Functional recovery in rat spinal cord injury induced by hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning.

PubMed

Lu, Pei-Gang; Hu, Sheng-Li; Hu, Rong; Wu, Nan; Chen, Zhi; Meng, Hui; Lin, Jiang-Kai; Feng, Hua

2012-12-01

It is a common belief that neurosurgical interventions can cause inevitable damage resulting from the procedure itself in surgery especially for intramedullary spinal cord tumors. The present study was designed to examine if hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO-PC) was neuroprotective against surgical injuries using a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: HBO-PC group, hypobaric hypoxic preconditioning (HH-PC) control group, and normobaric control group. All groups were subjected to SCI by weight drop device. Rats from each group were examined for neurological behavior and electrophysiological function. Tissue sections were analyzed by using immunohistochemistry, TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling, and axonal tract tracing. Significant neurological deficits were observed after SCI and HBO-PC and HH-PC improved neurological deficits 1 week post-injury. The latencies of motor-evoked potential and somatosensory-evoked potential were significantly delayed after SCI, which was attenuated by HBO-PC and HH-PC. Compared with normobaric control group, pretreatment with HBO and hypobaric hypoxia significantly reduced the number of TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling-positive cells, and increased nestin-positive cells. HBO-PC and HH-PC enhanced axonal growth after SCI. In conclusion, preconditioning with HBO and hypobaric hypoxia can facilitate functional recovery and suppress cell apoptosis after SCI and may prove to be a useful preventive strategy to neurosurgical SCI.

Computational fluid dynamic comparison between patch-based and primary closure techniques after carotid endarterectomy.

PubMed

Domanin, Maurizio; Bissacco, Daniele; Le Van, Davide; Vergara, Christian

2018-03-01

The aim of the study was to provide, by means of computational fluid dynamics, a comparative analysis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) between patch graft (PG) and primary closure (PC) techniques performed in real carotid geometries to identify disturbed flow conditions potentially involved in the development of restenosis. Eight carotid geometries in seven asymptomatic patients who underwent CEA were analyzed. In six cases (A-F), CEA was performed using PG closure; in two cases (G and H), PC was performed. Three-dimensional carotid geometries, derived from postoperative magnetic resonance angiography, were reconstructed, and a computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed. A virtual scenario with PC closure was designed in patients in whom PG was originally inserted and vice versa. This allowed us to compare for each patient hemodynamic effects in the PG and PC scenarios in terms of oscillatory shear index (OSI) and relative residence time (RRT), considered indicators of disturbed flow. For the six original PG cases, the mean averaged-in-space OSI was 0.07 ± 0.01 for PG and 0.03 ± 0.02 for virtual-PC (difference, 0.04 ± 0.01; P = .0016). The mean of the percentage of area (%A) with OSI >0.2 resulted in 10.08% ± 3.38% for PG and 3.80% ± 3.22% for virtual-PC (difference, 6.28 ± 1.91; P = .008). For the same cases, the mean of the averaged-in-space RRT resulted in 5.48 ± 3.40 1/Pa for PG and 2.62 ± 1.12 1/Pa for virtual-PC (difference, 2.87 ± 1.46; P = .097). The mean of %A RRT >4.0 1/Pa resulted in 26.53% ± 12.98% for PG and 9.95% ± 6.53% for virtual-PC (difference, 16.58 ± 5.93; P = .025). For the two original PC cases, the averaged-in-space OSIs were 0.02 and 0.04 for PC and 0.03 and 0.02 for virtual-PG; the %A OSIs >0.2 were 0.9% and 7.6% for PC and 3.0% and 2.2% for virtual-PG; the averaged-in-space RRTs were 1.8 and 2.0 1/Pa for PC and 2.9 and 1.9 1/Pa for virtual-PG; the %A RRTs >4.0 1/Pa were 6.8% and 9.8% for PC and 9.4% and 6.2% for virtual-PG. These results revealed generally higher disturbed flows in the PG configurations with respect to the PC ones. OSI and RRT values were generally higher in PG cases with respect to PC, especially for high carotids or when the arteriotomy is mainly at the bulb region. Thus, an elective use of patch should be considered to prevent disturbed flows. Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of phase-contrast MR and flow simulations for the study of CSF dynamics in the cervical spine.

PubMed

Lindstrøm, Erika Kristina; Schreiner, Jakob; Ringstad, Geir Andre; Haughton, Victor; Eide, Per Kristian; Mardal, Kent-Andre

2018-06-01

Background Investigators use phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PC-MR) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. We compared qualitative and quantitative results from the two methods. Methods Four volunteers were imaged with a heavily T2-weighted volume gradient echo scan of the brain and cervical spine at 3T and with PC-MR. Velocities were calculated from PC-MR for each phase in the cardiac cycle. Mean pressure gradients in the PC-MR acquisition through the cardiac cycle were calculated with the Navier-Stokes equations. Volumetric MR images of the brain and upper spine were segmented and converted to meshes. Models of the subarachnoid space were created from volume images with the Vascular Modeling Toolkit. CFD simulations were performed with a previously verified flow solver. The flow patterns, velocities and pressures were compared in PC-MR and CFD flow images. Results PC-MR images consistently revealed more inhomogeneous flow patterns than CFD, especially in the anterolateral subarachnoid space where spinal nerve roots are located. On average, peak systolic and diastolic velocities in PC-MR exceeded those in CFD by 31% and 41%, respectively. On average, systolic and diastolic pressure gradients calculated from PC-MR exceeded those of CFD by 11% and 39%, respectively. Conclusions PC-MR shows local flow disturbances that are not evident in typical CFD. The velocities and pressure gradients calculated from PC-MR are systematically larger than those calculated from CFD.

Searching for Faint Companions to Nearby Stars with the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schroeder, Daniel J.; Golimowski, David A.

1996-01-01

A search for faint companions (FC's) to selected stars within 5 pc of the Sun using the Hubble Space Telescope's Planetary Camera (PC) has been initiated. To assess the PC's ability to detect FCs, we have constructed both model and laboratory-simulated images and compared them to actual PC images. We find that the PC's point-spread function (PSF) is 3-4 times brighter over the angular range 2-5 sec than the PSF expected for a perfect optical system. Azimuthal variations of the PC's PSF are 10-20 times larger than expected for a perfect PSF. These variations suggest that light is scattered nonuniformly from the surface of the detector. Because the anomalies in the PC's PSF cannot be precisely simulated, subtracting a reference PSF from the PC image is problematic. We have developed a computer algorithm that identifies local brightness anomalies within the PSF as potential FCs. We find that this search algorithm will successfully locate FCs anywhere within the circumstellar field provided that the average pixel signal from the FC is at least 10 sigma above the local background. This detection limit suggests that a comprehensive search for extrasolar Jovian planets with the PC is impractical. However, the PC is useful for detecting other types of substellar objects. With a stellar signal of 10(exp 9) e(-), for example, we may detect brown dwarfs as faint as M(sub I) = 16.7 separated by 1 sec from alpha Cen A.

Is caffeic acid phenethyl ester more protective than doxycycline in experimental periodontitis?

PubMed

Yiğit, Umut; Kırzıoğlu, Fatma Yeşim; Uğuz, Abdülhadi Cihangir; Nazıroğlu, Mustafa; Özmen, Özlem

2017-09-01

Host modulation therapies (anti-inflammatory drugs, bone-stimulating agents, anti-proteinase etc.) target the inhibition or stabilization of tissue breakdown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and/or low dose doxycycline (LDD) administrations on alveolar bone loss (ABL), serum cytokines and gingival apoptosis, as well as the levels of oxidants and anti-oxidants in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis. The animals were randomly divided into five groups: Group C (periodontally healthy), Group PC (Periodontitis+CAPE), Group PD (Periodontitis+LDD), Group PCD (Periodontitis+CAPE+LDD), Group P (Periodontitis). Experimental periodontitis was induced for 14days. Levels of ABL, and the serum cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-10 were assessed as were the levels of the oxidants and anti-oxidants, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and levels of gingival apoptosis. The lowest ABL levels was evident in the PC group, among the experimental groups. There was also less inflammatory infiltration in the PC group than the PD group. IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were lower in the PC group and higher in the P group in comparison to the levels in the other experiment groups. TNF-α levels in the PD group were higher than levels in the PC and PCD groups. The PC and PCD groups did not differ from the C group in regard to MDA levels. The highest GSH-Px level was found in the PC group. Gingival apoptosis in the PC group was not only lower than the PD and PCD groups, but also lower than in the C group. The present study suggests that CAPE has more anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects than LDD, with no additive benefits of a CAPE+LDD combination being evident in rats with periodontitis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acute administration of vitamin C abrogates protection from ischemic preconditioning in rabbits.

PubMed

Tsovolas, Konstantinos; Iliodromitis, Efstathios K; Andreadou, Ioanna; Zoga, Anastasia; Demopoulou, Maritina; Iliodromitis, Konstantinos E; Manolaki, Theodora; Markantonis, Sophia L; Kremastinos, Dimitrios Th

2008-04-01

Vitamin C is considered to be an antioxidant agent that is broadly used. Free radicals are involved in the protective mechanism of preconditioning (PC), but some antioxidant compounds abolish this benefit. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin C on the protective effect of PC with respect to infarct size and oxidative stress in anesthetized rabbits. Male rabbits were randomly divided into six groups and subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia and 3h of reperfusion with the following interventions per group: (1) Control (no intervention), (2) Vit C 150 group (i.v. vitamin C at a total dose of 150 mg/kg for 75 min, starting 40 min before the onset of long ischemia and lasting up to the 5th min of reperfusion), (3) Vit C 300 group (i.v. vitamin C at a total dose of 300 mg/kg as previously described), (4) PC group (two cycles of 5 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion), (5) combined PC-Vit C 150 group and (6) combined PC-Vit C 300 group. Blood samples were taken at different time points for malondialdehyde (MDA) assessment as a lipid peroxidation marker and for superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. At the end of the experiment the infarct size was determined. Vitamin C, at both doses, did not reduce the infarct size (35.5+/-4.1%, 38.3+/-7.0% vs. 44.9+/-3.3% in the control group) and diminished the protection afforded by PC (32.0+/-2.7%, 43.8+/-3.3% vs. 15.7+/-2.9% in the PC group, P<0.05). At reperfusion there was an elevation of circulating MDA levels in the control and PC groups while in both vitamin C groups the levels were decreased. SOD activity was enhanced in the PC group compared to the controls; vitamin C did not change SOD activity during ischemia-reperfusion. Vitamin C abrogates the beneficial effect of ischemic PC on infarct size and elicits antioxidant properties during ischemia-reperfusion.

CD59 Underlines the Antiatherosclerotic Effects of C-Phycocyanin on Mice

PubMed Central

Chu, Xian-Ming; Xu, Ying-Jie; Yang, Fan; Lv, Cong-Yi; Nie, Shu-min

2013-01-01

The effects of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) on atherosclerosis and the regulatory effects of CD59 gene on anti-atherosclerotic roles of C-PC were investigated. Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE(−/−)) mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, C-PC treatment group, CD59 transfection group and C-PC+CD59 synergy group. The mice were fed with high-fat-diet and treated with drug intervention at the same time. Results showed the atherosclerotic mouse model was successfully established. CD59 was over-expressed in blood and tissue cells. Single CD59 or C-PC could reduce blood lipid levels and promote the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 but inhibit pro-apoptotic Fas proteins in endothelial cells. The expression levels of cell cycle protein D1 (Cyclin D1) and mRNA levels of cyclin dependent protein kinase 4 (CDK4) in smooth muscle cells were restrained by CD59 and C-PC. CD59 or C-PC alone could inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaque by suppressing MMP-2 protein expression. In addition, C-PC could promote CD59 expression. So both CD59 and C-PC could inhibit the progress of atherosclerosis, and the anti-atherosclerotic effects of C-PC might be fulfilled by promoting CD59 expression, preventing smooth muscle cell proliferation and the apoptosis of endothelial cells, reducing blood fat levels, and at last inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. PMID:24319687

Crystal structures of bis-(phen-oxy)silicon phthalocyanines: increasing π-π inter-actions, solubility and disorder and no halogen bonding observed.

PubMed

Lessard, Benoît H; Lough, Alan J; Bender, Timothy P

2016-07-01

We report the syntheses and characterization of three solution-processable phen-oxy silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs), namely bis-(3-methyl-phen-oxy)(phthalocyanine)silicon [(3MP)2-SiPc], C46H30N8O2Si, bis-(2-sec-butyl-phen-oxy)(phthalocyanine)silicon [(2secBP)2-SiPc], C44H24I2N8O2Si, and bis-(3-iodo-phen-oxy)(phthalocyanine)silicon [(3IP)2-SiPc], C52H42N8O2Si. Crystals grown of these compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the π-π inter-actions between the aromatic SiPc cores were studied. It was determined that (3MP)2-SiPc has similar inter-actions to previously reported bis-(3,4,5-tri-fluoro-phen-oxy)silicon phthalocyanines [(345 F)2-SiPc] with significant π-π inter-actions between the SiPc groups. (3IP)2-SiPc and (2secBP)2-SiPc both experienced a parallel stacking of two of the peripheral aromatic groups. In all three cases, the solubility of these mol-ecules was increased by the addition of phen-oxy groups while maintaining π-π inter-actions between the aromatic SiPc groups. The solubility of (2secBP)2-SiPc was significantly higher than other bis-phen-oxy-SiPcs and this was exemplified by the higher observed disorder within the crystal structure.

Space weather monitoring by ground-based means carried out in Polar Geophysical Center at Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janzhura, Alexander

A real-time information on geophysical processes in polar regions is very important for goals of Space Weather monitoring by the ground-based means. The modern communication systems and computer technology makes it possible to collect and process the data from remote sites without significant delays. A new acquisition equipment based on microprocessor modules and reliable in hush climatic conditions was deployed at the Roshydromet networks of geophysical observations in Arctic and is deployed at observatories in Antarctic. A contemporary system for on-line collecting and transmitting the geophysical data from the Arctic and Antarctic stations to AARI has been realized and the Polar Geophysical Center (PGC) arranged at AARI ensures the near-real time processing and analyzing the geophysical information from 11 stations in Arctic and 5 stations in Antarctic. The space weather monitoring by the ground based means is one of the main tasks standing before the Polar Geophysical Center. As studies by Troshichev and Janzhura, [2012] showed, the PC index characterizing the polar cap magnetic activity appeared to be an adequate indicator of the solar wind energy that entered into the magnetosphere and the energy that is accumulating in the magnetosphere. A great advantage of the PC index application over other methods based on satellite data is a permanent on-line availability of information about magnetic activity in both northern and southern polar caps. A special procedure agreed between Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) and Space Institute of the Danish Technical University (DTUSpace) ensures calculation of the unified PC index in quasi-real time by magnetic data from the Thule and Vostok stations (see public site: http://pc-index.org). The method for estimation of AL and Dst indices (as indicators of state of the disturbed magnetosphere) based on data on foregoing PC indices has been elaborated and testified in the Polar Geophysical Center. It is demonstrated that the PC index can be successfully used to monitor the state of the magnetosphere (space weather monitoring) and the readiness of the magnetosphere to producing substorm or storm (space weather nowcasting).

Disruption in the cecal microbiota of chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens and other factors was alleviated by Bacillus licheniformis supplementation.

PubMed

Lin, Yicen; Xu, Shuai; Zeng, Dong; Ni, Xueqin; Zhou, Mengjia; Zeng, Yan; Wang, Hesong; Zhou, Yi; Zhu, Hui; Pan, Kangcheng; Li, Guangyao

2017-01-01

Clostridium perfringens can induce necrotic enteritis of chickens, which causes large economic losses every year. Bacillus licheniformis, a probiotic, can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, thereby improving the health status of chickens. However, from a microbial ecology perspective, the mechanisms by which alterations to the gut microbiota improve health remain unknown. In this study, we used Illumina MiSeq sequencing to investigate the cecal microbiota of a negative control group (NC), a C. perfringens and Eimeria challenge group with fishmeal supplementation (PC), a group supplemented with fishmeal and infected with coccidia (FC), and group PC with B. licheniformis supplementation (BL). We found that the health status of C. perfringens-challenged chickens was compromised, and that B. licheniformis improved the growth of the chickens challenged with pathogens. Microbial diversity analysis and taxonomic profiling of groups NC, PC, and FC revealed a disturbed cecal microflora of the birds with C. perfringens. We also characterized the microbiota of the chickens in the BL group using several methods. Principal coordinate analysis demonstrated that, compared with group PC, the bacterial community structure of group BL was more similar to that of group NC. Linear discriminant analysis with effect size revealed less differentially represented bacterial taxa between groups BL and NC than between groups PC and NC. In addition, groups BL and NC appeared to have similar overrepresented microbial taxa (such as Bacteroides, Helicobacter, Megamonas, and Akkermansia) compared with group PC. Finally, a phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis indicated that large differences existed between group PC and groups NC and BL. In conclusion, pre-treatment with B. licheniformis reduced the disturbance of the cecal microbiome induced by challenge with C. perfringens and other factors in broiler chickens.

Automatic fire-extinguishing system for inhabited pressurized compartments of manned spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolodian, Ivan; Melikhov, Anatoliy; Tanklevskiy, Leonid

2017-06-01

There is an innovational fire-extinguishing technology implemented via equipage of inhabited pressurized modules of the space station "Mir" and compartments of the Russian segment of International space station by automatic fire extinguishing systems in an orbital flight. Fire-safety in inhabited pressurized compartments of spacecraft (further - InPC SC) became one of the most dangerous factors during an orbital flight after a number of fire-hazardous situations occurred in different countries during preparation and execution of spaceflights [1,2]. High fire-risk in InPC of manned SC is determined by the following specific peculiarities of a arrangement and usage conditions of these items: - atmosphere of inhabited compartments is considerably enriched with oxygen - up to 25-40%; - there are many structural non-metal materials (here and after - materials) in order to lower the weight of InPC SC, most part of these materials is combustible under a given concentration of oxygen (here and after - Cox) in the atmosphere of InPC SC; - ventilation flow (here and after - Vvf) under normal operation of ventilation means in InPC SC considerably increases a possibility of fast fire-spread in InPC. - inhabited pressurized compartments of SC are filled with electrical equipment, which elements during failures even in low-current circuits became fire sources in oxygen-rich atmosphere; - indoor spaces of inhabited pressurized compartments of SC, as a rule, have complicated figuration with isolated for usage of local fire extinguishing zones with elements of electrical devices.

Oxidized phosphatidylcholines are produced in renal ischemia reperfusion injury

PubMed Central

Solati, Zahra; Edel, Andrea L.; Shang, Yue; O, Karmin

2018-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to determine the individual oxidized phosphatidylcholine (OxPC) molecules generated during renal ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods Kidney ischemia was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats by clamping the left renal pedicle for 45 min followed by reperfusion for either 6h or 24h. Kidney tissue was subjected to lipid extraction. Phospholipids and OxPC species were identified and quantitated using liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using internal standards. Result We identified fifty-five distinct OxPC in rat kidney following I/R injury. These included a variety of fragmented (aldehyde and carboxylic acid containing species) and non-fragmented products. 1-stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (SLPC-OH), which is a non-fragmented OxPC and 1-palmitoyl-2-azelaoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PAzPC), which is a fragmented OxPC, were the most abundant OxPC species after 6h and 24 h I/R respectively. Total fragmented aldehyde OxPC were significantly higher in 6h and 24h I/R groups compared to sham operated groups (P = 0.03, 0.001 respectively). Moreover, levels of aldehyde OxPC at 24h I/R were significantly greater than those in 6h I/R (P = 0.007). Fragmented carboxylic acid increased significantly in 24h I/R group compared with sham and 6h I/R groups (P = 0.001, 0.001). Moreover, levels of fragmented OxPC were significantly correlated with creatinine levels (r = 0.885, P = 0.001). Among non-fragmented OxPC, only isoprostanes were elevated significantly in 6h I/R group compared with sham group but not in 24h I/R group (P = 0.01). No significant changes were observed in other non-fragmented OxPC including long chain products and terminal furans. Conclusion We have shown for the first time that bioactive OxPC species are produced in renal I/R and their levels increase with increasing time of reperfusion in a kidney model of I/R and correlate with severity of I/R injury. Given the pathological activity of fragmented OxPCs, therapies focused on their reduction may be a mechanism to attenuate renal I/R injury. PMID:29684044

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.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: RAVE open cluster pairs, groups and complexes (Conrad+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conrad, C.; Scholz, R.-D.; Kharchenko, N. V.; Piskunov, A. E.; Roeser, S.; Schilbach, E.; de Jong, R. S.; Schnurr, O.; Steinmetz, M.; Grebel, E. K.; Zwitter, T.; Bienayme, O.; Bland-Hawthorn, J.; Gibson, B. K.; Gilmore, G.; Kordopatis, G.; Kunder, A.; Navarro, J. F.; Parker, Q.; Reid, W.; Seabroke, G.; Siviero, A.; Watson, F.; Wyse, R.

2017-01-01

The presented tables summarize the parameters for the clusters and the mean values for the detected potential cluster groupings. The ages, distances and proper motions were taken from the Catalogue of Open Cluster Data (COCD; Kharchenko et al. 2005, Cat. J/A+A/438/1163, J/A+A/440/403), while additional radial velocities and metallicities were obtained from the Radial Velocity Experiment (RAVE; Kordopatis et al. 2013AJ....146..134K, Cat. III/272 ) and from the online compilation provided by Dias et al. (2002, See B/ocl). A description of the determination for the radial velocities and metallicities can be found in Conrad et al. 2014A&A...562A..54C. The potential groupings were identified using an adapted Friends-of-Friends algorithm with two sets of linking lengths, namely (100pc, 10km/s) and (100pc, 20km/s). The table clupar.dat (combining Tables A.1 and A.2 from the Appendix of our paper): Tables comprises the parameters collected for the final working sample of 432 clusters with available radial velocities, namely coordinates and proper motions in equatorial and galactic coordinates, distances, ages, metallicities, as well as Cartesian coordinates and velocities. The latter were computed through converting the spherical parameters to Cartesian space with the sun as point of origin. The tables grpar10.dat and grpar20.dat (listed as two parts in Table B.1 of the Appendix of our paper) contain the mean values for the identified potential open cluster groupings for two sets of linking lengths, 100pc and 10km/s (19 potential groupings) and 100pc and 20km/s (41 potential groupings), respectively. These were computed as simple mean, while the uncertainties were computed as simple rms. We list the counting number, the number of members, the COCD number and name for each member, The mean Cartesian coordinates and velocities, along with the uncertainties, the mean distances (with uncertainties), the mean logarithmic ages (with uncertainties) and the mean metallicities, where available (with uncertainties, if at least two measurement were used). (4 data files).

Hyperdynamic CSF motion profiles found in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and Alzheimer's disease assessed by fluid mechanics derived from magnetic resonance images.

PubMed

Takizawa, Ken; Matsumae, Mitsunori; Hayashi, Naokazu; Hirayama, Akihiro; Yatsushiro, Satoshi; Kuroda, Kagayaki

2017-10-18

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not only ascertain morphological features, but also measures physiological properties such as fluid velocity or pressure gradient. The purpose of this study was to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in patients with morphological abnormalities such as enlarged brain ventricles and subarachnoid spaces. We used a time-resolved three dimensional phase contrast (3D-PC) MRI technique to quantitatively evaluate CSF dynamics in the Sylvian aqueduct of healthy elderly individuals and patients with either idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) presenting with ventricular enlargement. Nineteen healthy elderly individuals, ten iNPH patients, and seven AD patients (all subjects ≥ 60 years old) were retrospectively evaluated 3D-PC MRI. The CSF velocity, pressure gradient, and rotation in the Sylvian aqueduct were quantified and compared between the three groups using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney U tests. There was no statistically significant difference in velocity among the three groups. The pressure gradient was not significantly different between the iNPH and AD groups, but was significantly different between the iNPH group and the healthy controls (p < 0.001), and similarly, between the AD group and the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Rotation was not significantly different between the iNPH and AD groups, but was significantly different between the iNPH group and healthy controls (p < 0.001), and similarly, between the AD group and the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Quantitative analysis of CSF dynamics with time resolved 3D-PC MRI revealed differences and similarities in the Sylvian aqueduct between healthy elderly individuals, iNPH patients, and AD patients. The results showed that CSF motion is in a hyperdynamic state in both iNPH and AD patient groups compared to healthy elderly individuals, and that iNPH patients and AD patients display similar CSF motion profiles.

[Relationship between chronic prostatitis and prostatic calculus].

PubMed

Chen, Hong-jie; Yang, Ning-gang; Zhang, Ju-jie; Wang, Jun; Zhang, Xiang-jun; Zhang, Jun; Yu, Xin-ning; Zhang, Dian-ting

2011-01-01

To explore the relationship between chronic prostatitis (CP) and prostatic calculus (PC). We used transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) to detect PC in 500 normal volunteers and 491 CP patients, and divided them into a CP and a CP + PC group according to the ultrasonographic results. Then we analyzed the NIH-CPSI scores, duration of symptoms and white blood cell count in the expressed prostate secretion (ESP). PC was found in 19.8% of the normal controls, 5% (5/100), 12% (12/100), 19% (19/100), 27% (27/100) and 36% (36/100) in the 20-30 yr, 31-40 yr, 41-50 yr, 51-60 yr and > 60 yr groups, respectively. In comparison, PC was detected in 42.2% of the CP patients, 15.8% (12/76), 30.1% (69/215), 55.7% (59/109), 66.2% (43/65) and 82.8% (24/29) in the above five age groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the control and CP groups (P < 0.01). The CP and CP + PC groups showed significant differences in the duration of symptoms and white blood cell count in ESP (P < 0.01) but not in CPSI scores (P < 0.05). The incidence of PC is higher in CP patients than in healthy men, and it is associated with inflammation, aging and symptom duration, but not with CPSI scores.

Curative cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and synchronous resectable liver metastases arising from colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Lorimier, G; Linot, B; Paillocher, N; Dupoiron, D; Verrièle, V; Wernert, R; Hamy, A; Capitain, O

2017-01-01

This study describes the outcomes of patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) with or without liver metastases (LMs) after curative surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in order to assess prognostic factors. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) increases overall survival (OS) in patients with PC. The optimal treatment both for PC and for LMs within one surgical operation remains controversial. Patients with PC who underwent CRS followed by HIPEC were evaluated from a prospective database. Overall survival and disease free survival (DFS) rates in patients with PC and with or without LMs were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate predictive variables for survival. From 1999 to 2011, 22 patients with PC and synchronous LMs (PCLM group), were compared to 36 patients with PC alone (PC group). No significant difference was found between the two groups. The median OS were 36 months [range, 20-113] for the PCLM group and 25 months [14-82] for the PC group (p > 0.05) with 5-year OS rates of 38% and 40% respectively (p > 0.05). The median DFS were 9 months [9-20] and 11.8 months [6.5-23] respectively (p = 0.04). The grade III-IV morbidity and cytoreduction score (CCS) >0 (p < 0.05) were identified as independent factors for poor OS. Resections of LMs and CCS >0 impair significantly DFS. Synchronous complete CRS of PC and LMs from a colorectal origin plus HIPEC is a feasible therapeutic option. The improvement in OS is similar to that provided for patients with PC alone. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

PUZZLE - A program for computer-aided design of printed circuit artwork

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrell, D. A. W.; Zane, R.

1971-01-01

Program assists in solving spacing problems encountered in printed circuit /PC/ design. It is intended to have maximum use for two-sided PC boards carrying integrated circuits, and also aids design of discrete component circuits.

Disruption in the cecal microbiota of chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens and other factors was alleviated by Bacillus licheniformis supplementation

PubMed Central

Ni, Xueqin; Zhou, Mengjia; Zeng, Yan; Wang, Hesong; Zhou, Yi; Zhu, Hui; Pan, Kangcheng; Li, Guangyao

2017-01-01

Clostridium perfringens can induce necrotic enteritis of chickens, which causes large economic losses every year. Bacillus licheniformis, a probiotic, can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, thereby improving the health status of chickens. However, from a microbial ecology perspective, the mechanisms by which alterations to the gut microbiota improve health remain unknown. In this study, we used Illumina MiSeq sequencing to investigate the cecal microbiota of a negative control group (NC), a C. perfringens and Eimeria challenge group with fishmeal supplementation (PC), a group supplemented with fishmeal and infected with coccidia (FC), and group PC with B. licheniformis supplementation (BL). We found that the health status of C. perfringens-challenged chickens was compromised, and that B. licheniformis improved the growth of the chickens challenged with pathogens. Microbial diversity analysis and taxonomic profiling of groups NC, PC, and FC revealed a disturbed cecal microflora of the birds with C. perfringens. We also characterized the microbiota of the chickens in the BL group using several methods. Principal coordinate analysis demonstrated that, compared with group PC, the bacterial community structure of group BL was more similar to that of group NC. Linear discriminant analysis with effect size revealed less differentially represented bacterial taxa between groups BL and NC than between groups PC and NC. In addition, groups BL and NC appeared to have similar overrepresented microbial taxa (such as Bacteroides, Helicobacter, Megamonas, and Akkermansia) compared with group PC. Finally, a phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis indicated that large differences existed between group PC and groups NC and BL. In conclusion, pre-treatment with B. licheniformis reduced the disturbance of the cecal microbiome induced by challenge with C. perfringens and other factors in broiler chickens. PMID:28771569

A Formal Palliative Care Service Improves the Quality of Care in Patients with Stage IV Cancer and Bowel Obstruction.

PubMed

Gabriel, Emmanuel; Kukar, Moshim; Groman, Adrienne; Alvarez-Perez, Amy; Schneider, Jaclyn; Francescutti, Valerie

2017-02-01

Patients with stage IV cancer and bowel obstruction present a complicated management problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the palliative care service (PC) in the management of this complex disease process. A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients admitted to Roswell Park Cancer Institute with stage IV cancer and bowel obstruction from 2009 to 2012 after the institution of a formal PC. This cohort was matched to similar patients from 2005 to 2008 (no palliative care service or NPC). Patient characteristics and outcomes included baseline demographics, comorbid conditions, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status, laboratory parameters, medical and surgical management, length of stay, symptom relief, and disposition status. A total of 19 patients were identified in the PC group. Based on the PC group baseline characteristics, 19 patients were identified for the NPC group using matched values. Regarding outcomes, there were significant differences in the medication regimens (narcotics, octreotide, and Decadron) between the 2 groups. In the PC group, 14 of 19 patients showed improvement compared to 9 of 19 in the NPC group. Nearly 60% of patients in the PC group had a formal DNR order versus 10.5% in NPC ( P = .002). A significantly higher percentage of patients were discharged to hospice in the PC group (47.4% vs 0.0%, P = .006). Palliative care consultation improves the quality of care for patients with stage IV cancer and bowel obstruction, with particular benefits in symptom management, end-of-life discussion, and disposition to hospice.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2015-01-01

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

Assessing the potential of group 13 and 14 metal/metalloid phthalocyanines as hole transport layers in organic light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plint, Trevor; Lessard, Benoît H.; Bender, Timothy P.

2016-04-01

In this study, we have assessed the potential application of group 13 and 14 metal and metalloid phthalocyanines ((X)n-MPcs) and their axially substituted derivatives as hole-transporting layers in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). OLEDs studied herein have the generic structure of glass/ITO/(N,N'-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N'-diphenyl-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (NPB) or (X)n-MPc)(50 nm)/Alq3 (60 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (80 nm), where X is an axial substituent group. OLEDs using chloro aluminum phthalocyanine (Cl-AlPc) showed good peak luminance values of 2620 ± 113 cd/m2 at 11 V. To our knowledge, Cl-AlPc has not previously been shown to work as a hole transport material (HTL) in OLEDs. Conversely, the di-chlorides of silicon, germanium, and tin phthalocyanine (Cl2-SiPc, Cl2-GePc, and Cl2-SnPc, respectively) showed poor performance compared to Cl-AlPc, having peak luminances of only 38 ± 4 cd/m2 (12 V), 23 ± 1 cd/m2 (8.5 V), and 59 ± 5 cd/m2 (13.5 V), respectively. However, by performing a simple axial substitution of the chloride groups of Cl2-SiPc with pentafluorophenoxy groups, the resulting bis(pentafluorophenoxy) silicon phthalocyanine (F10-SiPc) containing OLED had a peak luminance of 5141 ± 941 cd/m2 (10 V), a two order of magnitude increase over its chlorinated precursor. This material showed OLED characteristics approaching those of a baseline OLED based on the well-studied triarylamine NPB. Attempts to attach the pentafluorophenoxy axial group to both SnPc and GePc were hindered by synthetic difficulties and low thermal stability, respectively. In light of the performance improvements observed by simple axial substitution of SiPc in OLEDs, the use of axially substituted MPcs in organic electronic devices remains of continuing interest to us and potentially the field in general.

Rare view of two space shuttles on adjacent KSC Launch Complex (LC) 39 pads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

Rare view shows two space shuttles on adjacent Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) 39 pads with the Rotating Service Structures (RSS) retracted. STS-35 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, is on Pad A (foreground) is being readied for a September 6 early morning launch, while its sister spaceship, Discovery, OV-103, is set to begin preparations for an October liftoff on Mission STS-41. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-90PC-1269. Also see S90-48650 for similar view with alternate KSC number KSC-90PC-1268.

Rare view of two space shuttles on adjacent KSC Launch Complex (LC) 39 pads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

Rare view shows two space shuttles on adjacent Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) 39 pads with the Rotating Service Structures (RSS) retracted. STS-35 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, is on Pad A (foreground) and being readied for a September 6 early morning launch, while its sister spaceship, Discovery, OV-103, is prepared for an October liftoff on Mission STS-41. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-90PC-1268. Also see S90-48904 for a similar view with alternate KSC number KSC-90PC-1269.

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.

Could texture features from preoperative CT image be used for predicting occult peritoneal carcinomatosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer?

PubMed

Kim, Hae Young; Kim, Young Hoon; Yun, Gabin; Chang, Won; Lee, Yoon Jin; Kim, Bohyoung

2018-01-01

To retrospectively investigate whether texture features obtained from preoperative CT images of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients could be used for the prediction of occult peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) detected during operation. 51 AGC patients with occult PC detected during operation from January 2009 to December 2012 were included as occult PC group. For the control group, other 51 AGC patients without evidence of distant metastasis including PC, and whose clinical T and N stage could be matched to those of the patients of the occult PC group, were selected from the period of January 2011 to July 2012. Each group was divided into test (n = 41) and validation cohort (n = 10). Demographic and clinical data of these patients were acquired from the hospital database. Texture features including average, standard deviation, kurtosis, skewness, entropy, correlation, and contrast were obtained from manually drawn region of interest (ROI) over the omentum on the axial CT image showing the omentum at its largest cross sectional area. After using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for comparison of the clinical and texture features between the two groups of the test cohort, conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant independent predictor for occult PC. Using the optimal cut-off value from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for the significant variables, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were determined in the test cohort. The cut-off value of the significant variables obtained from the test cohort was then applied to the validation cohort. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust P value for multiple comparisons. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in the clinical features. Regarding the texture features, the occult PC group showed significantly higher average, entropy, standard deviation, and significantly lower correlation (P value < 0.004 for all). Conditional logistic regression analysis demonstrated that entropy was significant independent predictor for occult PC. When the cut-off value of entropy (> 7.141) was applied to the validation cohort, sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of occult PC were 80% and 90%, respectively. For AGC patients whose PC cannot be detected with routine imaging such as CT, texture analysis may be a useful adjunct for the prediction of occult PC.

Designing flexible instructional space for teaching introductory physics with emphasis on inquiry and collaborative active learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykov, Tikhon

2010-03-01

In recent years McMurry University's introductory physics curriculum has gone through a series of significant changes to achieve better integration of traditional course components (lecture/lab/discussion) by means of instructional design and technology. A system of flexible curriculum modules with emphasis on inquiry-based teaching and collaborative active learning has been introduced. To unify module elements, a technology suite has been used that consists of Tablet PC's and software applications including Physlets, tablet-adapted personal response system, PASCO data acquisition systems, and MS One-note collaborative writing software. Adoption of the new teaching model resulted in reevaluation of existing instructional spaces. The new teaching space will be created during the renovation of the McMurry Science Building. This space will allow for easy transitions between lecture and laboratory modes. Movable partitions will be used to accommodate student groups of different sizes. The space will be supportive of small peer-group activities with easy-to-reconfigure furniture, multiple white and black board surfaces and multiple projection screens. The new space will be highly flexible to account for different teaching functions, different teaching modes and learning styles.

Preoperative chemotherapy for T2 breast cancer is associated with improved surgical outcome.

PubMed

Karanlik, H; Ozgur, I; Cabioglu, N; Sen, F; Erturk, K; Kilic, B; Onder, S; Deniz, M; Yavuz, E; Aydiner, A

2015-09-01

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcome in T2 breast cancer patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy (PC) and who did not. The study also tried to define a subgroup of patients, who are more beneficial after PC in terms of lower re-excision rates, better cosmetic results and local recurrence free survival. 251 consecutive patients treated for nonmetastatic T2 invasive breast cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Of those; 141 underwent primary surgery (PS) followed by chemotherapy, whereas 110 were treated with combination of PC and surgery. The patients who were treated with PC had a significantly higher incidence of negative margins and lower rate of re-excision (5% vs. 16%, p = 0.02). Of all patients attempted breast conserving surgery (BCS), patients in the PC group were more likely to undergo BCS as their definitive operation compared to patients with PS group (BCS rates; PC group: 99% vs. PS group: 92%, p = 0.05). Multifocal disease (OR: 7, 95% Cl, 2.7-18.4, p = 0.0001) and PC (OR = 0.2; 95% CI, 0.06-0.72, p = 0.01) were factors associated with margin positivity in patients treated with BCS. There was no statistically significant difference in 5 year local-recurrence free survival rates between 2 groups. Our study shows that PC significantly decreases the re-excision in patients undergoing BCS with primary T2 breast tumors. This data suggests that any patient with a tumor greater than 2 cm might be considered for PC to increase BCS success with final negative margins. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Operating microscope light-induced phototoxic maculopathy after transscleral sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

PubMed

Kweon, Eui Yong; Ahn, Min; Lee, Dong Wook; You, In Cheon; Kim, Min Jung; Cho, Nam Chun

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study is to report the features of operating microscope light-induced retinal phototoxic maculopathy after transscleral sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens (TSS PC-IOL) implantation. The charts of 118 patients who underwent TSS PC-IOL implantation surgery at Chonbuk National University Hospital (Jeonju, Korea) between March 1999 and February 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Fourteen patients underwent combined 3-port pars plana vitrectomy and TSS PC-IOL implantation (vitrectomy group), and 104 patients underwent TSS PC-IOL implantation only (nonvitrectomy group). All surgeries were performed under the same coaxial illuminated microscope. All diagnoses were confirmed through careful fundus examination and fluorescein angiography (FA). Diagnoses of retinal phototoxic maculopathy were established in 10 (8.47%) of 118 TSS PC-IOL implantation cases. Phototoxic maculopathy occurred more frequently in the vitrectomy group than in the nonvitrectomy group (6/14 versus 4/104, respectively; P < 0.001, chi-square = 24.21). Affected patients reported decreased vision and were found to have coarse alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In 5 of the phototoxic maculopathy cases (50%), the visual acuity was 20/200 or worse. Operating microscope light-induced retinal phototoxic maculopathy can occur more frequently after TSS PC-IOL implantation than after casual cataract surgery, especially when TSS PC-IOL is combined with vitrectomy surgery. Surgeons should take precautions to prevent retinal phototoxicity after TSS PC-IOL implantation and vitrectomy.

Comparative Study of EPA-enriched Phosphatidylcholine and EPA-enriched Phosphatidylserine on Lipid Metabolism in Mice.

