the magnetosphere-ionosphere system, as well as the transfer of energy from the solar wind. Most previous statistical studies of ionospheric ULF waves using Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) data have been constrained to the Pc5 band ( 1-7 mHz) and/or one or two radars covering a limited range of latitudes. This is partially due to lack of a database cataloging high time resolution data and an efficient way to identify wave events. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive survey of ULF wave signatures in the Pc3-5 band using 6 s resolution data from all SuperDARN radars in the northern hemisphere operating in THEMIS-mode from 2010 to 2016. Numerical experiments were conducted to derive dynamic thresholds for automated detection of ULF waves at different frequencies 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. We found Pc5 events dominate at high latitudes with a most probable frequency of 2 mHz while Pc3-4 are relatively more common at mid-latitudes on the nightside with a most probable frequency of 11 mHz. At high latitudes the occurrence rate of poloidal Pc3-5 peaks in the dusk sector and in winter while at mid-latitudes the poloidal Pc3-4 occurrence rate peaks at pre-midnight. This pre-midnight occurrence peak becomes more prominent with increasing AE index value, in equinox and during southward IMF, which suggests many of these events are most likely Pi2 pulsations associated with magnetotail dynamics during active geomagnetic intervals.

Seismic attenuation in the African LLSVP estimated from PcS phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chujie; Grand, Stephen P.

2018-05-01

Seismic tomography models have revealed two broad regions in the lowermost mantle marked by ∼3% slower shear velocity than normal beneath the south central Pacific and southern Africa. These two regions are known as large-low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVP). There is debate over whether the LLSVPs can be explained by purely thermal variations or whether they must be chemically distinct from normal mantle. Elastic properties alone, have been unable to distinguish the thermal from chemical interpretations. Anelastic structure, however, can help discriminate among models of the LLSVPs since intrinsic attenuation is more sensitive to temperature than to chemical variations. Here we estimate Qμ (the shear wave quality factor) in the African LLSVP using PcS waves generated from a Scotia Arc earthquake, recorded by broadband seismometers deployed in Southern Africa during the Kaapvaal experiment. The upward leg of the PcS waves sweeps from normal mantle into the African LLSVP across the array. We use the spectral ratio (SR) and instantaneous frequency matching (IFM) techniques to measure the differential attenuation (Δt*) between waves sampling the African LLSVP and the waves that sample normal lower mantle. Using both methods for estimating Δt* we find that PcS waves sampling the LLSVP are more attenuated than the waves that miss the LLSVP yielding a Δt* difference of more than 1 s. Using the Δt* measurements we estimate the average Qμ in the LLSVP to be about 110. Using a range of activation enthalpy (H*) estimates, we find an average temperature anomaly within the LLSVP ranging from +250 to +800 K. Our estimated temperature anomaly range overlaps previous isochemical geodynamic studies that explain the LLSVP as a purely thermal structure although the large uncertainties cannot rule out chemical variations as well.

A role for SIRT1 in cell growth and chemoresistance in prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cells

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

Kojima, Keitaro; Department of Longevity and Aging Research, Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology, 1-1 Naka-fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, Gifu 504-0838; Ohhashi, Riyako

2008-08-29

SIRT1, which belongs to the family of type III histone deacetylase, is implicated in diverse cellular processes. We have determined the expression levels of SIRT1 in human prostate cancer cell lines and have examined the roles of SIRT1 in cell growth and chemoresistance. SIRT1 expression was markedly up-regulated in androgen-refractory PC3 and DU145 cells compared with androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells and its expression level was correlated with cell growth in PC3 cells. Treatment with a SIRT1 inhibitor, sirtinol, inhibited cell growth and increased sensitivity to camptothecin and cisplatin. Silencing of SIRT1 expression by siRNA also suppressed cell proliferation and reduced camptothecinmore » resistance in PC3 cells, mimicking the chemosensitizing effect caused by sirtinol. Also in DU145 cells, sirtinol treatment enhanced sensitivity to camptothecin and cisplatin. These results suggest that up-regulation of SIRT1 expression may play an important role in promoting cell growth and chemoresistance in androgen-refractory PC3 and DU145 cells.« less

Disk-based k-mer counting on a PC

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The k-mer counting problem, which is to build the histogram of occurrences of every k-symbol long substring in a given text, is important for many bioinformatics applications. They include developing de Bruijn graph genome assemblers, fast multiple sequence alignment and repeat detection. Results We propose a simple, yet efficient, parallel disk-based algorithm for counting k-mers. Experiments show that it usually offers the fastest solution to the considered problem, while demanding a relatively small amount of memory. In particular, it is capable of counting the statistics for short-read human genome data, in input gzipped FASTQ file, in less than 40 minutes on a PC with 16 GB of RAM and 6 CPU cores, and for long-read human genome data in less than 70 minutes. On a more powerful machine, using 32 GB of RAM and 32 CPU cores, the tasks are accomplished in less than half the time. No other algorithm for most tested settings of this problem and mammalian-size data can accomplish this task in comparable time. Our solution also belongs to memory-frugal ones; most competitive algorithms cannot efficiently work on a PC with 16 GB of memory for such massive data. Conclusions By making use of cheap disk space and exploiting CPU and I/O parallelism we propose a very competitive k-mer counting procedure, called KMC. Our results suggest that judicious resource management may allow to solve at least some bioinformatics problems with massive data on a commodity personal computer. PMID:23679007

Realization of the D-15 Color Blindness Test System on PC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Tsuyoshi; Meguro, Mitsuhiko; Taguchi, Akira

Farnsworth D15 test is one of famous color blindness tests. The type of the color blindness and as well its severity can be known by this test. When we perform Farnsworth D15 test using a PC, we investigate the conditions (i.e., color temperature, gamma characteristic and luminance) for a monitor, experimentally.

PrP(C) homodimerization stimulates the production of PrPC cleaved fragments PrPN1 and PrPC1.

PubMed

Béland, Maxime; Motard, Julie; Barbarin, Alice; Roucou, Xavier

2012-09-19

An endoproteolytic cleavage termed α-cleavage between residues 111/112 is a characteristic feature of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)). This cleavage generates a soluble N-terminal fragment (PrPN1) and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored C-terminal fragment (PrPC1). Independent studies demonstrate that modulating PrP(C) α-cleavage represents a potential therapeutic strategy in prion diseases. The regulation of PrP(C) α-cleavage is unclear. The only known domain that is essential for the α-cleavage to occur is a hydrophobic domain (HD). Importantly, the HD is also essential for the formation of PrP(C) homodimers. To explore the role of PrP(C) homodimerization on the α-cleavage, we used a well described inducible dimerization strategy whereby a chimeric PrP(C) composed of a modified FK506-binding protein (Fv) fused with PrP(C) and termed Fv-PrP is incubated in the presence of a dimerizer AP20187 ligand. We show that homodimerization leads to a considerable increase of PrP(C) α-cleavage in cultured cells and release of PrPN1 and PrPC1. Interestingly, enforced homodimerization increased PrP(C) levels at the plasma membrane, and preventing PrP(C) trafficking to the cell surface inhibited dimerization-induced α-cleavage. These observations were confirmed in primary hippocampal neurons from transgenic mice expressing Fv-PrP. The proteases responsible for the α-cleavage are still elusive, and in contrast to initial studies we confirm more recent investigations that neither ADAM10 nor ADAM17 are involved. Importantly, PrPN1 produced after PrP(C) homodimerization protects against toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers. Thus, our results show that PrP(C) homodimerization is an important regulator of PrP(C) α-cleavage and may represent a potential therapeutic avenue against Aβ toxicity in Alzheimer's disease.

Synergistic effects of hydrogen peroxide and ethanol on cell viability loss in PC12 cells by increase in mitochondrial permeability transition.

PubMed

Lee, Chung Soo; Kim, Yun Jeong; Ko, Hyun Hee; Han, Eun Sook

2005-07-15

The promoting effect of ethanol against the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in differentiated PC12 cells was assessed by measuring the effect on the mitochondrial membrane permeability. Treatment of PC12 cells with H2O2 resulted in the nuclear damage, decrease in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3, increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of GSH. In PC12 cells and dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, the promoting effect of ethanol on the H2O2-induced cell death was increased with exposure time. Ethanol promoted the nuclear damage, change in the mitochondrial membrane permeability, ROS formation and decrease in GSH contents due to H2O2 in PC12 cells. Catalase, carboxy-PTIO, Mn-TBAP, N-acetylcysteine, cyclosporin A and trifluoperazine inhibited the H2O2 and ethanol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell injury. The results show that the ethanol treatment promotes the cytotoxicity of H2O2 against PC12 cells. Ethanol may enhance the H2O2-induced viability loss in PC12 cells by promoting the mitochondrial membrane permeability change, release of cytochrome c and subsequent activation of caspase-3, which is associated with the increased formation of ROS and depletion of GSH. The findings suggest that ethanol as a promoting agent for the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition may enhance the neuronal cell injury caused by oxidants.