PubMed

Ding, Lin; Wang, Dan; Zhou, Miaomiao; Du, Lei; Xu, Jie; Xue, Changhu; Wang, Yuming

2016-07-01

Recent studies have shown that EPA enriched PLs have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. Our previous study has demonstrated that the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of EPA-PL were superior to DHA-PL. In the present study, we comparatively evaluated the effects of EPA-enriched phosphatidylcholine (EPA-PC) and EPA-enriched phosphatidylserine (EPA-PS) on lipid metabolism in mice. Both 2% dietary EPA-PC and EPA-PS significantly improved serum and hepatic lipid levels in mice. The HDL-c level in mice on EPA-PC diet was significantly higher than the other two groups. The level of DHA in hepatic TG and PL were significantly increased in both EPA-PC and EPA-PS fed groups (98.3 and 117.8%, respectively; p < 0.05). Notably, the proportion of DHA in EPA-PS group was significantly higher than the EPA-PC group. EPA-PC and EPA-PS suppressed hepatic SREBP-1c mediated lipogenesis and activated PPARα mediated fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver. These data are the first to indicate that EPA-PS has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid-Enriched Phosphatidylcholine Attenuated Hepatic Steatosis Through Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism in Rats with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

PubMed

Liu, Yanjun; Shi, Di; Tian, Yingying; Liu, Yuntao; Zhan, Qiping; Xu, Jie; Wang, Jingfeng; Xue, Changhu

2017-02-01

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Disturbed cholesterol metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of NAFLD. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of EPA-PC extracted from sea cucumber on liver steatosis and cholesterol metabolism in NAFLD. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (normal control group, model group, lovastatin group, low- and high-dose EPA groups, and low- and high-dose EPA-PC groups). Model rats were established by administering a diet containing 1% orotic acid. To determine the possible cholesterol metabolism promoting mechanism of EPA-PC, we analyzed the transcription of key genes and transcriptional factors involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism. EPA-PC dramatically alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation, reduced the serum TC concentration, and elevated HDLC levels in NAFLD rats. Fecal neutral cholesterol excretion was also promoted by EPA-PC administration. Additionally, EPA-PC decreased the mRNA expression of hydroxymethyl glutaric acid acyl (HMGR) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A), and increased the transcription of sterol carrying protein 2 (SCP2). Moreover, EPA-PC stimulated the transcription of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) as well as its modulators, liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (CAMKK). Based on the results, the promoting effects of EPA-PC on NAFLD may be partly associated with the suppression of cholesterol synthesis via HMGR inhibition and the enhancement of fecal cholesterol excretion through increased SCP2 transcription. The underlying mechanism may involve stimulation of PPARα and AMPK.

Case Study of Using High Performance Commercial Processors in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferguson, Roscoe C.; Olivas, Zulema

2009-01-01

The purpose of the Space Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade project (1999 2004) was to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness. The upgrade was to augment the Shuttle avionics system with new hardware and software. A major success of this project was the validation of the hardware architecture and software design. This was significant because the project incorporated new technology and approaches for the development of human rated space software. An early version of this system was tested at the Johnson Space Center for one month by teams of astronauts. The results were positive, but NASA eventually cancelled the project towards the end of the development cycle. The goal to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness resulted in the need for high performance Central Processing Units (CPUs). The choice of CPU selected was the PowerPC family, which is a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) known for its high performance. However, the requirement for radiation tolerance resulted in the re-evaluation of the selected family member of the PowerPC line. Radiation testing revealed that the original selected processor (PowerPC 7400) was too soft to meet mission objectives and an effort was established to perform trade studies and performance testing to determine a feasible candidate. At that time, the PowerPC RAD750s were radiation tolerant, but did not meet the required performance needs of the project. Thus, the final solution was to select the PowerPC 7455. This processor did not have a radiation tolerant version, but had some ability to detect failures. However, its cache tags did not provide parity and thus the project incorporated a software strategy to detect radiation failures. The strategy was to incorporate dual paths for software generating commands to the legacy Space Shuttle avionics to prevent failures due to the softness of the upgraded avionics.

Case Study of Using High Performance Commercial Processors in a Space Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferguson, Roscoe C.; Olivas, Zulema

2009-01-01

The purpose of the Space Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade project was to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness. The upgrade was to augment the Shuttle avionics system with new hardware and software. A major success of this project was the validation of the hardware architecture and software design. This was significant because the project incorporated new technology and approaches for the development of human rated space software. An early version of this system was tested at the Johnson Space Center for one month by teams of astronauts. The results were positive, but NASA eventually cancelled the project towards the end of the development cycle. The goal to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness resulted in the need for high performance Central Processing Units (CPUs). The choice of CPU selected was the PowerPC family, which is a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) known for its high performance. However, the requirement for radiation tolerance resulted in the reevaluation of the selected family member of the PowerPC line. Radiation testing revealed that the original selected processor (PowerPC 7400) was too soft to meet mission objectives and an effort was established to perform trade studies and performance testing to determine a feasible candidate. At that time, the PowerPC RAD750s where radiation tolerant, but did not meet the required performance needs of the project. Thus, the final solution was to select the PowerPC 7455. This processor did not have a radiation tolerant version, but faired better than the 7400 in the ability to detect failures. However, its cache tags did not provide parity and thus the project incorporated a software strategy to detect radiation failures. The strategy was to incorporate dual paths for software generating commands to the legacy Space Shuttle avionics to prevent failures due to the softness of the upgraded avionics.

Accessing Synthetically-Challenging Isoindole-Based Materials for Assessment in Organic Photovoltaics via Chemical and Engineering Methodologies =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Jeremy

Isoindoles are a broad class of compounds that comprise a very small space within the domain of established photoactive materials for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Given this scarcity, combined with the performance appeal of presently and well known isoindole-based compounds such as the phthalocyanines, it is a worthy undertaking to develop new materials in this domain. This thesis aims to bring to light the suitability of five novel, or underexplored, classes of isoindole-based materials for OPVs. These classes are the boron subphthalocyanine (BsubPc) polymers, oxygen-bridged dimers of BsubPcs (mu-oxo-(BsubPc) 2), boron subnaphthalocyanines (BsubNcs), group XIII metal complexes of 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isodinoline (BPI), and the boron tribenzosubporphyrins (BsubPys). The synthesis of these materials was proven to be challenging as evident in their low isolated yields, lengthy synthetic and purification processes, and/or batch-to-batch variations. This outcome was not surprising given their undeveloped chemical nature. The photo- and electro-physical properties were characterized and shown to be desirable for all classes other than the group XIII metal complexes of BPI for OPVs. mu-Oxo-(BsubPc)2 and BsubNcs show promise in this application while BsubPc polymers and BsubPys will be subjects of future exploration. The results from the work herein aid to develop and strengthen the fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationships of isoindole derivatives. On a broader scale, the work demonstrates their versatility as functional materials for OPVs and their possible expansion to other organic electronic technologies like organic light emitting diodes and organic field effect transistors.

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

RING1 is associated with the polycomb group protein complex and acts as a transcriptional repressor.

PubMed

Satijn, D P; Gunster, M J; van der Vlag, J; Hamer, K M; Schul, W; Alkema, M J; Saurin, A J; Freemont, P S; van Driel, R; Otte, A P

1997-07-01

The Polycomb (Pc) protein is a component of a multimeric, chromatin-associated Polycomb group (PcG) protein complex, which is involved in stable repression of gene activity. The identities of components of the PcG protein complex are largely unknown. In a two-hybrid screen with a vertebrate Pc homolog as a target, we identify the human RING1 protein as interacting with Pc. RING1 is a protein that contains the RING finger motif, a specific zinc-binding domain, which is found in many regulatory proteins. So far, the function of the RING1 protein has remained enigmatic. Here, we show that RING1 coimmunoprecipitates with a human Pc homolog, the vertebrate PcG protein BMI1, and HPH1, a human homolog of the PcG protein Polyhomeotic (Ph). Also, RING1 colocalizes with these vertebrate PcG proteins in nuclear domains of SW480 human colorectal adenocarcinoma and Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cells. Finally, we show that RING1, like Pc, is able to repress gene activity when targeted to a reporter gene. Our findings indicate that RING1 is associated with the human PcG protein complex and that RING1, like PcG proteins, can act as a transcriptional repressor.

A contribution to examination of propidium iodide and annexin V plasma cells indices in multiple myeloma.

PubMed

Scudla, V; Ordeltova, M; Bacovsky, J; Vytrasova, M; Sumna, E; Martinek, A; Horak, P

2003-01-01

The aim of this study was a contemporaneous measurement and a mutual comparison of plasma cells proliferative activity and grade of apoptosis in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and various phases of MM i.e. smoldering (SMM), stable/plateau and active (progression/relapse) forms of this disease. The analyzed group of 197 patients consisted of 30 MGUS, 21 SMM, 82 patients examined at the time of MM diagnosis and 64 patients analyzed during various phases of the disease after previous chemotherapy. Plasma cell proliferative activity was measured by means of a propidium iodide index (PC-PI) examined by flow cytometry using a DNA/CD138 double staining technique. For detection of plasma cells entering apoptosis (PC-AI) flow cytometry method with annexin V FITC and MoAb CD138 was used. The individuals with MGUS, SMM and stable/plateau form of MM had overall low levels of PC-PI (M-1.8, 1.7% and 2.1%) and relatively high levels of PC-AI (M-9.1, 10.8 and 9.0%). The correlation between PC-PI and PC-AI was in all the groups mutually highly statistically significant (p=0.000). Analysis of plasma cells proliferative activity (PC-PI) was statistically significant in comparison of MGUS or SMM and versus: patients examined at the time of MM diagnosis (p=0.018 or 0.016); patients evaluated during various phases of MM after previous chemotherapy (p=0.021 or 0.019); stable/plateau MM phase in the cohort of all patients (p=0.017 or 0.040); in the plateau phase after chemotherapy (p=0.008 or 0.024) but insignificant in comparison of MGUS and SMM and with the stable group examined at the time of MM diagnosis. Analysis of the apoptotic process revealed significant differences when comparing PC-AI of SMM but not MGUS group versus all cohort of stable/plateau MM patients (p=0.045); there were also insignificant differences in comparison of MGUS and SMM groupsand versus the stable form of MM measured at the time of MM diagnosis or plateau phase after chemotherapy. There was observed a statistically significant difference in the PC-AI in comparison of SMM group versus group of all patients examined at the time of MM diagnosis (p=0.001) or in various phases of this disease (p=0.015) and the group of MGUS patients compared with patients evaluated at the time of MM diagnosis (p=0.03). Very significant statistical differences of plasma cell proliferative (PC-PI) and apoptotic (PC-AI) activity were found when comparing the levels of both the indices of MGUS, SMM and stable/plateau MM group versus the active (progression/relapse) form of MM marked by a higher level of PC-PI (3.2%, p=0.000) and PC-AI (4.8%, p=0.000) in the whole cohort of MM patients, but also in comparison with both the active forms at the time of MM diagnosis or active forms evaluated during various phases of the disease after chemotherapy. Highly significant inverse relationship between PC-PI versus PC-AI was also revealed in the group of patients in the active (progression/relapse) phase of MM (p=0.000). These results revealed importance of measurement not only of proliferative but also of apoptotic plasma cells indices for a complex evaluation of the cells kinetics of plasma cells compartments in patients with MGUS or MM. This study confirmed the initial hypothesis of a common 'inverse relationship between the proliferative (PC-PI) and the apoptosis activity (PC-AI) in plasma cells compartments in patients with MGUS, smoldering, stable/plateau and active (progression/ relapse) forms of MM'.

Reviews.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Chemical Education, 1988

1988-01-01

Reviews two computer programs: "Molecular Graphics," which allows molecule manipulation in three-dimensional space (requiring IBM PC with 512K, EGA monitor, and math coprocessor); and "Periodic Law," a database which contains up to 20 items of information on each of the first 103 elements (Apple II or IBM PC). (MVL)

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

Plint, Trevor; Lessard, Benoît H.; Bender, Timothy P.

In this study, we have assessed the potential application of group 13 and 14 metal and metalloid phthalocyanines ((X){sub n}-MPcs) and their axially substituted derivatives as hole-transporting layers in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). OLEDs studied herein have the generic structure of glass/ITO/(N,N′-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (NPB) or (X){sub n}-MPc)(50 nm)/Alq{sub 3} (60 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (80 nm), where X is an axial substituent group. OLEDs using chloro aluminum phthalocyanine (Cl-AlPc) showed good peak luminance values of 2620 ± 113 cd/m{sup 2} at 11 V. To our knowledge, Cl-AlPc has not previously been shown to work as a hole transport material (HTL) in OLEDs. Conversely, the di-chlorides of silicon, germanium, andmore » tin phthalocyanine (Cl{sub 2}-SiPc, Cl{sub 2}-GePc, and Cl{sub 2}-SnPc, respectively) showed poor performance compared to Cl-AlPc, having peak luminances of only 38 ± 4 cd/m{sup 2} (12 V), 23 ± 1 cd/m{sup 2} (8.5 V), and 59 ± 5 cd/m{sup 2} (13.5 V), respectively. However, by performing a simple axial substitution of the chloride groups of Cl{sub 2}-SiPc with pentafluorophenoxy groups, the resulting bis(pentafluorophenoxy) silicon phthalocyanine (F{sub 10}-SiPc) containing OLED had a peak luminance of 5141 ± 941 cd/m{sup 2} (10 V), a two order of magnitude increase over its chlorinated precursor. This material showed OLED characteristics approaching those of a baseline OLED based on the well-studied triarylamine NPB. Attempts to attach the pentafluorophenoxy axial group to both SnPc and GePc were hindered by synthetic difficulties and low thermal stability, respectively. In light of the performance improvements observed by simple axial substitution of SiPc in OLEDs, the use of axially substituted MPcs in organic electronic devices remains of continuing interest to us and potentially the field in general.« less

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Theranostics in Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Bertoli, Gloria; Cava, Claudia; Castiglioni, Isabella

2016-01-01

Prostate cancer (PC) includes several phenotypes, from indolent to highly aggressive cancer. Actual diagnostic and prognostic tools have several limitations, and there is a need for new biomarkers to stratify patients and assign them optimal therapies by taking into account potential genetic and epigenetic differences. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small sequences of non-coding RNA regulating specific genes involved in the onset and development of PC. Stable miRNAs have been found in biofluids, such as serum and plasma; thus, the measurement of PC-associated miRNAs is emerging as a non-invasive tool for PC detection and monitoring. In this study, we conduct an in-depth literature review focusing on miRNAs that may contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of PC. The role of miRNAs as a potential theranostic tool in PC is discussed. Using a meta-analysis approach, we found a group of 29 miRNAs with diagnostic properties and a group of seven miRNAs with prognostic properties, which were found already expressed in both biofluids and PC tissues. We tested the two miRNA groups on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset of PC tissue samples with a machine-learning approach. Our results suggest that these 29 miRNAs should be considered as potential panel of biomarkers for the diagnosis of PC, both as in vivo non-invasive test and ex vivo confirmation test. PMID:27011184

The Human Polycomb Group Complex Associates with Pericentromeric Heterochromatin to Form a Novel Nuclear Domain

PubMed Central

Saurin, Andrew J.; Shiels, Carol; Williamson, Jill; Satijn, David P.E.; Otte, Arie P.; Sheer, Denise; Freemont, Paul S.

1998-01-01

The Polycomb group (PcG) complex is a chromatin-associated multiprotein complex, involved in the stable repression of homeotic gene activity in Drosophila. Recently, a mammalian PcG complex has been identified with several PcG proteins implicated in the regulation of Hox gene expression. Although the mammalian PcG complex appears analogous to the complex in Drosophila, the molecular mechanisms and functions for the mammalian PcG complex remain unknown. Here we describe a detailed characterization of the human PcG complex in terms of cellular localization and chromosomal association. By using antibodies that specifically recognize three human PcG proteins— RING1, BMI1, and hPc2—we demonstrate in a number of human cell lines that the PcG complex forms a unique discrete nuclear structure that we term PcG bodies. PcG bodies are prominent novel nuclear structures with the larger PcG foci generally localized near the centromeres, as visualized with a kinetochore antibody marker. In both normal fetal and adult fibroblasts, PcG bodies are not randomly dispersed, but appear clustered into defined areas within the nucleus. We show in three different human cell lines that the PcG complex can tightly associate with large pericentromeric heterochromatin regions (1q12) on chromosome 1, and with related pericentromeric sequences on different chromosomes, providing evidence for a mammalian PcG–heterochromatin association. Furthermore, these heterochromatin-bound PcG complexes remain stably associated throughout mitosis, thereby allowing the potential inheritance of the PcG complex through successive cell divisions. We discuss these results in terms of the known function of the PcG complex as a transcriptional repression complex. PMID:9722603

PCN-index derivation at World Data Center for Geomagnetism, Copenhagen, DTU Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stolle, C.; Matzka, J.

2012-04-01

The Polar Cap North (PCN) index is based on a correlation between geomagnetic disturbances at the Qaanaaq geomagnetic observatory (IAGA code THL) and the merging electric field derived from solar wind parameters. The index is therefore meant to provide a fast ground based single station indicator for variations in the merging electric field without being dependent on satellite observations. The PC index will be subject to an IAGA endorsement process during IAGA Scientific Assembly 2013. Actually the WDC provides near real time PC-indices and post-processed final PC-indices based on former developed algorithms. However, the coefficients used for calculating the PCN distributed by the WDC Copenhagen are presently not reproducible. In the frame of the IAGA endorsement, DTU Space tests new coefficients mainly based on published algorithms. This presentation will report on activities at the WDC Copenhagen and on the current status at DTU Space with respect to the preparation for the IAGA endorsement process of the PCN-index.

THE SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE SURVEY OF THE ORION A AND B MOLECULAR CLOUDS. II. THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND DEMOGRAPHICS OF DUSTY YOUNG STELLAR OBJECTS

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

Megeath, S. T.; Kryukova, E.; Gutermuth, R.

2016-01-15

We analyze the spatial distribution of dusty young stellar objects (YSOs) identified in the Spitzer Survey of the Orion Molecular clouds, augmenting these data with Chandra X-ray observations to correct for incompleteness in dense clustered regions. We also devise a scheme to correct for spatially varying incompleteness when X-ray data are not available. The local surface densities of the YSOs range from 1 pc{sup −2} to over 10,000 pc{sup −2}, with protostars tending to be in higher density regions. This range of densities is similar to other surveyed molecular clouds with clusters, but broader than clouds without clusters. By identifyingmore » clusters and groups as continuous regions with surface densities ≥10 pc{sup −2}, we find that 59% of the YSOs are in the largest cluster, the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC), while 13% of the YSOs are found in a distributed population. A lower fraction of protostars in the distributed population is evidence that it is somewhat older than the groups and clusters. An examination of the structural properties of the clusters and groups shows that the peak surface densities of the clusters increase approximately linearly with the number of members. Furthermore, all clusters with more than 70 members exhibit asymmetric and/or highly elongated structures. The ONC becomes azimuthally symmetric in the inner 0.1 pc, suggesting that the cluster is only ∼2 Myr in age. We find that the star formation efficiency (SFE) of the Orion B cloud is unusually low, and that the SFEs of individual groups and clusters are an order of magnitude higher than those of the clouds. Finally, we discuss the relationship between the young low mass stars in the Orion clouds and the Orion OB 1 association, and we determine upper limits to the fraction of disks that may be affected by UV radiation from OB stars or dynamical interactions in dense, clustered regions.« less

Buffer-induced swelling and vesicle budding in binary lipid mixtures of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine:dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine:lysophosphatidylcholine using small-angle X-ray scattering and ³¹P static NMR.

PubMed

Barriga, Hanna M G; Bazin, Richard; Templer, Richard H; Law, Robert V; Ces, Oscar

2015-03-17

A large variety of data exists on lipid phase behavior; however, it is mostly in nonbuffered systems over nonbiological temperature ranges. We present biophysical data on lipid mixtures of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) examining their behaviors in excess water and buffer systems over the temperature range 4-34 °C. These mixtures are commonly used to investigate the effects of spontaneous curvature on integral membrane proteins. Using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and (31)P NMR, we observed lamellar and vesicle phases, with the buffer causing an increase in the layer spacing. Increasing amounts of DOPE in a DOPC bilayer decreased the layer spacing of the mesophase, while the opposite trend was observed for increasing amounts of LysoPC. (31)P static NMR was used to analyze the DOPC:LysoPC samples to investigate the vesicle sizes present, with evidence of vesicle budding observed at LysoPC concentrations above 30 mol %. NMR line shapes were fitted using an adapted program accounting for the distortion of the lipids within the magnetic field. The distortion of the vesicle, because of magnetic susceptibility, varied with LysoPC content, and a discontinuity was found in both the water and buffer samples. Generally, the distortion increased with LysoPC content; however, at a ratio of DOPC:LysoPC 60:40, the sample showed a level of distortion of the vesicle similar to that of pure DOPC. This implies an increased flexibility in the membrane at this point. Commonly, the assumption is that for increasing LysoPC concentration there is a reduction in membrane tension, implying that estimations of membrane tension based on spontaneous curvature assumptions may not be accurate.

KSC-98pc796

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-07-02

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Kennedy Space Center firefighters support firefighting efforts in north Brevard County with an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle capable of holding 1,000 gallons of water.

Dietary Components Affect the Plasma and Tissue Levels of Lutein in Aged Rats with Lutein Deficiency--A Repeated Gavage and Dietary Study.

PubMed

Sheshappa, Mamatha Bangera; Ranganathan, Arunkumar; Bhatiwada, Nidhi; Talahalli, Ramprasad Ravichandra; Vallikannan, Baskaran

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to find out the influence of selected dietary components on plasma and tissue response of repeated micellar and dietary lutein in aged rats with lutein deficiency. In repeated (16 d) gavage study, micellar lutein was co-ingested with either phosphatidylcholine (PC), lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), β-carotene, dietary fiber or vegetable fat (3% soybean oil). In dietary study, rats were fed (4 wk) semi-synthetic diet either with lutein + PC, lutein + dietary fiber or B. alba (lutein source) + PC. The post-prandial plasma and tissue response of lutein was measured by HPLC. Results showed that micellar fat, PC and lysoPC significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the lutein levels in plasma (31.1%, 26.8%, and 34.9%), liver (27.4%, 29.5%, and 8.6%), and eyes (63.5%, 90.2%, and 86%) compared to the control group (group gavaged micelles with no dietary components studied). Similarly, dietary study showed an enhanced plasma, liver, and eye lutein levels by 44.8%, 24.1%, and 42.0% (lutein + PC group) and 51.7%, 39.8%, and 31.7% (B.alba + PC group), respectively compared to control. The activity of antioxidant enzymes in plasma and liver of both the studies were also affected compared to control. Result reveals, that PC enhance the intestinal absorption of both micellar and dietary lutein which is either in free or bound form with food matrices in aged rats with lutein deficiency. Hence, PC at a concentration used in this study can be considered to improve the lutein bioavailability in lutein deficiency. Lutein and zeaxanthin are macular pigments acquired mostly from greens, that play an significant role in protecting vision from Age related macular degeneration (AMD). However, their biological availability is poor and affected by dietary components. This study demonstrates the positive influence of dietary PC and lyso PC in improving intestinal uptake of lutein. Our previous and present finding shows there is a possibility of developing functional/supplemental foods with PC and lyso PC targeted to elderly populace thus minimizing or delaying the vision complication associated like AMD. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Photodynamic Cell Killing Effects and Acute Skin Photosensitivity of Aluminum‐chloro‐tetrasulfonated Phthalocyanine and Hematoporphyrin Derivative

PubMed Central

Komatsu, Kazuto

1991-01-01

Aluminum‐chloro‐tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (PC) showing an absorption peak at 678 nm was compared to hematoporphyrin derivative (MpD), a photosensitizer commonly used in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancers. In vitro studies: KK‐47 cells were exposed to long‐wavelength ultraviolet (UVA) or red light (>600 nm, >640 nm and >660 nm) after drug sensitization. With UVA irradiation, a higher photodynamic cell killing effect was observed in the cells treated with HpD than with PC. However, with red light irradiation (both > 640 nm and >660 nm) PC resulted in greater cell damage. PC was less toxic to KK‐47 cells in the dark. In vivo studies: Using a gold vapor laser (GVL: 627.8 nm, 200 mW/cm2, 200 J/cm2), the photodynamic tumor response was determined in C3H/He mice bearing transplantable squamous cell carcinoma. No significant difference was observed in the tumor volume between the PC and HpD groups, except that the PC group (10.0 mg/kg body weight) showed a significantly higher remission rate (3/6) than the control group (0/10, P<0.05). Skin Photosensitivity test: Skin photosensitivity was estimated by measuring changes in back skin thickness due to photosensitization. With UVA irradiation, a stronger skin reaction was observed in the HpD group, while with visible light irradiation there was no significant difference between the HpD and PC groups. Based on the superior cell killing effect with red light, reduced toxicity to the cells in the dark and mild skin reaction with UVA, PC may be a more promising photosensitizer for PDT. PMID:1905706

Protein carbonyl: An oxidative stress marker in gingival crevicular fluid in healthy, gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis subjects

PubMed Central

Pradeep, Avani R.; Ramchandraprasad, M. V.; Bajaj, Pavan; Rao, Nishanth S.; Agarwal, Esha

2013-01-01

Background: A defined role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tissue destruction that characterizes periodontitis has been described. Protein carbonyl (PC) is the most widely used biomarker for oxidative damage to proteins, and reflects cellular damage induced by multiple forms of ROS. The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of PC in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in healthy, gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis (CP) subjects and to find an association, if any. Materials and Methods: A total number of 75 subjects (38 males and 37 females) were selected based on their clinical parameters into three groups: Group 1 (25 healthy subjects), Group 2 (25 gingivitis subjects), and Group 3 (25 CP subjects). GCF samples were collected to estimate the levels of PC. Results: The PC concentration in GCF was highest in subjects with CP as compared to gingivitis and healthy subjects and a significant association was observed between GCF PC levels and all periodontal parameters. Conclusion: There was an increase in PC levels in GCF as the disease process progressed from healthy to gingivitis and CP, suggesting a role for increased oxidative stress in CP. PMID:23853448

Opportunistic testing versus organized prostate-specific antigen screening: outcome after 18 years in the Göteborg randomized population-based prostate cancer screening trial.

PubMed

Arnsrud Godtman, Rebecka; Holmberg, Erik; Lilja, Hans; Stranne, Johan; Hugosson, Jonas

2015-09-01

It has been shown that organized screening decreases prostate cancer (PC) mortality, but the effect of opportunistic screening is largely unknown. To compare the ability to reduce PC mortality and the risk of overdiagnosis between organized and opportunistic screening. The Göteborg screening study invited 10 000 randomly selected men for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing every 2 yr since 1995, with a prostate biopsy recommended for men with PSA ≥2.5 ng/ml. The control group of 10 000 men not invited has been exposed to a previously reported increased rate of opportunistic PSA testing. Both groups were followed until December 31, 2012. Observed cumulative PC incidence and mortality rates in both groups were calculated using the actuarial method. Using historical data from 1990-1994 (pre-PSA era), we calculated expected PC incidence and mortality rates in the absence of any PSA testing. The number needed to invite (NNI) and the number needed to diagnose (NND) were calculated by comparing the expected versus observed incidence and mortality rates. At 18 yr, 1396 men were diagnosed with PC and 79 men died of PC in the screening group, compared to 962 and 122, respectively, in the control group. In the screening group, the observed cumulative PC incidence/mortality was 16%/0.98% compared to expected values of 6.8%/1.7%. The corresponding values for the control group were 11%/1.5% and 6.9%/1.7%. Organized screening was associated with an absolute PC-specific mortality reduction of 0.72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.94%) and relative risk reduction of 42% (95% CI 28-54%). There was an absolute reduction in PC deaths of 0.20% (95% CI -0.06% to 0.47%) and a relative risk reduction of 12% (95% CI -5 to 26%) associated with opportunistic PSA testing. NNI and NND were 139 (95% CI 107-200) and 13 for organized biennial screening and 493 (95% CI 213- -1563) and 23 for opportunistic screening. The extent of opportunistic screening could not be measured; incidence trends were used as a proxy. Organized screening reduces PC mortality but is associated with overdiagnosis. Opportunistic PSA testing had little if any effect on PC mortality and resulted in more overdiagnosis, with almost twice the number of men needed to be diagnosed to save one man from dying from PC compared to men offered an organized biennial screening program. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening within the framework of an organized program seems more effective than unorganized screening. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temporal patterns of the trunk muscles remain altered in a low back-injured population despite subjective reports of recovery.

PubMed

Moreside, Janice M; Quirk, D Adam; Hubley-Kozey, Cheryl L

2014-04-01

To compare temporal activation patterns from 24 abdominal and lumbar muscles between healthy subjects and those who reported recovery from recent low back injury (LBI). Cross-sectional comparative study. University neuromuscular function laboratory. Healthy adult volunteers (N=81; 30 LBI, 51 asymptomatic subjects). Trunk muscle electromyographic activity was collected during 2 difficulty levels of a supine trunk stability test aimed at challenging lumbopelvic control. Principal component (PC) analysis was applied to determine differences in temporal and/or amplitude electromyographic patterns between groups. Mixed-model analyses of variance were performed on PC scores that explained more than 89% of the variance (α=.05). Four PCs explained 89% and 96% of the variance for the abdominal and back muscles, respectively, with both muscle groups having similar shapes in the first 3 PCs. Significant interactions or group main effects were found for all PC scores except PC4 for the back extensors. Overall activation amplitudes for both the abdominal and back muscles (PC1 scores) were significantly (P<.05) higher for the LBI group, with both abdominal and back muscles of the LBI group demonstrating an increased response to the leg-loading phase (PC2 scores) compared with the asymptomatic group. Differences were also found between groups in their preparatory activity (PC3 scores), with the LBI group having a higher early relative amplitude of abdominal and back extensor activity. Despite perceived readiness to return to work and low pain scores, muscle activation patterns remained altered in this LBI group, including reduced synergistic coactivation and increased overall amplitudes as well as greater relative amplitude differences during specific phases of the movement. Electromyographic measures provide objective information to help guide therapy and may assist with determining the level of healing and return-to-work readiness after an LBI. Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lifetime shift work exposure: association with anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, glucose and heart rate variability.

PubMed

Souza, Breno Bernardes; Monteze, Nayara Mussi; de Oliveira, Fernando Luiz Pereira; de Oliveira, José Magalhães; de Freitas Nascimento, Silvia; Marques do Nascimento Neto, Raimundo; Sales, Maria Lilian; Souza, Gabriela Guerra Leal

2015-03-01

To evaluate the association between lifetime exposure to shift work and blood pressure, fasting glucose (FG), anthropometric variables, body composition and heart rate variability (HRV). Male shift workers (N=438) were evaluated using principal component (PC) analysis. The variables used were: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (NC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body fat mass (BFKg), body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat area (VFA), FG, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and HRV variables. ECG was performed, extracting heart rate (HR), root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD), high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF) and the LF/HF ratio. Using linear regression models, the lifetime shift work exposure was associated with each PC. Five PCs were obtained, which accounted for 79.6% of the total variation of the data. PC1 (weight, BMI, WC, NC, HC, WHR, WHtR, BFKg, BF% and VFA) was designated as body obesity; PC2 (HF, RMSSD and LF) as good cardiac regulation; PC3 (SBP and DBP) as blood pressure; PC4 (LF/HF ratio and HR) as bad cardiac regulation and PC5 (WHR and FG) as insulin resistance. After age adjustment, the regression analysis showed that lifetime shift work was negatively associated with PC2 and positively associated with PC3. The association of lifetime shift work exposure with PC2 and PC3 suggests that shift work promotes unfavourable changes in autonomic cardiac control related to a decrease in parasympathetic modulation and an increase in blood pressure. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Interstellar scintillations of PSR B1919+21: space-ground interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shishov, V. I.; Smirnova, T. V.; Gwinn, C. R.; Andrianov, A. S.; Popov, M. V.; Rudnitskiy, A. G.; Soglasnov, V. A.

2017-07-01

We carried out observations of pulsar PSR B1919+21 at 324 MHz to study the distribution of interstellar plasma in the direction of this pulsar. We used the RadioAstron (RA) space radio telescope, together with two ground telescopes: Westerbork (WB) and Green Bank (GB). The maximum baseline projection for the space-ground interferometer was about 60 000 km. We show that interstellar scintillation of this pulsar consists of two components: diffractive scintillations from inhomogeneities in a layer of turbulent plasma at a distance z1 = 440 pc from the observer or homogeneously distributed scattering material to the pulsar; and weak scintillations from a screen located near the observer at z2 = 0.14 ± 0.05 pc. Furthermore, in the direction to the pulsar we detected a prism that deflects radiation, leading to a shift in observed source position. We show that the influence of the ionosphere can be ignored for the space-ground baseline. Analysis of the spatial coherence function for the space-ground baseline (RA-GB) yielded a scattering angle in the observer plane of θscat = 0.7 mas. An analysis of the time-frequency correlation function for weak scintillations yielded an angle of refraction in the direction to the pulsar θref, 0 = 110 ms and a distance to the prism zprism ≤ 2 pc.

Spectral decomposition of asteroid Itokawa based on principal component analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koga, Sumire C.; Sugita, Seiji; Kamata, Shunichi; Ishiguro, Masateru; Hiroi, Takahiro; Tatsumi, Eri; Sasaki, Sho

2018-01-01

The heliocentric stratification of asteroid spectral types may hold important information on the early evolution of the Solar System. Asteroid spectral taxonomy is based largely on principal component analysis. However, how the surface properties of asteroids, such as the composition and age, are projected in the principal-component (PC) space is not understood well. We decompose multi-band disk-resolved visible spectra of the Itokawa surface with principal component analysis (PCA) in comparison with main-belt asteroids. The obtained distribution of Itokawa spectra projected in the PC space of main-belt asteroids follows a linear trend linking the Q-type and S-type regions and is consistent with the results of space-weathering experiments on ordinary chondrites and olivine, suggesting that this trend may be a space-weathering-induced spectral evolution track for S-type asteroids. Comparison with space-weathering experiments also yield a short average surface age (< a few million years) for Itokawa, consistent with the cosmic-ray-exposure time of returned samples from Itokawa. The Itokawa PC score distribution exhibits asymmetry along the evolution track, strongly suggesting that space weathering has begun saturated on this young asteroid. The freshest spectrum found on Itokawa exhibits a clear sign for space weathering, indicating again that space weathering occurs very rapidly on this body. We also conducted PCA on Itokawa spectra alone and compared the results with space-weathering experiments. The obtained results indicate that the first principal component of Itokawa surface spectra is consistent with spectral change due to space weathering and that the spatial variation in the degree of space weathering is very large (a factor of three in surface age), which would strongly suggest the presence of strong regional/local resurfacing process(es) on this small asteroid.

Reperfusion injury protection during Basic Life Support improves circulation and survival outcomes in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest.

PubMed

Debaty, Guillaume; Lurie, Keith; Metzger, Anja; Lick, Michael; Bartos, Jason A; Rees, Jennifer N; McKnite, Scott; Puertas, Laura; Pepe, Paul; Fowler, Raymond; Yannopoulos, Demetris

2016-08-01

Ischemic postconditioning (PC) using three intentional pauses at the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves outcomes after cardiac arrest in pigs when epinephrine (epi) is used before defibrillation. We hypothesized PC, performed during basic life support (BLS) in the absence of epinephrine, would reduce reperfusion injury and enhance 24h functional recovery. Prospective animal investigation. Animal laboratory Female farm pigs (n=46, 39±1kg). Protocol A: After 12min of ventricular fibrillation (VF), 28 pigs were randomized to four groups: (A) Standard CPR (SCPR), (B) active compression-decompression CPR with an impedance threshold device (ACD-ITD), (C) SCPR+PC (SCPR+PC) and (D) ACD-ITD CPR+PC. Protocol B: After 15min of VF, 18 pigs were randomized to ACD-ITD CPR or ACD-ITD+PC. The BLS duration was 2.75min in Protocol A and 5min in Protocol B. Following BLS, up to three shocks were delivered. Without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), CPR was resumed and epi (0.5mg) and defibrillation delivered. The primary end point was survival without major adverse events. Hemodynamic parameters and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were also measured. Data are presented as mean±SEM. Protocol A: ACD-ITD+PC (group D) improved coronary perfusion pressure after 3min of BLS versus the three other groups (28±6, 35±7, 23±5 and 47±7 for groups A, B, C, D respectively, p=0.05). There were no significant differences in 24h survival between groups. LVEF 4h post ROSC was significantly higher with ACD-ITD+PC vs ACD-ITD alone (52.5±3% vs. 37.5±6.6%, p=0.045). Survival rates were significantly higher with ACD-ITD+PC vs. ACD-ITD alone (p=0.027). BLS using ACD-ITD+PC reduced post resuscitation cardiac dysfunction and improved functional recovery after prolonged untreated VF in pigs. 12-11. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Training Pediatric Fellows in Palliative Care: A Pilot Comparison of Simulation Training and Didactic Education.

PubMed

Brock, Katharine E; Cohen, Harvey J; Sourkes, Barbara M; Good, Julie J; Halamek, Louis P

2017-10-01

Pediatric fellows receive little palliative care (PC) education and have few opportunities to practice communication skills. In this pilot study, we assessed (1) the relative effectiveness of simulation-based versus didactic education, (2) communication skill retention, and (3) effect on PC consultation rates. Thirty-five pediatric fellows in cardiology, critical care, hematology/oncology, and neonatology at two institutions enrolled: 17 in the intervention (simulation-based) group (single institution) and 18 in the control (didactic education) group (second institution). Intervention group participants participated in a two-day program over three months (three simulations and videotaped PC panel). Control group participants received written education designed to be similar in content and time. (1) Self-assessment questionnaires were completed at baseline, post-intervention and three months; mean between-group differences for each outcome measure were assessed. (2) External reviewers rated simulation-group encounters on nine communication domains. Within-group changes over time were assessed. (3) The simulation-based site's PC consultations were compared in the six months pre- and post-intervention. Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group improved in self-efficacy (p = 0.003) and perceived adequacy of medical education (p < 0.001), but not knowledge (p = 0.20). Reviewers noted nonsustained improvement in four domains: relationship building (p = 0.01), opening discussion (p = 0.03), gathering information (p = 0.01), and communicating accurate information (p = 0.04). PC consultation rate increased 64%, an improvement when normalized to average daily census (p = 0.04). This simulation-based curriculum is an effective method for improving PC comfort, education, and consults. More frequent practice is likely needed to lead to sustained improvements in communication competence.

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.

Different postconditioning cycles affect prognosis of aged patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

PubMed

Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Xin; Cui, Yuqi; Ferdous, Misbahul; Cui, Lianqun; Zhao, Peng

2017-07-17

Postconditioning can affect the infarct size in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, few studies show an effect of different postconditioning cycles on AMI aged patients. This study sought to assess the effect of different postconditioning cycles on prognosis in aged patients with AMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 74 aged patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Control group; PC-1 group accepted postconditioning 4 cycles of 30 s inflation and 30 s deflation; PC-2 group accepted postconditioning 4 cycles of 60 s. Creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), troponin I (cTnI), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame counts (CTFC) were analyzed before andafter treatment. All patients received an echocardiographic examination for whole heart function, wall motion score index (WMSI) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) examination at 7 days and 6 months after treatment. S: The peak of CK-MB, postoperative 72 h cTnI and CTFC were significantly attenuated by postconditioning when compared with the control group. The hs-CRP of the postconditioning group was lower than the control group 24 h postoperative. No difference was observed between PC-1 and PC-2 group about the effect described above. At 7 days, heart function in the postconditioning group was improved when compared with the control group. At 6 months, the WMSI and SPECT score significantly reduced in the PC-2 group compared with the control and PC-1 groups, but there was no difference among the three groups about echo data except the left ventricular end-systolic diameter. Postconditioning is significantly beneficial to prognosis in aged patients with AMI. The cardiac protective effect of 4 cycles of 60 s procedure was observed in WMSI and SPECT. It is favorable to implement this procedure in aged patients with AMI in clinic.

Computer skills and internet use in adults aged 50-74 years: influence of hearing difficulties.

PubMed

Henshaw, Helen; Clark, Daniel P A; Kang, Sujin; Ferguson, Melanie A

2012-08-24

The use of personal computers (PCs) and the Internet to provide health care information and interventions has increased substantially over the past decade. Yet the effectiveness of such an approach is highly dependent upon whether the target population has both access and the skill set required to use this technology. This is particularly relevant in the delivery of hearing health care because most people with hearing loss are over 50 years (average age for initial hearing aid fitting is 74 years). Although PC skill and Internet use by demographic factors have been examined previously, data do not currently exist that examine the effects of hearing difficulties on PC skill or Internet use in older adults. To explore the effect that hearing difficulty has on PC skill and Internet use in an opportunistic sample of adults aged 50-74 years. Postal questionnaires about hearing difficulty, PC skill, and Internet use (n=3629) were distributed to adults aged 50-74 years through three family physician practices in Nottingham, United Kingdom. A subsample of 84 respondents completed a second detailed questionnaire on confidence in using a keyboard, mouse, and track pad. Summed scores were termed the "PC confidence index." The PC confidence index was used to verify the PC skill categories in the postal questionnaire (ie, never used a computer, beginner, and competent). The postal questionnaire response rate was 36.78% (1298/3529) and 95.15% (1235/1298) of these contained complete information. There was a significant between-category difference for PC skill by PC confidence index (P<.001), thus verifying the three-category PC skill scale. PC and Internet use was greater in the younger respondents (50-62 years) than in the older respondents (63-74 years). The younger group's PC and Internet use was 81.0% and 60.9%, respectively; the older group's PC and Internet use was 54.0% and 29.8%, respectively. Those with slight hearing difficulties in the older group had significantly greater odds of PC use compared to those with no hearing difficulties (odds ratio [OR]=1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-2.30, P=.02). Those with moderate+ hearing difficulties had lower odds of PC use compared with those with no hearing difficulties, both overall (OR=0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.87, P=.008) and in the younger group (OR=0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.86, P=.008). Similar results were demonstrated for Internet use by age group (older: OR=1.57, 95% CI 0.99-2.47, P=.05; younger: OR=0.32, 95% CI 0.16-0.62, P=.001). Hearing health care is of particular relevance to older adults because of the prevalence of age-related hearing loss. Our data show that older adults experiencing slight hearing difficulty have increased odds of greater PC skill and Internet use than those reporting no difficulty. These findings suggest that PC and Internet delivery of hearing screening, information, and intervention is feasible for people between 50-74 years who have hearing loss, but who would not typically present to an audiologist.

Molecular architecture of polycomb repressive complexes

PubMed Central

Chittock, Emily C.; Latwiel, Sebastian; Miller, Thomas C.R.

2017-01-01

The polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a large and diverse family that epigenetically repress the transcription of key developmental genes. They form three broad groups of polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) known as PRC1, PRC2 and Polycomb Repressive DeUBiquitinase, each of which modifies and/or remodels chromatin by distinct mechanisms that are tuned by having variable compositions of core and accessory subunits. Until recently, relatively little was known about how the various PcG proteins assemble to form the PRCs; however, studies by several groups have now allowed us to start piecing together the PcG puzzle. Here, we discuss some highlights of recent PcG structures and the insights they have given us into how these complexes regulate transcription through chromatin. PMID:28202673

Controlling the directionality of charge transfer in phthalocyaninato zinc sensitizer for a dye-sensitized solar cell: density functional theory studies.

PubMed

Wan, Liang; Qi, Dongdong; Zhang, Yuexing; Jiang, Jianzhuang

2011-01-28

Density functional theory (DFT) calculation on the molecular structures, charge distribution, molecular orbitals, electronic absorption spectra of a series of eight unsymmetrical phthalocyaninato zinc complexes with one peripheral (E)-2-cyano-3-(5-vinylthiophen-2-yl) acrylic acid substituent at 2 or 3 position as an electron-withdrawing group and a different number of electron-donating amino groups at the remaining peripheral positions (9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24) of the phthalocyanine ring, namely ZnPc-β-A, ZnPc-β-A-I-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-II-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-III-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-I,II-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-I,III-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-II,III-NH(2), and ZnPc-β-A-I,II,III-NH(2), reveals the effects of amino groups on the charge transfer properties of these phthalocyanine derivatives with a typical D-π-A electronic structure. The introduction of amino groups was revealed altering of the atomic charge distribution, lifting the frontier molecular orbital level, red-shift of the near-IR bands in the electronic absorption spectra, and finally resulting in enhanced charge transfer directionality for the phthalocyanine compounds. Along with the increase of the peripheral amino groups at the phthalocyanine ring from 0, 2, 4, to 6, the dihedral angle between the phthalocyanine ring and the average plane of the (E)-2-cyano-3-(5-vinylthiophen-2-yl) acrylic acid substituent increases from 0 to 3.3° in an irregular manner. This is in good contrast to the regular and significant change in the charge distribution, destabilization of frontier orbital energies, and red shift of near-IR bands of phthalocyanine compounds along the same order. In addition, comparative studies indicate the smaller effect of incorporating two amino groups onto the 16 and 17 than on 9 and 10 or 23 and 24 peripheral positions of the phthalocyanine ring onto the aforementioned electronic properties, suggesting the least effect on tuning the charge transfer property of the phthalocyanine compound via introducing two electron-donating amino groups onto the 16 and 17 peripheral positions. As expected, compound ZnPc-β-A-I,III-NH(2) with four amino groups at 9, 10, 23, and 24 positions of the phthalocyanine ring shows the best charge transfer directionality among the three phthalocyaninato zinc complexes with four peripheral amino groups.

Effectiveness of Emergency Department Based Palliative Care for Adults with Advanced Disease: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Nunes, Cristina Moura; Gomes, Barbara

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Emergency departments (EDs) are seeing more patients with palliative care (PC) needs, but evidence on best practice is scarce. Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of ED-based PC interventions on hospital admissions (primary outcome), length of stay (LOS), symptoms, quality of life, use of other health care services, and PC referrals for adults with advanced disease. Methods: We searched five databases until August 2014, checked reference lists/conference abstracts, and contacted experts. Eligible studies were controlled trials, pre-post studies, cohort studies, and case series reporting outcomes of ED-based PC. Results: Five studies with 4374 participants were included: three case series and two cohort studies. Interventions included a screening tool, traditional ED-PC, and integrated ED-PC. Two studies reported on hospital admissions: in one study there was no statistically significant difference in 90-day readmission rates between patients who initiated integrated PC at the ED (11/50 patients, 22%) compared to those who initiated PC after hospital admission (179/1385, 13%); another study showed a high admission rate (90%) in 14 months following ED-PC, but without comparison. One study showed an LOS reduction (mean 4.32 days in ED-initiated PC group versus 8.29 days in postadmission-initiated group; p < 0.01). There was scarce evidence on other outcomes except for conflicting findings on survival: in one study, ED-PC patients were more likely to experience an interval between ED presentation and death >9 hours (OR 2.75, 95% CI 2.21–3.41); another study showed increased mortality risk in the intervention group; and a case series described a higher in-hospital death rate when PC was ED-initiated (62%), compared to ward (16%) or ICU (50%) (unknown p-value). Conclusions: There is yet no evidence that ED-based PC affects patient outcomes except for indication from one study of no association with 90-day hospital readmission but a possible reduction in LOS if integrated PC is introduced early at ED rather than after hospital admission. There is an urgent need for trials to confirm these findings alongside other potential benefits and survival effects. PMID:27115914

Evaluation of in-feed larch sawdust anti-inflammatory effect in sows.

PubMed

Tzika, E D; Tassis, P D; Papatsiros, V G; Pferschy-Wenzig, E M; Siochu, A; Bauer, R; Alexopoulos, C; Kyriakis, S C; Franz, C

2017-03-01

The study aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory activity of larch sawdust as feed supplement in lactating sows' diet and its possible effect on the prevalence of Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome under field conditions. In a Greek farrow-to-finish pig farm, fifteen sows were randomly and equally allocated to a negative control group (NC group), a positive control group (PC group), and a treatment group (LT group). The animals of the first two groups received 99% basic diet and 1% corn starch, while LT group animals received 99% basic diet and 1% larch sawdust. The whole trial period lasted 35 days (7 days prior to farrow - day of weaning). At parturition day, animals of the PC group received 2 ml of an anti-inflammatory drug intramuscularly (meloxicam, Metacam®, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica), while the animals of both other groups, received 2 ml of normal saline. Results showed insignificant differences among experimental groups for parameters such as post-partum rectal temperature and piglets performance. On the contrary, a significant increase of mean milk lactation index was observed in LT and PC groups on the 4th day of lactation period, when compared with NC group (p=0.014). Additionally, mean IL-6 concentrations in blood in the LT group showed a tendency for reduction when compared with those found in NC, and insignificant difference (p>0.05) when compared with those observed in PC group 24 hours postpartum. Moreover, the respective TNFα mean level in the LT group at 24 and 72 hours after parturition was similar to that found in PC group, respectively) and significantly lower than that determined in the NC group (p=0.003, p=0.024. The results suggest a possible anti-inflammatory effect of larch sawdust in sows.

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.

Treatment of colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis with systemic chemotherapy: a pooled analysis of north central cancer treatment group phase III trials N9741 and N9841.

PubMed

Franko, Jan; Shi, Qian; Goldman, Charles D; Pockaj, Barbara A; Nelson, Garth D; Goldberg, Richard M; Pitot, Henry C; Grothey, Axel; Alberts, Steven R; Sargent, Daniel J

2012-01-20

Symptoms and complications of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) differ by metastatic sites. There is a paucity of prospective survival data for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis colorectal cancer (pcCRC). We characterized outcomes of patients with pcCRC enrolled onto two prospective randomized trials of chemotherapy and contrasted that with other manifestations of mCRC (non-pcCRC). A total of 2,095 patients enrolled onto two prospective randomized trials were evaluated for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the adjusted associations. The characteristics of the pcCRC group (n = 364) were similar to those of the non-pcCRC patients in median age (63 v 61 years, P = .23), sex (57% males v 61%, P = .23), and performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1 94% v 96%, P = .06), but differed in frequency of liver (63% v 82%, P < .001) and lung metastases (27% v 34%, P = .01). Median OS (12.7 v 17.6 months, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.5; P < .001) and PFS (5.8 v 7.2 months, HR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.3; P = .001) were shorter for pcCRC versus non-pcCRC. The unfavorable prognostic influence of pcCRC remained after adjusting for age, PS, liver metastases, and other factors (OS: HR = 1.3, P < .001; PFS: HR = 1.1, P = .02). Infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin was superior to irinotecan, leucovorin, and fluorouracil as a first-line treatment among pcCRC (HR for OS = 0.62, P = .005) and non-pcCRC patients (HR = 0.66, P < .001). pcCRC is associated with a significantly shorter OS and PFS as compared with other manifestations of mCRC. Future trials for mCRC should consider stratifying on the basis of pcCRC status.

Photodynamic effect and mechanism study of selenium-enriched phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis against liver tumours.

PubMed

Liu, Zijian; Fu, Xiang; Huang, Wei; Li, Chunxia; Wang, Xinyan; Huang, Bei

2018-03-01

Selenium-containing phycocyanin (Se-PC) has been proved to have many biological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effects of Se-PC against liver tumour in vitro and in vivo experiment. Our results demonstrated that the half lethal dose of Se-PC PDT on HepG2 cells was 100μg/ml PC containing 20% selenium. Se-PC location migration from lysosomes to mitochondria was time dependent. In in vivo experiments, the tumour inhibition rate was 75.4% in the Se-PC PDT group, compared to 52.6% in PC PDT group. Histological observations revealed that the tumour cells outside the tissue showed cellular necrosis, and those inside the tissue exhibited apoptotic nuclei and digested vacuoles in the cytoplasm after Se-PC PDT treatment. Antioxidant enzyme analysis indicated that GSH-Px activity was linked to the selenium content of Se-PC, and SOD activity was affected by PC PDT. Therefore, Se-PC PDT could induce cell death through free radical production of PDT in tumours and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes with selenium in vivo. The mechanism of Se-PC PDT against liver tumour involves hematocyte damage and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis accompanied with autophagy inhibition during early stage of tumour development, which displayed new prospect and offered relatively safe way for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does legal physician-assisted dying impede development of palliative care? The Belgian and Benelux experience.

PubMed

Chambaere, Kenneth; Bernheim, Jan L

2015-08-01

In 2002, physician-assisted dying was legally regulated in the Netherlands and Belgium, followed in 2009 by Luxembourg. An internationally frequently expressed concern is that such legislation could stunt the development of palliative care (PC) and erode its culture. To study this, we describe changes in PC development 2005-2012 in the permissive Benelux countries and compare them with non-permissive countries. Focusing on the seven European countries with the highest development of PC, which include the three euthanasia-permissive and four non-permissive countries, we compared the structural service indicators for 2005 and 2012 from successive editions of the European Atlas of Palliative Care. As an indicator for output delivery of services to patients, we collected the amounts of governmental funding of PC 2002-2011 in Belgium, the only country where we could find these data. The rate of increase in the number of structural PC provisions among the compared countries was the highest in the Netherlands and Luxembourg, while Belgium stayed on a par with the UK, the benchmark country. Belgian government expenditure for PC doubled between 2002 and 2011. Basic PC expanded much more than endowment-restricted specialised PC. The hypothesis that legal regulation of physician-assisted dying slows development of PC is not supported by the Benelux experience. On the contrary, regulation appears to have promoted the expansion of PC. Continued monitoring of both permissive and non-permissive countries, preferably also including indicators of quantity and quality of delivered care, is needed to evaluate longer-term effects. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Impact of Radiation Hardness and Operating Temperatures of Silicon Carbide Electronics on Space Power System Mass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juhasz, Albert J.; Tew, Roy C.; Schwarze, Gene E.

1998-01-01

The effect of silicon carbide (SiC) electronics operating temperatures on Power Management and Distribution (PMAD), or Power Conditioning (PC), subsystem radiator size and mass requirements was evaluated for three power output levels (100 kW(e) , 1 MW(e), and 10 MW(e)) for near term technology ( i.e. 1500 K turbine inlet temperature) Closed Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power systems with a High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) heat source. The study was conducted for assumed PC radiator temperatures ranging from 370 to 845 K and for three scenarios of electrical energy to heat conversion levels which needed to be rejected to space by means of the PC radiator. In addition, during part of the study the radiation hardness of the PC electronics was varied at a fixed separation distance to estimate its effect on the mass of the instrument rated reactor shadow shield. With both the PC radiator and the conical shadow shield representing major components of the overall power system the influence of the above on total power system mass was also determined. As expected, results show that the greatest actual mass savings achieved by the use of SiC electronics occur with high capacity power systems. Moreover, raising the PC radiator temperature above 600 K yields only small additional system mass savings. The effect of increased radiation hardness on total system mass is to reduce system mass by virtue of lowering the shield mass.

Reviews.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Science Teacher, 1988

1988-01-01

Reviews four software packages available for IBM PC or Apple II. Includes "Graphical Analysis III"; "Space Max: Space Station Construction Simulation"; "Guesstimation"; and "Genetic Engineering Toolbox." Focuses on each packages' strengths in a high school context. (CW)

Place matters: A longitudinal analysis measuring the association between neighbourhood walkability and walking by age group and population center size in Canada.

PubMed

Wasfi, Rania; Steinmetz-Wood, Madeleine; Kestens, Yan

2017-01-01

This study examined the influence of walkability on walking behaviour and assessed whether associations varied according to life-stage and population center (PC) size. Walkability scores were obtained for the six-digit postal codes of residential neighbourhoods of 11,200 Canadians, who participated in biennial assessments of the National Population Health Survey from 1994 to 2010. Participants were stratified by age-group. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to estimate the influence of cumulative exposure to neighborhood walkability on utilitarian and exercise walking by PC size and life-stage. Associations of neighbourhood walkability with utilitarian and exercise walking varied according to age-group and PC size. Exposure to high walkable neighborhoods was associated with utilitarian walking in younger and older adults in all PC sizes, except for older adults living in a medium PC. Living in a highly walkable neighborhood in a large PC was associated with walking for exercise in younger (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.20-1.67) and older adults (OR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.51-2.89). Living in highly walkable neighbourhood in a medium PC was associated with walking for exercise in older adults (OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.15-2.29). These results emphasize the need to consider the size and nature of every community, and the age-group of a population when implementing strategies to promote walking.

Synthesis of zinc phthalocyanine with large steric hindrance and its photovoltaic performance for dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Lin, Li; Peng, Bosi; Shi, Wenye; Guo, Yingying; Li, Renjie

2015-03-28

A zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) derivative (Zn-tri-PcNc-8) containing tri-benzonaphtho-condensed porphyrazine with one carboxylic and six diphenylphenoxy peripheral substitutions was designed and synthesized as a sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For the purpose of extending the absorption spectra while minimizing the formation of ZnPc molecular aggregates, bulky 2,6-diphenylphenoxy groups were used as electron donor moieties, and the carboxylic group as an anchoring group to graft the sensitizer onto the semiconductor. It was found that a TiO2-based solar cell sensitized by Zn-tri-PcNc-8 shows a maximum incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency in the red/near-IR light range (650-750 nm), and a solar cell sensitized at near room temperature (30 °C) for 48 h exhibits the best efficiency (3.01%). The efficiency was much higher than that (1.96%) for a solar cell sensitized by its analogue (Zn-tri-PcNc-2) having one carboxyl and three tert-butyl groups without chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), indicating that the introduction of six bulky diphenylphenoxy substitutions with large steric hindrance in the ZnPc macrocycle can effectively suppress the molecular aggregates, thus resulting in an improved conversion efficiency. The present results shed light on an effective solution to adjust the ZnPc property via chemical modification such as changing the "push-pull" effect and adding large steric hindrance substituents to further improve the efficiency of the phthalocyanine-sensitized solar cell.

Place matters: A longitudinal analysis measuring the association between neighbourhood walkability and walking by age group and population center size in Canada

PubMed Central

Steinmetz-Wood, Madeleine; Kestens, Yan

2017-01-01

This study examined the influence of walkability on walking behaviour and assessed whether associations varied according to life-stage and population center (PC) size. Walkability scores were obtained for the six-digit postal codes of residential neighbourhoods of 11,200 Canadians, who participated in biennial assessments of the National Population Health Survey from 1994 to 2010. Participants were stratified by age-group. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to estimate the influence of cumulative exposure to neighborhood walkability on utilitarian and exercise walking by PC size and life-stage. Associations of neighbourhood walkability with utilitarian and exercise walking varied according to age-group and PC size. Exposure to high walkable neighborhoods was associated with utilitarian walking in younger and older adults in all PC sizes, except for older adults living in a medium PC. Living in a highly walkable neighborhood in a large PC was associated with walking for exercise in younger (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.20–1.67) and older adults (OR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.51–2.89). Living in highly walkable neighbourhood in a medium PC was associated with walking for exercise in older adults (OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.15–2.29). These results emphasize the need to consider the size and nature of every community, and the age-group of a population when implementing strategies to promote walking. PMID:29261706

Predictors of outpatients' request for palliative care service at a medical oncology clinic of a German comprehensive cancer center.

PubMed

Tewes, Mitra; Rettler, Teresa; Wolf, Nathalie; Hense, Jörg; Schuler, Martin; Teufel, Martin; Beckmann, Mingo

2018-05-05

Early integration of palliative care (PC) is recommended. The determination of predictors for patients' request for PC may guide implementation in clinical practice. Toward this end, we analyzed the symptom burden and distress of cancer patients in outpatient care and examined their need and request for PC. Between October 2013 and March 2016, 705 patients receiving outpatient cancer treatment took part in the survey. We used the new MInimal DOcumentation System to detect symptom clusters. Additionally, patients' request for palliative and psychosocial support was assessed. Groups of patients with PC request were compared to patients without PC request regarding their symptom clusters. Logistic regression analysis was applied to discover significant predictors for the requested inclusion of PC. A total of 159 patients (25.5%) requested additional support by PC. Moderate and severe tiredness (40.3%), weakness (37.9%), pain (25.0%), loss of appetite (22.3%), and dyspnea (19.1%) were the most frequent symptoms. The group of patients requesting PC differed significantly in terms of pain, nausea, dyspnea, constipation, weakness, loss of appetite, tiredness, depression, and anxiety from patients without request for PC (p < .01). The perceived need for PC was identified by the significant predictors "depression," "anxiety," and "weakness" with an explained variance of 22%. Combining a standardized screening questionnaire and the assessment of patients' request for PC allows systematic monitoring for patients' need for PC in a large Medical Oncology clinic. Depression, anxiety, and weakness are predictors of requesting PC service by patients receiving outpatient cancer treatment.

Disparate effects of oxidation on plasma acyltransferase activities: inhibition of cholesterol esterification but stimulation of transesterification of oxidized phospholipids.

PubMed

Subbaiah, P V; Liu, M

1996-05-31

Oxidation of lipoproteins results in the formation of several polar phospholipids with pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic properties. To examine the possible role of lecithin/cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in the metabolism of these oxidized phospholipids, we oxidized whole plasma with either Cu(2+) or a free-radical generator, and determined the various activities of LCAT. Oxidation caused a reduction in plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC), an increase in a short-chain polar PC (SCP-PC), and an inhibition of the transfer of long-chain acyl groups to cholesterol (LCAT activity) or to lyso PC (lysolecithin acyltransferase (LAT) I activity). However, the transfer of short-chain acyl groups from SCP-PC to lyso PCLAT II activity) was stimulated several fold, in direct correlation with the degree of oxidation. LAT II activity was not stimulated by oxidation in LCAT-deficient plasma, showing that it is carried out by LCAT. Oxidized normal plasma exhibited low LCAT activity even in the presence of exogenous proteoliposome substrate, indicating that the depletion of substrate PC was not responsible for the loss of activity. Oxidation of isolated LDL or HDL abolished their ability to support LCAT and LAT I activities of exogenous enzyme, but promoted the LAT II activity. Purified LCAT lost its LCAT and LAT I functions, but not its LAT II function, when oxidized in vitro. These results show that while oxidation of plasma causes a loss of LCAT's ability to transfer long-chain acyl groups, its ability to transfer short-chain acyl groups, from SCP-PC is retained, and even stimulated, suggesting that LCAT may have a physiological role in the metabolism of oxidized PC in plasma.

The auditory comprehension changes over time after sport-related concussion can indicate multisensory processing dysfunctions.

PubMed

Białuńska, Anita; Salvatore, Anthony P

2017-12-01

Although science findings and treatment approaches of a concussion have changed in recent years, there continue to be challenges in understanding the nature of the post-concussion behavior. There is growing a body of evidence that some deficits can be related to an impaired auditory processing. To assess auditory comprehension changes over time following sport-related concussion (SRC) in young athletes. A prospective, repeated measures mixed-design was used. A sample of concussed athletes ( n  = 137) and the control group consisted of age-matched, non-concussed athletes ( n  = 143) were administered Subtest VIII of the Computerized-Revised Token Test (C-RTT). The 88 concussed athletes selected for final analysis (neither previous history of brain injury, neurological, psychiatric problems, nor auditory deficits) were evaluated after injury during three sessions (PC1, PC2, and PC3); controls were tested once. Between- and within-group comparisons using RMANOVA were performed on the C-RTT Efficiency Score (ES). ES of the SRC athletes group improved over consecutive testing sessions ( F  =   14.7, p  <   .001), while post-hoc analysis showed that PC1 results differed from PC2 and PC3 ( ts  ≥ 4.0, ps  < .001), but PC2 and PC3 C-RTT ES did not change statistically ( t  =   0.6, p =  .557). The SRC athletes demonstrated lower ES for all test session when compared to the control group ( ts  > 2.0, Ps <.01). Dysfunctional auditory comprehension performance following a concussion improved over time, but after the second testing session improved performance slowed, especially in terms of its timing. Yet, not only auditory processing but also sensorimotor integration and/or motor execution can be compromised after a concussion.

C-phycocyanin modulates selenite-induced cataractogenesis in rats.

PubMed

Kumari, Rasiah Pratheepa; Sivakumar, Jeyarajan; Thankappan, Bency; Anbarasu, Kumarasamy

2013-01-01

The present investigation is aimed to evaluate the anticataractogenic potential of C-phycocyanin (C-PC), extracted and purified from Spirulina platensis. Enucleated rat lenses were maintained in vitro in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM). Group I contained DMEM, Group II and Group III contained 100 μM of sodium selenite, Group III was subdivided into three viz IIIa, IIIb, IIIc supplemented with 100, 150, 200 μg of C-PC respectively. In the in vivo study, on tenth day post partum: Group I rat pups received an intraperitoneal injection of saline, Group II, IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc rat pups received a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (19 μmol/kg bodyweight) Group IIIa, IIIb, IIIc also received an intraperitoneal injection of 100, 150, 200 mg/kg body weight of C-PC, respectively, from postpartum days 9-14. On termination of the experiment, the lenses from both in vitro and in vivo studies were subjected to morphological examination and subsequently processed to estimate the activities of antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, levels of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation products. Sodium selenite-exposed, C-PC-treated rat lenses (Group IIIc), showed significant restoration of antioxidant enzyme activity (p < 0.05) when compared to their counterpart Group II. Group IIIc conserved the levels of GSH and lipid peroxidation products at near to normal levels as compared with Group II. Results conclude the possible role of C-PC in modulating the antioxidant enzyme status, thereby retarding sodium selenite-induced cataract incidence both in vitro and in vivo.

Dietary oregano essential oil alleviates experimentally induced coccidiosis in broilers.

PubMed

Mohiti-Asli, M; Ghanaatparast-Rashti, M

2015-06-15

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of oregano essential oil on growth performance and coccidiosis prevention in mild challenged broilers. A total of 250 1-d-old chicks were used in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replicates with 10 birds in each replication. Experimental treatments included: (1) negative control (NC; unchallenged), (2) positive control (PC; challenged with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria), (3) PC fed 200 ppm Diclazuril in diet, (4) PC fed 300 ppm oregano oil in diet, and (5) PC fed 500 ppm oregano oil in diet. At 22 d of age, all the experimental groups except for NC were challenged with 50-fold dose of Livacox T as a trivalent live attenuated coccidiosis vaccine. On d 28, two birds were slaughtered and intestinal coccidiosis lesions were scored 0-4. Moreover, dropping was scored in the scale of 0-3, and oocysts per gram feces (OPG) were measured. Oregano oil at either supplementation rate increased body weight gain (P=0.039) and improved feed conversion ratio (P=0.010) from d 22 to 28, when compared with PC group. Using 500 ppm oregano oil in challenged broilers diet increased European efficiency factor than PC group (P=0.020). Moreover, challenged broilers fed 500 ppm oregano oil or Diclazuril in diets displayed lower coccidiosis lesions scores in upper (P=0.003) and middle (P=0.018) regions of intestine than PC group, with the effect being similar to unchallenged birds. In general, challenged birds fed 500 ppm oregano oil or Diclazuril in diets had lower OPG (P=0.001), dropping scores (P=0.001), litter scores (P=0.001), and pH of litter (P=0.001) than PC group. It could be concluded that supplementation of oregano oil at the dose of 500 ppm in diet may have beneficial effect on prevention of coccidiosis in broilers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional regulation of crystallin, redox, and apoptotic genes by C-Phycocyanin in the selenite-induced cataractogenic rat model

PubMed Central

Kumari, Rasiah Pratheepa; Ramkumar, Srinivasagan; Thankappan, Bency; Natarajaseenivasan, Kalimuthusamy; Balaji, Sadhasivam

2015-01-01

Purpose This study was designed to examine the constrictive potential of C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) in regulating changes imposed on gene expression in the selenite-induced cataract model. Methods Wistar rat pups were divided into three groups of eight each. On P10, Group I received an intraperitoneal injection of normal saline. Groups II and III received a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (19 μmol/kg bodyweight); Group III also received an intraperitoneal injection of C-PC (200 mg/kg bodyweight) on P9–14. Total RNA was isolated on P16, and the relative abundance of mRNA of the crystallin structural genes, redox components, and apoptotic cascade were ascertained with real-time PCR with reference to the internal control β-actin. Results Real-time PCR analysis showed the crystallin genes (αA-, βB1-, γD-) and redox cycle components (Cat, SOD-1, Gpx) were downregulated, the apoptotic components were upregulated, and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 was downregulated in Group II. Treatment with 200 mg/kg bodyweight C-PC (Group III) transcriptionally regulated the instability of the expression of these genes, thus ensuring C-PC is a prospective anticataractogenic agent that probably delays the onset and progression of cataractogenesis induced by sodium selenite. Conclusions C-PC treatment possibly prevented cataractogenesis triggered by sodium selenite, by regulating the lens crystallin, redox genes, and apoptotic cascade mRNA expression and thus maintains lens transparency. C-PC may be developed as a potential antioxidant compound applied in the future to prevent and treat age-related cataract. PMID:25593511

Assessing fears of preschool children with nighttime fears by a parent version of the fear survey schedule for preschool children.

PubMed

Kushnir, Jonathan; Gothelf, Doron; Sadeh, Avi

2015-01-01

Although excessive fears are common in preschool children, validated assessment tools for this age are lacking. Our aim was to modify and provide preliminary evidence of the utility of a preschoolers' fear screening tool, a parent-reported Fear Survey Schedule for Preschool Children (FSS-PC). 109 Israeli preschool children (aged 4-6 years) with chronic night time fears (NF) and 30 healthy children (controls) participated. The FSS-PC analysis included: 1) internal reliability, 2) correlations between FSS-PC scores and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) measures, 3) differences between NF and a comparison sample of FSS-PC scores, and 4) FSS-PC sensitivity in detecting change in NF following an intervention for NF. There were low-to-medium positive correlations between the FSS-PC scores and several internalizing scales of the CBCL measures. FSS-PC scores in the NF group were significantly higher than the control children's score. FSS-PC scores had adequate internal reliability and were also sensitive for detecting significant changes in fear levels following behavioral interventions. Unique cultural and environmental circumstances and specific study group. This new version of the FSS-PC may provide clinicians with a novel and useful screening tool for early assessment of fear- and anxiety-related phenomena of preschool children.

78 FR 46414 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 8916

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-31

... 1120-PC with the taxable income on mixed groups filing Form 1120, 1120-L, or 1120-PC. This is necessary... the Schedule M-3 with taxable income they report on Forms 1120, 1120-L, for 1120-PC. Current Actions...

Pre-discovery detections and progenitor candidate for SPIRITS17pc in NGC 4388

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jencson, J. E.; Bond, H. E.; Adams, S. M.; Kasliwal, M. M.

2018-04-01

We report detections of pre-discovery outbursts of SPIRITS17pc, discovered as part of the ongoing Spitzer InfraRed Intensive Transients Survey (SPIRITS) using the 3.6 and 4.5 micron imaging channels ([3.6] and [4.5]) of the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on the Spitzer Space Telescope (ATel #11575).

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.

Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in human prostate cancer.

PubMed

Segawa, Yoshihiro; Yoshimura, Rikio; Hase, Taro; Nakatani, Tatsuya; Wada, Seiji; Kawahito, Yutaka; Kishimoto, Taketoshi; Sano, Hajime

2002-05-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator activator-receptors (PPAR)-gamma is expressed in some cancer cells such as breast, lung, and gastric cancer, and its ligand induces growth arrest of these cancer cells through apoptosis. However, the expression and localization of PPARs in prostate have not been examined. In this study, PPARs expression was investigated in human prostate cancer (PC), prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and normal prostate (NP) tissues. Tumor specimens were obtained from 156 patients with PC, 15 with PIN, 20 with BPH, and 12 patients with NP tissues. The expressions were investigated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods. Immunoreactive PPAR-alpha and -beta were significantly apparent in PC tissues. Marked expressions of PPAR-alpha and -beta were also detected in PIN, BPH, and NP groups. However, very weak or no expression of immunoreactive PPAR-gamma was found in BPH and NP cases. In contrast, we found significant expression of immunoreactive PPAR-gamma in cancer cells in PC group and in PIN group. Our results demonstrated that PPAR-gamma is induced in PC, and suggest that PPAR-gamma ligands may mediate its own potent antiproliferative effect against PC cells through differentiation. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effect of polymer blend types and gamma radiation on the physico-chemical properties of polycarbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nouh, S. A.; Magida, M. M.; Al-Shekify, L. S.; Bashter, I. I.

2016-12-01

Samples from polycarbonate (PC) were classified into two main groups. The first group was blended with Abietic acid (Rosin) with different compositions, while the second group was blended with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer with almost the same composition. A comparative study of the effect of both Rosin and EVA concentration on the thermal stability of PC has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that blending with Rosin causes the dominance of degradation. Samples from PC with 20% Rosin blend were irradiated with gamma at the dose of range 20-300 kGy. The resultant effect of gamma radiation on the structural properties of the 20% Rosin/ 80%PC blend has been investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicate that degradation of the polymer blend dominates, thus increases the creation of hot free radicals that leads to the formation of color centers in PC. In addition, the transmission of the 20% Rosin/80%PC samples as well as color changes was studied. The color intensity ΔE was greatly increased with increasing the gamma dose up to 300 kGy, accompanied by a significant increase in the blue color component.

Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are related to insulin sensitivity and respond to acute exercise in humans.

PubMed

Newsom, Sean A; Brozinick, Joseph T; Kiseljak-Vassiliades, Katja; Strauss, Allison N; Bacon, Samantha D; Kerege, Anna A; Bui, Hai Hoang; Sanders, Phil; Siddall, Parker; Wei, Tao; Thomas, Melissa; Kuo, Ming Shang; Nemkov, Travis; D'Alessandro, Angelo; Hansen, Kirk C; Perreault, Leigh; Bergman, Bryan C

2016-06-01

Several recent reports indicate that the balance of skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a key determinant of muscle contractile function and metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between skeletal muscle PC, PE and insulin sensitivity, and whether PC and PE are dynamically regulated in response to acute exercise in humans. Insulin sensitivity was measured via intravenous glucose tolerance in sedentary obese adults (OB; n = 14), individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 15), and endurance-trained athletes (ATH; n = 15). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, immediately after 90 min of cycle ergometry at 50% maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2 max), and 2-h postexercise (recovery). Skeletal muscle PC and PE were measured via infusion-based mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis. ATH had greater levels of muscle PC and PE compared with OB and T2D (P < 0.05), with total PC and PE positively relating to insulin sensitivity (both P < 0.05). Skeletal muscle PC:PE ratio was elevated in T2D compared with OB and ATH (P < 0.05), tended to be elevated in OB vs. ATH (P = 0.07), and was inversely related to insulin sensitivity among the entire cohort (r = -0.43, P = 0.01). Muscle PC and PE were altered by exercise, particularly after 2 h of recovery, in a highly group-specific manner. However, muscle PC:PE ratio remained unchanged in all groups. In summary, total muscle PC and PE are positively related to insulin sensitivity while PC:PE ratio is inversely related to insulin sensitivity in humans. A single session of exercise significantly alters skeletal muscle PC and PE levels, but not PC:PE ratio. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are related to insulin sensitivity and respond to acute exercise in humans

PubMed Central

Newsom, Sean A.; Brozinick, Joseph T.; Kiseljak-Vassiliades, Katja; Strauss, Allison N.; Bacon, Samantha D.; Kerege, Anna A.; Bui, Hai Hoang; Sanders, Phil; Siddall, Parker; Wei, Tao; Thomas, Melissa; Kuo, Ming Shang; Nemkov, Travis; D'Alessandro, Angelo; Hansen, Kirk C.; Perreault, Leigh

2016-01-01

Several recent reports indicate that the balance of skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a key determinant of muscle contractile function and metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between skeletal muscle PC, PE and insulin sensitivity, and whether PC and PE are dynamically regulated in response to acute exercise in humans. Insulin sensitivity was measured via intravenous glucose tolerance in sedentary obese adults (OB; n = 14), individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 15), and endurance-trained athletes (ATH; n = 15). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, immediately after 90 min of cycle ergometry at 50% maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2 max), and 2-h postexercise (recovery). Skeletal muscle PC and PE were measured via infusion-based mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis. ATH had greater levels of muscle PC and PE compared with OB and T2D (P < 0.05), with total PC and PE positively relating to insulin sensitivity (both P < 0.05). Skeletal muscle PC:PE ratio was elevated in T2D compared with OB and ATH (P < 0.05), tended to be elevated in OB vs. ATH (P = 0.07), and was inversely related to insulin sensitivity among the entire cohort (r = −0.43, P = 0.01). Muscle PC and PE were altered by exercise, particularly after 2 h of recovery, in a highly group-specific manner. However, muscle PC:PE ratio remained unchanged in all groups. In summary, total muscle PC and PE are positively related to insulin sensitivity while PC:PE ratio is inversely related to insulin sensitivity in humans. A single session of exercise significantly alters skeletal muscle PC and PE levels, but not PC:PE ratio. PMID:27032901

Comparison of the platelet-rich plasma and buffy coat protocols for preparation of canine platelet concentrates.

PubMed

Hoareau, Guillaume L; Jandrey, Karl E; Burges, Julie; Bremer, Daphne; Tablin, Fern

2014-12-01

Platelet (PLT) concentrates (PC) can be produced via the buffy coat (BC) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) protocols. The 2 methods have not been compared with canine blood. The aims of the study were to compare the PLT, WBC, and RBC concentrations, in vitro PLT function, and markers of platelet storage lesion (PSL) in canine PC generated by 2 different protocols, and determine microbial growth throughout storage. PC from 8 healthy donor dogs were produced using 2 standard protocols, PRP and BC. PLT, WBC, and RBC counts, optical aggregometry assays, and PSL markers (pH, pCO2 , HCO3 , lactate and glucose concentrations, and LDH activity) were determined on storage days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were also performed. Mean PLT counts were comparable between protocols and remained stable throughout storage up to day 7, while median WBC and RBC counts on day 0 were significantly higher in the BC-PC group (17,800 WBCs/μL; 195,000 RBCs/μL) than in the PRP-PC group (200 WBCs/μL; 10,000 RBCs/μL) (P = .012). In PRP-PC aggregometry, the median slope and amplitude in response to γ-thrombin and convulxin (+ ADP) were significantly decreased, and virtually absent in BC-PC during storage. PSL markers (lactate, LDH activity) were higher in BC-PC. Aerobic bacterial growth was observed in 2 PRP-PC and 1 BC-PC. This in vitro study suggests that PRP-PC had lesser WBC and RBC contamination and superior PLT function compared with BC-PC. In vivo studies are required to address safety and efficacy of PRP-PC. © 2014 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

The SAND domain protein ULTRAPETALA1 acts as a trithorax group factor to regulate cell fate in plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

During development, trithorax group (trxG) chromatin remodeling complexes counteract repression by Polycomb group (PcG) complexes to sustain active expression of key regulatory genes. Although PcG complexes are well characterized in plants, little is known about trxG activities. Here we demonstrate ...

Fortran programs for the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation in a fully anisotropic trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muruganandam, P.; Adhikari, S. K.

2009-10-01

Here we develop simple numerical algorithms for both stationary and non-stationary solutions of the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii (GP) equation describing the properties of Bose-Einstein condensates at ultra low temperatures. In particular, we consider algorithms involving real- and imaginary-time propagation based on a split-step Crank-Nicolson method. In a one-space-variable form of the GP equation we consider the one-dimensional, two-dimensional circularly-symmetric, and the three-dimensional spherically-symmetric harmonic-oscillator traps. In the two-space-variable form we consider the GP equation in two-dimensional anisotropic and three-dimensional axially-symmetric traps. The fully-anisotropic three-dimensional GP equation is also considered. Numerical results for the chemical potential and root-mean-square size of stationary states are reported using imaginary-time propagation programs for all the cases and compared with previously obtained results. Also presented are numerical results of non-stationary oscillation for different trap symmetries using real-time propagation programs. A set of convenient working codes developed in Fortran 77 are also provided for all these cases (twelve programs in all). In the case of two or three space variables, Fortran 90/95 versions provide some simplification over the Fortran 77 programs, and these programs are also included (six programs in all). Program summaryProgram title: (i) imagetime1d, (ii) imagetime2d, (iii) imagetime3d, (iv) imagetimecir, (v) imagetimesph, (vi) imagetimeaxial, (vii) realtime1d, (viii) realtime2d, (ix) realtime3d, (x) realtimecir, (xi) realtimesph, (xii) realtimeaxial Catalogue identifier: AEDU_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEDU_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 122 907 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 609 662 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: FORTRAN 77 and Fortran 90/95 Computer: PC Operating system: Linux, Unix RAM: 1 GByte (i, iv, v), 2 GByte (ii, vi, vii, x, xi), 4 GByte (iii, viii, xii), 8 GByte (ix) Classification: 2.9, 4.3, 4.12 Nature of problem: These programs are designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in one-, two- or three-space dimensions with a harmonic, circularly-symmetric, spherically-symmetric, axially-symmetric or anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Solution method: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation, in either imaginary or real time, over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and/or non-stationary problems. Additional comments: This package consists of 12 programs, see "Program title", above. FORTRAN77 versions are provided for each of the 12 and, in addition, Fortran 90/95 versions are included for ii, iii, vi, viii, ix, xii. For the particular purpose of each program please see the below. Running time: Minutes on a medium PC (i, iv, v, vii, x, xi), a few hours on a medium PC (ii, vi, viii, xii), days on a medium PC (iii, ix). Program summary (1)Title of program: imagtime1d.F Title of electronic file: imagtime1d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 1 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in one-space dimension with a harmonic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (2)Title of program: imagtimecir.F Title of electronic file: imagtimecir.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 1 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with a circularly-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (3)Title of program: imagtimesph.F Title of electronic file: imagtimesph.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 1 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with a spherically-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (4)Title of program: realtime1d.F Title of electronic file: realtime1d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in one-space dimension with a harmonic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (5)Title of program: realtimecir.F Title of electronic file: realtimecir.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with a circularly-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (6)Title of program: realtimesph.F Title of electronic file: realtimesph.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with a spherically-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (7)Title of programs: imagtimeaxial.F and imagtimeaxial.f90 Title of electronic file: imagtimeaxial.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Few hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an axially-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (8)Title of program: imagtime2d.F and imagtime2d.f90 Title of electronic file: imagtime2d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Few hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (9)Title of program: realtimeaxial.F and realtimeaxial.f90 Title of electronic file: realtimeaxial.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 4 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time Hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an axially-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (10)Title of program: realtime2d.F and realtime2d.f90 Title of electronic file: realtime2d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 4 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (11)Title of program: imagtime3d.F and imagtime3d.f90 Title of electronic file: imagtime3d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 4 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Few days on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (12)Title of program: realtime3d.F and realtime3d.f90 Title of electronic file: realtime3d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum Ram Memory: 8 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Days on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems.