Improved sensitivity of polychlorinated-biphenyl-orientated porous-ZnO surface photovoltage sensors from chemisorption-formed ZnO-CuPc composites

PubMed Central

Li, Mingtao; Meng, Guowen; Huang, Qing; Zhang, Shile

2014-01-01

We report a new mechanism for the enhancement of porous-ZnO surface photovoltage (SPV) response to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, a notorious class of persistent organic pollutants as global environmental hazard) based on copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) chemisorptive bonding on porous-ZnO. A new ZnO-CuPc composite is formed on the porous-ZnO surface due to the interaction between the surface ZnO and CuPc, with its valence band (VB) energy level being higher than that of the pristine porous-ZnO. So that the efficiency of the photogenerated-electron transfer from the composite VB to the adjacent ZnO's surface states is drastically increased due to the reduced energy gap between the transition states. As a result, the sensitivity of the PCB-orientated SPV sensor is much improved by showing amplified variation of the SPV-signals perturbed by PCBs adsorbed on the ZnO-CuPc@porous-ZnO sensitive material. PMID:24594662

The Antibacterial Cell Division Inhibitor PC190723 Is an FtsZ Polymer-stabilizing Agent That Induces Filament Assembly and Condensation*

PubMed Central

Andreu, José M.; Schaffner-Barbero, Claudia; Huecas, Sonia; Alonso, Dulce; Lopez-Rodriguez, María L.; Ruiz-Avila, Laura B.; Núñez-Ramírez, Rafael; Llorca, Oscar; Martín-Galiano, Antonio J.

2010-01-01

Cell division protein FtsZ can form single-stranded filaments with a cooperative behavior by self-switching assembly. Subsequent condensation and bending of FtsZ filaments are important for the formation and constriction of the cytokinetic ring. PC190723 is an effective bactericidal cell division inhibitor that targets FtsZ in the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and does not affect Escherichia coli cells, which apparently binds to a zone equivalent to the binding site of the antitumor drug taxol in tubulin (Haydon, D. J., Stokes, N. R., Ure, R., Galbraith, G., Bennett, J. M., Brown, D. R., Baker, P. J., Barynin, V. V., Rice, D. W., Sedelnikova, S. E., Heal, J. R., Sheridan, J. M., Aiwale, S. T., Chauhan, P. K., Srivastava, A., Taneja, A., Collins, I., Errington, J., and Czaplewski, L. G. (2008) Science 312, 1673–1675). We have found that the benzamide derivative PC190723 is an FtsZ polymer-stabilizing agent. PC190723 induced nucleated assembly of Bs-FtsZ into single-stranded coiled protofilaments and polymorphic condensates, including bundles, coils, and toroids, whose formation could be modulated with different solution conditions. Under conditions for reversible assembly of Bs-FtsZ, PC190723 binding reduced the GTPase activity and induced the formation of straight bundles and ribbons, which was also observed with Sa-FtsZ but not with nonsusceptible Ec-FtsZ. The fragment 2,6-difluoro-3-methoxybenzamide also induced Bs-FtsZ bundling. We propose that polymer stabilization by PC190723 suppresses in vivo FtsZ polymer dynamics and bacterial division. The biochemical action of PC190723 on FtsZ parallels that of the microtubule-stabilizing agent taxol on the eukaryotic structural homologue tubulin. Both taxol and PC190723 stabilize polymers against disassembly by preferential binding to each assembled protein. It is yet to be investigated whether both ligands target structurally related assembly switches. PMID:20212044

Changes of Gene Expression in the Apoptosis Pathway in Lncap and PC3 Cells Exposed to X-Rays or Protons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Ye; Rohde, Larry H.; Mehta, Satish K.; Pierson, Duane L.; Wu, Honglu