Preliminary study of efficacy of dynamic compression system in the correction of typical pectus carinatum.

PubMed

Lopez, Manuel; Patoir, Arnaud; Varlet, François; Perez-Etchepare, Eduardo; Tiffet, Théophile; Villard, Aurelien; Tiffet, Olivier

2013-11-01

This preliminary study evaluates, by qualitative score, the efficacy of the dynamic compression system (DCS) with a pressure-measuring device in the treatment of pectus carinatum (PC) as an alternative to surgery. A total of 68 patients (infants, adolescents and young adults) presenting with typical PC (64 males and 4 females) were evaluated in our Chest Wall Deformities Unit, between October 2011 and February 2013. The criteria for including subjects were: patients with typical condrogladiolar PC and pressure for initial correction (PIC) ≤ 9 PSI (pound square inch). Seven patients were excluded in this study: three typical PC were treated by minimal invasive surgery (Abramson technique) due to highly elevated PIC and four atypical PC, hybrids forms (PE and PC) were treated by cup suction for pectus excavatum and by the DCS for the PC. The management protocol included: adjustment of the DCS, strengthening exercises and monthly clinical follow-up. The partial and final results were evaluated by the patients, by their parents or by both, using a qualitative scoring scale that was measured in a three-step grading system, where C is a low or very low result, B is acceptable and A is a very good or excellent result. A total of 61 patients (59 males and 2 females) presenting with typical PC were treated by the DCS and included: symmetric PC in 43 cases and asymmetric PC in 18 cases. The mean age was 13.5 years (5-25). The mean PIC was 6.3 PSI (3-9 PSI). The mean utilization time was 19 h daily. The patients were divided into three groups. In Group I, consisting of 35 cases, all the patients have already completed the treatment with excellent aesthetic results (A). In 12 cases, Group II, the normal shape of the thorax has been obtained; all the patients in this group rated their results as excellent (A); however, these patients are still wearing the brace as a retainer for 3 additional months. Fourteen patients, Group III, are progressing and improving under active treatment, and surgeons and patients are very satisfied with the initial results. None of the 61 patients in this study abandoned the treatment and no complications were found. This preliminary study demonstrated that the DCS with a pressure-measuring device is a minimal invasive system effective for treatment of PC in patients where the anterior chest wall is still compliant. The control of different pressure measurements could be used as the inclusion criterion as well as a predictive factor for aesthetic results and treatment duration.

75 FR 38183 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 8916

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

..., 1120-L, or 1120-PC with the taxable income on mixed groups filing Form 1120, 1120-L, or 1120-PC. This... as reported on the Schedule M-3 with taxable income they report on Forms 1120, 1120-L, for 1120-PC...

The effects of sildenafil citrate on urinary podocin and nephrin mRNA expression in an L-NAME model of pre-eclampsia.

PubMed

Baijnath, Sooraj; Murugesan, Saravanakumar; Mackraj, Irene; Gathiram, Prem; Moodley, Jagidesa

2017-03-01

We investigated the effects of sildenafil citrate (SC) on podocyturia in N ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) model of pre-eclampsia (PE). One hundred and twenty Sprague-Dawley rats (SDR) were divided into five groups like pregnant control (PC), early-onset PE (EOPE), late-onset PE(LOPE), early and late-onset PE with SC-treated groups [EOPE (SC); LOPE (SC)]. PE was induced in SDR by oral administration of L-NAME in drinking water for 4-8 days for EOPE and 8-14 day for LOPE. The blood pressure, urine volume and total urine protein were increased in EOPE and LOPE groups when compared to PC, and all the above parameters decreased in EOPE (SC) and LOPE (SC) groups when compared to EOPE and LOPE groups, respectively. The EOPE and LOPE groups showed an increase in urinary nephrin mRNA and podocin mRNA levels compared to PC group. Increases in serum and renal soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) expression levels and decreases in renal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and serum placenta growth factor (PlGF) levels were observed in EOPE and LOPE groups when compared to PC group. In addition, decreases in serum and renal sFlt-1 expression levels and increases in renal VEGF expression and serum PlGF levels were observed in EOPE (SC) and LOPE (SC) groups when compared to EOPE and LOPE groups, respectively. The light microscopy showed that the renal tissue of L-NAME-treated rats had extensive glomerular damage, tubular damage and infiltration by mononuclear cells when compared to PC group. Therefore, SC ameliorated podocyturia through its effects on the antiangiogenic/angiogenic status in this animal model.

Cardiorespiratory Coordination after Training and Detraining. A Principal Component Analysis Approach

PubMed Central

Balagué, Natàlia; González, Jacob; Javierre, Casimiro; Hristovski, Robert; Aragonés, Daniel; Álamo, Juan; Niño, Oscar; Ventura, Josep L.

2016-01-01

Our purpose was to study the effects of different training modalities and detraining on cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC). Thirty-two young males were randomly assigned to four training groups: aerobic (AT), resistance (RT), aerobic plus resistance (AT + RT), and control (C). They were assessed before training, after training (6 weeks) and after detraining (3 weeks) by means of a graded maximal test. A principal component (PC) analysis of selected cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory variables was performed to evaluate CRC. The first PC (PC1) coefficient of congruence in the three conditions (before training, after training and after detraining) was compared between groups. Two PCs were identified in 81% of participants before the training period. After this period the number of PCs and the projection of the selected variables onto them changed only in the groups subject to a training programme. The PC1 coefficient of congruence was significantly lower in the training groups compared with the C group [H(3, N=32) = 11.28; p = 0.01]. In conclusion, training produced changes in CRC, reflected by the change in the number of PCs and the congruence values of PC1. These changes may be more sensitive than the usually explored cardiorespiratory reserve, and they probably precede it. PMID:26903884

The Role of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Saito, Tomotaka; Hirano, Kenji; Isayama, Hiroyuki; Nakai, Yousuke; Saito, Kei; Umefune, Gyotane; Akiyama, Dai; Watanabe, Takeo; Takagi, Kaoru; Hamada, Tsuyoshi; Takahara, Naminatsu; Uchino, Rie; Mizuno, Suguru; Kogure, Hirofumi; Matsubara, Saburo; Yamamoto, Natsuyo; Tada, Minoru; Koike, Kazuhiko

2017-03-01

Although patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) are prone to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, there are little evidence about pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in patients with PC, especially those receiving chemotherapy. This is a prospective consecutive observational study of PERT in patients with unresectable PC. We prospectively enrolled patients receiving chemotherapy for unresectable PC from April 2012 to February 2014 and prescribed oral pancrelipase of 48,000 lipase units per meal (pancrelipase group). N-benzoyl-tryrosyl para-aminobenzoic acid test was performed at baseline. Patients receiving chemotherapy before April 2012 were retrospectively studied as a historical cohort. Data on the nutritional markers at baseline and 16 weeks were extracted, and serial changes, defined as the ratio of markers at 16 weeks/baseline, were compared between 2 groups. A total of 91 patients (46 in the pancrelipase group and 45 in the historical cohort) were analyzed. N-benzoyl-tryrosyl para-aminobenzoic acid test was low in 94% of the pancrelipase group. Serial change in the pancrelipase group versus historical cohort was 1.01 versus 0.95 in body mass index (P < 0.001) and 1.03 versus 0.97 in serum albumin (P = 0.131). The rate of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in unresectable PC was high, and PERT can potentially improve the nutritional status during chemotherapy.

No positive effect of Acid etching or plasma cleaning on osseointegration of titanium implants in a canine femoral condyle press-fit model.

PubMed

Saksø, H; Jakobsen, T; Saksø, M; Baas, J; Jakobsen, Ss; Soballe, K

2013-01-01

Implant surface treatments that improve early osseointegration may prove useful in long-term survival of uncemented implants. We investigated Acid Etching and Plasma Cleaning on titanium implants. In a randomized, paired animal study, four porous coated Ti implants were inserted into the femurs of each of ten dogs. PC (Porous Coating; control)PC+PSHA (Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite; positive control)PC+ET (Acid Etch)PC+ET+PLCN (Plasma Cleaning) After four weeks mechanical fixation was evaluated by push-out test and osseointegration by histomorphometry. The PSHA-coated implants were better osseointegrated than the three other groups on outer surface implant porosity (p<0.05) while there was no statistical difference in deep surface implant porosity when compared with nontreated implant. Within the deep surface implant porosity, there was more newly formed bone in the control group compared to the ET and ET+PCLN groups (p<0.05). In all compared groups, there was no statistical difference in any biomechanical parameter. In terms of osseointegration on outer surface implant porosity PC+PSHA was superior to the other three groups. Neither the acid etching nor the plasma cleaning offered any advantage in terms of implant osseointegration. There was no statistical difference in any of the biomechanical parameters among all groups in the press-fit model at 4 weeks of evaluation time.

KSC-97PC1761

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-10

United States Senator Bob Graham of Florida visits the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and is briefed on hardware processing for the International Space Station by Jon Cowart, Flight 2A Manager, NASA Space Station Hardware Integration Office. In the foreground, from left to right, are Howard DeCastro, Program Manager for the Space Flight Operations Contract, United Space Alliance; Senator Bob Graham; and Jon Cowart

KSC-97PC1281

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-08-22

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the presentation of the Universal Signal Conditioning Amplifier (USCA), a new piece of technology developed through a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) partnership with industry, to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Director Roy Bridges, Jr., key participants in the partnership pose for a group portrait. They are (from left) Bill Larson, NASA; Dr. Pedro Medelius, INET; Roy Bridges, Jr., KSC Director; Ed Gladney and William Saputo, L-3 Communications; Pam Gillespi, representing Congressman Dave Weldon; and Frank Kinney, Technological Research and Development Authority. The USCA is a key component of the codeveloped Automated Data Acquisition System (ADAS) that measures temperature, pressure and vibration at KSC's launch pads. The breakthrough technology is expected to reduce sensor setup and configuration times from hours to seconds. KSC teamed up with Florida's Technological Research and Development Authority and manufacturer L-3 Communications to produce a system that would benefit the aerospace industry and other commercial markets

Syntheses and properties of elastic copoly(ester-urethane)s containing a phospholipid moiety and the fabrication of nanosheets.

PubMed

Sirithep, Wariya; Morita, Kohei; Iwano, Atsushi; Komachi, Takuya; Okamura, Yosuke; Nagase, Yu

2014-01-01

In these years, we have investigated the syntheses of novel diamine and diol monomers containing phosphorylcholine (PC) group to obtain biocompatible polymers, the backbone components of which were thermally stable and mechanically strong. In this study, the preparations of elastic copoly(ester-urethane)s containing PC group and polycarbonate segment were carried out by polycondensation and polyaddition using a diol monomer containing PC group and polycarbonate diol. It was found that the obtained polymers exhibited the high-thermal stability up to 200 °C and the elasticity derived from the soft segment. The introduction of PC group was effective to improve the resistance to the adhesions of proteins and platelets on the polymer films, which was the result of surface properties derived from the PC moiety. In addition, we tried to prepare ultra-thin polymer films composed of copoly(ester-urethane)s, so-called nanosheets. As a result, the desired nanosheets were successfully fabricated and the obtained nanosheets exhibited the high adhesive strength, indicating that the nanosheets could conform closely to the desired surfaces due to their exquisite flexibility and low roughness.

Kicking against the PRCs – A Domesticated Transposase Antagonises Silencing Mediated by Polycomb Group Proteins and Is an Accessory Component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2

PubMed Central

Perera, Pumi; Mora-García, Santiago; de Leau, Erica; Thornton, Harry; de Alves, Flavia Lima; Rapsilber, Juri; Yang, Suxin; James, Geo Velikkakam; Schneeberger, Korbinian; Finnegan, E. Jean; Turck, Franziska; Goodrich, Justin

2015-01-01

The Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) genes play crucial roles in development by regulating expression of homeotic and other genes controlling cell fate. Both groups catalyse modifications of chromatin, particularly histone methylation, leading to epigenetic changes that affect gene activity. The trxG antagonizes the function of PcG genes by activating PcG target genes, and consequently trxG mutants suppress PcG mutant phenotypes. We previously identified the ANTAGONIST OF LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (ALP1) gene as a genetic suppressor of mutants in the Arabidopsis PcG gene LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (LHP1). Here, we show that ALP1 interacts genetically with several other PcG and trxG components and that it antagonizes PcG silencing. Transcriptional profiling reveals that when PcG activity is compromised numerous target genes are hyper-activated in seedlings and that in most cases this requires ALP1. Furthermore, when PcG activity is present ALP1 is needed for full activation of several floral homeotic genes that are repressed by the PcG. Strikingly, ALP1 does not encode a known chromatin protein but rather a protein related to PIF/Harbinger class transposases. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that ALP1 is broadly conserved in land plants and likely lost transposase activity and acquired a novel function during angiosperm evolution. Consistent with this, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (IP-MS) show that ALP1 associates, in vivo, with core components of POLYCOMB REPRESSIVE COMPLEX 2 (PRC2), a widely conserved PcG protein complex which functions as a H3K27me3 histone methyltransferase. Furthermore, in reciprocal pulldowns using the histone methyltransferase CURLY LEAF (CLF), we identify not only ALP1 and the core PRC2 components but also plant-specific accessory components including EMBRYONIC FLOWER 1 (EMF1), a transcriptional repressor previously associated with PRC1-like complexes. Taken together our data suggest that ALP1 inhibits PcG silencing by blocking the interaction of the core PRC2 with accessory components that promote its HMTase activity or its role in inhibiting transcription. ALP1 is the first example of a domesticated transposase acquiring a novel function as a PcG component. The antagonistic interaction of a modified transposase with the PcG machinery is novel and may have arisen as a means for the cognate transposon to evade host surveillance or for the host to exploit features of the transposition machinery beneficial for epigenetic regulation of gene activity. PMID:26642436

Treatment of Colorectal Peritoneal Carcinomatosis With Systemic Chemotherapy: A Pooled Analysis of North Central Cancer Treatment Group Phase III Trials N9741 and N9841

PubMed Central

Franko, Jan; Shi, Qian; Goldman, Charles D.; Pockaj, Barbara A.; Nelson, Garth D.; Goldberg, Richard M.; Pitot, Henry C.; Grothey, Axel; Alberts, Steven R.; Sargent, Daniel J.

2012-01-01

Purpose Symptoms and complications of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) differ by metastatic sites. There is a paucity of prospective survival data for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis colorectal cancer (pcCRC). We characterized outcomes of patients with pcCRC enrolled onto two prospective randomized trials of chemotherapy and contrasted that with other manifestations of mCRC (non-pcCRC). Methods A total of 2,095 patients enrolled onto two prospective randomized trials were evaluated for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the adjusted associations. Results The characteristics of the pcCRC group (n = 364) were similar to those of the non-pcCRC patients in median age (63 v 61 years, P = .23), sex (57% males v 61%, P = .23), and performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1 94% v 96%, P = .06), but differed in frequency of liver (63% v 82%, P < .001) and lung metastases (27% v 34%, P = .01). Median OS (12.7 v 17.6 months, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.5; P < .001) and PFS (5.8 v 7.2 months, HR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.3; P = .001) were shorter for pcCRC versus non-pcCRC. The unfavorable prognostic influence of pcCRC remained after adjusting for age, PS, liver metastases, and other factors (OS: HR = 1.3, P < .001; PFS: HR = 1.1, P = .02). Infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin was superior to irinotecan, leucovorin, and fluorouracil as a first-line treatment among pcCRC (HR for OS = 0.62, P = .005) and non-pcCRC patients (HR = 0.66, P < .001). Conclusion pcCRC is associated with a significantly shorter OS and PFS as compared with other manifestations of mCRC. Future trials for mCRC should consider stratifying on the basis of pcCRC status. PMID:22162570

Observations of a Unique Type of ULF Wave by Low-Altitude Space Technology 5 Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, G.; Chi, P. J.; Strangeway, R. J.; Slavin, J. A.

2011-01-01

We report a unique type of ULF waves observed by low-altitude Space Technology 5 (ST-5) constellation mission. ST-5 is a three-microsatellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km dawn-dusk and Sun-synchronous polar orbit with 105.6deg inclination angle. Because of the Earth's rotation and the dipole tilt effect, the spacecraft's dawn-dusk orbit track can reach as low as subauroral latitudes during the course of a day. Whenever the spacecraft traverse the dayside closed field line region at subauroral latitudes, they frequently observe strong transverse oscillations at 30-200 mHz, or in the Pc2-3 frequency range. These Pc2-3 waves appear as wave packets with durations in the order of 5-10 min. As the maximum separations of the ST-5 spacecraft are in the order of 10 min, the three ST-5 satellites often observe very similar wave packets, implying these wave oscillations occur in a localized region. The coordinated ground-based magnetic observations at the spacecraft footprints, however, do not see waves in the Pc2-3 band; instead, the waves appear to be the common Pc4-5 waves associated with field line resonances. We suggest that these unique Pc2-3 waves seen by ST-5 are in fact the Doppler-shifted Pc4-5 waves as a result of rapid traverse of the spacecraft across the resonant field lines azimuthally at low altitudes. The observations with the unique spacecraft dawn-dusk orbits at proper altitudes and magnetic latitudes reveal the azimuthal characteristics of field line resonances.

Intramammary administration of platelet concentrate as an unconventional therapy in bovine mastitis: first clinical application.

PubMed

Lange-Consiglio, A; Spelta, C; Garlappi, R; Luini, M; Cremonesi, F

2014-10-01

Bovine udder infections induce a variety of changes in gene expression of different growth factors that may suggest their possible role in glandular tissue protection or repair processes. Growth factors and also chemokines and cytokines may act synergistically to increase the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages to promote angiogenesis, fibroplasia, matrix deposition, and, ultimately, re-epithelialization. Considering the vast applications, typically in human medicine, of platelet concentrate (PC) and its ease of preparation, the aim of our study was to evaluate an alternative therapy to stimulate the regeneration of glandular tissue, administering a concentration in excess of the growth factors contained in the PC. In each one of the 3 farms examined in the trial, PC was prepared from donor cows in good health, free from infections, and with no records of medications administered during the previous 2 mo. The platelet produced in one farm was used only for treating the cows of the same farm in a heterologous way. A total of 229 mastitic quarters were divided in 3 groups: antibiotic group (treated with intramammary antibiotic), antibiotic and PC group (treated intramammarily with antibiotics in association with PC), and PC group (treated with intramammary PC alone). The diagnosis of mastitis was based on somatic cell count and bacteriological evaluation of the milk from the affected quarter. Platelet concentrate, alone or in association with antibiotic, was used for 3 consecutive days as an unconventional therapy in bovine acute and chronic mastitis. Our data show that the associated action of antibiotic and PC performed significantly better than the antibiotic alone, either for the recovery of the affected mammary quarters or for somatic cell count reduction. In the same way, the association antibiotic plus PC showed significantly fewer relapses compared with the antibiotic alone, either for acute or chronic mastitis. The treatment with only PC did not show statistically significant differences compared with both antibiotic alone or associated treatment for acute mastitis, and it was better than the use of only antibiotic for chronic mastitis. Our results show that PC alone may be useful for a quick resolution of the inflammatory response, playing a role in limiting the tissue damage to the mammary gland parenchyma and reducing the recurrence rates. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Description of the three axis low-g accelerometer package

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amalavage, A. J.; Fikes, E. H.; Berry, E. H.

1978-01-01

The three axis low-g accelerometer package designed for use on the Space Processing Application Rocket (SPAR) Program is described. The package consists of the following major sections: (1) three Kearfott model 2412 accelerometers mounted in an orthogonal triad configuration on a temperature controlled, thermally isolated cube, (2) the accelerometer servoelectronics (printed circuit cards PC-6 through PC-12), and (3) the signal conditioner (printed circuit cards PC-15 and PC-16). The measurement range is 0 + or - 0.031 g with a quantization of 1.1 x 10 to the 7th power g. The package was flown successfully on six SPAR launches with the Black Brant booster. These flights provide approximately 300 s of free fall or zero-g environment.

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).

History of Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

NASA Image and Video Library

1985-01-01

In this photograph, engineers and technicians prepare the Hubble Space Telescope's (HST's) Wide Field and Planetary Camera (WF/PC) for installation at the Lockheed Missile and Space Company. The WF/PC is designed to investigate the age of the universe and to search for new planetary systems around young stars. It takes pictures of large numbers of galaxies and close-ups of planets in our solar system. The HST is the first of NASA's great observatories and the most complex and sensitive optical telescope ever made. The purpose of the HST is to study the cosmos from a low-Earth orbit by placing the telescope in space, enabling astronomers to collect data that is free of the Earth's atmosphere. The HST was deployed from the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-31 mission) into Earth orbit in April 1990. The Marshall Space Flight Center had overall responsibility for design, development, and construction of the HST. The Perkin-Elmer Corporation, in Danbury, Cornecticut, developed the optical system and guidance sensors. The Lockheed Missile and Space Company, Sunnyvale, California, produced the protective outer shroud and spacecraft systems, and assembled and tested the finished telescope.

Prostate cancer incidence and survival in immigrants to Sweden.

PubMed

Hemminki, Kari; Ankerst, Donna P; Sundquist, Jan; Mousavi, Seyed Mohsen

2013-12-01

The large international variation in the incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is well known but the underlying reasons are not understood. We want to compare PC incidence and survival among immigrants to Sweden in order to explain the international differences. Cancer data were obtained from the Swedish Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for PC in first-degree immigrants by country of birth. The immigrants were classified into four groups by SIR and area of origin. Survival in PC was assessed by hazard ratio (HR) in the four groups. In some analyses, clinical stage of PC was assessed by the tumor, node, and metastasis classification. The SIR was 0.47 (95% confidence interval 0.43-0.51) for immigrants with the lowest risk, constituting men from Turkey, Middle East, Asia, and Chile. The HR was 0.60 (0.45-0.81) for these men and it was 0.49 if they had stayed 20+ years in Sweden. The SIR in screening detected PC, T1c, was 0.55. Among these men, screening detected PC constituted 34.5% of all PC, compared to 29.0% among Swedes (p = 0.10). The results showed that the non-European immigrants, of mainly Middle East, Asian, and Chilean origin, with the lowest risk of PC, also had the most favorable survival in PC. As the available clinical features of PC at diagnosis or the distribution of known risk factors could not explain the differences, a likely biological mechanism through a favorable androgenic hormonal host environment is suggested as an explanation of the observed effects.

Predictors of CPAP compliance in different clinical settings: primary care versus sleep unit.

PubMed

Nadal, Núria; de Batlle, Jordi; Barbé, Ferran; Marsal, Josep Ramon; Sánchez-de-la-Torre, Alicia; Tarraubella, Nuria; Lavega, Merce; Sánchez-de-la-Torre, Manuel

2018-03-01

Good adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment improves the patient's quality of life and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies that have analyzed the adherence to CPAP were performed in a sleep unit (SU) setting. The involvement of primary care (PC) in the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients receiving CPAP treatment could introduce factors related to the adherence to treatment. The objective was to compare the baseline predictors of CPAP compliance in SU and PC settings. OSA patients treated with CPAP were followed for 6 months in SU or PC setting. We included baseline clinical and anthropometrical variables, the Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) score, the quality of life index, and the Charlson index. A logistic regression was performed for each group to determine the CPAP compliance predictors. Discrimination and calibration were performed using the area under the curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests. We included 191 patients: 91 in the PC group and 100 in the SU group. In 74.9% of the patients, the compliance was ≥ 4 h per day, with 80% compliance in the SU setting and 69.2% compliance in the PC setting (p = 0.087). The predictors of CPAP compliance were different between SU and PC settings. Body mass index, ESS, and CPAP pressure were predictors in the SU setting, and ESS, gender, and waist circumference were predictors in the PC setting. The predictors of adequate CPAP compliance vary between SU and PC settings. Detecting compliance predictors could help in the planning of early interventions to improve CPAP adherence.

Dietary phosphatidylcholine impacts on growth performance and lipid metabolism in adult Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

PubMed

Tian, Juan; Wen, Hua; Lu, Xing; Liu, Wei; Wu, Fan; Yang, Chang-Geng; Jiang, Ming; Yu, Li-Juan

2018-01-01

This study aimed to determine the effects of supplementing the diet of adult Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus with phosphatidylcholine (PC) on growth performance, body composition, fatty acid composition and gene expression. Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia fish with an initial body weight of 83·1 (sd 2·9) g were divided into six groups. Each group was hand-fed a semi-purified diet containing 1·7 (control diet), 4·0, 6·5, 11·5, 21·3 or 41·0 g PC/kg diet for 68 d. Supplemental PC improved the feed efficiency rate, which was highest in the 11·5 g PC/kg diet. Weight gain and specific growth rate were unaffected. Dietary PC increased PC content in the liver and decreased crude fat content in the liver, viscera and body. SFA and MUFA increased and PUFA decreased in muscle with increasing dietary PC. Cytoplasmic phospholipase A 2 and secreted phospholipase A 2 mRNA expression were up-regulated in the brain and heart in PC-supplemented fish. PC reduced fatty acid synthase mRNA expression in the liver and visceral tissue but increased expression in muscle. Hormone-sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase expression increased in the liver with increasing dietary PC. Growth hormone mRNA expression was reduced in the brain and insulin-like growth factor-1 mRNA expression in liver reduced with PC above 6·5 g/kg. Our results demonstrate that dietary supplementation with PC improves feed efficiency and reduces liver fat in adult Nile tilapia, without increasing weight gain, representing a novel dietary approach to reduce feed requirements and improve the health of Nile tilapia.

Stuxnet Facilitates the Degradation of Polycomb Protein during Development.

PubMed

Du, Juan; Zhang, Junzheng; He, Tao; Li, Yajuan; Su, Ying; Tie, Feng; Liu, Min; Harte, Peter J; Zhu, Alan Jian

2016-06-20

Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins function to ensure correct deployment of developmental programs by epigenetically repressing target gene expression. Despite the importance, few studies have been focused on the regulation of PcG activity itself. Here, we report a Drosophila gene, stuxnet (stx), that controls Pc protein stability. We find that heightened stx activity leads to homeotic transformation, reduced Pc activity, and de-repression of PcG targets. Conversely, stx mutants, which can be rescued by decreased Pc expression, display developmental defects resembling hyperactivation of Pc. Our biochemical analyses provide a mechanistic basis for the interaction between stx and Pc; Stx facilitates Pc degradation in the proteasome, independent of ubiquitin modification. Furthermore, this mode of regulation is conserved in vertebrates. Mouse stx promotes degradation of Cbx4, an orthologous Pc protein, in vertebrate cells and induces homeotic transformation in Drosophila. Our results highlight an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of regulated protein degradation on PcG homeostasis and epigenetic activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zinc phthalocyanine-loaded PLGA biodegradable nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy in tumor-bearing mice.

PubMed

Fadel, Maha; Kassab, Kawser; Fadeel, Doa Abdel

2010-03-01

Nanoparticles formulated from the biodegradable copolymer poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) were investigated as a drug delivery system to enhance tissue uptake, permeation, and targeting of zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) for photodynamic therapy. Three ZnPc nanoparticle formulations were prepared using a solvent emulsion evaporation method and the influence of sonication time on nanoparticle shape, encapsulation and size distribution, in vitro release, and in vivo photodynamic efficiency in tumor-bearing mice were studied. Sonication time did not affect the process yield or encapsulation efficiency, but did affect significantly the particle size. Sonication for 20 min reduced the mean particle size to 374.3 nm and the in vitro release studies demonstrated a controlled release profile of ZnPc. Tumor-bearing mice injected with ZnPc nanoparticles exhibited significantly smaller mean tumor volume, increased tumor growth delay and longer survival compared with the control group and the group injected with free ZnPc during the time course of the experiment. Histopathological examination of tumor from animals treated with PLGA ZnPc showed regression of tumor cells, in contrast to those obtained from animals treated with free ZnPc. The results indicate that ZnPc encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles is a successful delivery system for improving photodynamic activity in the target tissue.

Validation of N-glycan markers that improve the performance of CA19-9 in pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Zhao, Yun-Peng; Zhou, Ping-Ting; Ji, Wei-Ping; Wang, Hao; Fang, Meng; Wang, Meng-Meng; Yin, Yue-Peng; Jin, Gang; Gao, Chun-Fang

2017-02-01

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a high mortality rate because it is usually diagnosed late. Glycosylation of proteins is known to change in tumor cells during the development of PC. The objectives of this study were to identify and validate the diagnostic value of novel biomarkers based on N-glycomic profiling for PC. In total, 217 individuals including subjects with PC, pancreatitis, and healthy controls were divided randomly into a training group (n = 164) and validation groups (n = 53). Serum N-glycomic profiling was analyzed by DSA-FACE. The diagnostic model was constructed based on N-glycan markers with logistic stepwise regression. The diagnostic performance of the model was assessed further in validation cohort. The level of total core fucose residues was increased significantly in PC. Two diagnostic models designated GlycoPCtest and PCmodel (combining GlycoPCtest and CA19-9) were constructed to differentiate PC from normal. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of PCmodel was higher than that of CA19-9 (0.925 vs. 0.878). The diagnostic models based on N-glycans are new, valuable, noninvasive alternatives for identifying PC. The diagnostic efficacy is improved by combined GlycoPCtest and CA19-9 for the discrimination of patients with PC from healthy controls.

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 enhancements occur, T_LL at higher latitude (L larger than 5) is predominantly diffusional, whereas T_LL at lower latitude (L less than 4) is mainly convectional. We concluded that higher-latitude Pc 5 pulsations play more effective roles than lower latitude Pc 5 pulsations in the radial diffusion process.

Genome-wide analysis of Polycomb targets in Drosophila

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

Schwartz, Yuri B.; Kahn, Tatyana G.; Nix, David A.

2006-04-01

Polycomb Group (PcG) complexes are multiprotein assemblages that bind to chromatin and establish chromatin states leading to epigenetic silencing. PcG proteins regulate homeotic genes in flies and vertebrates but little is known about other PcG targets and the role of the PcG in development, differentiation and disease. We have determined the distribution of the PcG proteins PC, E(Z) and PSC and of histone H3K27 trimethylation in the Drosophila genome. At more than 200 PcG target genes, binding sites for the three PcG proteins colocalize to presumptive Polycomb Response Elements (PREs). In contrast, H3 me3K27 forms broad domains including the entiremore » transcription unit and regulatory regions. PcG targets are highly enriched in genes encoding transcription factors but receptors, signaling proteins, morphogens and regulators representing all major developmental pathways are also included.« less

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.

Cross protective immune responses in nursing piglets infected with a US spike-insertion deletion porcine epidemic diarrhea virus strain and challenged with an original US PEDV strain.

PubMed

Annamalai, Thavamathi; Lin, Chun-Ming; Gao, Xiang; Liu, Xinsheng; Lu, Zhongyan; Saif, Linda J; Wang, Qiuhong

2017-10-06

We investigated cross-protective immunity of a US spike-insertion deletion porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) Iowa106 (S-INDEL) strain against the original US PEDV (PC21A) strain in nursing piglets. Piglets were inoculated orally with S-INDEL, PC21A or mock. At 20-29 days post-inoculation (dpi), all pigs were challenged with the PC21A strain. The S-INDEL-inoculated pigs had lower ileal IgA antibody secreting cells, serum IgA and neutralizing antibody titers compared with PC21A-inoculated pigs. No pigs in the PC21A-group developed diarrhea, whereas 81 and 100% of pigs in the S-INDEL and mock-groups had diarrhea post challenge, respectively. S-INDEL induced partial protective immunity against the original US PEDV strain.

The ULT trxG Fatcors play a role in Arabidopsis Fertilization

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Trithorax group (trxG) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are epigenetic modifiers that play key roles in eukaryotic development by promoting active or repressive gene expression states, respectively. Although PcG proteins have well-defined roles in controlling developmental transitions, cell fate de...

Comparison of titanium cable tension band and nickel-titanium patella concentrator for patella fractures.

PubMed

Zhao, Quan-Ming; Gu, Xiao-Feng; Cheng, Li; Feng, De-Hong

2017-07-01

Patellar fractures account for approximately 1% of all fractures. Due to the patella's importance as regards the extensor mechanism, effort should be made to preserve the patella. Several operative treatment methods have been introduced for patella fractures. This study aims to compare the clinical effect of a titanium cable tension band and nickeltitanium (NiTi) patella concentrator (NT-PC) in treating patella fractures. Thirty-nine patients with patella fractures were enrolled in this retrospective study. All the patients were treated via the open reduction internal fixation procedure using a titanium cable tension band or NT-PC. All the patients were followed up over an average period of 13 months. The main outcome measures were operation time, time of fracture union, postoperative complications, and Böstman knee scores. Statistical analyses were conducted between the 2 groups. All the patients were operated on successfully. The operation time of the NT-PC treatment group was less than that of the titanium cable tension band treatment group (p < 0.05). The mean scores at the final follow-up were 28.2 and 27.6 points in the titanium cable tension band and NT-PC groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the excellent and good results (p > 0.05). Both titanium cable tension band and NT-PC showed good efficacy for the treatment of patellar fractures. NT-PC fixation, a new option for the treatment of patella fractures, is a simple and effective fixation method.

Chitosan derivatives for gene transfer: effect of phosphorylcholine and diethylaminoethyl grafts on the in vitro transfection efficiency.

PubMed

Picola, Isadora Pfeifer Dalla; Shi, Qin; Fernandes, Júlio Cesar; Petrônio, Maicon Segalla; Lima, Aline Margarete Furuyama; de Oliveira Tiera, Vera Aparecida; Tiera, Marcio José

2016-11-01

The purpose of this work was to improve the functional properties of chitosan for gene transfer by inserting phosphorylcholine (PC) and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) groups into the main chain. A series of derivatives containing increasing contents of DEAE and a fixed content of PC groups were synthesized and characterized, aiming to evaluate the effect of these groups on the nanoparticles' properties and the in vitro transfection efficiency. The derivatives were soluble at physiological pH levels and all derivatives were less cytotoxic than the control, the lipid lipofectamine. The obtained derivatives complexed pDNA into nanoparticles with smaller sizes and higher zeta potentials than plain chitosan. The in vitro transfection was performed with nanoparticles prepared at pH 6.3 and 7.4 and the results showed that nanoparticles prepared with derivatives containing 20% of PC groups (PC18-CH) and high degrees of substitution by DEAE (PC20-CH-DEAE100, CH-DEAE80, CH-DEAE100) displayed the better transfection efficiencies in HeLa cells, reaching relative values comparable to lipofectamine. The most effective derivative, PC18CH, was selected for complexation with siRNA and its complexes demonstrated an in vitro knockdown efficiency highly dependent on the N/P ratio. Our combined results indicated that, by means of controlled modifications, the limitations of chitosan can be overcome to obtain more effective carriers based on chitosan, and the derivatives here studied hold potential for in vivo studies.

Real time gamma-ray signature identifier

DOEpatents

Rowland, Mark [Alamo, CA; Gosnell, Tom B [Moraga, CA; Ham, Cheryl [Livermore, CA; Perkins, Dwight [Livermore, CA; Wong, James [Dublin, CA

2012-05-15

A real time gamma-ray signature/source identification method and system using principal components analysis (PCA) for transforming and substantially reducing one or more comprehensive spectral libraries of nuclear materials types and configurations into a corresponding concise representation/signature(s) representing and indexing each individual predetermined spectrum in principal component (PC) space, wherein an unknown gamma-ray signature may be compared against the representative signature to find a match or at least characterize the unknown signature from among all the entries in the library with a single regression or simple projection into the PC space, so as to substantially reduce processing time and computing resources and enable real-time characterization and/or identification.

Impact of Non-Gaussian Error Volumes on Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghrist, Richard W.; Plakalovic, Dragan

2012-01-01

An understanding of how an initially Gaussian error volume becomes non-Gaussian over time is an important consideration for space-vehicle conjunction assessment. Traditional assumptions applied to the error volume artificially suppress the true non-Gaussian nature of the space-vehicle position uncertainties. For typical conjunction assessment objects, representation of the error volume by a state error covariance matrix in a Cartesian reference frame is a more significant limitation than is the assumption of linearized dynamics for propagating the error volume. In this study, the impact of each assumption is examined and isolated for each point in the volume. Limitations arising from representing the error volume in a Cartesian reference frame is corrected by employing a Monte Carlo approach to probability of collision (Pc), using equinoctial samples from the Cartesian position covariance at the time of closest approach (TCA) between the pair of space objects. A set of actual, higher risk (Pc >= 10 (exp -4)+) conjunction events in various low-Earth orbits using Monte Carlo methods are analyzed. The impact of non-Gaussian error volumes on Pc for these cases is minimal, even when the deviation from a Gaussian distribution is significant.

Porous Coordination Polymer Based on Bipyridinium Carboxylate Linkers with High and Reversible Ammonia Uptake.

PubMed

Leroux, Maxime; Mercier, Nicolas; Allain, Magali; Dul, Marie-Claire; Dittmer, Jens; Kassiba, Abdel Hadi; Bellat, Jean-Pierre; Weber, Guy; Bezverkhyy, Igor

2016-09-06

The zwitterionic bipyridinium carboxylate ligand 1,1'-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium (pc1) in the presence of cadmium chloride affords novel porous coordination polymers (PCPs): [Cd4(pc1)3Cl6]·CdCl4·guest (1) crystallizing in the P3̅1c space group. In the structure, [Cd4Cl6(CO2)6] building units are linked together by six pc1 ligands, leading to a 3D high-symmetrical network exhibiting hexagonal channels along the c axis. The walls of this PCP consist of cationic electron-acceptor bipyridinium units. The PCP 1 reversibly adsorbs H2O and CH3OH up to about 0.1 g/g at saturation showing the adsorption isotherms characteristic of a moderately hydrophilic sorbent. Adsorption of ammonia (NH3) follows a different pattern, reaching an exceptional uptake of 0.39 g/g (22.3 mmol/g) after the first adsorption cycle. Although the crystalline structure of 1 collapses after the first adsorption, the solid can be regenerated and maintains the capacity of 0.29 g/g (17 mmol/g) in the following cycles. We found that the high NH3 uptake is due to a combination of pore filling taking place below 150 h·Pa and chemisorption occurring at higher pressures. The latter process was shown to involve two phenomena: (i) coordination of NH3 molecules to Cd(2+) cations as follows from (113)Cd NMR and (ii) strong donor-acceptor interactions between NH3 molecules and pc1 ligands.

Regulation of gene transcription by Polycomb proteins

PubMed Central

Aranda, Sergi; Mas, Gloria; Di Croce, Luciano

2015-01-01

The Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins defines a subset of factors that physically associate and function to maintain the positional identity of cells from the embryo to adult stages. PcG has long been considered a paradigmatic model for epigenetic maintenance of gene transcription programs. Despite intensive research efforts to unveil the molecular mechanisms of action of PcG proteins, several fundamental questions remain unresolved: How many different PcG complexes exist in mammalian cells? How are PcG complexes targeted to specific loci? How does PcG regulate transcription? In this review, we discuss the diversity of PcG complexes in mammalian cells, examine newly identified modes of recruitment to chromatin, and highlight the latest insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of PcGs in transcription regulation and three-dimensional chromatin conformation. PMID:26665172

ksc-88pc-1193

NASA Image and Video Library

1988-09-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA employees, their families and friends gather on the NASA Causeway over the Banana River, south of Kennedy Space Center, the morning of the launch of STS-26 and the Space Shuttle Discovery. An estimated 1 million people were expected to view the 11:37 a.m. launch from various locations in Central Florida

Genome-wide profiling of PRC1 and PRC2 Polycomb chromatin binding in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Tolhuis, Bas; de Wit, Elzo; Muijrers, Inhua; Teunissen, Hans; Talhout, Wendy; van Steensel, Bas; van Lohuizen, Maarten

2006-06-01

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins maintain transcriptional repression of developmentally important genes and have been implicated in cell proliferation and stem cell self-renewal. We used a genome-wide approach to map binding patterns of PcG proteins (Pc, esc and Sce) in Drosophila melanogaster Kc cells. We found that Pc associates with large genomic regions of up to approximately 150 kb in size, hereafter referred to as 'Pc domains'. Sce and esc accompany Pc in most of these domains. PcG-bound chromatin is trimethylated at histone H3 Lys27 and is generally transcriptionally silent. Furthermore, PcG proteins preferentially bind to developmental genes. Many of these encode transcriptional regulators and key components of signal transduction pathways, including Wingless, Hedgehog, Notch and Delta. We also identify several new putative functions of PcG proteins, such as in steroid hormone biosynthesis. These results highlight the extensive involvement of PcG proteins in the coordination of development through the formation of large repressive chromatin domains.