2009-01-01

Radio-resistant or recurrent prostate cancer represents a serious health risk for approximately 20%-30% of patients treated with primary radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. In our current studies, we investigated the expressions of apoptosis related gene expression profile (84 genes) in two distinct prostate cell lines Lncap (P53+ and AR+) and PC3 (P53- and AR-) before and after exposure to X-rays or protons, using cDNA PCR arrays. In Lncap cells, 10Gy X-ray radiation significantly induced the expression of 19 out of 84 genes at 4h after irradiation. The changed genes were mostly in death and death receptor domain families, TNF ligand and receptor families, and apoptotic group of the BCL2 family, especially in P53 related genes, such as FAS, BAX, BAK1 and GADD45A. In PC3, X-rays only induced the expression of 3 genes, including an increased expression of BIRC3. There was no difference of the X-ray mediated cell killing in both cell lines using the cell cycle analysis. However, these X-ray-induced gene expression differences between PC3 and Lncap may explain the phenotype of PC3 cells that shows more tolerant not only to radiation, but also to other apoptosis inducing and sensitizing reagents. To compare the effectiveness of cell killing with X-rays, we also exposed PC3 cells to 10Gy protons at the Bragg peak region. Protons did not induce more apoptosis than X-rays for the same dose. In comparison to X-rays, protons significantly altered expressions of 13 genes in PC3, which included decreased expressions of anti-apoptosis genes (BCL2 and BCL2L2), and increased expressions of death and death receptor domain family genes, TNF ligand and receptor family and several kinases (FAS, DAPK1 and RIPK2). These data suggest that proton treatment is more effective in influencing the apoptosis pathways in PC3 cells than X-rays, thus protons may be more effective in the treatment of specific prostate tumor.

The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5): Development and Evaluation Within a Veteran Primary Care Sample.

PubMed

Prins, Annabel; Bovin, Michelle J; Smolenski, Derek J; Marx, Brian P; Kimerling, Rachel; Jenkins-Guarnieri, Michael A; Kaloupek, Danny G; Schnurr, Paula P; Kaiser, Anica Pless; Leyva, Yani E; Tiet, Quyen Q

2016-10-01

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased health care utilization, medical morbidity, and tobacco and alcohol use. Consequently, screening for PTSD has become increasingly common in primary care clinics, especially in Veteran healthcare settings where trauma exposure among patients is common. The objective of this study was to revise the Primary Care PTSD screen (PC-PTSD) to reflect the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for PTSD (PC-PTSD-5) and to examine both the diagnostic accuracy and the patient acceptability of the revised measure. We compared the PC-PTSD-5 results with those from a brief psychiatric interview for PTSD. Participants also rated screening preferences and acceptability of the PC-PTSD-5. A convenience sample of 398 Veterans participated in the study (response rate = 41 %). Most of the participants were male, in their 60s, and the majority identified as non-Hispanic White. The PC-PTSD-5 was used as the screening measure, a modified version of the PTSD module of the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to diagnose DSM-5 PTSD, and five brief survey items were used to assess acceptability and preferences. The PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.941; 95 % C.I.: 0.912- 0.969). Whereas a cut score of 3 maximized sensitivity (κ[1]) = 0.93; SE = .041; 95 % C.I.: 0.849-1.00), a cut score of 4 maximized efficiency (κ[0.5] = 0.63; SE = 0.052; 95 % C.I.: 0.527-0.731), and a cut score of 5 maximized specificity (κ[0] = 0.70; SE = 0.077; 95 % C.I.: 0.550-0.853). Patients found the screen acceptable and indicated a preference for administration by their primary care providers as opposed to by other providers or via self-report. The PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated strong preliminary results for diagnostic accuracy, and was broadly acceptable to patients.

Protective effect of Nigella sativa extract and thymoquinone on serum/glucose deprivation-induced PC12 cells death.

PubMed

Mousavi, S H; Tayarani-Najaran, Z; Asghari, M; Sadeghnia, H R

2010-05-01

The serum/glucose deprivation (SGD)-induced cell death in cultured PC12 cells represents a useful in vitro model for the study of brain ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders. Nigella sativa L. (family Ranunculaceae) and its active component thymoquinone (TQ) has been known as a source of antioxidants. In the present study, the protective effects of N. sativa and TQ on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured PC12 cells were investigated under SGD conditions. PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 microg/ml streptomycin. Cells were seeded overnight and then deprived of serum/glucose for 6 and 18 h. Cells were pretreated with different concentrations of N. sativa extract (15.62-250 microg/ml) and TQ (1.17-150 microM) for 2 h. Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay. Intracellular ROS production was measured by flow cytometry using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA) as a probe. SGD induced significant cells toxicity after 6, 18, or 24 h (P < 0.001). Pretreatment with N. sativa (15.62-250 microg/ml) and TQ (1.17-37.5 microM) reduced SGD-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells after 6 and 18 h. A significant increase in intracellular ROS production was seen following SGD (P < 0.001). N. sativa (250 microg/ml, P < 0.01) and TQ (2.34, 4.68, 9.37 microM, P < 0.01) pretreatment reversed the increased ROS production following ischemic insult. The experimental results suggest that N. sativa extract and TQ protects the PC12 cells against SGD-induced cytotoxicity via antioxidant mechanisms. Our findings might raise the possibility of potential therapeutic application of N. sativa extract and TQ for managing cerebral ischemic and neurodegenerative disorders.

Phylogenetic study of Geitlerinema and Microcystis (Cyanobacteria) using PC-IGS and 16S-23S ITS as markers: investigation of horizontal gene transfer.

PubMed

Piccin-Santos, Viviane; Brandão, Marcelo Mendes; Bittencourt-Oliveira, Maria Do Carmo

2014-08-01

Selection of genes that have not been horizontally transferred for prokaryote phylogenetic inferences is regarded as a challenging task. The markers internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal genes (16S-23S ITS) and phycocyanin intergenic spacer (PC-IGS), based on the operons of ribosomal and phycocyanin genes respectively, are among the most used markers in cyanobacteria. The region of the ribosomal genes has been considered stable, whereas the phycocyanin operon may have undergone horizontal transfer. To investigate the occurrence of horizontal transfer of PC-IGS, phylogenetic trees of Geitlerinema and Microcystis strains were generated using PC-IGS and 16S-23S ITS and compared. Phylogenetic trees based on the two markers were mostly congruent for Geitlerinema and Microcystis, indicating a common evolutionary history among ribosomal and phycocyanin genes with no evidence for horizontal transfer of PC-IGS. Thus, PC-IGS is a suitable marker, along with 16S-23S ITS for phylogenetic studies of cyanobacteria. © 2014 Phycological Society of America.

Antiandrogenic activities of diesel exhaust particle extracts in PC3/AR human prostate carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Kizu, Ryoichi; Okamura, Kazumasa; Toriba, Akira; Mizokami, Atsushi; Burnstein, Kerry L; Klinge, Carolyn M; Hayakawa, Kazuichi

2003-12-01

We collected diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) emitted from three diesel-engine vehicles--a car, a bus, and a truck--in daily use, and prepared DEP extracts (DEPEs), designated as EC, EB, or ET, respectively. The androgenic and antiandrogenic effects of the DEPE samples were examined by a luciferase reporter assay in human prostate carcinoma PC3/AR cells transiently transfected with a prostate specific antigen gene promoter-driven luciferase expression vector pGLPSA5.8. PC3/AR is a subline of human prostate carcinoma PC3 transformed to stably express wild-type human androgen receptor (AR). While DEPE samples did not exhibit any androgenic effect, they exerted antiandrogenic effect, inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (10 pM) -induced luciferase activity by 24 to 52% at an extract concentration of 10 microg/ml. The antiandrogenic effect was greater in the following order: ET > EB > EC. Co-treatment of PC3/AR cells with SKF-525A, a nonselective inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, enhanced the antiandrogenic effect, indicating that the antiandrogenic effect is caused by intact species of DEPE constituents. The antiandrogenic effect of DEPE samples was reversed by alpha-naphthoflavone, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist. The antiandrogenic activity of a DEPE sample correlated with its AhR agonist activity assayed in PC3/AR cells transiently transfected with CYP1A1 gene promoter-driven luciferase expression vector pLUC1A1. Equimolar mixtures of ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) having four or more rings, structures found in the DEPEs, showed significant antiandrogenic effects and AhR agonist activity at concentrations equivalent to those found in DEPE samples. Further, DEPE samples elicited only antiandrogenic effects in recombinant yeast cells, which express beta-galactosidase in response to androgen. A competitive AR binding assay showed that AR-binding constituents exist in DEPE samples, indicating that greater part of AR-binding constituents in