Modulating protein behaviors on responsive surface by external electric fields: A molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yun; Pan, Yufang; Zhang, Rong; Liang, Ying; Li, Zhanchao

2015-01-01

Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the modulation of protein behaviors on the electrically responsive zwitterionic phosphorylcholine self-assembled monolayers (PC-SAMs). Results show that PC-SAMs could sensitively respond to the applied electric fields and exhibit three states with different charge distributions, namely both the negatively charged phosphate groups and the positively charged choline groups are exposed to the solution in the absence of electric fields (state 1), phosphate groups exposed in the presence of positive electric fields (state 2), and choline groups exposed in the presence of negative electric fields (state 3). Under state 1, the adsorption of Cyt c on the PC-SAM is reversible and the orientations of Cyt c are randomly distributed. Under state 2, the adsorption of Cyt c is enhanced due to the electrostatic attractions between the exposed phosphate groups and the positively charged protein; when adsorbed on the PC-SAMs, Cyt c tends to adopt the orientation with the heme plane perpendicular to the surface plane, and the percentage of this orientation increases as the field strength rises up. Under state 3, the adsorption of Cyt c is retarded because of the electrostatic repulsions between the exposed choline groups and the protein; however, if the gaps between PC chains are large enough, Cyt c could insert into the PC-SAM and access the phosphate groups after overcoming a slight energy barrier. Under three states, the basic backbone structures of Cyt c are well kept within the simulation time since the conformation of Cyt c is mainly affected by the surface-generated electric fields, whose strengths are modulated by the external electric fields and are not strong enough to deform protein. The results indicate the possibility of regulating protein behaviors, including promoting or retarding protein adsorption and regulating protein orientations, on responsive surfaces by applying electric fields on the surfaces without worrying protein deformation, which may be helpful in the applications of protein separation and controlled drug delivery.

Application of Short Screening Tools for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Korean Elderly Population

PubMed Central

Jang, Yu Jin; Chung, Hae Gyung; Choi, Jin Hee; Kim, Tae Yong; So, Hyung Seok

2016-01-01

Objective Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often missed or incorrectly diagnosed in primary care settings. Although brief screening instruments may be useful in detecting PTSD, an adequate validation study has not been conducted with older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the primary care PTSD screen (PC-PTSD) and single-item PTSD screener (SIPS) in elderly veterans. Methods The PC-PTSD and SIPS assessments were translated into Korean, with a back-translation to the original language to verify accuracy. Vietnamese war veterans [separated into a PTSD group (n=41) and a non-PTSD group (n=99)] participated in several psychometric assessments, including the Korean versions of the PC-PTSD (PC-PTSD-K), SIPS (SIPS-K), a structured clinical interview from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV(SCID), and PTSD checklist(PCL). Results The PC-PTSD-K showed high internal consistency (Cronbach α=0.76), and the test-retest reliability of the PC-PTSD-K and SIPS-K were also high (r=0.97 and r=0.91, respectively). A total score of 3 from the PC-PTSD-K yielded the highest diagnostic efficiency, with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.90 and 0.86, respectively. The 'bothered a lot' response level from the SIPS-K showed the highest diagnostic efficiency, with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.85 and 0.89, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggest that both PC-PTSD-K and SIPS-K have good psychometric properties with high validity and reliability for detecting PTSD symptoms in elderly Korean veterans. However, further research will be necessary to increase our understanding of PTSD characteristics in diverse groups with different types of trauma. PMID:27482241

Observations of a Unique Type of ULF Waves by Low-Latitude Space Technology Five Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, G.; Chi, P.; Strangeway, R. J.; Slavin, J. A.

2011-01-01

We report a unique type of ULF waves observed by low-altitude Space Technology 5 (ST-5) constellation mission. ST-5 is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, and sun synchronous polar orbit with 105.6deg inclination angle. Due to the Earth s rotation and the dipole tilt effect, the spacecraft s dawn-dusk orbit track can reach as low as subauroral latitudes during the course of a day. Whenever the spacecraft traverse across the dayside closed field line region at subauroral latitudes, they frequently observe strong transverse oscillations at 30-200 mHz, or in the Pc 2-3 frequency range. These Pc 2-3 waves appear as wave packets with durations in the order of 5-10 minutes. As the maximum separations of the ST-5 spacecraft are in the order of 10 minutes, the three ST-5 satellites often observe very similar wave packets, implying these wave oscillations occur in a localized region. The coordinated ground-based magnetic observations at the spacecraft footprints, however, do not see waves in the Pc 2-3 band; instead, the waves appear to be the common Pc 4-5 waves associated with field line resonances. We suggest that these unique Pc 2-3 waves seen by ST-5 are in fact the Doppler-shifted Pc 4-5 waves as a result of rapid traverse of the spacecraft across the resonant field lines azimuthally at low altitudes. The observations with the unique spacecraft dawn-disk orbits at proper altitudes and magnetic latitudes reveal the azimuthal characteristics of field-aligned resonances.

Observations of a Unique Type of ULF Waves by Low-Latitude Space Technology 5 Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, G.; Chi, P. J.; Strangeway, R. J.; Slavin, J. A.

2011-01-01

We report a unique type of ULF waves observed by low-altitude Space Technology 5 (ST-5) constellation mission. ST-5 is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, and sun synchronous polar orbit with 105.6deg inclination angle. Due to the Earth s rotation and the dipole tilt effect, the spacecraft s dawn-dusk orbit track can reach as low as subauroral latitudes during the course of a day. Whenever the spacecraft traverse across the dayside closed field line region at subauroral latitudes, they frequently observe strong transverse oscillations at 30-200 mHz, or in the Pc 2-3 frequency range. These Pc 2-3 waves appear as wave packets with durations in the order of 5-10 minutes. As the maximum separations of the ST-5 spacecraft are in the order of 10 minutes, the three ST-5 satellites often observe very similar wave packets, implying these wave oscillations occur in a localized region. The coordinated ground-based magnetic observations at the spacecraft footprints, however, do not see waves in the Pc 2-3 band; instead, the waves appear to be the common Pc 4-5 waves associated with field line resonances. We suggest that this unique Pc 2-3 waves seen by ST-5 are in fact the Doppler-shifted Pc 4-5 waves as a result of rapid traverse of the spacecraft across the resonant field lines azimuthally at low altitudes. The observations with the unique spacecraft dawn-disk orbits at proper altitudes and magnetic latitudes reveal the azimuthal characteristics of field-aligned resonances.

Observations of a Unique Type of ULF Waves by Low-Latitude Space Technology 5 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Guan; Chi, P.; Strangeway, R. J.; Slavin, J. A.

2011-01-01

We report a unique type of ULF waves observed by low-altitude Space Technology 5 (ST-5) constellation mission. ST-5 is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, and sun synchronous polar orbit with 105.6 inclination angle. Due to the Earth's rotation and the dipole tilt effect, the spacecraft's dawn-dusk orbit track can reach as low as sub auroral latitudes during the course of a day. Whenever the spacecraft traverse across the dayside closed field line region at sub auroral latitudes, they frequently observe strong transverse oscillations at 30-200 mHz, or in the Pc 2-3 frequency range. These Pc 2-3 waves appear as wave packets with durations in the order of 5-10 minutes. As the maximum separations of the ST-5 spacecraft are in the order of 10 minutes, the three ST -5 satellites often observe very similar wave packets, implying these wave oscillations occur in a localized region. The coordinated ground-based magnetic observations at the spacecraft footprints, however, do not see waves in the Pc 2-3 band; instead, the waves appear to be the common Pc 4-5 waves associated with field line resonances. We suggest that these unique Pc 2-3 waves seen by ST-5 are in fact the Doppler-shifted Pc 4-5 waves as a result of rapid traverse of the spacecraft across the resonant field lines azimuthally at low altitudes. The observations with the unique spacecraft dawn-disk orbits at proper altitudes and magnetic latitudes reveal the azimuthal characteristics of field-aligned resonances.

Observations of a Unique Type of ULF Waves by Low-Latitude Space Technology 5 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, G.; Chi, P.; Strangeway, R. J.; Slavin, J. A.

2010-01-01

We report a unique type of ULF waves observed by low-altitude Space Technology 5 (ST-5) constellation mission. ST-5 is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, and sun synchronous polar orbit with 105.6 degree inclination angle. Due to the Earth's rotation and the dipole tilt effect, the spacecraft's dawn-dusk orbit track can reach as low as subauroral latitudes during the course of a day. Whenever the spacecraft traverse across the dayside closed field line region at sub auroral latitudes, they frequently observe strong transverse oscillations at 30-200 mHz, or in the Pc 2-3 frequency range. These Pc 2-3 waves appear as wave packets with durations in the order of 5-10 minutes. As the maximum separations of the ST-5 spacecraft are in the order of 10 minutes, the three ST-5 satellites often observe very similar wave packets, implying these wave oscillations occur in a localized region. The coordinated ground-based magnetic observations at the spacecraft footprints, however, do not see waves in the Pc 2-3 band; instead, the waves appear to be the common Pc 4-5 waves associated with field line resonances. We suggest that these unique Pc 2-3 waves seen by ST-5 are in fact the Doppler-shifted Pc 4-5 waves as a result of rapid traverse of the spacecraft across the resonant field lines azimuthally at low altitudes. The observations with the unique spacecraft dawn-disk orbits at proper altitudes and magnetic latitudes reveal the azimuthal characteristics of field-aligned resonances.

Telescience Resource Kit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Michelle; Lippincott, Jeff; Chubb, Steve; Whitaker, Jimmy; Rice, Jim; Gillis, Robert; Sims, Chris; Sellers, Donna; Bailey, Darrell (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Telescience Resource Kit (TReK) is a PC based ground control system. It can be used by a single individual or in a group environment to monitor and control spacecraft systems and payloads. Capabilities include data receipt, data processing, data storage, data management, and data transmission. Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware and software have been employed to reduce development costs, operations and maintenance costs, and to effectively take advantage of new commercial products as they become available. The TReK system is currently being used to monitor and control payloads aboard the International Space Station. It is located at sites around the world.

KSC-98pc798

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-07-01

A Kennedy Space Center aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle supports heavy traffic at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, Florida, where aircraft capable of carrying water were staged during the recent brushfires throughout Florida. Aircraft were supporting firefighting efforts in Brevard, Volusia, and Flagler counties

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.

On the nature of hydrogen bonding between the phosphatidylcholine head group and water and dimethylsulfoxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dabkowska, Aleksandra P.; Lawrence, M. Jayne; McLain, Sylvia E.; Lorenz, Christian D.

2013-01-01

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to provide a detailed investigation of the hydrogen bond networks around the phosphatidylcholine (PC) head group in 1,2-dipropionyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine in pure water, 10 mol.% and 30 mol.% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-water solutions. Specifically, it is observed that DMSO replaces those water molecules that are within the first solvation shell of the choline, phosphate and ester groups of the PC head group, but are not hydrogen-bonded to the group. The effect of the presence of DMSO on the hydrogen bond network around the PC head groups of the lipid changes with the concentration of DMSO. In comparison to the hydrogen bond network observed in the pure water system, the number of hydrogen-bonded chains of solvent molecules increases slightly for the 10 mol.% DMSO system, while, in the 30 mol.% DMSO system, the number of hydrogen-bonded chains of solvent molecules decreases.

A Cost Effective System Design Approach for Critical Space Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbott, Larry Wayne; Cox, Gary; Nguyen, Hai

2000-01-01

NASA-JSC required an avionics platform capable of serving a wide range of applications in a cost-effective manner. In part, making the avionics platform cost effective means adhering to open standards and supporting the integration of COTS products with custom products. Inherently, operation in space requires low power, mass, and volume while retaining high performance, reconfigurability, scalability, and upgradability. The Universal Mini-Controller project is based on a modified PC/104-Plus architecture while maintaining full compatibility with standard COTS PC/104 products. The architecture consists of a library of building block modules, which can be mixed and matched to meet a specific application. A set of NASA developed core building blocks, processor card, analog input/output card, and a Mil-Std-1553 card, have been constructed to meet critical functions and unique interfaces. The design for the processor card is based on the PowerPC architecture. This architecture provides an excellent balance between power consumption and performance, and has an upgrade path to the forthcoming radiation hardened PowerPC processor. The processor card, which makes extensive use of surface mount technology, has a 166 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 32 Mbytes of error detected and corrected RAM, 8 Mbytes of Flash, and I Mbytes of EPROM, on a single PC/104-Plus card. Similar densities have been achieved with the quad channel Mil-Std-1553 card and the analog input/output cards. The power management built into the processor and its peripheral chip allows the power and performance of the system to be adjusted to meet the requirements of the application, allowing another dimension to the flexibility of the Universal Mini-Controller. Unique mechanical packaging allows the Universal Mini-Controller to accommodate standard COTS and custom oversized PC/104-Plus cards. This mechanical packaging also provides thermal management via conductive cooling of COTS boards, which are typically designed for convection cooling methods.

Slow light effect with high group index and wideband by saddle-like mode in PC-CROW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Yong; Jiang, Li-Jun; Xu, Sheng; Li, Meng-Xue; Liu, Meng-Nan; Jiang, Cheng-Yi; Yuan, Feng

2018-04-01

Slow light with high group index and wideband is achieved in photonic crystal coupled-resonator optical waveguides (PC-CROWs). According to the eye-shaped scatterers and various microcavities, saddle-like curves between the normalized frequency f and wave number k can be obtained by adjusting the parameters of the scatterers, parameters of the coupling microcavities, and positions of the scatterers. Slow light with decent flat band and group index can then be achieved by optimizing the parameters. Simulations prove that the maximal value of the group index is > 104, and the normalized delay bandwidth product within a new varying range of n g > 102 or n g > 103 can be a new and effective criterion of evaluation for the slow light in PC-CROWs.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Peripapillary Choroidal Thicknesses in Non-Glaucomatous Unilateral Optic Atrophy Compared with Unilateral Advanced Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma.

PubMed

Kucukevcilioglu, Murat; Ayyildiz, Onder; Aykas, Seckin; Gokce, Gokcen; Koylu, Mehmet Talay; Ozgonul, Cem; Ozge, Gokhan; Mumcuoglu, Tarkan; Yumusak, Erhan

2017-02-01

To investigate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL-T) and peripapillary choroidal thickness (PC-T) in non-glaucomatous optic atrophy (OA) patients in comparison with unaffected and control eyes, furthermore, to compare thickness profiles with unilateral pseudoexfoliative advanced glaucoma. Thirty-three eyes with OA (Group A), 33 unaffected fellow eyes (Group B), 25 right eyes of 25 control subjects (Group C), and 15 eyes with advanced glaucoma (Group D) were enrolled. RNFL-T was measured in six regions by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography was obtained to evaluate PC-T in corresponding regions. RNFL-T was significantly lower in Group A than in Groups B and C globally and at all peripapillary regions (all p < 0.001). P-CT in Group A was significantly lower globally (p = 0.03) and in three regions (temporal, p = 0.001; temporal-superior, p = 0.01; and nasal-inferior, p = 0.037) versus Group C. However, it was significantly thinner than in Group B in all regions (temporal, p = 0.02; temporal-superior, p = 0.013; nasal-superior, p = 0.044; nasal, p = 0.02; nasal-inferior, p < 0.001; and temporal-inferior, p < 0.001) and globally (p < 0.001). In Group A RNFL-T (thicker superiorly and inferiorly; thinner temporally and nasally) and PC-T (superior > temporal > nasal > inferior) profiles were almost identical to that in unaffected fellow eyes and control eyes. However, Group D showed different patterns with less regional differences in RNFL-T, and the greatest value of PC-T in nasal quadrant. Besides retinal nerve fiber layer thinning, non-glaucomatous OA is associated with choroidal thinning. The RNFL-T and PC-T profiles in advanced glaucoma eyes differed from the common patterns seen among OA eyes, unaffected fellow eyes, and control eyes.

Integrated Photonic Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing and Demultiplexing on Chip

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-31

OAM free space coherent communication link testbed. ECL: external cavity laser . EDFA: erbium-doped fiber amplifier. PC: polarization controller. ATT...wave (cw) laser centered at 1540 nm, followed by an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), an I/Q modulator, and another EDFA. The I/Q modulator was...communication link testbed. ECL: external cavity laser . EDFA: erbium-doped fiber amplifier. PC: polarization controller. ATT: attenuator. BPF: bandpass filter

Hubble Space Telescope: Wide field and planetary camera instrument handbook. Version 2.1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffiths, Richard (Editor)

1990-01-01

An overview is presented of the development and construction of the Wide Field and Planetary Camera (WF/PC). The WF/PC is a duel two dimensional spectrophotometer with rudimentary polarimetric and transmission grating capabilities. The instrument operates from 1150 to 11000 A with a resolution of 0.1 arcsec per pixel or 0.043 arcsec per pixel. Data products and standard calibration methods are briefly summarized.

Preoperative chemotherapy for operable breast cancer is associated with better compliance with adjuvant therapy in matched stage II and IIIA patients.

PubMed

Komenaka, Ian K; Hsu, Chiu-Hsieh; Martinez, Maria Elena; Bouton, Marcia E; Low, Boo Ghee; Salganick, Jason A; Nodora, Jesse; Hibbard, Michael L; Jha, Chandra

2011-01-01

Preoperative chemotherapy (PC) for operable breast cancer has shown significant benefits in prospective trials. Many patients are treated in the community setting and some may question the applicability of PC outside the university setting. Retrospective review was performed of stage II and IIIA breast cancer patients treated from January 2002 to July 2009. Fifty-three of 57 patients who underwent PC were matched based on age, tumor size, and hormone receptor status with 53 patients who did not undergo PC. Differences in patient compliance with physician recommendations for all types of adjuvant therapy were evaluated. Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios derived from conditional logistic regression models were calculated. There were 106 patients included. Patient compliance with chemotherapy was better in the PC group than in the adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) group (100% versus 70%; p = .0001). Similarly, more patients in the PC group completed radiation therapy (96% versus 65%; p = .0003) and initiated hormonal therapy (100% versus 62%; p = .0001). Conditional logistic regression revealed that higher pathologic stage and current cigarette smoking were associated with poorer compliance with chemotherapy. For radiation therapy, the univariate model revealed that compliance with chemotherapy and being employed were associated with completion of radiation, whereas current cigarette smoking and larger pathologic size were associated with poorer compliance with radiation. For hormonal therapy, current cigarette smokers were more likely to be noncompliant with initiation of hormonal therapy. PC for operable breast cancer can improve patient compliance with chemotherapy. Current cigarette smokers were more likely to be noncompliant with all types of adjuvant therapy.

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

Effect of oxide insertion layer on resistance switching properties of copper phthalocyanine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Nikhil G.; Pandya, Nirav C.; Joshi, U. S.

2013-02-01

Organic memory device showing resistance switching properties is a next-generation of the electrical memory unit. We have investigated the bistable resistance switching in current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of organic diode based on copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) film sandwiched between aluminum (Al) electrodes. Pronounced hysteresis in the I-V curves revealed a resistance switching with on-off ratio of the order of 85%. In order to control the charge injection in the CuPc, nanoscale indium oxide buffer layer was inserted to form Al/CuPc/In2O3/Al device. Analysis of I-V measurements revealed space charge limited switching conduction at the Al/CuPc interface. The traps in the organic layer and charge blocking by oxide insertion layer have been used to explain the absence of resistance switching in the oxide buffer layered memory device cell. Present study offer potential applications for CuPc organic semiconductor in low power non volatile resistive switching memory and logic circuits.

Influence of surfactants on the effectiveness of bleaching gels.

PubMed

Caneppele, Taciana Marco Ferraz; Torres, Carlos Rocha Gomes

2011-02-01

This study evaluated the influence of surfactants on the effectiveness of 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching gels. One hundred and forty bovine teeth were used, which were stained by immersion in a coffee, red wine, and tobacco mixture for 7 days. At the end of this process, the color measurement at baseline was taken with the Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer. The teeth were divided into seven groups: (a) negative control (NC), (b) positive control for HP (PC-35), (c) HP + Tween 20 (T20-35), (d) HP + laurel sodium sulfate (LSS-35), (e) positive control for CP (PC-10), (f) CP + Tween 20 (T20-10), and (g) CP + laurel sodium sulfate (LSS-10). Group NC was kept in artificial saliva for 21 days. Groups PC-35, T20-35, and LSS 35 received three applications of bleaching gel for 10 min; the process was repeated after 7 days. Groups PC-10, T20-10, and LSS-10 received the gel for 8 h per day for 14 days. After the bleaching process, the final color was measured. The analysis of variance and Tukey tests showed statistically significant differences for the parameters of ∆L, ∆b, and ∆E of the HP gels with surfactant and positive control group (PC-35). Within the limits of this in vitro study, the addition of surfactants to HP bleaching gel increased the bleaching effectiveness.

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.

Cost-effectiveness of family-based group treatment for child and parental obesity.

PubMed

Epstein, Leonard H; Paluch, Rocco A; Wrotniak, Brian H; Daniel, Tinuke Oluyomi; Kilanowski, Colleen; Wilfley, Denise; Finkelstein, Eric

2014-04-01

Obesity runs in families, and family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) is associated with weight loss in overweight/obese children and their overweight/obese parents. This study was designed to estimate the costs and cost-effectiveness of FBT compared to separate group treatments of the overweight/obese parent and child (PC). Fifty overweight/obese 8- to 12-year-old children with overweight/obese parents were randomly assigned to 12 months of either FBT or PC treatment program. Assessment of societal costs (payer plus opportunity costs) were completed based on two assumptions: (1) programs for parent and child were available on separate days (PC-1) or (2) interventions for parent and child were available in the same location at sequential times on the same day (PC-2). Cost-effectiveness was calculated based on societal cost per unit of change using percent overBMI for children and weight for parents. The average societal cost per family was $1,448 for FBT and $2,260 for PC-1 (p < 0.001) and $2,124 for PC-2 (p < 0.001). Child cost-effectiveness for FBT was $209.17/percent overBMI, compared to $1,036.50/percent overBMI for PC-1 and $973.98/percent overBMI for PC-2. Parent cost-effectiveness was $132.97/pound (lb) for FBT and $373.53/lb (PC-1) or $351.00/lb (PC-2). For families with overweight/obese children and parents, FBT presents a lower cost per unit of weight loss for parents and children than treating the parent and child separately. Given the high rates of pediatric and adult obesity, FBT may provide a unique cost-effective platform for obesity intervention that alters weight in overweight/obese parents and their overweight/obese children.

Systems Analysis of Life Support for Long-Duration Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drysdale, Alan E.; Maxwell, Sabrina; Ewert, Michael K.; Hanford, Anthony J.

2000-01-01

Work defining advanced life support (ALS) technologies and evaluating their applicability to various long-duration missions has continued. Time-dependent and time-invariant costs have been estimated for a variety of life support technology options, including International Space Station (ISS) environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) technologies and improved options under development by the ALS Project. These advanced options include physicochemical (PC) and bioregenerative (BIO) technologies, and may in the future include in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) in an attempt to reduce both logistics costs and dependence on supply from Earth. PC and bioregenerative technologies both provide possibilities for reducing mission equivalent system mass (ESM). PC technologies are most advantageous for missions of up to several years in length, while bioregenerative options are most appropriate for longer missions. ISRU can be synergistic with both PC and bioregenerative options.

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.

The 25 parsec local white dwarf population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holberg, J. B.; Oswalt, T. D.; Sion, E. M.; McCook, G. P.

2016-11-01

We have extended our detailed survey of the local white dwarf population from 20 to 25 pc, effectively doubling the sample volume, which now includes 232 stars. In the process, new stars within 20 pc have been added, a more uniform set of distance estimates as well as improved spectral and binary classifications are available. The present 25 pc sample is estimated to be about 68 per cent complete (the corresponding 20 pc sample is now 86 per cent complete). The space density of white dwarfs is unchanged at 4.8 ± 0.5 × 10-3 pc-3. This new study includes a white dwarf mass distribution and luminosity function based on the 232 stars in the 25 pc sample. We find a significant excess of single stars over systems containing one or more companions (74 per cent versus 26 per cent). This suggests mechanisms that result in the loss of companions during binary system evolution. In addition, this updated sample exhibits a pronounced deficiency of nearby `Sirius-like' systems. 11 such systems were found within the 20 pc volume versus only one additional system found in the volume between 20 and 25 pc. An estimate of white dwarf birth rates during the last ˜8 Gyr is derived from individual remnant cooling ages. A discussion of likely ways new members of the local sample may be found is provided.

Serum HSP70

PubMed Central

Dutta, Sudhir K.; Girotra, Mohit; Singla, Montish; Dutta, Anand; Stephen, F. Otis; Nair, Padmanabhan P.; Merchant, Nipun B.

2014-01-01

Objectives Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. To determine if serum HSP70 levels are elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer and can function as a biomarker for early detection of pancreatic cancer. Methods Study subjects were divided into 3 groups: histologically proven pancreatic cancer (PC; n = 23), chronic pancreatitis (CP; n = 12), and matched normal control subjects (C; n = 10). Serum HSP70 levels were determined using a novel immunoelectrophoresis method developed and validated by the authors. Significance of difference between the groups was analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to discriminate patients with pancreatic cancer from normal controls. Results The mean ± SE serum HSP70 levels in the PC, CP, and C groups were 1.68 ± 0.083 ng/mL, 0.40 ± 0.057 ng/mL, and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. Serum HSP70 levels in the PC group were significantly higher compared with either the CP or C groups (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of elevated serum HSP70 in the PC group was 74% and 90%, respectively. Conclusions Serum HSP70 levels are significantly increased in patients with pancreatic cancer and may be useful as an additional biomarker for the detection of pancreatic cancer. PMID:22158074

The association between impaired proinsulin processing and type 2 diabetes mellitus in non-obese Japanese individuals.

PubMed

Katsuta, Hidenori; Ozawa, Sachihiko; Suzuki, Kiyoshi; Takahashi, Kazuto; Tanaka, Toshiaki; Sumitani, Yoshikazu; Nishida, Susumu; Kondo, Takuma; Hosaka, Toshio; Inukai, Kouichi; Ishida, Hitoshi

2015-01-01

We aimed to examine the association between impaired proinsulin processing in pancreatic beta cells and type 2 diabetes mellitus in non-obese Japanese patients. Participants were divided into groups for normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes based on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Activities of prohormone convertase (PC) 1/3 and PC2 in fasting states were estimated. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to ascertain if alteration of the activities of these enzymes contributes to the development of impaired glucose tolerance by comparison with HOMA-β and the oral disposition index (DI(O)). Overall, 452 subjects were included. PC1/3 activity tended to decrease in type 2 diabetes compared with normal glucose tolerance. PC2 activity showed no difference among the three groups. Decreased estimated PC1/3 activity was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes after adjustment for sex, age, creatinine, triglycerides, HOMA-β and DI(O). Odds ratios (95% CI) of PC1/3, HOMA-β, and DI(O) were 2.16 (1.12-4.19), 3.44 (1.82-6.52) and 14.60 (7.87-27.11), respectively. Furthermore, decreased PC1/3(≤1.7) combined with decreased HOMA-β (≤30) had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 62%. Decreased PC1/3 activity may be a useful measurement of beta-cell function alongside decreased HOMA-β or DI(O). A combined decrease in estimated fasting PC1/3 activity and HOMA-β measurement led to suspicion of type 2 diabetes in the non-obese Japanese population studied.

Daily Intake of Protein from Cod Residual Material Lowers Serum Concentrations of Nonesterified Fatty Acids in Overweight Healthy Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.

PubMed

Vildmyren, Iselin; Cao, Huy John Vu; Haug, Lina Bowitz; Valand, Ida Ulrikke; Eng, Øyvin; Oterhals, Åge; Austgulen, Maren Hoff; Halstensen, Alfred; Mellgren, Gunnar; Gudbrandsen, Oddrun A

2018-06-05

Improved process technologies have allowed fishing vessels to utilize residuals from cod fillet production (head, backbone, skin, cuttings, and entrails) and convert this to high-quality protein powders for human consumption. In this double-blind pilot study, 42 healthy overweight or obese adults were randomized to three experimental groups consuming tablets corresponding to 6 g/day of proteins from cod residuals as presscake meal (Cod-PC), presscake and stickwater meal (Cod-PCW), or placebo tablets (control) for eight weeks. The primary outcome of this study was changes in metabolites related to glucose regulation in overweight or obese healthy adults after intake of proteins from cod residuals. Cod-PC supplementation decreased postprandial serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration and increased gene expressions of diglyceride acyltransferase 1 and 2 in subcutaneous adipose tissue compared with controls. Fasting insulin increased while fasting NEFA and 120-min postprandial glucose decreased within the Cod-PC group, but these changes did not differ from the other groups. In conclusion, supplementation with Cod-PC beneficially affected postprandial serum NEFA concentration compared with the other groups in overweight or obese adults. Supplementation with Cod-PCW, which contains a higher fraction of water-soluble protein compared to Cod-PC, did not affect serum markers of glucose regulation.

The effects of lead exposure on the expression of HMGB1 and HO-1 in rats and PC12 cells.

PubMed

Yang, Meiyuan; Li, Yaobin; Wang, Ying; Cheng, Nuo; Zhang, Yi; Pang, Shimin; Shen, Qiwei; Zhao, Lijuan; Li, Guilin; Zhu, Gaochun

2018-05-15

Lead (Pb) is an environmental neurotoxic metal. Chronic exposure to Pb causes deficits of learning and memory in children and spatial learning deficits in developing rats. In this study we investigated the effects of Pb exposure on the expression of HMGB1 and HO-1 in rats and PC12 cells. The animals were randomly divided to three groups: control group; low lead exposure group; high lead exposure group; PC12 cells were divided into 3 groups: 0 μM (control group), 1 μM and 100 μM Pb acetate. The results showed that Pb levels in blood and brain of Pb exposed groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The expression of HMGB1 and HO-1 were increased in Pb exposed groups than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that the up-regulation of HO-1 in Pb exposure environment inhibited the expression of HMGB1. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long Duration Exposure Facility mini-data base user`s guide: IBM-compatible PC computer version. (Diskette)

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

Bohnhoff-Hlavacek, G.; Pippin, G.; Dursch, H.

1995-04-01

One of the objectives of the LDEF Special Investigation Group (SIG) was to develop a LDEF data base that identifies the experiment objectives and hardware flown, summarizes results and conclusions, and provides a system analysis overview which would include spacecraft design guidelines and space environmental effects. Compiling this information into an easily accessible data base format and making it available to the space community was a major task accomplished by the System and Materials SIG effort beginning in 1991. Included in this document is a short user`s manual for the LDEF Mini-Data Bases. The user`s manual contains pertinent examples frommore » the data base on specifically how to access and work with the LDEF information. Accompanying this document are the mini-data bases on disk.« less

The Intermediate Stellar Mass Population in R136 Determined from Hubble Space Telescope Planetary Camera 2 Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunter, Deidre A.; Shaya, Edward J.; Holtzman, Jon A.; Light, Robert M.; O'Neil, Earl J., Jr.; Lynds, Roger

1995-07-01

We have analyzed Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of the compact, luminous star cluster R136 in the LMC that were taken with the refurbished HST and new Wide Field/Planetary Camera. These images allow us to examine the stellar population in a region of unusually intense star formation at a scale of 0.01 pc. We have detected stars to 23.5 in F555W and have quantified the stellar population to an M555,0 of 0.9 or a mass of 2.8 Msun. Comparisons of HR diagrams with isochrones that were constructed for the HST flight filter system from theoretical stellar evolutionary tracks reveal massive stars, a main sequence to at least 2.8 Msun, and stars with M555,0 ≥ 0.5 still on pre-main sequence tracks. The average stellar population is fit with a 3-4 Myr isochrone. Contrary to expectations from star formation models, however, the formation period for the massive stars and lower mass stars appear to largely overlap. We have measured the IMF for stars 2.8-15 Msun in three annuli from 0.5-4.7 pc from the center of the cluster. The slopes of the IMF in all three annuli are the same within the uncertainties, thus, showing no evidence for mass segregation beyond 0.5 pc. Furthermore, the combined IMF slope, -122±006 is close to a normal Salpeter IMF. The lower mass limit must be lower than the limits of our measurements: ≤ 2.8 Msun beyond 0.5 pc and ≤ 7 Msun within 0.1 pc. This is contrary to some predictions that the lower mass limit could be as high as 10 Msun in regions of intense massive star formation. Integrated properties of R136 are consistent with its being comparable to a rather small globular cluster when such clusters were the same age as R136. From the surface brightness profile, an upper limit for the core radius of 0.02 pc is set. Within a radius of 0.4 pc we estimate that there have been roughly 20 crossing times and relaxation should be well along. Within 0.5 pc crowding prevents us from detecting the intermediate mass population, but there is a hint of an excess of stars brighter than M555,0 = -5 and of a deficit in the highest mass stars between 0.6 pc and 1.2 pc. This would be consistent with dynamical segregation.

MR angiography of the renal artery: comparison of breath-hold two-dimensional phase-contrast cine technique with the phased-array coil and breath-hold two-dimensional time-of-flight technique with the body coil.

PubMed

Masui, T; Takehara, Y; Igarashi, T; Ichijo, K; Takahashi, M; Kaneko, M; Nozaki, A

1997-07-01

Breath-hold 2D phase-contrast (PC) cine MR angiography with a phased-array coil and 2D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography were performed in the renal arteries and their findings were compared. Breath-hold 2D thin slice PC and TOF MR angiography were performed in 10 normal volunteers for renal arteries. A PC technique with k-space segmentation was utilized with the phased-array coil. A PC technique provided visualization of the renal artery more distally than a TOF technique (4.8 +/- 0.5 cm vs. 3.7 +/- 0.8 cm). With cardiac triggering, distal renal arteries were well demonstrated in PC MR angiography. On PC images, up- or downward movements of the mid to distal renal arteries with aortic pulsatility were recognized. The quality of the images was better with the PC than with the TOF technique (3.4 vs. 2.7). The mid to distal portions of the renal arteries translationally move with aortic pulsatility. To consistently visualize and evaluate them on MR angiography, cardiac triggering might be required to reduce the effects of pulsatile motions of the renal artery in the use of a phased-array coil.

[Studies of immunomodulation caused by selenium-enriched phycocyanin].

PubMed

Egorova, E A; Gmoshinskiĭ, I V; Zorin, S N; Mazo, V K

2006-01-01

An influense was studied in rats of selenium enriched phycocyanin (Se-PC) from food microalgae Spirulina on anaphylactic reaction severity and circulating antibody response against model allergen--hen's egg white ovalbumin. Se-PC was introduced into diet in form of protein isolate precipitated with ammonia sulphate. Se-PC dosage made up to 450 mcg per rat daily that corresponded to 5 mcg of selenium. There were no differences revealed between experimental and control group that received standard diet in severity of anaphylactic reaction. Nevertheless rats receiving Se-PC demonstrated significantly increased specific IgG response. The probable immunomodulating properties of Se-PC included into food are discussed.

The role of biotin and oxamate in the carboxyl transferase reaction of pyruvate carboxylase

PubMed Central

Lietzan, Adam D.; Lin, Yi; St. Maurice, Martin

2014-01-01

Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) is a biotin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the MgATP-dependent carboxylation of pyruvate to oxaloacetate, an important anaplerotic reaction in central metabolism. During catalysis, carboxybiotin is translocated to the carboxyltransferase domain where the carboxyl group is transferred to the acceptor substrate, pyruvate. Many studies on the carboxyltransferase domain of PC have demonstrated an enhanced oxaloacetate decarboxylation activity in the presence of oxamate and it has been shown that oxamate accepts a carboxyl group from carboxybiotin during oxaloacetate decarboxylation. The X-ray crystal structure of the carboxyltransferase domain from Rhizobium etli PC reveals that oxamate is positioned in the active site in an identical manner to the substrate, pyruvate, and kinetic data are consistent with the oxamate-stimulated decarboxylation of oxaloacetate proceeding through a simple ping-pong bi bi mechanism in the absence of the biotin carboxylase domain. Additionally, analysis of truncated PC enzymes indicates that the BCCP domain devoid of biotin does not contribute directly to the enzymatic reaction and conclusively demonstrates a biotin-independent oxaloacetate decarboxylation activity in PC. These findings advance the description of catalysis in PC and can be extended to the study of related biotin-dependent enzymes. PMID:25157442

Bis(tri-n-hexylsilyl oxide) silicon phthalocyanine: a unique additive in ternary bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices.

PubMed

Lessard, Benoît H; Dang, Jeremy D; Grant, Trevor M; Gao, Dong; Seferos, Dwight S; Bender, Timothy P

2014-09-10

Previous studies have shown that the use of bis(tri-n-hexylsilyl oxide) silicon phthalocyanine ((3HS)2-SiPc) as an additive in a P3HT:PC61BM cascade ternary bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic (BHJ OPV) device results in an increase in the short circuit current (J(SC)) and efficiency (η(eff)) of up to 25% and 20%, respectively. The previous studies have attributed the increase in performance to the presence of (3HS)2-SiPc at the BHJ interface. In this study, we explored the molecular characteristics of (3HS)2-SiPc which makes it so effective in increasing the OPV device J(SC) and η(eff. Initially, we synthesized phthalocyanine-based additives using different core elements such as germanium and boron instead of silicon, each having similar frontier orbital energies compared to (3HS)2-SiPc and tested their effect on BHJ OPV device performance. We observed that addition of bis(tri-n-hexylsilyl oxide) germanium phthalocyanine ((3HS)2-GePc) or tri-n-hexylsilyl oxide boron subphthalocyanine (3HS-BsubPc) resulted in a nonstatistically significant increase in JSC and η(eff). Secondly, we kept the silicon phthalocyanine core and substituted the tri-n-hexylsilyl solubilizing groups with pentadecyl phenoxy groups and tested the resulting dye in a BHJ OPV. While an increase in JSC and η(eff) was observed at low (PDP)2-SiPc loadings, the increase was not as significant as (3HS)2-SiPc; therefore, (3HS)2-SiPc is a unique additive. During our study, we observed that (3HS)2-SiPc had an extraordinary tendency to crystallize compared to the other compounds in this study and our general experience. On the basis of this observation, we have offered a hypothesis that when (3HS)2-SiPc migrates to the P3HT:PC61BM interface the reason for its unique performance is not solely due to its frontier orbital energies but also might be due to a high driving force for crystallization.

KSC-98pc1059

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-06

This Shuttle/Gantry mockup and Post Show Dome anchor the northeast corner of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The Astronaut Memorial is located just above. Sprawling across 70 acres on Florida's Space Coast, the complex is located off State Road 405, NASA Parkway, six miles inside the Space Center entrance. The building at the upper left is the Theater Complex. Other exhibits and buildings on the site are the Center for Space Education, Cafeteria, Space Flight Exhibit Building, Souvenir Sales Building, Spaceport Central, Ticket Pavilion and Center for Space Education

Focal cerebral ischemic tolerance and change in blood-brain barrier permeability after repetitive pure oxygen exposure preconditioning in a rodent model.

PubMed

Wang, Xi; Kang, Kai; Wang, Shiquan; Yao, Jianhua; Zhang, Xijing

2016-10-01

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to demonstrate that repetitive pure oxygen exposure preconditioning (O 2 PC) for 8 hours per day for 3 or 7 days, a practicable preconditioning for clinical use, is able to induce cerebral ischemic tolerance (IT) and further clarify the accompanying changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that may be involved. METHODS A total of 68 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats and eight 1-day-old rat pups were used in this study. The adult rats were exposed to pure O 2 (38 rats) 8 hours a day for 3 or 7 days or to room air (in an identical setup) for 8 hours a day for 7 days as controls (30 rats). Arterial O 2 tension (PaO 2 ) was measured in 6 rats exposed to O 2 and 3 controls. Focal cerebral ischemia was elicited by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in 37 rats, of which 21 had been exposed to pure O 2 for 3 or 7 days and 16 to room air for 7 days as controls. Neurological behavior was scored with the Garcia score in 15 MCAO rats, of which 10 had been exposed to pure O 2 for 3 or 7 days and 5 to room air for 7 days as controls, and cerebral infarct volumes were assessed with TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining in 10 rats (5 from each group) after 7 days of exposure. Formamide-extraction method was used to detect leakage of Evans blue (EB) dye in 7 rats exposed to pure O 2 for 7 days and 7 exposed to room air for 7 days. Fluorescence microscopy was used to analyze the leaked EB in the nonischemic areas of 4 rats exposed to pure O 2 for 7 days and 4 exposed to room air for 7 days before MCAO and the brain of the rats that had not been subjected to MCAO. Astrocyte changes associated with O 2 PC were evaluated by means of fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy in 14 rats that were exposed to the same O 2 or control conditions as the MCAO rats but without MCAO. Astrocytes were also obtained from 8 rat pups and cultured; levels of AQP4 and VEGF were detected by Western blot and ELISA in cells with and without O 2 treatment. RESULTS A significant increase in PaO 2 was seen after O 2 PC. The neurological score was significantly increased in the O 2 PC groups (10.6 ± 0.6 in the 3-day O 2 PC group, p < 0.05; 12 ± 0.84 in the 7-day O 2 PC group, p < 0.05) compared with the control group (7 ± 0.55). The ratio of cerebral infarct volume to contralateral cerebral hemisphere volume was significantly lower in the O 2 PC group than in the control group (0.204 ± 0.03 vs 0.48 ± 0.05, p < 0.05). The amount of leaked EB in the ischemic cerebral hemisphere was also lower in the O 2 -treated rats than in controls (7.53 ± 1.4 vs 11.79 ± 3.3 μg EB/g brain weight, p < 0.05). However, fluorescence microscopy showed significantly greater BBB permeability in the nonischemic areas in the O 2 PC group than in controls (p < 0.05). More red fluorescence could be observed in the nonischemic areas in both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of the ischemic brain in the O 2 PC animals than in the nonischemic areas in the corresponding sides of the controls. Further investigation of the effect of the O 2 PC itself on the BBB of rats that were not subjected to MCAO showed that there was no EB leakage in the brain parenchyma in the rats exposed to room air, but some red fluorescence patches were noticed in the normal brain from the rats in the O 2 PC group. Astrocytes, including those from areas around the BBB, were activated in the O 2 PC group. Levels of both aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly increased in cultured astrocytes after O 2 PC. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that O 2 PC is able to induce IT, which makes it a strong candidate for clinical use. Moreover, O 2 PC can also promote BBB opening, which may contribute to the induction of IT as well as representing a possible strategy for promoting drug transportation into the CNS. Activated astrocytes are likely to be involved in these processes through astrocyte-derived factors, such as AQP4 and VEGF.

Regulation of polycystin-1 ciliary trafficking by motifs at its C-terminus and polycystin-2 but not by cleavage at the GPS site

PubMed Central

Su, Xuefeng; Wu, Maoqing; Yao, Gang; El-Jouni, Wassim; Luo, Chong; Tabari, Azadeh; Zhou, Jing

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Failure to localize membrane proteins to the primary cilium causes a group of diseases collectively named ciliopathies. Polycystin-1 (PC1, also known as PKD1) is a large ciliary membrane protein defective in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Here, we developed a large set of PC1 expression constructs and identified multiple sequences, including a coiled-coil motif in the C-terminal tail of PC1, regulating full-length PC1 trafficking to the primary cilium. Ciliary trafficking of wild-type and mutant PC1 depends on the dose of polycystin-2 (PC2, also known as PKD2), and the formation of a PC1–PC2 complex. Modulation of the ciliary trafficking module mediated by the VxP ciliary-targeting sequence and Arf4 and Asap1 does not affect the ciliary localization of full-length PC1. PC1 also promotes PC2 ciliary trafficking. PC2 mutations truncating its C-terminal tail but not those changing the VxP sequence to AxA or impairing the pore of the channel, leading to a dead channel, affect PC1 ciliary trafficking. Cleavage at the GPCR proteolytic site (GPS) of PC1 is not required for PC1 trafficking to cilia. We propose a mutually dependent model for the ciliary trafficking of PC1 and PC2, and that PC1 ciliary trafficking is regulated by multiple cis-acting elements. As all pathogenic PC1 mutations tested here are defective in ciliary trafficking, ciliary trafficking might serve as a functional read-out for ADPKD. PMID:26430213

Regulation of polycystin-1 ciliary trafficking by motifs at its C-terminus and polycystin-2 but not by cleavage at the GPS site.

PubMed

Su, Xuefeng; Wu, Maoqing; Yao, Gang; El-Jouni, Wassim; Luo, Chong; Tabari, Azadeh; Zhou, Jing

2015-11-15

Failure to localize membrane proteins to the primary cilium causes a group of diseases collectively named ciliopathies. Polycystin-1 (PC1, also known as PKD1) is a large ciliary membrane protein defective in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Here, we developed a large set of PC1 expression constructs and identified multiple sequences, including a coiled-coil motif in the C-terminal tail of PC1, regulating full-length PC1 trafficking to the primary cilium. Ciliary trafficking of wild-type and mutant PC1 depends on the dose of polycystin-2 (PC2, also known as PKD2), and the formation of a PC1-PC2 complex. Modulation of the ciliary trafficking module mediated by the VxP ciliary-targeting sequence and Arf4 and Asap1 does not affect the ciliary localization of full-length PC1. PC1 also promotes PC2 ciliary trafficking. PC2 mutations truncating its C-terminal tail but not those changing the VxP sequence to AxA or impairing the pore of the channel, leading to a dead channel, affect PC1 ciliary trafficking. Cleavage at the GPCR proteolytic site (GPS) of PC1 is not required for PC1 trafficking to cilia. We propose a mutually dependent model for the ciliary trafficking of PC1 and PC2, and that PC1 ciliary trafficking is regulated by multiple cis-acting elements. As all pathogenic PC1 mutations tested here are defective in ciliary trafficking, ciliary trafficking might serve as a functional read-out for ADPKD. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

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.

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 concerns of patients under palliative care and a heart failure clinic are not being met.

PubMed

Anderson, H; Ward, C; Eardley, A; Gomm, S A; Connolly, M; Coppinger, T; Corgie, D; Williams, J L; Makin, W P

2001-07-01

Patients with a terminal illness, identified by palliative care teams working in Manchester, and patients attending a heart failure clinic, were asked to participate in a prospective survey to determine their main concerns. Data were collected from 213 palliative care (PC) patients (mostly with cancer) and 66 patients with heart failure (HF). The median ages of the two patient groups were similar, but the HF patients were more likely to be male and living with a partner; 13% of PC and 7% of HF patients reported that they had no carer. The PC patients had more district nurse, hospice, social work and physiotherapy input. The most frequently reported troublesome problems for PC patients were pain (49%), loss of independence (30%) and difficulty walking (27%). HF patients reported dyspnoea (55%), angina (32%) and tiredness (27%) as the most troublesome problems. From a checklist of symptoms, the frequency of tiredness (PC = 77%, HF = 82%) and difficulty getting about (PC = 71%, HF = 65%) were high in each group. Psychological problems were reported by 61% of PC and 41% of HF patients. Cardiac patients reported more breathlessness and cough than PC patients (83% vs 49% and 44% vs 26%, respectively). Reduced libido was more common in cardiac patients (42% vs 21%). Patient disclosure of troublesome problems to professional carers was high (>87% in both PC and HF patients). Documented action was greater for physical than social or psychological problems. For PC patients, documented action was recorded for 83% physical, 43% social/functional and 52% psychological problems. For HF patients documented action was recorded for 74% cardiac, 60% physical - non-cardiac, 30% social/functional and 28% psychological problems. Clearly many patients' troublesome problems were not being addressed. As a result of this study, specific action by health care professionals was taken in 50% of PC patients and 71% of HF patients. We plan to target specific educational events on the treatment of physical problems, psychological assessment and social service provision.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation of Acupoints at the Distal Limbs on Heart Function of Volunteers with Acute Hypoxia].

PubMed

Dong, Ya-qin; Xiu, Chun-ying; Sa, Zhe-yan; Xu, Jin-sen

2015-10-01

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of different acupoints at the distal ends of the limbs on cardiac function in volunteers with acute hypoxia, so as to determine if its actions are realized by way of segmental innervations or meridians. Twenty healthy volunteers were divided into control, Quze (PC 3), Shousanli (LI 10), Guangming (GB 37) and Zusanli (ST 36) groups (both PC 3 and LI 10 are innervated by spinal C3-C6, and both ST 36 and GB 37 innervated by L5-S1). Acute hyoxia (simulating the conditions of about 5,000 m height above the sea level) was induced by asking the volunteers to inhale low-oxygen gas mixture (10.8% O2 + 89.2% N2) for 30 min, when, the participants' cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), left cardiac work (LOW), left ventricular ejection time (LVET)were measured using a ICG Monitor and EA stimulation (10 Hz/20 Hz, 1-2 V) was also conducted for 20 min following inhaling low-oxygen for 10 min. Before low-oxygen inhale, the levels of CO, HR, LCW and LVET ratios (test value/basic value) of the control, PC 3, LI 10, ST 36 and GB 37 groups were comparable (P > 0.05). After inhaling low-oxygen gas mixture for 10 min, the levels of CO, HR, and LCW ratios were significantly increased, and the LVET ratios were notably decreased in the five groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the 10 min-low-oxygen inhale of the same one group, CO and HR ratios at both EA 10 min and 20 min in the PC 3 and ST 36 groups, LCW ratios at EA 10 min in both PC 3 and ST 36 groups were notably down-regulated (P < 0.05), while the LVET ratios of both PC 3 and ST 36 groups was significantly prolonged (P < 0.05). No significant changes of CO, HR, LCW and LVET ratios were found in the LI 10 and GB 37 groups after EA for 10 min and 20 min (P > 0.05). EA stimulation of Quze (PC 3) and Zusanli (ST 36), but not Shousanli (LI 10) and Guangming (GB 37) can lower CO, HR and LCW levels and increase LVET in volunteer subjects undergoing acute hypoxia, suggesting that the therapeutic effect of EA maybe not rely on the segmental innervations, but rather, depend on the meridians to which the acupoints belong.

Comparative Study of Different Polar Groups of EPA-Enriched Phospholipids on Ameliorating Memory Loss and Cognitive Deficiency in Aged SAMP8 Mice.

PubMed

Zhou, Miao-Miao; Che, Hong-Xia; Huang, Jia-Qi; Zhang, Tian-Tian; Xu, Jie; Xue, Chang-Hu; Wang, Yu-Ming

2018-04-01

Recent studies have shown that omega-3 PUFAs enriched phospholipids (n-3 PUFA-PLs) have beneficial effects on memory and cognition. However, most reports only attribute the benefit to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and pay little attention to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). We investigate the effect of EPA-enriched phospholipids on cognitive deficiency in senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse. Ten-month-old SAMP8 mice are fed with 2% (w/w) EPA-enriched phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidyl ethanolamine (EPA-PC/PE; EPA:DHA = 46.8:3.01) or 2% EPA-enriched phosphatidylserine (EPA-PS; biosynthesized from EPA-PC/PE) for 8 weeks; we then test the behavioral performances in the Barnes maze test and Morris maze test; the changes of oxidative stress, apoptosis, neurotrophic factors, tau phosphorylation, and Aβ pathology are also measured. The results of behavior tests indicate that both EPA-PC/PE and EPA-PS significantly improve memory and cognitive deficiency. It is found that remarkable amelioration of oxidative stress and apoptosis occurs in both EPA-PC/PE and EPA-PS groups. EPA-PS shows more ameliorative effects than EPA-PC/PE on neurotrophic activity by decreasing hyper-phosphorylation of tau and depressing the generation and accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). These data suggest that EPA-PS exhibits better effects than EPA-PC/PE on ameliorating memory and cognitive function, which might be attributed to the phospholipid polar groups. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Association between Plasma Ceramides and Phosphatidylcholines and Hippocampal Brain Volume in Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Kim, Min; Nevado-Holgado, Alejo; Whiley, Luke; Snowden, Stuart G.; Soininen, Hilkka; Kloszewska, Iwona; Mecocci, Patrizia; Tsolaki, Magda; Vellas, Bruno; Thambisetty, Madhav; Dobson, Richard J.B.; Powell, John F.; Lupton, Michelle K.; Simmons, Andy; Velayudhan, Latha; Lovestone, Simon; Proitsi, Petroula; Legido-Quigley, Cristina

2016-01-01

Lipids such as ceramides and phosphatidylcholines (PC) have been found altered in the plasma of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients in a number of discovery studies. For this reason, the levels of 6 ceramides and 3 PCs, with different fatty acid length and saturation levels, were measured in the plasma from 412 participants (AD n = 205, Control n = 207) using mass spectrometry coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography. After this, associations with AD status, brain atrophy, and age-related effects were studied. In the plasma of AD participants, cross-sectional analysis revealed elevated levels of three ceramides (Cer16:0 p < 0.01, Cer18:0 p < 0.01, Cer24:1 p < 0.05). In addition, two PCs in AD plasma (PC36:5 p < 0.05, PC38:6 p < 0.05) were found to be depleted compared to the control group, with PC36:5 also associating with hippocampal atrophy (p < 0.01). Age-specific analysis further revealed that levels of Cer16:0, Cer18:0, and Cer20:0 were associated with hippocampal atrophy only in younger participants (age < 75, p < 0.05), while all 3 PCs did so in the older participants (age > 75, p < 0.05). PC36:5 was associated with AD status in the younger group (p < 0.01), while PC38:6 and 40:6 did so in the older group (p < 0.05). In this study, elevated ceramides and depleted PCs were found in the plasma from 205 AD volunteers. Our findings also suggest that dysregulation in PC and ceramide metabolism could be occurring in different stages of AD progression. PMID:27911300

Preoperative Chemotherapy for Operable Breast Cancer Is Associated with Better Compliance with Adjuvant Therapy in Matched Stage II and IIIA Patients

PubMed Central

Hsu, Chiu-Hsieh; Martinez, Maria Elena; Bouton, Marcia E.; Low, Boo Ghee; Salganick, Jason A.; Nodora, Jesse; Hibbard, Michael L.; Jha, Chandra

2011-01-01

Introduction. Preoperative chemotherapy (PC) for operable breast cancer has shown significant benefits in prospective trials. Many patients are treated in the community setting and some may question the applicability of PC outside the university setting. Methods. Retrospective review was performed of stage II and IIIA breast cancer patients treated from January 2002 to July 2009. Fifty-three of 57 patients who underwent PC were matched based on age, tumor size, and hormone receptor status with 53 patients who did not undergo PC. Differences in patient compliance with physician recommendations for all types of adjuvant therapy were evaluated. Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios derived from conditional logistic regression models were calculated. Results. There were 106 patients included. Patient compliance with chemotherapy was better in the PC group than in the adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) group (100% versus 70%; p = .0001). Similarly, more patients in the PC group completed radiation therapy (96% versus 65%; p = .0003) and initiated hormonal therapy (100% versus 62%; p = .0001). Conditional logistic regression revealed that higher pathologic stage and current cigarette smoking were associated with poorer compliance with chemotherapy. For radiation therapy, the univariate model revealed that compliance with chemotherapy and being employed were associated with completion of radiation, whereas current cigarette smoking and larger pathologic size were associated with poorer compliance with radiation. For hormonal therapy, current cigarette smokers were more likely to be noncompliant with initiation of hormonal therapy. Conclusions. PC for operable breast cancer can improve patient compliance with chemotherapy. Current cigarette smokers were more likely to be noncompliant with all types of adjuvant therapy. PMID:21558134

Analysis of endoscopic third ventriculostomy patency by MRI: value of different pulse sequences, the sequence parameters, and the imaging planes for investigation of flow void.

PubMed

Dinçer, Alp; Yildiz, Erdem; Kohan, Saeed; Memet Özek, M

2011-01-01

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of turbo spin-echo (TSE), three-dimensional constructive interference in the steady state (3D CISS) and cine phase contrast (Cine PC) sequences in determining flow through the endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) fenestration, and to determine the effect of various TSE sequence parameters. The study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent from all patients was obtained. Two groups of patients were included: group I (24 patients with good clinical outcome after ETV) and group II (22 patients with hydrocephalus evaluated preoperatively). The imaging protocol for both groups was identical. TSE T2 with various sequence parameters and imaging planes, and 3D CISS, followed by cine PC were obtained. Flow void was graded as four-point scales. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of sequences were calculated. Bidirectional flow through the fenestration was detected in all group I patients by cine PC. Stroke volumes through the fenestration in group I ranged 10-160.8 ml/min. There was no correlation between the presence of reversed flow and flow void grading. Also, there was no correlation between the stroke volumes and flow void grading. The sensitivity of 3D CISS was low, and 2 mm sagittal TSE T2, nearly equal to cine PC, provided best result. Cine PC and TSE T2 both have high confidence in the assessment of the flow through the fenestration. But, sequence parameters significantly affect the efficiency of TSE T2.

Reverse osmosis water purification system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahlstrom, H. G.; Hames, P. S.; Menninger, F. J.

1986-01-01

A reverse osmosis water purification system, which uses a programmable controller (PC) as the control system, was designed and built to maintain the cleanliness and level of water for various systems of a 64-m antenna. The installation operates with other equipment of the antenna at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex. The reverse osmosis system was designed to be fully automatic; with the PC, many complex sequential and timed logic networks were easily implemented and are modified. The PC monitors water levels, pressures, flows, control panel requests, and set points on analog meters; with this information various processes are initiated, monitored, modified, halted, or eliminated as required by the equipment being supplied pure water.

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.

Selective nucleation of iron phthalocyanine crystals on micro-structured copper iodide.

PubMed

Rochford, Luke A; Ramadan, Alexandra J; Heutz, Sandrine; Jones, Tim S

2014-12-14

Morphological and structural control of organic semiconductors through structural templating is an efficient route by which to tune their physical properties. The preparation and characterisation of iron phthalocyanine (FePc)-copper iodide (CuI) bilayers at elevated substrate temperatures is presented. Thin CuI(111) layers are prepared which are composed of isolated islands rather than continuous films previously employed in device structures. Nucleation in the early stages of FePc growth is observed at the edges of islands rather than on the top (111) faces with the use of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Structural measurements show two distinct polymorphs of FePc, with CuI islands edges nucleating high aspect ratio FePc crystallites with modified intermolecular spacing. By combining high substrate temperature growth and micro-structuring of the templating CuI(111) layer structural and morphological control of the organic film is demonstrated.

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.

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.

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

PubMed

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

2014-12-01

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

n-Type Water/Alcohol-Soluble Naphthalene Diimide-Based Conjugated Polymers for High-Performance Polymer Solar Cells.

PubMed

Wu, Zhihong; Sun, Chen; Dong, Sheng; Jiang, Xiao-Fang; Wu, Siping; Wu, Hongbin; Yip, Hin-Lap; Huang, Fei; Cao, Yong

2016-02-17

With the demonstration of small-area, single-junction polymer solar cells (PSCs) with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) over the 10% performance milestone, the manufacturing of high-performance large-area PSC modules is becoming the most critical issue for commercial applications. However, materials and processes that are optimized for fabricating small-area devices may not be applicable for the production of high-performance large-area PSC modules. One of the challenges is to develop new conductive interfacial materials that can be easily processed with a wide range of thicknesses without significantly affecting the performance of the PSCs. Toward this goal, we report two novel naphthalene diimide-based, self-doped, n-type water/alcohol-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) that can be processed with a broad thickness range of 5 to 100 nm as efficient electron transporting layers (ETLs) for high-performance PSCs. Space charge limited current and electron spin resonance spectroscopy studies confirm that the presence of amine or ammonium bromide groups on the side chains of the WSCP can n-dope PC71BM at the bulk heterojunction (BHJ)/ETL interface, which improves the electron extraction properties at the cathode. In addition, both amino functional groups can induce self-doping to the WSCPs, although by different doping mechanisms, which leads to highly conductive ETLs with reduced ohmic loss for electron transport and extraction. Ultimately, PSCs based on the self-doped WSCP ETLs exhibit significantly improved device performance, yielding PCEs as high as 9.7% and 10.11% for PTB7-Th/PC71BM and PffBT4T-2OD/PC71BM systems, respectively. More importantly, with PffBT4T-2OD/PC71BM BHJ as an active layer, a prominent PCE of over 8% was achieved even when a thick ETL of 100 nm was used. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest efficiency demonstrated for PSCs with a thick interlayer and light-harvesting layer, which are important criteria for eventually making organic photovoltaic modules based on roll-to-roll coating processes.

Polycomb group protein bodybuilding: working out the routines.

PubMed

Sievers, Cem; Paro, Renato

2013-09-30

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins regulate gene expression by modifying chemical and structural properties of chromatin. Isono et al. (2013) now report in Developmental Cell a polymerization-dependent mechanism used by PcG proteins to form higher-order chromatin structures, referred to as Polycomb bodies, and demonstrate its necessity for gene silencing. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ksc-88pc-1176

NASA Image and Video Library

1988-09-29

NASA employees, their family and friends gather on the NASA causeway over the Banana River, south of Kennedy Space Center, the morning of the launch of STS-26 and the Space Shuttle Discovery. An estimated 1 million people were expected to view the 11:37 a.m. launch from various locations in Central Florida

KSC-98pc1769

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-03

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright talks with NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin (at left) in the VIP lounge at the Apollo/Saturn V Center while awaiting launch of Mission STS-88, the first U.S. launch for the International Space Station. Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria is looking on in background

Barriers to and facilitators for implementing quality improvements in palliative care - results from a qualitative interview study in Norway.

PubMed

Sommerbakk, Ragni; Haugen, Dagny Faksvåg; Tjora, Aksel; Kaasa, Stein; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen

2016-07-15

Implementation of quality improvements in palliative care (PC) is challenging, and detailed knowledge about factors that may facilitate or hinder implementation is essential for success. One part of the EU-funded IMPACT project (IMplementation of quality indicators in PAlliative Care sTudy) aiming to increase the knowledge base, was to conduct national studies in PC services. This study aims to identify factors perceived as barriers or facilitators for improving PC in cancer and dementia settings in Norway. Individual, dual-participant and focus group interviews were conducted with 20 employees working in different health care services in Norway: two hospitals, one nursing home, and two local medical centers. Thematic analysis with a combined inductive and theoretical approach was applied. Barriers and facilitators were connected to (1) the innovation (e.g. credibility, advantage, accessibility, attractiveness); (2) the individual professional (e.g. motivation, PC expertise, confidence); (3) the patient (e.g. compliance); (4) the social context (e.g. leadership, culture of change, face-to-face contact); (5) the organizational context (e.g. resources, structures/facilities, expertise); (6) the political and economic context (e.g. policy, legislation, financial arrangements) and (7) the implementation strategy (e.g. educational, meetings, reminders). Four barriers that were particular to PC were identified: the poor general condition of patients in need of PC, symptom assessment tools that were not validated in all patient groups, lack of PC expertise and changes perceived to be at odds with staff's philosophy of care. When planning an improvement project in PC, services should pay particular attention to factors associated with their chosen implementation strategy. Leaders should also involve staff early in the improvement process, ensure that they have the necessary training in PC and that the change is consistent with the staff's philosophy of care. An important consideration when implementing a symptom assessment tool is whether or not the tool has been validated for the relevant patient group, and to what degree patients need to be involved when using the tool.

A review of ISEAS design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bykat, Alex

1993-01-01

The Space Station Freedom will offer facilities for experimentation and testing not available and not feasible or possible on earth. Due to a restricted space availability on board, the experimentation equipment and its organization will be frequently changing. This requires careful attention to electromagnetic compatibility between experimentation and other SSF equipment. To analyze the interactions between different equipment modules, a software system ISEAS is under development. Development of ISEAS was approached in two phases. In the 1st phase a PC version prototype of ISEAS was developed. In the 2nd phase, the PC prototype will be adapted to a VAX range of computers. The purpose of this paper is to review the design of the VAX version of ISEAS, and to recommend any suitable changes.

Impaired Intestinal Mucosal Barrier upon Ischemia-Reperfusion: “Patching Holes in the Shield with a Simple Surgical Method”

PubMed Central

Rosero, Olivér; Ónody, Péter; Molnár, Dávid; Lotz, Gábor; Turóczi, Zsolt; Fülöp, András; Garbaisz, Dávid; Harsányi, László; Szijártó, Attila

2014-01-01

Mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is associated with impairment of the gut barrier function and the initiation of a proinflammatory cascade with life-threatening results. Therefore methods directed to ameliorate IR injury are of great importance. We aimed at describing the effects of postconditioning (PC) on the alterations of the intestinal mucosal function and the inflammatory response upon mesenteric IR. Methods. Male Wistar rats were gavaged with green fluorescent protein-expressing E. coli suspensions. Animals were randomized into three groups (n = 15), sham-operated, IR-, and PC-groups, and underwent 60 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion, followed by 6 hours of reperfusion. Postconditioning was performed at the onset of reperfusion. Blood and tissue samples were taken at the end of reperfusion, for histological, bacteriological, and plasma examinations. Results. The PC-group presented a more favorable claudin-2, claudin-3, claudin-4, and zonula occludens-1 membrane expression profile, and significantly lower rates of bacterial translocation to distant organs and plasma D-lactate levels compared to the IR-group. Histopathological lesions, plasma I-FABP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the PC-group compared to the IR-group. Conclusion. The use of postconditioning improved the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier upon mesenteric IR, and thus reduced the incidence of bacterial translocation and development of a systemic inflammatory response. PMID:24955347

Impaired intestinal mucosal barrier upon ischemia-reperfusion: "patching holes in the shield with a simple surgical method".

PubMed

Rosero, Olivér; Ónody, Péter; Kovács, Tibor; Molnár, Dávid; Lotz, Gábor; Tóth, Szilárd; Turóczi, Zsolt; Fülöp, András; Garbaisz, Dávid; Harsányi, László; Szijártó, Attila

2014-01-01

Mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is associated with impairment of the gut barrier function and the initiation of a proinflammatory cascade with life-threatening results. Therefore methods directed to ameliorate IR injury are of great importance. We aimed at describing the effects of postconditioning (PC) on the alterations of the intestinal mucosal function and the inflammatory response upon mesenteric IR. Male Wistar rats were gavaged with green fluorescent protein-expressing E. coli suspensions. Animals were randomized into three groups (n = 15), sham-operated, IR-, and PC-groups, and underwent 60 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion, followed by 6 hours of reperfusion. Postconditioning was performed at the onset of reperfusion. Blood and tissue samples were taken at the end of reperfusion, for histological, bacteriological, and plasma examinations. The PC-group presented a more favorable claudin-2, claudin-3, claudin-4, and zonula occludens-1 membrane expression profile, and significantly lower rates of bacterial translocation to distant organs and plasma D-lactate levels compared to the IR-group. Histopathological lesions, plasma I-FABP, IL-6, and TNF- α levels were significantly lower in the PC-group compared to the IR-group. The use of postconditioning improved the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier upon mesenteric IR, and thus reduced the incidence of bacterial translocation and development of a systemic inflammatory response.

Immunohistochemical panel to characterize canine prostate carcinomas according to aberrant p63 expression.

PubMed

Fonseca-Alves, Carlos Eduardo; Kobayashi, Priscila Emiko; Rivera Calderón, Luis Gabriel; Felisbino, Sérgio Luis; Rinaldi, Jaqueline de Carvalho; Drigo, Sandra Aparecida; Rogatto, Silvia Regina; Laufer-Amorim, Renée

2018-01-01

An unusual variant of prostate adenocarcinoma (PC) expressing nuclear p63 in secretory cells instead of the typical basal expression has been reported in men. Nevertheless, the biological behavior and clinical significance of this phenomenon is unknown. In dogs, this unusual PC subtype has not been described. In this study, p63 immunoexpression was investigated in 90 canine PCs and 20 normal prostate tissues (NT). The p63 expression pattern in luminal or basal cells was confirmed in a selected group of 26 PCs and 20 NT by immunohistochemistry and/or Western blotting assays. Eleven canine PC samples aberrantly expressing p63 (p63+) in secretory cells were compared with 15 p63 negative (p63-) cases in the context of several molecular markers (high molecular weight cytokeratin-HMWC, CK8/18, CK5, AR, PSA, chromogranin, NKX3.1, PTEN, AKT and C-MYC). P63+ samples were positive for CK5, HMWC and CK8/18 and negative for PSA, NKX3.1, PTEN and chromogranin. Five p63+ PCs were negative for AR, and the remaining six samples had low AR expression. In contrast, p63- PC showed AR and PSA positive expression in all 15 samples. Only five p63- PCs were positive for CK5. Both p63+ and p63- PC samples showed higher cytoplasmic AKT expression and nuclear C-MYC staining in comparison with normal tissues. Metastatic (N = 12) and non-metastatic (N = 14) PCs showed similar immunoexpression for all markers tested. In contrast to human PC, canine PC aberrantly expressing p63 showed higher expression levels of HMWC and CK5 and lower levels of NKX3.1. Canine p63+ PC is a very rare PC group showing a distinct phenotype compared to typical canine PC, including AR and PSA negative expression. Although in a limited number of cases, p63 expression was not associated with metastasis in canine PC, and cytoplasmic p63 expression was observed in animals with shorter survival time, similar to human PC cases.

Research on tunable multiwavelength fiber lasers with two-section birefringence fibers and a nonlinear optical loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiao; Tong, Zhengrong; Zhang, Weihua; Xue, Lifang; Pan, Honggang

2018-05-01

Two types of tunable multiwavelength fiber lasers based on two-section polarization maintaining fibers (PMFs) cascaded/in parallel and nonlinear optical loop are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Two-section cascaded PMFs and two polarization controllers (PCs) form the two-stage Lyot filter, which can generate comb spectrum to achieve multiwavelength output. When two sections of PMFs are in parallel, PCs in two paths are adjusted to change the beam’s polarization to suppress the light of one branch, and then the light of the other branch passes through the cavity. Additionally, a nonlinear optical loop acts as an intensity-dependent component, which can suppress the mode competition to maintain a stable output of multiwavelength lasing. The nonlinear optical loop is made by a 3 dB coupler, a PC3, and a 200 m high nonlinear fiber. Two types of tunable multiwavelength fiber lasers can achieve tuning of the channel space and the number of lasing wavelengths by adjusting PC1 and PC2. The channel space of the multiwavelengh laser can be tuned at nearly 0.4, 0.68, and 0.92 nm. Meanwhile, the spectral range of multiwavelength lasing can be controlled by PC3 in the nonlinear optical loop, and the tuning range of two multiwavelength lasers is about 2.28 and 1.45 nm, respectively.

Long-term Calibration Considerations during Subcutaneous Microdialysis Sampling in Mobile Rats

PubMed Central

Mou, Xiaodun; Lennartz, Michelle; Loegering, Daniel J.; Stenken, Julie A.

2010-01-01

The level at which implanted sensors and sampling devices maintain their calibration is an important research area. In this work, microdialysis probes with identical geometry and different membranes, polycarbonate/polyether (PC) or polyethersulfone (PES), were used with internal standards (vitamin B12 (MW 1355), antipyrine (MW 188) and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG, MW 164)) and endogenous glucose to investigate changes in their long-term calibration after implantation into the subcutaneous space of Sprague-Dawley rats. Histological analysis confirmed an inflammatory response to the microdialysis probes and the presence of a collagen capsule. The membrane extraction efficiency (percentage delivered to the tissue space) for antipyrine and 2-DG was not altered throughout the implant lifetime for either PC- or PES-membranes. Yet, Vitamin B12 extraction efficiency and collected glucose concentrations decreased during the implant lifetime. Antipyrine was administered i.v. and its concentrations obtained in both PC-and PES-membrane probes were significantly reduced between the implant day and seven (PC) or 10 (PES) days post implantation suggesting that solute supply is critical for in vivo extraction efficiency. For the low molecular weight solutes such as antipyrine and glucose, localized delivery is not affected by the foreign body reaction, but recovery is significantly reduced. For Vitamin B12, a larger solute, the fibrotic capsule formed around the probe significantly restricts diffusion from the implanted microdialysis probes. PMID:20223515

Evaluating methods to visualize patterns of genetic differentiation on a landscape.

PubMed

House, Geoffrey L; Hahn, Matthew W

2018-05-01

With advances in sequencing technology, research in the field of landscape genetics can now be conducted at unprecedented spatial and genomic scales. This has been especially evident when using sequence data to visualize patterns of genetic differentiation across a landscape due to demographic history, including changes in migration. Two recent model-based visualization methods that can highlight unusual patterns of genetic differentiation across a landscape, SpaceMix and EEMS, are increasingly used. While SpaceMix's model can infer long-distance migration, EEMS' model is more sensitive to short-distance changes in genetic differentiation, and it is unclear how these differences may affect their results in various situations. Here, we compare SpaceMix and EEMS side by side using landscape genetics simulations representing different migration scenarios. While both methods excel when patterns of simulated migration closely match their underlying models, they can produce either un-intuitive or misleading results when the simulated migration patterns match their models less well, and this may be difficult to assess in empirical data sets. We also introduce unbundled principal components (un-PC), a fast, model-free method to visualize patterns of genetic differentiation by combining principal components analysis (PCA), which is already used in many landscape genetics studies, with the locations of sampled individuals. Un-PC has characteristics of both SpaceMix and EEMS and works well with simulated and empirical data. Finally, we introduce msLandscape, a collection of tools that streamline the creation of customizable landscape-scale simulations using the popular coalescent simulator ms and conversion of the simulated data for use with un-PC, SpaceMix and EEMS. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluating a Dutch cardiology primary care plus intervention on the Triple Aim outcomes: study design of a practice-based quantitative and qualitative research.

PubMed

Quanjel, Tessa C C; Spreeuwenberg, Marieke D; Struijs, Jeroen N; Baan, Caroline A; Ruwaard, Dirk

2017-09-06

In an attempt to deal with the pressures on the health-care system and to guarantee sustainability, changes are needed. This study focuses on a cardiology primary care plus intervention. Primary care plus (PC+) is a new health-care delivery model focused on substitution of specialist care in the hospital setting with specialist care in the primary care setting. The intervention consists of a cardiology PC+ centre in which cardiologists, supported by other health-care professionals, provide consultations in a primary care setting. The PC+ centre aims to improve the health of the population and quality of care as experienced by patients, and reduce the number of referrals to hospital-based outpatient specialist care in order to reduce health-care costs. These aims reflect the Triple Aim principle. Hence, the objectives of the study are to evaluate the cardiology PC+ centre in terms of the Triple Aim outcomes and to evaluate the process of the introduction of PC+. The study is a practice-based, quantitative study with a longitudinal observational design, and an additional qualitative study to supplement, interpret and improve the quantitative study. The study population of the quantitative part will consist of adult patients (≥18 years) with non-acute and low-complexity cardiology-related health complaints, who will be referred to the cardiology PC+ centre (intervention group) or hospital-based outpatient cardiology care (control group). All eligible patients will be asked to complete questionnaires at three different time points consisting of questions about their demographics, health status and experience of care. Additionally, quantitative data will be collected about health-care utilization and related health-care costs at the PC+ centre and the hospital. The qualitative part, consisting of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observations, is designed to evaluate the process as well as to amplify, clarify and explain quantitative results. This study will evaluate a cardiology PC+ centre using quantitative and supplementary qualitative methods. The findings of both sub-studies will fill a gap in knowledge about the effects of PC+ and in particular whether PC+ is able to pursue the Triple Aim outcomes. NTR6629 (Data registered: 25-08-2017) (registered retrospectively).

Hybrid binuclear-cobalt-phthalocyanine as oxygen reduction reaction catalyst in single chamber microbial fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Baitao; Zhou, Xiuxiu; Wang, Xiujun; Liu, Bingchuan; Li, Baikun

2014-12-01

A novel hybrid binuclear-cobalt-phthalocyanine (Bi-CoPc) is developed as the cathode catalyst to replace the costly platinum (Pt) in single chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs). Bi-CoPc/C is integrated with metal oxides (NiO and CoO) to form macrocyclic complex for enhanced oxygen reduction rate (ORR). The characteristics of hybrid catalysts (Bi-CoPc/C-CoO and Bi-CoPc/C-NiO) are compared with Co-contained catalysts (CoPc/C and Bi-CoPc/C) and metal oxide catalysts (NiO and CoO). The increase in O and N functional groups indicates the benefits of NiO and CoO to the cathode catalysts. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) shows the reduction peak for Bi-CoPc/C-NiO and Bi-CoPc/C-CoO at -0.12 V and -0.22 V, respectively. The power densities (368 mW m-2 and 400 mW m-2) of SCMFCs with Bi-CoPc/C-CoO and Bi-CoPc-NiO/C are the highest among the cathodes tested, and close to that of Pt (450 mW m-2). This study demonstrates that hybrid Bi-CoPc/C with metal oxides has a great potential as a cost-effective catalyst in MFCs.

The effects of IL-1β, IL-8, G-CSF and TNF-α as molecular adjuvant on the immune response to an E. tarda subunit vaccine in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

PubMed

Guo, Ming; Tang, Xiaoqian; Sheng, Xiuzhen; Xing, Jing; Zhan, Wenbin

2018-06-01

Cytokines play vital roles in mounting immune responses and activating host defense network. In this study, the expression plasmid pcDNA3.1 (pcN3) encoding four flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8 or G-CSF (pcIL-1β, pcTNF-α, pcIL-8 and pcG-CSF) were successfully constructed, and their adjuvant potential on an Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) subunit vaccine OmpV (rOmpV) were comparatively analyzed in vaccinated flounder model. Results revealed that flounder vaccinated with rOmpV plus pcIL-1β, pcIL-8 or pcG-CSF produced the relative percent survivals (RPS) of 71%, 65% and 49% respectively, which were higher than that in flounder vaccinated with rOmpV plus pcTNF-α (39%) or pcN3 (36%, the control group). Immunological analysis showed that: (1) except pcTNF-α, higher levels of anti-E. tarda serum antibodies and sIg + lymphocytes in spleen, head kidney and peripheral blood were significantly enhanced by pcIL-1β, pcIL-8 or pcG-CSF, however, pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β enhanced higher levels of sIg + lymphocytes and anti-E. tarda antibodies than pcG-CSF; (2) pcTNF-α could promote the up-regulation of genes participated in cellular immunity (MHCIα, IFN-γ, CD8α and CD8β), pcIL-1β could enhance the expression of genes related to humoral immunity (CD4-1, CD4-2, MHCIIα and IgM), and all the detected genes were augmented by pcIL-8 and pcG-CSF; Among the four cytokines, pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β could strengthen the highest levels of genes participated in cellular immunity and humoral immunity, respectively. These results demonstrated that pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β could enhance stronger cellular and/or humoral immunity induced by rOmpV than pcG-CSF and pcTNF-α, and evoked higher RPS against E. tarda challenge in flounder, which indicated that pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β are promising adjuvants of vaccines in controlling E. tarda infection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

KSC-98pc993

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-27

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station, awaits processing in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). On the end at the right can be seen the Pressurized Mating Adapter 2, which provides entry into the module. The Unity, scheduled to be launched on STS-88 in December 1998, will be mated to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will already be in orbit. STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for the International Space Station

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.