Tablet PC: A Preliminary Report on a Tool for Teaching Calculus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gorgievski, Nicholas; Stroud, Robert; Truxaw, Mary; DeFranco, Thomas

2005-01-01

This study examined students' perceptions of the Tablet PC as an instructional tool for teaching Calculus. A thirteen item survey was developed by the researchers and administered to 103 students in an introductory Calculus course at a large university in the Northeast of the United States. The purpose of this survey was to collect data regarding…

In Vivo Biomarker Analysis of the Effects of Intranasally Dosed PC945, a Novel Antifungal Triazole, on Aspergillus fumigatus Infection in Immunocompromised Mice

PubMed Central

Kimura, Genki; Nakaoki, Takahiro; Colley, Thomas; Rapeport, Garth; Strong, Pete; Kizawa, Yasuo

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT PC945 is a novel triazole optimized for lung delivery, and the objective of this study is to determine the effects of intranasally dosed PC945 on Aspergillus fumigatus infection and associated biomarkers in immunocompromised mice. PC945, posaconazole, or voriconazole was administered intranasally once daily on days 0 to 3 (early intervention) or days 1 to 3 (late intervention) postinfection in temporarily neutropenic A/J mice infected intranasally with A. fumigatus, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were collected on day 3. The effects of extended prophylaxis treatment (daily from days −7 to +3 or days −7 to 0) were also compared with those of the shorter treatment regimens (days −1 to +3 or days −1 and 0). Early and late interventions with PC945 (2.8 to 350 μg/mouse; approximately 0.11 to ∼14 mg/kg of body weight) were found to inhibit lung fungal loads and to decrease the concentrations of galactomannan (GM) in both BALF and serum as well as several biomarkers in BALF (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin-17 [IL-17], and malondialdehyde) and serum (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and IL-6) in a dose-dependent manner and were >3- and >47-fold more potent than intranasally dosed posaconazole and voriconazole, respectively. Furthermore, extended prophylaxis with low-dose PC945 (0.56 μg/mouse; 0.022 mg/kg) was found to inhibit fungal loads and to decrease the concentrations biomarkers more potently than did the shorter treatment regimens. Thus, PC945 dosed intranasally once daily showed potent antifungal effects, and the effects of PC945 accumulated upon repeat dosing and were persistent. Therefore, PC945 has the potential to be a novel inhaled therapy for the treatment of A. fumigatus infection in humans. PMID:28630185

Purification of kavalactones from Alpinia zerumbet and their protective actions against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Rao, Yerra Koteswara; Shih, Hui-Nung; Lee, Yi-Ching; Cheng, Wen-Tai; Hung, Hui-Chin; Wang, Huang-Chi; Chen, Ching Jung; Tzeng, Yew-Min; Lee, Meng-Jen

2014-12-01

This study found that fruit shells of shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) are a rich source of the kavalactones dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain (DDK) and 5,6-dehydrokavain (DK). The fruit shell extraction with hexane resulted in good purity and higher yields of DDK and DK than did chloroform, ethanol, 10% ethanol, methanol or water. Additionally, this study examined the neuroprotective effects of DDK and DK against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and the possible molecular mechanisms involved. 16 h after stimulation with 400 μM H2O2, the viability (MTT reduction) of PC12 cells decreased while membrane damage (LDH release) was noticeably increased. However, pretreatment for 6 h with DDK and DK (1 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM and 50 μM) rescued PC12 cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, as evidenced by decreased LDH release and increased cell viability. DDK and DK inhibit the MAPK family member p38, activate AKT, and reduce caspase-3 activity. DDK also reduced the oxidative status in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. Together, our data indicate that the A. zerumbet constituents, DDK and DK, exert a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced PC12 cell death and that the regulation of p-Akt and the p38 MAPK, and of oxidative states may be involved. Copyright © 2014 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MiR-103 alleviates autophagy and apoptosis by regulating SOX2 in LPS-injured PC12 cells and SCI rats.