Minia, Egypt: Principal Component Analysis

PubMed

Abdelrehim, Marwa G; Mahfouz, Eman M; Ewis, Ashraf A; Seedhom, Amany E; Afifi, Hassan M; Shebl, Fatma M

2018-02-26

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a serious and rapidly progressing malignancy. Identifying risk factors including dietary elements is important to develop preventive strategies. This study focused on possible links between diet and PC. Methods: We conducted a case-control study including all PC patients diagnosed at Minia Cancer Center and controls from general population from June 2014 to December 2015. Dietary data were collected directly through personal interviews. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify dietary groups. The data were analyzed using crude odds ratios (ORs) and multivariable logistic regression with adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 75 cases and 149 controls were included in the study. PCA identified six dietary groups, labeled as cereals and grains, vegetables, proteins, dairy products, fruits, and sugars. Bivariate analysis showed that consumption of vegetables, fruits, sugars, and total energy intake were associated with change in PC risk. In multivariable-adjusted models comparing highest versus lowest levels of intake, we observed significant lower odds of PC in association with vegetable intake (OR 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.85, P=0.012) and a higher likelihood with the total energy intake (OR 9.88; 95% CI, 2.56-38.09, P<0.0001). There was also a suggested link between high fruit consumption and reduced odds of PC. Conclusions: The study supports the association between dietary factors and the odds of PC development in Egypt. It was found that higher energy intake is associated with an increase in likelihood of PC, while increased vegetable consumption is associated with a lower odds ratio. Creative Commons Attribution License

HCV core protein represses the apoptosis and improves the autophagy of human hepatocytes

PubMed Central

Liu, Changhong; Qu, Aihua; Han, Xiaochun; Wang, Yiguo

2015-01-01

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the influence on human hepatocytes apoptosis and autophagy by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein. Methods: QSG-7701, a human-derived non-neoplastic liver cell line, was transfected with PIRES-core vector that was a eukaryotic vector to express HCV core protein. Fluorescence microscope was used to observe the changes of nuclei in apoptosis cells by Annex in V-FITC/PI double staining. Flow cytometry was applied to detect the rate of cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of HCV core protein, transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), autophagic biomarker microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and Beclin-1. Results: The apoptosis rate was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in QSG7701/core group (transfected with PIRES-core vector, (1.34±0.07)%) than in QSG7701 group (no transfection, (2.35±0.11)%) and in QSG7701 QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 group (transfected with pcDNA3.1 vector, (2.58±0.1)%). NF-κB expression was up-expressed in QSG7701/core group than in QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 group and QSG7701 group (P < 0.05). LC3-II expression and Beclin-1 expression was significant higher in QSG7701/core group than in the QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 group and QSG7701 group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: HCV core protein can repress the apoptosis and improve the autophagy of QSG7701 through up-regulating NF-κB and Beclin-1 expression. PMID:26629077

KSC-97PC1501

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-06

STS-86 Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, the only space rookie on the crew, feels the heat from a tire on the orbiter Atlantis more than an hour after the landing on KSC’s Runway 15. The nearly 11-day mission ended with main gear touchdown at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT, Oct. 6, 1997. STS-86 was the seventh docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir

Computer Skills and Internet Use in Adults Aged 50-74 Years: Influence of Hearing Difficulties

PubMed Central

Clark, Daniel P A; Kang, Sujin; Ferguson, Melanie A

2012-01-01

Background The use of personal computers (PCs) and the Internet to provide health care information and interventions has increased substantially over the past decade. Yet the effectiveness of such an approach is highly dependent upon whether the target population has both access and the skill set required to use this technology. This is particularly relevant in the delivery of hearing health care because most people with hearing loss are over 50 years (average age for initial hearing aid fitting is 74 years). Although PC skill and Internet use by demographic factors have been examined previously, data do not currently exist that examine the effects of hearing difficulties on PC skill or Internet use in older adults. Objective To explore the effect that hearing difficulty has on PC skill and Internet use in an opportunistic sample of adults aged 50-74 years. Methods Postal questionnaires about hearing difficulty, PC skill, and Internet use (n=3629) were distributed to adults aged 50-74 years through three family physician practices in Nottingham, United Kingdom. A subsample of 84 respondents completed a second detailed questionnaire on confidence in using a keyboard, mouse, and track pad. Summed scores were termed the “PC confidence index.” The PC confidence index was used to verify the PC skill categories in the postal questionnaire (ie, never used a computer, beginner, and competent). Results The postal questionnaire response rate was 36.78% (1298/3529) and 95.15% (1235/1298) of these contained complete information. There was a significant between-category difference for PC skill by PC confidence index (P<.001), thus verifying the three-category PC skill scale. PC and Internet use was greater in the younger respondents (50-62 years) than in the older respondents (63-74 years). The younger group’s PC and Internet use was 81.0% and 60.9%, respectively; the older group’s PC and Internet use was 54.0% and 29.8%, respectively. Those with slight hearing difficulties in the older group had significantly greater odds of PC use compared to those with no hearing difficulties (odds ratio [OR]=1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-2.30, P=.02). Those with moderate+ hearing difficulties had lower odds of PC use compared with those with no hearing difficulties, both overall (OR=0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.87, P=.008) and in the younger group (OR=0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.86, P=.008). Similar results were demonstrated for Internet use by age group (older: OR=1.57, 95% CI 0.99-2.47, P=.05; younger: OR=0.32, 95% CI 0.16-0.62, P=.001). Conclusions Hearing health care is of particular relevance to older adults because of the prevalence of age-related hearing loss. Our data show that older adults experiencing slight hearing difficulty have increased odds of greater PC skill and Internet use than those reporting no difficulty. These findings suggest that PC and Internet delivery of hearing screening, information, and intervention is feasible for people between 50-74 years who have hearing loss, but who would not typically present to an audiologist. PMID:22954484

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

Early intervention influences positively quality of life as reported by prematurely born children at age nine and their parents; a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Landsem, Inger Pauline; Handegård, Bjørn Helge; Ulvund, Stein Erik; Kaaresen, Per Ivar; Rønning, John A

2015-02-22

The Tromsø Intervention Study on Preterms evaluates an early, sensitizing intervention given to parents of prematurely born children (birth-weight < 2000 g). The current study investigated the potential influence of the intervention on children's self-reported and parental proxy-reported quality of life (QoL) at children's age of nine. Participants were randomized to either intervention (PI, n = 72) or preterm control (PC, n = 74) in the neonatal care unit, while healthy term-born infants were recruited to a term reference group (TR, n = 75). The intervention was a modified version of the Mother-Infant Transaction Program, and comprised eight one-hour sessions during the last week before discharge and four home visits at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks post-discharge. The two control groups received care in accordance with written guidelines drawn up at the hospital. Participants and parents reported QoL independently on the Kinder Lebensqualität Fragebogen (KINDL) questionnaire. Differences between groups were analyzed by SPSS; Linear Mixed Models and parent-child agreement were analyzed and compared by intra-class correlations within each group. On average, children in all groups reported high levels of well-being. The PI children reported better physical well-being than the PC children (p = 0.002). In all other aspects of QoL both the PI and the PC children reported at similar levels as the term reference group. PI parents reported better emotional wellbeing (p = 0.05) and a higher level of contentment in school (p = 0.003) compared with PC parents. Parent-child agreement was significantly weaker in the PI group than in the PC group on dimensions such as emotional well-being and relationships with friends (p < 0.05). PI parents reported QoL similar to parents of terms on all aspects except the subscale self-esteem, while PC parents generally reported moderately lower QoL than TR parents. This early intervention appears to have generated long-lasting positive effects, improving perceived physical well-being among prematurely born children and parent's perception of these children's QoL in middle childhood. Clinical Trials Gov NCT00222456 .

Low Prostate Concentration of Lycopene Is Associated with Development of Prostate Cancer in Patients with High-Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia

PubMed Central

Mariani, Simone; Lionetto, Luana; Cavallari, Michele; Tubaro, Andrea; Rasio, Debora; De Nunzio, Cosimo; Hong, Gena M.; Borro, Marina; Simmaco, Maurizio

2014-01-01

Prostate cancer (PC) is a frequent male malignancy and represents the second most diagnosed cancer in men. Since pre-cancerous lesions, i.e., the high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), can be detected years before progression to PC, early diagnosis and chemoprevention are targeted strategies to reduce PC rates. Animal studies have shown that lycopene, a carotenoid contained in tomatoes, is a promising candidate for the chemoprevention of PC. However, its efficacy in humans remains controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the relevance of plasma and prostate concentration of lycopene after a lycopene-enriched diet in patients diagnosed with HGPIN. Thirty-two patients diagnosed with HGPIN were administered a lycopene-enriched diet (20–25 mg/day of lycopene; through 30 g/day of triple concentrated tomato paste) for 6 months. A 6-month follow-up prostate biopsy assessed progression to PC. Patients were classified into three groups according to the histopathological features of the 6-month follow-up biopsy results: prostatitis; HGPIN and PC. PSA and plasma lycopene levels were measured before and after the dietary lycopene supplementation. Prostatic lycopene concentration was only assessed after the supplementation diet. Only prostatic lycopene concentration showed significant differences between the three groups (p = 0.03). Prostatic lycopene concentration below a 1 ng/mg threshold was associated with PC at 6-month follow-up biopsy (p = 0.003). We observed no overall benefits from a 6-month lycopene supplementation, as the rate of HGPIN progression to PC in our population (9/32, 28%) was similar to rates reported in the literature. Baseline PSA levels also showed no significant changes after a lycopene-enriched diet. Our findings point to prostatic lycopene concentration as a promising biomarker of PC. Further prospective longitudinal studies are needed to assess the prognostic role of prostatic lycopene in PC. PMID:24451130

Natural antioxidant activity of commonly consumed plant foods in India: effect of domestic processing.

PubMed

Sreeramulu, D; Reddy, C V K; Chauhan, Anitha; Balakrishna, N; Raghunath, M

2013-01-01

Phytochemicals protect against oxidative stress which in turn helps in maintaining the balance between oxidants and antioxidants. In recent times natural antioxidants are gaining considerable interest among nutritionists, food manufacturers, and consumers because of their perceived safety, potential therapeutic value, and long shelf life. Plant foods are known to protect against degenerative diseases and ageing due to their antioxidant activity (AOA) attributed to their high polyphenolic content (PC). Data on AOA and PC of Indian plant foods is scanty. Therefore we have determined the antioxidant activity in 107 commonly consumed Indian plant foods and assessed their relation to their PC. Antioxidant activity is presented as the range of values for each of the food groups. The foods studied had good amounts of PC and AOA although they belonged to different food groups. Interestingly, significant correlation was observed between AOA (DPPH and FRAP) and PC in most of the foods, corroborating the literature that polyphenols are potent antioxidants and that they may be important contributors to the AOA of the plant foods. We have also observed that common domestic methods of processing may not affect the PC and AOA of the foods studied in general. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first results of the kind in commonly consumed Indian plant foods.

STS-47 crew & backups pose for portrait in SLJ module at KSC during training

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-07-25

S92-44303 --- STS-47 Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, crew members and back-up payload specialists, wearing clean suits, pose for a group portrait in the Spacelab Japan (SLJ) module. The team is at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to inspect SLJ configuration and OV-105 preparations. Kneeling, from left, are back-up Payload Specialist Chiaki Naito-Mukai; Mission Specialist N. Jan Davis; and backup Payload Specialist Takao Doi. Standing, from the left, are Pilot Curtis L. Brown,Jr; Payload Commander Mark C. Lee; Jerome Apt; Payload Specialist Mamoru Mohri; Commander Robert L. Gibson; Mae C. Jemison; and back-up Payload Specialist Stanely L. Koszelak. Mohri, Mukai, and Doi represent the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). View provided by KSC with alternate KSC number KSC-92PC-1647. Photo credit: NASA

Novel function of vitamin E in regulation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain lysophospholipids discovered using lipidomics

PubMed Central

Choi, Jaewoo; Leonard, Scott W.; Kasper, Katherine; McDougall, Melissa; Stevens, Jan F.; Tanguay, Robert L.; Traber, Maret G.

2015-01-01

We hypothesized that brains from vitamin E-deficient (E−) zebrafish (Danio rerio) would undergo increased lipid peroxidation because they contain highly polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus susceptible lipids could be identified. Brains from zebrafish fed for 9 months defined diets without (E−) or with (E+) added vitamin E (500 mg RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate per kilogram diet) were studied. Using an untargeted approach, 1-hexadecanoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DHA-PC 38:6, PC 16:0/22:6]was the lipid that showed the most significant and greatest fold-differences between groups. DHA-PC concentrations were approximately 1/3 lower in E− (4.3 ± 0.6 mg/g) compared with E+ brains (6.5 ± 0.9 mg/g, mean ± SEM, n = 10 per group, P = 0.04). Using lipidomics, 155 lipids in brain extracts were identified. Only four phospholipids (PLs) were different (P < 0.05) between groups; they were lower in E− brains and contained DHA with DHA-PC 38:6 at the highest abundances. Moreover, hydroxy-DHA-PC 38:6 was increased in E− brains (P = 0.0341) supporting the hypothesis of DHA peroxidation. More striking was the depletion in E− brains of nearly 60% of 19 different lysophospholipids (lysoPLs) (combined P = 0.0003), which are critical for membrane PL remodeling. Thus, E− brains contained fewer DHA-PLs, more hydroxy-DHA-PCs, and fewer lysoPLs, suggesting that lipid peroxidation depletes membrane DHA-PC and homeostatic mechanisms to repair the damage resulting in lysoPL depletion. PMID:25855633

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

Aragon-Aguilar, Hector; Ramon-Gallegos, Eva; Arenas-Huertero, Francisco Jesus

The search of more specific and efficient photosensitizer in low oxygen tensions is a need in the Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Phthalocyanines have demonstrated to have the above mentioned activity. The aim of this work was to determine the efficiency of PDT using two phthalocyanines synthesized in Mexico to eliminate melanoma cells. B16F0 melanoma mouse cells were exposed to concentrations from 8.95x10{sup -5} to 0.733 m/mL of F16VoPc and F16NbPcC13 during 24h, afterwards cellular mortality was measured. One kinetic was realized to determine the intracellular incorporation of phthalocyanines by confocal microscopy at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h ofmore » exposition. The PDT was applied exposing the cells to innocuous concentration (that does not provoke cellular death with out irradiation) and irradiating with an argon laser at 100 J/cm{sup 2}. For each phthalocyanine a control group was used; one group was not treated neither with light nor with phthalocyanine, the other group it was only irradiated. 24 h after treatment the citotoxicity was measured by Alamar blue assay. The innocuous concentration found for the phthalocyanines F16VoPc and F16NbPcC13 were 4.58x10-2 and 2.29xl0{sup -2} mg/mL, respectively. The time of maximum intracellular accumulation for both phthalocyanines was 24 h. Only the F16VoPc had anticancerous activity and induced 31.7% of cellular death. The PDT might offer a potential alternative to the treatment of this cancer when is used the phthalocyanine F16VoPc.« less

Enhanced dielectric properties due to space charge-induced interfacial polarization in multilayer polymer films

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

Chen, Xinyue; Tseng, Jung-Kai; Treufeld, Imre

We report that with the recent advancement of power electronics, polymer film capacitors have become increasingly important. However, the low temperature rating (up to 85 °C) and low energy density (5 J cm -3 at breakdown) of state-of-the-art biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films have been limiting factors for advanced power electronics. Based on our recent work, multilayer films (MLFs), which consist of a high energy density polymer [e.g., poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)] and a high breakdown/low loss polymer [e.g., polycarbonate (PC)], have shown potential to achieve high energy density (13–17 J cm -3), enhanced breakdown strength, high temperature tolerance, and lowmore » loss simultaneously. In this study, the dielectric properties of PC/PVDF 50/50 32- and 256-layer (32L and 256L) films were investigated. The breakdown strength of the 32L film was as high as 800 MV m -1 at room temperature, as compared to 600 MV m -1 of PVDF and 750 MV m-1 of PC. The temperature rating of the 32L film reached 120 °C, higher than that of BOPP. In addition, it was observed that the 32L film with thicker PC layers exhibited a higher breakdown strength and a lower DC conductivity than the 256L film with thinner PC layers at elevated temperatures. These differences were attributed to the difference in the interfacial polarization of space charges, which was further verified by thermally stimulated depolarization current spectroscopy. In conclusion, we conclude that interfacial polarization endows MLFs with the desirable dielectric properties for next generation film capacitors.« less

Enhanced dielectric properties due to space charge-induced interfacial polarization in multilayer polymer films

DOE PAGES

Chen, Xinyue; Tseng, Jung-Kai; Treufeld, Imre; ...

2017-09-15

We report that with the recent advancement of power electronics, polymer film capacitors have become increasingly important. However, the low temperature rating (up to 85 °C) and low energy density (5 J cm -3 at breakdown) of state-of-the-art biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films have been limiting factors for advanced power electronics. Based on our recent work, multilayer films (MLFs), which consist of a high energy density polymer [e.g., poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)] and a high breakdown/low loss polymer [e.g., polycarbonate (PC)], have shown potential to achieve high energy density (13–17 J cm -3), enhanced breakdown strength, high temperature tolerance, and lowmore » loss simultaneously. In this study, the dielectric properties of PC/PVDF 50/50 32- and 256-layer (32L and 256L) films were investigated. The breakdown strength of the 32L film was as high as 800 MV m -1 at room temperature, as compared to 600 MV m -1 of PVDF and 750 MV m-1 of PC. The temperature rating of the 32L film reached 120 °C, higher than that of BOPP. In addition, it was observed that the 32L film with thicker PC layers exhibited a higher breakdown strength and a lower DC conductivity than the 256L film with thinner PC layers at elevated temperatures. These differences were attributed to the difference in the interfacial polarization of space charges, which was further verified by thermally stimulated depolarization current spectroscopy. In conclusion, we conclude that interfacial polarization endows MLFs with the desirable dielectric properties for next generation film capacitors.« less

Subphthalocyanines Axially Substituted with a Tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene-Aniline Moiety: Synthesis, Structure, and Physicochemical Properties.

PubMed

Winterfeld, Kim A; Lavarda, Giulia; Guilleme, Julia; Sekita, Michael; Guldi, Dirk M; Torres, Tomás; Bottari, Giovanni

2017-04-19

A 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene (TCBD)-aniline moiety has been introduced, for the first time, at the axial position of two subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) peripherally substituted with hydrogen (H 12 SubPc) or fluorine atoms (F 12 SubPc). Single-crystal X-ray analysis of both SubPc-TCBD-aniline systems showed that each conjugate is a racemic mixture of two atropisomers resulting from the almost orthogonal geometry adopted by the axial TCBD unit, which were separated by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography. Remarkably, the single-crystal X-ray structure of one atropisomer of each SubPc-TCBD-aniline conjugate has been solved, allowing to unambiguously assign the atropisomers' absolute configuration, something, to the best of our knowledge, unprecedented in TCBD-based conjugates. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of both SubPc-TCBD-aniline racemates have been investigated using a wide range of electrochemical as well as steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. Each of the two SubPc-TCBD-aniline conjugates presents a unique photophysical feature never observed before in SubPc chemistry. As a matter of fact, H 12 SubPc-TCBD-aniline showed significant ground-state charge transfer interactions between the H 12 SubPc macrocycle and the electron-withdrawing TCBD unit directly attached at its axial position. In contrast, F 12 SubPc-TCBD-aniline gave rise to an intense, broad emission, which red shifts upon increasing the solvent polarity and stems from an excited complex (i.e., an exciplex). Such an exciplex emission, which has also no precedent in TCBD chemistry, results from intramolecular interactions in the excited state between the electron-rich aniline and the F 12 SubPc π-surface, two molecular fragments kept in spatial proximity by the "unique" three-dimensional geometry adopted by the F 12 SubPc-TCBD-aniline. Complementary transient absorption studies were carried out on both SubPc-TCBD-aniline derivatives, showing the occurrence, in both cases, of photoinduced charge separation and corroborating the formation of the aforementioned intramolecular exciplex in terms of a radical ion pair stabilized through-space.

Investigation on the Possible Relationship between Magnetic Pulsations and Earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jusoh, M.; Liu, H.; Yumoto, K.; Uozumi, T.; Takla, E. M.; Yousif Suliman, M. E.; Kawano, H.; Yoshikawa, A.; Asillam, M.; Hashim, M.

2012-12-01

The sun is the main source of energy to the solar system, and it plays a major role in affecting the ionosphere, atmosphere and the earth surface. The connection between solar wind and the ground magnetic pulsations has been proven empirically by several researchers previously (H. J. Singer et al., 1977, E. W. Greenstadt, 1979, I. A. Ansari 2006 to name a few). In our preliminary statistical analysis on relationship between solar and seismic activities (Jusoh and Yumoto, 2011, Jusoh et al., 2012), we observed a high possibility of solar-terrestrial coupling. We observed high tendency of earthquakes to occur during lower phase solar cycles which significantly related with solar wind parameters (i.e solar wind dynamic pressure, speed and input energy). However a clear coupling mechanism was not established yet. To connect the solar impact on seismicity, we investigate the possibility of ground magnetic pulsations as one of the connecting agent. In our analysis, the recorded ground magnetic pulsations are analyzed at different ranges of ultra low frequency; Pc3 (22-100 mHz), Pc4 (6.7-22 mHz) and Pc5 (1.7-6.7 mHz) with the occurrence of local earthquake events at certain time periods. This analysis focuses at 2 different major seismic regions; north Japan (mid latitude) and north Sumatera, Indonesia (low latitude). Solar wind parameters were obtained from the Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA via the OMNIWeb Data Explorer and the Space Physics Data Facility. Earthquake events were extracted from the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) database. The localized Pc3-Pc5 magnetic pulsations data were extracted from Magnetic Data Acquisition System (MAGDAS)/Circum Pan Magnetic Network (CPMN) located at Ashibetsu (Japan); for earthquakes monitored at north Japan and Langkawi (Malaysia); for earthquakes observed at north Sumatera. This magnetometer arrays has established by International Center for Space Weather Science and Education, Kyushu University, Japan. From the results, we observed significant correlations between ground magnetic pulsations and solar wind speed at difference earthquake epicenter depths. The details of the analysis will be discussed in the presentation.

KSC-99pc13

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-01-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An osprey perches on a treetop at Kennedy Space Center. This long-winged "fish hawk" inhabits lakes, rivers and seacoasts, surviving solely on fish which it captures from the water, grasping them in its talons when they near the surface. They range from Alaska and Newfoundland south to Florida and the Gulf Coast

KSC-82PC-0669

NASA Image and Video Library

1982-06-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-4 thunders away from Launch Pad 39A at 10:59:59 a.m. EDT, bound for a seven-day Earth orbital mission and the final developmental flight for the Space Transportation System. The fourth Space Shuttle mission is piloted by Commander Ken Mattingly and Pilot Henry Hartsfield Jr. Photo Credit: NASA

Identifying New Members of Nearby Moving Groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmbeck, Erika; Vican, Laura

2014-06-01

Our group has assembled a sample of 14,000 stars of spectral types B9-M9 with measured UVW Galactic space velocities and lying within 125 pc of Earth. We have identified candidate members of three nearby young (less than 100 Myr) moving groups. For stars of spectral types G5 and later, we have used the Kast spectrometer on the Shane 3m telescope at Lick Observatory to measure lithium abundance in order to determine stellar ages. With the data we have obtained from this run, we will be able to establish whether our candidates are bona fide members of the moving groups in question. I will be presenting the preliminary results from this survey, including spectra of the ~50 stars observed thus far. These nearby young stars will make excellent targets for direct imaging followup surveys, since any giant planets around young stars will still be warm, and will therefore be bright enough to detect with instruments like GPI.

Statistical Analysis of Deflation in Covariance and Resultant Pc Values for AQUA, AURA and TERRA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasan, Syed O.

2016-01-01

This presentation will display statistical analysis performed for raw conjunction CDMs received for the EOS Aqua, Aura and Terra satellites within the period of February 2015 through July 2016. The analysis performed indicates a discernable deflation in covariance calculated at the JSpOC after the utilization of the dynamic drag consider parameter was implemented operationally in May 2015. As a result, the overall diminution in the conjunction plane intersection of the primary and secondary objects appears to be leading to reduced probability of collision (Pc) values for these conjunction events. This presentation also displays evidence for this theory with analysis of Pc trending plots using data calculated by the SpaceNav CRMS system.

The enteric microbiota regulates jejunal Paneth cell number and function without impacting intestinal stem cells.

PubMed

Schoenborn, Alexi A; von Furstenberg, Richard J; Valsaraj, Smrithi; Hussain, Farah S; Stein, Molly; Shanahan, Michael T; Henning, Susan J; Gulati, Ajay S

2018-06-08

Paneth cells (PCs) are epithelial cells found in the small intestine, next to intestinal stem cells (ISCs) at the base of the crypts. PCs secrete antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that regulate the commensal gut microbiota. In contrast, little is known regarding how the enteric microbiota reciprocally influences PC function. In this study, we sought to characterize the impact of the enteric microbiota on PC biology in the mouse small intestine. This was done by first enumerating jejunal PCs in germ-free (GF) versus conventionally-raised (CR) mice. We next evaluated the possible functional consequences of altered PC biology in these experimental groups by assessing epithelial proliferation, ISC numbers, and the production of AMPs. We found that PC numbers were significantly increased in CR versus GF mice; however, there were no differences in ISC numbers or cycling activity between groups. Of the AMPs assessed, only Reg3γ transcript expression was significantly increased in CR mice. Intriguingly, this increase was abrogated in cultured CR versus GF enteroids, and could not be re-induced with various bacterial ligands. Our findings demonstrate the enteric microbiota regulates PC function by increasing PC numbers and inducing Reg3γ expression, though the latter effect may not involve direct interactions between bacteria and the intestinal epithelium. In contrast, the enteric microbiota does not appear to regulate jejunal ISC census and proliferation. These are critical findings for investigators using GF mice and the enteroid system to study PC and ISC biology.

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.

Spectrophotometry (by Barbara Sawrey and Gabriele Wienhausen)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pringle, David L.

1998-08-01

Science Media: San Diego, 1997. 1-10 copies, 99 each; 11-20 copies, 69 each; 21+ copies, $49 each. (Note: CD operates with both Mac and PC.) Spectrophotometry is an interactive CD-ROM which introduces the basics of UV-visible spectrophotometry with some mention of infrared and other forms of spectrophotometry. A Macintosh System 7.5 or higher, CPU 68040 or Power PC processor, 6 megabytes of free RAM, 2.6 megabytes of free disk space, and 4X CD-ROM or faster are required.

Perception of control over eating after bariatric surgery for super-obesity--a 2-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Engström, My; Forsberg, Anna; Søvik, Torgeir T; Olbers, Torsten; Lönroth, Hans; Karlsson, Jan

2015-06-01

Physiological and psychosocial factors might contribute to differences in weight loss, eating behaviour and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate how perceived control over eating changes after bariatric surgery and whether it affects outcome in super-obese patients. In a retrospective analysis of a prospective study (n = 60), 49 patients were divided into two groups based on eating control 2 years after surgery, as assessed by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R21 (TFEQ-R21): 29 with good eating control (GC) and 20 patients with poor eating control (group PC). Eating behaviour and generic and condition-specific HRQoL was assessed by questionnaires. There were significant differences in all TFEQ-R21 domains 2 years after surgery in favour of group GC; uncontrolled eating p < 0.001, emotional eating p < 0.001 and for cognitive restraint p = 0.04. The improvement in HRQoL 2 years after surgery was significantly less in group PC compared to group GC in 7 of 8 SF-36 domains (p < 0.05). Mean (SD) percentage of excess body mass index lost was similar between groups, 71.2 (17.8) in group GC versus 65.4 (17.4) in group PC 2 years after surgery (p = 0.27). However, group GC had a significant weight loss between first and second year after surgery (p < 0.001) compared to group PC (p = 0.15). In super-obese patients, perceived poor control over eating 2 years after bariatric surgery was associated with lower HRQoL and more emotional and cognitive restraint eating, than good control overeating.

Hereditary pancreatic cancer: molecular bases and their application in diagnosis and clinical management: a guideline of the TTD group.

PubMed

Segura, P Pérez; Ponce, C Guillén; Ramón Y Cajal, T; Blanch, R Serrano; Aranda, E

2012-08-01

Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) represents the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Spain with a death rate of 2,400 males and 2,000 females per year. Poor outcome related to its silent nature and the lack of reliable secondary prevention measures translate into advanced-stage diagnosis, 75 % of deaths within the first year of diagnosis and 5-year survival rate of <5 %. Family history was first recognized as a risk factor for PC. Further population-based and case-control studies subsequently found that 7.8 % of patients with PC have a family history of the same tumor and individuals with a first-degree relative with PC have a 3.2-fold increased risk of developing PC. Overall, it is estimated that up to 10 % of PC have a familial component. However, known genetic syndromes account for <20 % of the observed familial aggregation of PC. We review the most important aspects in epidemiology, molecular biology and clinical management of familial PC.

Selection of Polynomial Chaos Bases via Bayesian Model Uncertainty Methods with Applications to Sparse Approximation of PDEs with Stochastic Inputs

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

Karagiannis, Georgios; Lin, Guang

2014-02-15

Generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) expansions allow the representation of the solution of a stochastic system as a series of polynomial terms. The number of gPC terms increases dramatically with the dimension of the random input variables. When the number of the gPC terms is larger than that of the available samples, a scenario that often occurs if the evaluations of the system are expensive, the evaluation of the gPC expansion can be inaccurate due to over-fitting. We propose a fully Bayesian approach that allows for global recovery of the stochastic solution, both in spacial and random domains, by coupling Bayesianmore » model uncertainty and regularization regression methods. It allows the evaluation of the PC coefficients on a grid of spacial points via (1) Bayesian model average or (2) medial probability model, and their construction as functions on the spacial domain via spline interpolation. The former accounts the model uncertainty and provides Bayes-optimal predictions; while the latter, additionally, provides a sparse representation of the solution by evaluating the expansion on a subset of dominating gPC bases when represented as a gPC expansion. Moreover, the method quantifies the importance of the gPC bases through inclusion probabilities. We design an MCMC sampler that evaluates all the unknown quantities without the need of ad-hoc techniques. The proposed method is suitable for, but not restricted to, problems whose stochastic solution is sparse at the stochastic level with respect to the gPC bases while the deterministic solver involved is expensive. We demonstrate the good performance of the proposed method and make comparisons with others on 1D, 14D and 40D in random space elliptic stochastic partial differential equations.« less

Chemical sensing of copper phthalocyanine sol-gel glass through organic vapors

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

Ridhi, R.; Gawri, Isha; Abbas, Saeed J.

2015-05-15

The sensitivities of metallophthalocyanine to vapor phase electron donors has gained significance in many areas and disciplines due to their sensing properties and ease of operation. In the present study the interaction mechanism of organic vapors in Copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc) sol-gel glass has been studied. The interaction mechanism is affected by many factors like morphology, electrical or optical properties of film. CuPc sol-gel glass has been synthesized using chemical route sol-gel method. Its structural characterization was conducted using XRD and the amorphous nature of the silicate glass was observed with characteristic α polymorph phase of CuPc at around 6.64° withmore » 13.30Å interplanar spacing. The size of the particle as determined using Debbye Scherre’s formula comes out around 15.5 nm. The presence of α phase of CuPc was confirmed using FTIR with the appearance of crystal parameter marker band at 787 cm-1. Apart from this A2u and Eu symmetry bands of CuPc have also been observed. The UV absorption spectrum of CuPc exhibits absorption peaks owing to π→ π* and n→ π* transitions. A blue shift in the prepared CuPc glass has been observed as compared to the dopant CuPc salt indicating increase of band gap. A split in B (Soret) band and Q band appears as observed with the help of Lorentzian fitting. CuPc sol gel glass has been exposed with chemical vapors of Methanol, Benzene and Bromine individually and the electrical measurements have been carried out. These measurements show the variation in conductivity and the interaction mechanism has been analyzed.« less

A Comparative Study of Probability Collectives Based Multi-agent Systems and Genetic Algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Chien-Feng; Wolpert, David H.; Bieniawski, Stefan; Strauss, Charles E. M.

2005-01-01

We compare Genetic Algorithms (GA's) with Probability Collectives (PC), a new framework for distributed optimization and control. In contrast to GA's, PC-based methods do not update populations of solutions. Instead they update an explicitly parameterized probability distribution p over the space of solutions. That updating of p arises as the optimization of a functional of p. The functional is chosen so that any p that optimizes it should be p peaked about good solutions. The PC approach works in both continuous and discrete problems. It does not suffer from the resolution limitation of the finite bit length encoding of parameters into GA alleles. It also has deep connections with both game theory and statistical physics. We review the PC approach using its motivation as the information theoretic formulation of bounded rationality for multi-agent systems. It is then compared with GA's on a diverse set of problems. To handle high dimensional surfaces, in the PC method investigated here p is restricted to a product distribution. Each distribution in that product is controlled by a separate agent. The test functions were selected for their difficulty using either traditional gradient descent or genetic algorithms. On those functions the PC-based approach significantly outperforms traditional GA's in both rate of descent, trapping in false minima, and long term optimization.

Power centroid radar and its rise from the universal cybernetics duality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feria, Erlan H.

2014-05-01

Power centroid radar (PC-Radar) is a fast and powerful adaptive radar scheme that naturally surfaced from the recent discovery of the time-dual for information theory which has been named "latency theory." Latency theory itself was born from the universal cybernetics duality (UC-Duality), first identified in the late 1970s, that has also delivered a time dual for thermodynamics that has been named "lingerdynamics" and anchors an emerging lifespan theory for biological systems. In this paper the rise of PC-Radar from the UC-Duality is described. The development of PC-Radar, US patented, started with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funded research on knowledge-aided (KA) adaptive radar of the last decade. The outstanding signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) performance of PC-Radar under severely taxing environmental disturbances will be established. More specifically, it will be seen that the SINR performance of PC-Radar, either KA or knowledgeunaided (KU), approximates that of an optimum KA radar scheme. The explanation for this remarkable result is that PC-Radar inherently arises from the UC-Duality, which advances a "first principles" duality guidance theory for the derivation of synergistic storage-space/computational-time compression solutions. Real-world synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images will be used as prior-knowledge to illustrate these results.

[MRI/TRUS fusion-guided prostate biopsy : Value in the context of focal therapy].

PubMed

Franz, T; von Hardenberg, J; Blana, A; Cash, H; Baumunk, D; Salomon, G; Hadaschik, B; Henkel, T; Herrmann, J; Kahmann, F; Köhrmann, K-U; Köllermann, J; Kruck, S; Liehr, U-B; Machtens, S; Peters, I; Radtke, J P; Roosen, A; Schlemmer, H-P; Sentker, L; Wendler, J J; Witzsch, U; Stolzenburg, J-U; Schostak, M; Ganzer, R

2017-02-01

Several systems for MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy of the prostate are commercially available. Many studies have shown superiority of fusion systems for tumor detection and diagnostic quality compared to random biopsy. The benefit of fusion systems in focal therapy of prostate cancer (PC) is less clear. Critical considerations of fusion systems for planning and monitoring of focal therapy of PC were investigated. A systematic literature review of available fusion systems for the period 2013-5/2016 was performed. A checklist of technical details, suitability for special anatomic situations and suitability for focal therapy was established by the German working group for focal therapy (Arbeitskreis fokale und Mikrotherapie). Eight fusion systems were considered (Artemis™, BioJet, BiopSee®, iSR´obot™ Mona Lisa, Hitachi HI-RVS, UroNav and Urostation®). Differences were found for biopsy mode (transrectal, perineal, both), fusion mode (elastic or rigid), navigation (image-based, electromagnetic sensor-based or mechanical sensor-based) and space requirements. Several consensus groups recommend fusion systems for focal therapy. Useful features are "needle tracking" and compatibility between fusion system and treatment device (available for Artemis™, BiopSee® and Urostation® with Focal One®; BiopSee®, Hitachi HI-RVS with NanoKnife®; BioJet, BiopSee® with cryoablation, brachytherapy). There are a few studies for treatment planning. However, studies on treatment monitoring after focal therapy are missing.

Emergent cholecystectomy is superior to percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement in critically ill patients with emergent calculous cholecystitis.

PubMed

Hall, Bradley R; Armijo, Priscila R; Krause, Crystal; Burnett, Tyler; Oleynikov, Dmitry

2018-07-01

The role of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is undefined in patients with multiple comorbidities presenting with emergent calculous cholecystitis (CC). This study compared outcomes between PC, laparoscopic (LC), and open cholecystectomy (OC). The Vizient UHC database was queried for high-risk patients with CC who underwent PC, LC, OC, or laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy (CONV). Demographics, outcomes, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and direct cost were compared between the groups. LC was the most common approach with the lowest risk of death, complications, LOS, and cost. Complication risk was highest in OC. Nearly 20% of patients underwent PC. Complication rate, LOS, infection, aspiration pneumonia, and mortality were higher in PC. Direct cost was lowest in LC, followed by CONV, PC, and OC. Emergent cholecystectomy for CC in high-risk patients is safer and more cost effective than PC and this study supports the use of cholecystectomy as the primary treatment approach in these patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival of gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis: evidence from an experimental study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been considered as a promising treatment modality for gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). However, there have also been many debates regarding the efficacy and safety of this new approach. Results from experimental animal model study could help provide reliable information. This study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of CRS + HIPEC to treat gastric cancer with PC in a rabbit model. Methods VX2 tumor cells were injected into the gastric submucosa of 42 male New Zealand rabbits using a laparotomic implantation technique, to construct rabbit model of gastric cancer with PC. The rabbits were randomized into control group (n = 14), CRS alone group (n = 14) and CRS + HIPEC group (n = 14). The control group was observed for natural course of disease progression. Treatments were started on day 9 after tumor cells inoculation, including maximal removal of tumor nodules in CRS alone group, and maximal CRS plus heperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with docetaxel (10 mg/rabbit) and carboplatin (40 mg/rabbit) at 42.0 ± 0.5°C for 30 min in CRS + HIPEC group. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were body weight, biochemistry, major organ functions and serious adverse events (SAE). Results Rabbit model of gastric cancer with PC was successfully established in all animals. The clinicopathological features of the model were similar to human gastric PC. The median OS was 24.0 d (95% confidence interval 21.8 - 26.2 d ) in the control group, 25.0 d (95% CI 21.3 - 28.7 d ) in CRS group, and 40.0 d (95% CI 34.6 - 45.4 d ) in CRS + HIPEC group (P = 0.00, log rank test). Compared with CRS only or control group, CRS + HIPEC could extend the OS by at least 15 d (60%). At the baseline, on the day of surgery and on day 8 after surgery, the peripheral blood cells counts, liver and kidney functions, and biochemistry parameters were all comparable. SAE occurred in 0 animal in control group, 2 animals in CRS alone group including 1 animal death due to anesthesia overdose and another death due to postoperative hemorrhage, and 3 animals in CRS + HIPEC group including 1 animal death due to anesthesia overdose, and 2 animal deaths due to diarrhea 23 and 27 d after operation. Conclusions In this rabbit model of gastric cancer with PC, CRS alone could not bring benefit while CRS + HIPEC with docetaxel and carboplatin could significantly prolong the survival with acceptable safety. PMID:21548973

Comparison of composition and absorption of sugarcane policosanols.

PubMed

Marinangeli, Christopher P F; Kassis, Amira N; Jain, Deepak; Ebine, Naoyuki; Cunnane, Stephen C; Jones, Peter J H

2007-02-01

Policosanols (PC) exist as very-long-chain alcohols derived from sugarcane currently used in many countries as a cholesterol-lowering therapy. PC purity and relative percentage composition have been suggested as primary reasons why the original Cuban PC (OPC) supplements possess lipid-lowering efficacy. The purpose of the present study was, first, to compare the relative percentage purity and PC composition of both OPC and alternative sources of PC (APC). A second objective was to feed Syrian hamsters a diet containing 0.275 mg PC/g of either the OPC or an APC product (APC1) and compare subsequent tissue, plasma and faecal PC levels. Five animals from the APC1 dietary group received a diet containing ten times the original amount of PC. Results indicate that the APC formulations have a composition that is highly consistent with the OPC supplement, with octacosanol being present within the cited 60-70 % range. PC were undetectable in the small intestine, liver, adipose or plasma in animals fed either source. Hamsters fed OPC excreted octacosanol (C28) more rapidly (P < 0.05) than hamsters receiving APC1. If the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of PC mixtures is dependent on their purity and composition, then sugarcane-derived APC products should possess similar therapeutic properties as the OPC supplement.

Significance of serum total prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

PubMed

Abdrabo, Abdelkarim A; Fadlalla, Adil I; Fadl-Elmula, Imad M

2011-11-01

To assess the significance of serum total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC). One hundred and eighteen patients with serum tPSA ranging between 2.5 and 10 ng/ml with lower urinary tract symptoms presented at the Urology Clinic of Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan from August 2008 and January 2010 were included in the study. Serum tPSA was measured using enzyme immunoassay method, and accordingly, the patients were classified into 2 groups: patients that had tPSA between 2.5-4.0 ng/ml; and patients that had tPSA between 4.1-10 ng/ml. The DRE was performed on all patients by a qualified urologist, and were recorded as a group with suspicion of PC, and a group with no suspicion of PC. All patients underwent transrectal sextant prostate biopsy. The DRE alone showed 63.8% sensitivity and 68% specificity with 46.9% positive predictive value (PPV) for the diagnosis of PC. The tPSA test revealed 91.6% sensitivity and 24% specificity with PPV of 34%. However, when combining DRE and tPSA, the sensitivity reached 100% and the specificity increased to 92% with PPV of 49%. Combining DRE and tPSA test increases the sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of PC detection.

Polycomb purification by in vivo biotinylation tagging reveals cohesin and Trithorax group proteins as interaction partners

PubMed Central

Strübbe, Gero; Popp, Christian; Schmidt, Alexander; Pauli, Andrea; Ringrose, Leonie; Beisel, Christian; Paro, Renato

2011-01-01

The maintenance of specific gene expression patterns during cellular proliferation is crucial for the identity of every cell type and the development of tissues in multicellular organisms. Such a cellular memory function is conveyed by the complex interplay of the Polycomb and Trithorax groups of proteins (PcG/TrxG). These proteins exert their function at the level of chromatin by establishing and maintaining repressed (PcG) and active (TrxG) chromatin domains. Past studies indicated that a core PcG protein complex is potentially associated with cell type or even cell stage-specific sets of accessory proteins. In order to better understand the dynamic aspects underlying PcG composition and function we have established an inducible version of the biotinylation tagging approach to purify Polycomb and associated factors from Drosophila embryos. This system enabled fast and efficient isolation of Polycomb containing complexes under near physiological conditions, thereby preserving substoichiometric interactions. Novel interacting proteins were identified by highly sensitive mass spectrometric analysis. We found many TrxG related proteins, suggesting a previously unrecognized extent of molecular interaction of the two counteracting chromatin regulatory protein groups. Furthermore, our analysis revealed an association of PcG protein complexes with the cohesin complex and showed that Polycomb-dependent silencing of a transgenic reporter depends on cohesin function. PMID:21415365

[Expectations and user experiences of older Roma women with health services in primary care].