PubMed

Li, Guowei; Chen, Tao; Zhu, Yingxian; Xiao, Xiaoyu; Bu, Juyuan; Huang, Zongwen

2018-03-01

Recent studies revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play crucial roles in the responses and pathologic processes of spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to investigate the effect and the molecular basis of miR-103 on LPS-induced injuries in PC12 cells in vitro and SCI rats in vivo . PC12 cells were exposed to LPS to induce cell injuries to mimic the in vitro model of SCI. The expression of miR-103 and SOX2 in PC12 cells were altered by transient transfections. Cell viability and apoptotic cell rate were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry assay. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis- and autophagy- related proteins, MAPK/ERK pathway- and JAK/STAT pathway-related proteins. In addition, we also assessed the effect of miR-103 agomir on SCI rats. LPS exposure induced cell injuries in PC12 cells. miR-103 overexpression significantly increased cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis and autophagy, and opposite results were observed in miR-103 inhibition. miR-103 attenuated LPS-induced injuries by indirect upregulation of SOX2. SOX2 overexpression protected PC12 cells against LPS-induced injuries, while SOX2 inhibition expedited LPS-induced cell injuries. Furthermore, miR-103 overexpression inhibited MAPK/ERK pathway and JAK/STAT pathway through upregulation of SOX2. We also found that miR-103 agomir inhibited cell apoptosis and autophagy in SCI rats. This study demonstrates that miR-103 may represent a protective effect against cell apoptosis and autophagy in LPS-injured PC12 cells and SCI rats by upregulation of SOX2 expression.

Data communication between Panasonic PLC and PC using SerialPort control in C#.NET environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ting; Gan, Xiaochuan; Ma, Liqun

2015-02-01

With the gradual promotion of Microsoft.NET platform, C# as an object-oriented programming language based on the platform has been widely used. Therefore, more attention is concentrated on how to achieve the communication between Panasonic PLC and PC efficiently and fast in C#.NET environment. In this paper, a method of using SerialPort control which could be used for achieving communication between PLC and PC is introduced. Meanwhile, the reason of abnormal thread when displayed the receiving data in form is analyzed and the programming method to solve the problem of thread safety is designed. Achieving the communication of Panasonic PLC and PC in C#.NET environment can give full play to the advantages of the .NET framework. It is practical, easy communication, high reliability and can combine with other measurement and calibration procedures effectively and conveniently. Configuration software is expensive and can only communicate with PLC separately, but these shortcomings can be solved in C#.NET environment. A well-designed user interface realized real-time monitoring of PLC parameters and achieved management and control integration. The experiment show that this method of data transfer is accurate and the program' running is stable.

Local protein solvation drives direct down-conversion in phycobiliprotein PC645 via incoherent vibronic transport

PubMed Central

Blau, Samuel M.; Bennett, Doran I. G.; Kreisbeck, Christoph; Scholes, Gregory D.; Aspuru-Guzik, Alán

2018-01-01

The mechanisms controlling excitation energy transport (EET) in light-harvesting complexes remain controversial. Following the observation of long-lived beats in 2D electronic spectroscopy of PC645, vibronic coherence, the delocalization of excited states between pigments supported by a resonant vibration, has been proposed to enable direct excitation transport from the highest-energy to the lowest-energy pigments, bypassing a collection of intermediate states. Here, we instead show that for phycobiliprotein PC645 an incoherent vibronic transport mechanism is at play. We quantify the solvation dynamics of individual pigments using ab initio quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) nuclear dynamics. Our atomistic spectral densities reproduce experimental observations ranging from absorption and fluorescence spectra to the timescales and selectivity of down-conversion observed in transient absorption measurements. We construct a general model for vibronic dimers and establish the parameter regimes of coherent and incoherent vibronic transport. We demonstrate that direct down-conversion in PC645 proceeds incoherently, enhanced by large reorganization energies and a broad collection of high-frequency vibrations. We suggest that a similar incoherent mechanism is appropriate across phycobiliproteins and represents a potential design principle for nanoscale control of EET. PMID:29588417

It Takes a Village-Taming High Conflict With the "2 PC Model".

PubMed