PubMed

Ramos-Morcillo, Antonio Jesús; Ruzafa-Martínez, María; Fernández-Salazar, Serafín; Del-Pino-Casado, Rafael

2015-04-01

To know the expectations and user experiences of older Roma women with health services in primary care (PC). Phenomenological qualitative study. Using focus groups (4-9 women/group) and semistructured interviews. Audio recorded from March to November 2011. Performed in Úbeda and Linares (Spain). Roma women over 50years. A purposive sample stratified by age and area of residence was carried out. Woman were recruited through community leaders. Process of qualitative content analysis: coding, triangulation, obtain and verify results. Supported whit the software Nvivo 8. Three focus groups and four interviews were conducted, including 23 women. The expectations for the PC are focus exclusively on their physician, being invisible other professionals. They look for a relationship with their physician based on trust. In their user experience with the PC coexist three types of user: who goes to their appointments, demands attention only in acute disease and does not attend appointments and reviews. There are socio-cultural factors related to accessibility. Older Roma women set their expectations and experiences with health service in PC around the binomial disease/physician. Expect attention based on trust and a high instrumentalization. A speech with signs of change directed towards a more active and demanding participation in PC services is observed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Gluten-free vegan diet induces decreased LDL and oxidized LDL levels and raised atheroprotective natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized study

PubMed Central

Elkan, Ann-Charlotte; Sjöberg, Beatrice; Kolsrud, Björn; Ringertz, Bo; Hafström, Ingiäld; Frostegård, Johan

2008-01-01

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vegan diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on blood lipids oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and natural atheroprotective antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PCs). Methods Sixty-six patients with active RA were randomly assigned to either a vegan diet free of gluten (38 patients) or a well-balanced non-vegan diet (28 patients) for 1 year. Thirty patients in the vegan group completed more than 3 months on the diet regimen. Blood lipids were analyzed by routine methods, and oxLDL and anti-PCs were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data and serum samples were obtained at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Results Mean ages were 50.0 years for the vegan group and 50.8 years for controls. Gluten-free vegan diet induced lower body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and higher anti-PC IgM than control diet (p < 0.005). In the vegan group, BMI, LDL, and cholesterol decreased after both 3 and 12 months (p < 0.01) and oxLDL after 3 months (p = 0.021) and trendwise after 12 months (p = 0.090). Triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein did not change. IgA anti-PC levels increased after 3 months (p = 0.027) and IgM anti-PC levels increased trendwise after 12 months (p = 0.057). There was no difference in IgG anti-PC levels. In the control diet group, IgM anti-PC levels decreased both after 3 and 12 months (p < 0.01). When separating vegan patients into clinical responders and non-responders at 12 months, the effects on oxLDL and anti-PC IgA were seen only in responders (p < 0.05). Conclusion A gluten-free vegan diet in RA induces changes that are potentially atheroprotective and anti-inflammatory, including decreased LDL and oxLDL levels and raised anti-PC IgM and IgA levels. PMID:18348715

Gluten-free vegan diet induces decreased LDL and oxidized LDL levels and raised atheroprotective natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized study.

PubMed

Elkan, Ann-Charlotte; Sjöberg, Beatrice; Kolsrud, Björn; Ringertz, Bo; Hafström, Ingiäld; Frostegård, Johan

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vegan diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on blood lipids oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and natural atheroprotective antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PCs). Sixty-six patients with active RA were randomly assigned to either a vegan diet free of gluten (38 patients) or a well-balanced non-vegan diet (28 patients) for 1 year. Thirty patients in the vegan group completed more than 3 months on the diet regimen. Blood lipids were analyzed by routine methods, and oxLDL and anti-PCs were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data and serum samples were obtained at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Mean ages were 50.0 years for the vegan group and 50.8 years for controls. Gluten-free vegan diet induced lower body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and higher anti-PC IgM than control diet (p < 0.005). In the vegan group, BMI, LDL, and cholesterol decreased after both 3 and 12 months (p < 0.01) and oxLDL after 3 months (p = 0.021) and trendwise after 12 months (p = 0.090). Triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein did not change. IgA anti-PC levels increased after 3 months (p = 0.027) and IgM anti-PC levels increased trendwise after 12 months (p = 0.057). There was no difference in IgG anti-PC levels. In the control diet group, IgM anti-PC levels decreased both after 3 and 12 months (p < 0.01). When separating vegan patients into clinical responders and non-responders at 12 months, the effects on oxLDL and anti-PC IgA were seen only in responders (p < 0.05). A gluten-free vegan diet in RA induces changes that are potentially atheroprotective and anti-inflammatory, including decreased LDL and oxLDL levels and raised anti-PC IgM and IgA levels.

Acupuncture and PC6 stimulation for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer: a study protocol for a three-arm randomised pilot trial.

PubMed

Kim, Kun Hyung; Kim, Dae Hun; Bae, Ji Min; Son, Gyung Mo; Kim, Kyung Hee; Hong, Seung Pyo; Yang, Gi Young; Kim, Hee Young

2017-01-04

This study aims to assess the feasibility of acupuncture and a Pericardium 6 (PC6) wristband as an add-on intervention of antiemetic medication for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection. A total of 60 participants who are scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer will be recruited. An enhanced recovery after surgery protocol using standardised antiemetic medication will be provided for all participants. Participants will be equally randomised into acupuncture plus PC6 wristband (Acupuncture), PC6 wristband alone (Wristband), or no acupuncture or wristband (Control) groups using computer-generated random numbers concealed in opaque, sealed, sequentially numbered envelopes. For the acupuncture combined with PC6 wristband group, the embedded auricular acupuncture technique for preoperative anxiolysis and up to three sessions of acupuncture treatments with manual and electrical stimulation within 48 hours after surgery will be provided by qualified Korean medicine doctors. The PC6 wristband will be applied in the Acupuncture and Wristband groups, beginning 1 hour before surgery and lasting 48 hours postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the number of participants who experience moderate or severe nausea, defined as nausea at least 4 out of 10 on a severity numeric rating scale or vomiting at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes, including symptom severity, participant global assessments and satisfaction, quality of life, physiological recovery, use of medication and length of hospital stay, will be assessed. Adverse events and postoperative complications will be measured for 1 month after surgery. All participants will provide written informed consent. The study has been approved by the institutional review board (IRB). This pilot trial will inform a full-scale randomised trial of acupuncture combined with PC6 stimulation for the prevention of PONV in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. NCT02509143. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

DDO 216-A1: A Central Globular Cluster in a Low-luminosity Transition-type Galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cole, Andrew A.; Weisz, Daniel R.; Skillman, Evan D.; Leaman, Ryan; Williams, Benjamin F.; Dolphin, Andrew E.; Johnson, L. Clifton; McConnachie, Alan W.; Boylan-Kolchin, Michael; Dalcanton, Julianne; Governato, Fabio; Madau, Piero; Shen, Sijing; Vogelsberger, Mark

2017-03-01

We confirm that the object DDO 216-A1 is a substantial globular cluster at the center of Local Group galaxy DDO 216 (the Pegasus dwarf irregular), using Hubble Space Telescope ACS imaging. By fitting isochrones, we find the cluster metallicity [M/H] = -1.6 ± 0.2, for reddening E(B-V) = 0.16 ± 0.02 the best-fit age is 12.3 ± 0.8 Gyr. There are ≈ 30 RR Lyrae variables in the cluster; the magnitude of the fundamental mode pulsators gives a distance modulus of 24.77 ± 0.08—identical to the host galaxy. The ratio of overtone to fundamental mode variables and their mean periods make DDO 216-A1 an Oosterhoff Type I cluster. We find a central surface brightness of 20.85 ± 0.17 F814W mag arcsec-2, a half-light radius of 3\\buildrel{\\prime\\prime}\\over{.} 1 (13.4 pc), and an absolute magnitude M814 = -7.90 ± 0.16 (M/{M}⊙ ≈ 105). King models fit to the cluster give the core radius and concentration index, r c = 2\\buildrel{\\prime\\prime}\\over{.} 1 ± 0\\buildrel{\\prime\\prime}\\over{.} 9 and c = 1.24 ± 0.39. The cluster is an “extended” cluster somewhat typical of some dwarf galaxies and the outer halo of the Milky Way. The cluster is projected ≲30 pc south of the center of DDO 216, unusually central compared to most dwarf galaxy globular clusters. Analytical models of dynamical friction and tidal destruction suggest that it probably formed at a larger distance, up to ˜1 kpc, and migrated inward. DDO 216 has an unexceptional specific cluster frequency, S N = 10. DDO 216 is the lowest-luminosity Local Group galaxy to host a 105 {M}⊙ globular cluster and the only transition-type (dSph/dIrr) galaxy in the Local Group with a globular cluster. Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telesope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555. These observations were obtained under program GO-13768.

Choline intake influences phosphatidylcholine DHA enrichment in nonpregnant women but not in pregnant women in the third trimester.

PubMed

West, Allyson A; Yan, Jian; Jiang, Xinyin; Perry, Cydne A; Innis, Sheila M; Caudill, Marie A

2013-04-01

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) produced via the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway is enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA plays a critical role in fetal development and is linked to health endpoints in adulthood. It is unknown whether choline, which can serve as a source of S-adenosylmethionine methyl groups, influences PC-DHA or the PC:PE ratio in pregnant and nonpregnant women. This study tested whether choline intake affects indicators of choline-related lipid metabolism, including erythrocyte and plasma PC-DHA and PC:PE ratios, in pregnant women in the third trimester and nonpregnant women. Pregnant (n = 26) and nonpregnant (n = 21) women consumed 480 or 930 mg choline/d and a daily DHA supplement for 12 wk. Blood was collected at baseline and at the midpoint and end of the study. PC-DHA was analyzed as the proportion of total PC fatty acids. Pregnant women had greater (P = 0.002) PC-DHA concentrations than did nonpregnant women at baseline. The proportion of erythrocyte and plasma PC-DHA increased (P ≤ 0.002) in pregnant and nonpregnant women regardless of choline intake. However, in nonpregnant women, consumption of 930 mg choline/d led to greater (P < 0.001) erythrocyte PC-DHA and a more rapid increase (P < 0.001) in plasma PC-DHA. Lower (P = 0.001-0.024) erythrocyte and plasma PC:PE in pregnant women was not modified by choline intake. A higher choline intake may increase PEMT activity, resulting in greater PC-DHA enrichment of the PC molecule in nonpregnant women. Increased production of PC-DHA during pregnancy indicates elevated PEMT activity and a higher demand for methyl donors. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01127022.

Cerebellar pathology in childhood-onset vs. adult-onset essential tremor.

PubMed

Louis, Elan D; Kuo, Sheng-Han; Tate, William J; Kelly, Geoffrey C; Faust, Phyllis L

2017-10-17

Although the incidence of ET increases with advancing age, the disease may begin at any age, including childhood. The question arises as to whether childhood-onset ET cases manifest the same sets of pathological changes in the cerebellum as those whose onset is during adult life. We quantified a broad range of postmortem features (Purkinje cell [PC] counts, PC axonal torpedoes, a host of associated axonal changes [PC axonal recurrent collateral count, PC thickened axonal profile count, PC axonal branching count], heterotopic PCs, and basket cell rating) in 60 ET cases (11 childhood-onset and 49 adult-onset) and 30 controls. Compared to controls, childhood-onset ET cases had lower PC counts, higher torpedo counts, higher heterotopic PC counts, higher basket cell plexus rating, and marginally higher PC axonal recurrent collateral counts. The median PC thickened axonal profile count and median PC axonal branching count were two to five times higher in childhood-onset ET than controls, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Childhood-onset and adult-onset ET had similar PC counts, torpedo counts, heterotopic PC counts, basket cell plexus rating, PC axonal recurrent collateral counts, PC thickened axonal profile count and PC axonal branching count. In conclusion, we found that childhood-onset and adult-onset ET shared similar pathological changes in the cerebellum. The data suggest that pathological changes we have observed in the cerebellum in ET are a part of the pathophysiological cascade of events in both forms of the disease and that both groups seem to reach the same pathological endpoints at a similar age of death. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydraulic, water-quality, and temperature performance of three types of permeable pavement under high sediment loading conditions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Selbig, William R.; Buer, Nicolas

2018-05-11

Three permeable pavement surfaces - asphalt (PA), concrete (PC), and interlocking pavers (PIP) - were evaluated side-by-side to measure changes to the infiltrative capacity and water quality of stormwater runoff originating from a conventional asphalt parking lot in Madison, Wisconsin. During the 24-month monitoring period (2014-16), all three permeable pavements resulted in statistically significant reductions in the cumulative load of solids (total suspended solids and suspended sediment), total phosphorus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Enterococci. Most of the removal occurred through capture and retention in the void spaces of each permeable surface and aggregate base. The largest reduction in total suspended solids was for PC at 80 percent, followed by PIP and PA at 69 and 65 percent, respectively. Reductions (generally less than 50 percent) in total phosphorus also were observed, which might have been tempered by increases in the dissolved fraction observed in PIP and PA. Conversely, PC results indicated a slight reduction in dissolved phosphorus but failed to meet statistical significance. E. coli and Enterococci were reduced by about 80 percent for PC, almost twice the amount observed for PIP and PA.Results for the PIP and PC surfaces initially indicated higher pollutant load reduction than results for the PA surface. The efficiency of PIP and PC surfaces capturing sediment, however, led to a decline in infiltration rates that resulted in more runoff flowing over, not through, the permeable surface. This result led to a decline in treatment until the permeable surface was partially restored through maintenance practices, to which PIP responded more dramatically than PC or PA. Conversely, the PA surface was capable of infiltrating most of the influent runoff volume during the monitoring period and, thus, continued to provide some level of treatment. The combined effect of underdrain and overflow drainage resulted in similar pollutant treatment for all three permeable surfaces.Temperatures below each permeable surface generally followed changes in air temperature with a more gradual response observed in deeper layers. Therefore, permeable pavement may do little to mitigate heated runoff during summer. During winter, deeper layers remained above freezing even when air temperature was below freezing. Although temperatures were not high enough to melt snow or ice accumulated on the surface, temperatures below each permeable pavement did allow void spaces to remain open, which promoted infiltration of melted ice and snow as air temperatures rose above freezing. These open void spaces could potentially reduce the need for application of deicing agents in winter because melted snow and ice would infiltrate, thereby preventing refreezing of pooled water in what is known as the “black ice” effect.

Multi-element stochastic spectral projection for high quantile estimation

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

Ko, Jordan, E-mail: jordan.ko@mac.com; Garnier, Josselin

2013-06-15

We investigate quantile estimation by multi-element generalized Polynomial Chaos (gPC) metamodel where the exact numerical model is approximated by complementary metamodels in overlapping domains that mimic the model’s exact response. The gPC metamodel is constructed by the non-intrusive stochastic spectral projection approach and function evaluation on the gPC metamodel can be considered as essentially free. Thus, large number of Monte Carlo samples from the metamodel can be used to estimate α-quantile, for moderate values of α. As the gPC metamodel is an expansion about the means of the inputs, its accuracy may worsen away from these mean values where themore » extreme events may occur. By increasing the approximation accuracy of the metamodel, we may eventually improve accuracy of quantile estimation but it is very expensive. A multi-element approach is therefore proposed by combining a global metamodel in the standard normal space with supplementary local metamodels constructed in bounded domains about the design points corresponding to the extreme events. To improve the accuracy and to minimize the sampling cost, sparse-tensor and anisotropic-tensor quadratures are tested in addition to the full-tensor Gauss quadrature in the construction of local metamodels; different bounds of the gPC expansion are also examined. The global and local metamodels are combined in the multi-element gPC (MEgPC) approach and it is shown that MEgPC can be more accurate than Monte Carlo or importance sampling methods for high quantile estimations for input dimensions roughly below N=8, a limit that is very much case- and α-dependent.« less

Association Between Gait and Dual Task With Cognitive Domains in Older People With Cognitive Impairment.

PubMed

Ansai, Juliana Hotta; Andrade, Larissa Pires de; Rossi, Paulo Giusti; Almeida, Mariana Luciano; Carvalho Vale, Francisco Assis; Rebelatto, José Rubens

2017-09-13

The authors investigated whether impaired gait and dual-task performances are associated with specific cognitive domains among older people with preserved cognition (PC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). The sample comprised 40 older adults with PC, 40 with MCI, and 38 with mild AD. The assessment consisted of gait (measured by 10-m walk test and Timed Up and Go Test [TUGT]), dual task (measured by TUGT associated with a cognitive-motor task of calling a phone number), and cognition (domains of the Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination-Revised and Frontal Assessment Battery [FAB]). For data analysis, the Pearson product-moment correlation and the backward stepwise linear regression were conducted. Language, fluency, and visuospatial domains predicted the 10-m walk test measure specifically in PC, MCI, and AD groups. Only the visuospatial domain was independently associated with the TUGT measure in the MCI and AD groups. FAB score, language domain, and FAB score and fluency domain were the strongest predictors for the isolated cognitive-motor task measure in the PC, MCI, and AD groups, respectively. The visuospatial domain was independently associated with the dual-task test measure in all 3 groups. The study findings demonstrate the influence of specific cognitive domains in daily mobility tasks in people with different cognitive profiles.

Effects of Mirror Therapy Using a Tablet PC on Central Facial Paresis in Stroke Patients.

PubMed

Kang, Jung-A; Chun, Min Ho; Choi, Su Jin; Chang, Min Cheol; Yi, You Gyoung

2017-06-01

To investigate the effects of mirror therapy using a tablet PC for post-stroke central facial paresis. A prospective, randomized controlled study was performed. Twenty-one post-stroke patients were enrolled. All patients performed 15 minutes of orofacial exercise twice daily for 14 days. The mirror group (n=10) underwent mirror therapy using a tablet PC while exercising, whereas the control group (n=11) did not. All patients were evaluated using the Regional House-Brackmann Grading Scale (R-HBGS), and the length between the corner of the mouth and the ipsilateral earlobe during rest and smiling before and after therapy were measured bilaterally. We calculated facial movement by subtracting the smile length from resting length. Differences and ratios between bilateral sides of facial movement were evaluated as the final outcome measure. Baseline characteristics were similar for the two groups. There were no differences in the scores for the basal Modified Barthel Index, the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, R-HBGS, and bilateral differences and ratios of facial movements. The R-HBGS as well as the bilateral differences and ratios of facial movement showed significant improvement after therapy in both groups. The degree of improvement of facial movement was significantly larger in the mirror group than in the control group. Mirror therapy using a tablet PC might be an effective tool for treating central facial paresis after stroke.

Effects of Mirror Therapy Using a Tablet PC on Central Facial Paresis in Stroke Patients

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Objective To investigate the effects of mirror therapy using a tablet PC for post-stroke central facial paresis. Methods A prospective, randomized controlled study was performed. Twenty-one post-stroke patients were enrolled. All patients performed 15 minutes of orofacial exercise twice daily for 14 days. The mirror group (n=10) underwent mirror therapy using a tablet PC while exercising, whereas the control group (n=11) did not. All patients were evaluated using the Regional House–Brackmann Grading Scale (R-HBGS), and the length between the corner of the mouth and the ipsilateral earlobe during rest and smiling before and after therapy were measured bilaterally. We calculated facial movement by subtracting the smile length from resting length. Differences and ratios between bilateral sides of facial movement were evaluated as the final outcome measure. Results Baseline characteristics were similar for the two groups. There were no differences in the scores for the basal Modified Barthel Index, the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, R-HBGS, and bilateral differences and ratios of facial movements. The R-HBGS as well as the bilateral differences and ratios of facial movement showed significant improvement after therapy in both groups. The degree of improvement of facial movement was significantly larger in the mirror group than in the control group. Conclusion Mirror therapy using a tablet PC might be an effective tool for treating central facial paresis after stroke. PMID:28758071

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

Wang, Wenjie; Zhang, Honghu; Feng, Shuren

Surface-sensitive X-ray scattering and spectroscopy techniques reveal significant adsorption of iron ions and iron-hydroxide (Fe(III)) complexes to a charge-neutral zwitterionic template of phosphatidylcholine (PC). The PC template is formed by a Langmuir monolayer of dipalmitoyl-PC (DPPC) that is spread on the surface of 2 to 40 μM FeCl 3 solutions at physiological levels of KCl (100 mM). At 40 μM of Fe(III) as many as ~3 iron atoms are associated with each PC group. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements indicate a significant disruption in the in-plane ordering of DPPC molecules upon iron adsorption. The binding of iron-hydroxide complexes to amore » neutral PC surface is yet another example of nonelectrostatic, presumably covalent bonding to a charge-neutral organic template. Furthermore, the strong binding and the disruption of in-plane lipid structure has biological implications on the integrity of PC-derived lipid membranes, including those based on sphingomyelin.« less

Effect of Fermentation and Cooking on Soluble and Bound Phenolic Profiles of Finger Millet Sour Porridge.

PubMed

Gabaza, Molly; Shumoy, Habtu; Muchuweti, Maud; Vandamme, Peter; Raes, Katleen

2016-10-12

The aim of this study was to evaluate the soluble and bound phenolic content of finger millet and the impact of process induced changes on phenolic profiles of their sour porridge. Finger millet porridge and intermediate products were collected from four groups of households in the Hwedza communal area, Zimbabwe, after which soluble and bound phenolic compounds (PC) including condensed tannins (CT) were quantified. Bound PC and CT contributed 95% of the total PC and CT. The CT were only detected in the red varieties. Major individual PC identified were catechin occurring in the soluble fraction only, while ferulic, sinapic, and salicylic acid were mainly present in the bound fraction. Fermentation and cooking caused a more than 2-fold increase in soluble PC, CT, and individual PC. Improved traditional processing techniques optimized for improved bioavailability and health benefits of phenolics are highly relevant for the low income populations.

On the solvation structure of dimethylsulfoxide/water around the phosphatidylcholine head group in solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dabkowska, Aleksandra P.; Foglia, Fabrizia; Lawrence, M. Jayne; Lorenz, Christian D.; McLain, Sylvia E.

2011-12-01

The solution structure of the phosphocholine (PC) head group in 1,2-dipropionyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C3-PC) in 30 mol. % dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-water solutions has been determined by using neutron diffraction enhanced with isotopic substitution in combination with computer simulation techniques. By investigating the atomic scale hydration structure around the PC head group, a unique description of the displacement of water molecules by DMSO molecules is detailed around various locations of the head group. Specifically, DMSO molecules were found to be the most prevalent around the onium portion of the head group, with the dipoles of the DMSO molecules being aligned where the negatively charged oxygen can interact strongly with the positively charged lipid group. The phosphate group is also partially dehydrated by the presence of the DMSO molecules. However, around this group the bulkier positive end of the DMSO dipole is interacting with negatively charged groups of the lipid head group, the DMSO layer shows no obvious ordering as it cannot form hydrogen bonds with the oxygen atoms in the PO4 group such as water molecules can. Interestingly, DMSO-water contacts have also increased in the presence of the lipid molecule relative to DMSO-water contacts observed in pure DMSO/water solutions at similar concentrations.

Dietary food groups intake and cooking methods associations with pancreatic cancer: a case-control study.

PubMed

Ghorbani, Zeinab; Hekmatdoost, Azita; Zinab, Hassan Eini; Farrokhzad, Solmaz; Rahimi, Roya; Malekzadeh, Reza; Pourshams, Akram

2015-05-01

The role of dietary habits in the etiology of pancreatic cancer (PC) has not yet been well elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of the frequency of different food groups' intake and their cooking methods with PC risk based on a well-designed case-control study. A case-control study including 307 PC patients and 322 controls referred to four tertiary endosonography centers was conducted from January 2011 to January 2014 to compare the frequency intake of different food items and their cooking methods between cases and controls. After adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, years of education, diabetes and alcohol history, smoking status, and opium use, a significant direct relationship was observed between PC risk and intake frequency (time/week) of bread (OR = 1.50; 95 % CI 1.05-2.13; p-value 0.024), rice (OR = 2.10; 95 % CI 1.15-3.82; p for trend 0.034), and red meat (OR = 2.25; 95 % CI 1.22-4.14; p for trend 0.033) (time/day), when comparing the highest category of intake frequency with the lowest, while increasing frequency of fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of PC (OR = 0.93; 95 % CI0.59-1.47; p for trend 0.009). Increasing consumption of barbecuing red meat and deep fried vegetables was associated with 67 % and 70 % increased risk of PC (p-value 0.025 and 0.006, respectively). Our results indicate that increased frequency of intake of bread, rice, and red meat (especially barbecued) and deep fried vegetables can aggregate PC risk, while increased frequency of fish consumption can protect against PC. However, more studies are still needed.

Trans unsaturated fatty acids inhibit lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase and alter its positional specificity.

PubMed

Subbaiah, P V; Subramanian, V S; Liu, M

1998-07-01

Although dietary trans unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) are known to decrease plasma HDL, the underlying mechanisms for this effect are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the decreased HDL is due to an inhibition of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), the enzyme essential for the formation of HDL, by determining the activity of purified LCAT in the presence of synthetic phosphatidylcholine (PC) substrates containing TUFA. Both human and rat LCATs exhibited significantly lower activity (-37% to -50%) with PCs containing 18:1t or 18:2t, when compared with the PCs containing corresponding cis isomers. TUFA-containing PCs also inhibited the enzyme activity competitively, when added to egg PC substrate. The inhibition of LCAT activity was not due to changes in the fluidity of the substrate particle. However, the inhibition depended on the position occupied by TUFA in the PC, as well as on the paired fatty acid. Thus, for human LCAT, 18:1t was more inhibitory when present at sn-2 position of PC, than at sn-1, when paired with 16:0. In contrast, when paired with 20:4, 18:1t was more inhibitory at sn-1 position of PC. Both human and rat LCATs, which are normally specific for the sn-2 acyl group of PC, exhibited an alteration in their positional specificity when 16:0-18:1t PC or 16:1t-20:4 PC was used as substrate, deriving 26-86% of the total acyl groups for cholesterol esterification from the sn-1 position. These results show that the trans fatty acids decrease high density lipoprotein through their inhibition of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, and also alter LCAT's positional specificity, inducing the formation of more saturated cholesteryl esters, which are more atherogenic.

Specificity of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase and atherogenic risk: comparative studies on the plasma composition and in vitro synthesis of cholesteryl esters in 14 vertebrate species.

PubMed

Liu, M; Bagdade, J D; Subbaiah, P V

1995-08-01

To determine whether the specificity of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) influences the susceptibility to atherosclerosis, we compared the composition and in vitro synthesis of cholesteryl ester (CE) in the plasmas of 14 vertebrate species with varying predisposition to atherosclerosis. The susceptible species (Group I) had significantly higher ratios of 16:0 CE/20:4 CE in their plasma than the resistant species (Group II). The in vitro formation of labeled CE species in native plasma from labeled cholesterol correlated highly with the mass composition, showing that the LCAT reaction is the predominant source of plasma CE in all the animal species examined. Isolated LCATs from Group I species also synthesized CE with higher ratios of 16:0/20:4 than LCATs from Group II when egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) was used as the acyl donor. In addition, the Group I LCATs exhibited lower specificity towards sn-2-20:4 and sn-2-22:6 PCs, and higher specificity towards sn-2-18:2 PC species than Group II LCATs. With 16:0-20:4 PC as the substrate, all Group I LCATs synthesized more 16:0 CE than 20:4 CE, whereas all Group II LCATs, with the exception of dog enzyme, synthesized predominantly 20:4 CE, showing that the two types of LCAT have different positional specificities towards this PC. These results suggest that there are two classes of LCAT in nature that differ from each other in their substrate and positional specificities, possibly because of differences in their active-site architectures. We propose that the presence of one type of LCAT, which cannot efficiently transfer certain long chain polyunsaturated acyl groups and which consequently synthesizes more saturated CE, may increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

The cmc-value of a bolalipid with two phosphocholine headgroups and a C24 alkyl chain: Unusual binding properties of fluorescence probes to bolalipid aggregates.

PubMed

Kordts, Martin; Kerth, Andreas; Drescher, Simon; Ott, Maria; Blume, Alfred

2017-09-01

Bolalipids with a long alkyl chain and two phosphocholine polar groups self-assemble in water into two different types of aggregate structures, namely helical nanofibers at low temperature and two types of micellar aggregates at higher temperature. We tried to determine the critical aggregation concentration (cac) or critical micellar concentration (cmc) of the bolalipid tetracosane-1,24-bis(phosphocholine) (PC-C24-PC) by using different fluorescent probes. The use of pyrene or pyrene derivatives as fluorophores failed, whereas the probes 1,8-ANS and particularly bis-ANS gave consistent results. The structure of the bolalipid aggregates obviously hinders partitioning or binding of pyrene derivatives into the micellar interior, whereas 1,8-ANS and bis-ANS can bind to the surface of the aggregate structures. The observed large increase in fluorescence intensity of bis-ANS indicates that binding to the hydrophobic surface of the aggregates leads to a reduction of the dye mobility. However, binding of bis-ANS is relatively weak, so that the determination of a cac/cmc-value is difficult. Simulations of the intensity curves for PC-C24-PC lead to estimates of the cac/cmc-value of 0.3-1.0×10 -6 M, depending on the structure of the aggregates. Single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy was used to determine the mobility of bis-ANS as a function of concentration of PC-C24-PC. The dye diffusion time and the molecular brightness are lower at low bolalipid concentration, when only free dye is present, and increase at higher concentration when bis-ANS is bound to the aggregates. The experimental cac/cmc-values are higher than those estimated, using an incremental method for the change in Gibbs free energy for micellization with n-alkyl-phosphocholines with only one polar group as a comparison. Apparently, for PC-C24-PC in micellar or fibrous aggregates, more CH 2 groups are exposed to water than in a conventional micelle of an n-alkyl-phosphocholine. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Space station operating system study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horn, Albert E.; Harwell, Morris C.

1988-01-01

The current phase of the Space Station Operating System study is based on the analysis, evaluation, and comparison of the operating systems implemented on the computer systems and workstations in the software development laboratory. Primary emphasis has been placed on the DEC MicroVMS operating system as implemented on the MicroVax II computer, with comparative analysis of the SUN UNIX system on the SUN 3/260 workstation computer, and to a limited extent, the IBM PC/AT microcomputer running PC-DOS. Some benchmark development and testing was also done for the Motorola MC68010 (VM03 system) before the system was taken from the laboratory. These systems were studied with the objective of determining their capability to support Space Station software development requirements, specifically for multi-tasking and real-time applications. The methodology utilized consisted of development, execution, and analysis of benchmark programs and test software, and the experimentation and analysis of specific features of the system or compilers in the study.

KSC-98pc921

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-14

Technicians carefully lower an Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) onto a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC . The IEA, a large truss segment of the International Space Station (ISS), is one of four power modules to be used on the International Space Station. The modules contain batteries for the ISS solar panels and power for the life support systems and experiments that will be conducted. This first IEA will fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of STS-97, scheduled to launch August 5, 1999

KSC-98pc920

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-14

Technicians in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC prepare to lower an Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) onto a work stand. The IEA, a large truss segment of the International Space Station (ISS), is one of four power modules to be used on the International Space Station. The modules contain batteries for the ISS solar panels and power for the life support systems and experiments that will be conducted. This first IEA will fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of STS-97, scheduled to launch August 5, 1999

KSC-98pc265

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-02-03

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle's first super lightweight external tank is moved on a barge by two tug boats toward a pier at Port Canaveral, Fla. The tank is scheduled to undergo processing at Kennedy Space Center for flight on STS-91, targeted for launch in late May. The improved tank is 7,500 pounds lighter than its predecessors and was developed to increase the Shuttle payload capacity on International Space Station assembly flights. The tank was sent from the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans

Aging in Fragile X Premutation Carriers.

PubMed

Lozano, Reymundo; Saito, Naomi; Reed, Dallas; Eldeeb, Marwa; Schneider, Andrea; Hessl, David; Tassone, Flora; Beckett, Laurel; Hagerman, Randi

2016-10-01

It is now recognized that FMR1 premutation carriers (PC) are at risk to develop a range of neurological, psychiatric, and immune-mediated disorders during adulthood. There are conflicting findings regarding the incidence of hypertension, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and cancer in these patients that warrant further study. A retrospective controlled study was performed in a convenience sample of 248 controls (130 men, 118 women) and 397 FMR1 PC with and without fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) (176 men, 221 women); all participants were at least 45 years old (men: mean 62.4, SD 9.5; women: mean 62.8, SD 9.9; p = 0.63). Memory and cognitive assessments (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-III)) and molecular testing (CGG repeats and FMR1-mRNA levels) were performed. Additional data included body mass index (BMI), cholesterol levels, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and medical history. A higher percentage of PC subjects self-reported having a diagnosis of hypertension (50.0 vs. 35.0 %, p = 0.006) and thyroid problems (20.4 vs. 10.0 %, p = 0.012) than control subjects. When comparing controls versus PC with FXTAS, the association was higher for diabetes (p = 0.043); however, the effect was not significant after adjusting for demographic predictors. Blood pressure, blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and BMI values were not significantly different between the two groups. The PC with FXTAS group performed consistently lower in neuropsychological testing compared with the PC without FXTAS group, but the differences were very small for all but the WAIS full-scale IQ. Based on these findings, it appears that the risk for hypertension, thyroid problems, and diabetes may be more frequent in PC with FXTAS, which will require verification in future studies.

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

PubMed

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

2016-11-01

Drosophila Toll and mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved immune receptors that play a crucial role in the first-line defense against intruded pathogens. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a member of the ATF/CREB transcription factor family, is an important factor that participates in TLR signaling and other physiological processes. However, in crustaceans, whether ATF4 homologs were involved in TLR signaling remains unclear. In the current study, we identified a Toll homolog PcToll2 and a novel ATF4 homolog PcATF4 from Procambarus clarkii, and analyzed the likely regulatory activity of PcATF4 in PcToll2 signaling. The complete cDNA sequence of PcToll2 was 4175 bp long containing an open reading frame of 2820 bp encoding a 939-amino acid protein, and the cDNA sequence of PcATF4 was 2027 bp long with an open reading frame of 1296 bp encoding a 431-amino acid protein. PcToll2 and human TLR4 shared the high identity and they were grouped into a cluster. Furthermore, PcToll2 had a close relationship with other shrimp TLRs that possessed potential antibacterial activity. PcToll2 was highly expressed in the hemocytes, heart and gills, while PcATF4 mainly distributed in gills. Upon challenge with Vibrio parahemolyticus, PcToll2 and PcATF4 together with the antimicrobial peptides of ALF1 and ALF2 were significantly up-regulated in the hemocytes, and the PcATF4 was translocated into the nucleus. After PcToll2 silencing and challenge with Vibrio, the translocation of PcATF4 into the nucleus was inhibited and the expression of ALF1 and ALF2 was reduced, but the expression of PcDorsal and PcSTAT was not affected. Furthermore, after PcATF4 knockdown and challenge with or without Vibrio, the expression of ALF1 and ALF2 was also decreased while the expression of PcToll2 was upregulated. These results suggested that PcToll2 might regulate the expression of ALF1 and ALF2 by promoting the import of PcATF4, instead of the routine transcription factor PcDorsal, into the nucleus participating in the immune defense against Gram-negative bacteria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of adipocytokines and its correlation with endocrine pancreatic function in patients with pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Gąsiorowska, Anita; Talar-Wojnarowska, Renata; Kaczka, Aleksandra; Borkowska, Anna; Czupryniak, Leszek; Małecka-Panas, Ewa

2013-01-01

Some authors suggest that adipocytokines contribute to the induction of pancreatic carcinogenesis as well as the development of endocrine insufficiency. We evaluate the circulating concentrations of leptin, resistin and visfatin in patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer (PC) and relationship between serum adipocytokines level and clinicopathological features of PC. Moreover the usefulness of those adipocytokines as possible biomarkers of endocrine pancreatic function in PC has been assessed. The pilot study group consisted of 45 individuals (mean age 65.6 ± 11.5 years, BMI 21.8 ± 3.4 kg/m(2)) with newly diagnosed PC (within last 1-3 months) and 13 healthy individuals with age, gender and BMI matched to the study group. Among PC patients 18 (40%) had recently diagnosed diabetes. Fasting plasma leptin, resistin, visfatin concentrations were determined with ELISA (R&D Systems, Phoenix Pharmaceuticals) and insulin by RIA (DakoCytomation). Patients with PC as compared to controls had significantly lower plasma leptin (40.6 ± 21.3 vs 63.2 ± 16.3 pg/mL; p < 0,0008). In contrast PC patients showed more than six fold higher level of resistin (126.2 ± 143.2 vs 18.9 ± 7.2 ng/mL; p < 0.009) than controls. The median plasma visfatin was 2.8 ± 1.8 ng/mL, which was not significantly different from the controls (3.8 ± 1.1 ng/mL). When PC patients with and without diabetes were considered separately, plasma leptin concentrations among nondiabetic patients were slightly, but not significantly higher (44.6 ± 21.0) as compared to diabetics (34.5 ± 20.7). Moreover there was no difference between visfatin and resistin level in PC, among patients with and without diabetes. No significant differences between serum level of leptin, visfatin and resistin and age, gender, BMI, smoking status, tumor localization, distant metastases and pain has been found. The results of this study confirm previous findings that patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer are characterized with lower level of leptin. This pilot study showed significantly higher resistin concentrations in patients with PC in comparison to healthy controls, which may be helpful in PC early diagnosis. Changes in leptin and resistin level in PC are not likely related to endocrine disorders. Copyright © 2013 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fracture of Polymers and Interfaces: A Universal Molecular Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wool, Richard

2003-03-01

Fracture of polymers, linear or crosslinked, can be viewed as a breaking of molecular connectivity via disentanglement or bond rupture. When treated as a vector percolation phenomenon, we find that it captures the essential physics of fracture and makes broad accurate predictions for strength S, and fracture energy G, of polymers and their interfaces. In the bulk, we find that G ˜ [p-pc], and S ˜ [p-pc]^1/2, where p is the local normalized entanglement density and pc is the percolation threshold. For interfaces, p = nL/w, where n is the areal density of chains of length L ˜M (mol wt) in an interface of width w. For incompatible interfaces of width w, G ˜ [w-wc]; when reinforced with n compatibilizers, G ˜ (n - nc]. For welding, p ˜ L, the welding time tw ˜ L. For adhesion with sticker group X on the polymer and receptor groups Y on the solid, the strength first increases with X, Y and X-Y strength and then decreases after a predictable maximum. For thermosets, the modulus E ˜ [p-pc]^3 and the strength S ˜ [p-pc]^2. Numerous experimental examples are given to support the above universal relations for fracture.

Preconditioning induced by gentamicin protects against acute kidney injury: The role of prostaglandins but not nitric oxide

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

Pessoa, Edson A.; Convento, Marcia B.; Ribas, Otoniel S.

2011-05-15

Nephrotoxicity is the main side effect of gentamicin (GENTA). Preconditioning (PC) refers to a situation in which an organ subjected to an injury responds less intensely when exposed to another injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PC with GENTA on nephrotoxic acute kidney injury (AKI). GENTA group rats were injected daily with GENTA (40 mg/kg/BW) for 10 days. PC animals were injected with GENTA for 3 days (40 mg/kg/BW/daily) and, after one rest week, were injected daily with GENTA for 10 days. Animals of the L-NAME and DICLO groups were preconditioned for 3 daysmore » and then received daily injections of GENTA for 10 days; they were concomitantly treated with L-NAME (10 mg/kg/BW) and diclofenac (DICLO, 5 mg/kg/BW) for 13 days. Blood and urine were collected for measurement of serum creatinine, urea, urine sodium, protein, hydroperoxides, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO). The animals were killed; kidneys were removed for histology and immunohistochemistry for apoptosis and cell proliferation. GENTA group rats showed an increase in plasma creatinine, urea, urine sodium, hydroperoxides, lipid peroxidation, proteinuria, necrosis and apoptosis, characterizing nephrotoxic AKI. PC animals showed a decrease in these parameters and increased proliferation. The blockade of NO synthesis by L-NAME potentiated the protective effect, suggesting that NO contributed to the injury caused by GENTA. The blockade of prostaglandin synthesis with DICLO increased serum and urinary parameters, blunting the protective effect of PC. Our data suggest that PC could be a useful tool to protect against nephrotoxic AKI.« less

Influence of light and oxygen on the color stability of five calcium silicate-based materials.

PubMed

Vallés, Marta; Mercadé, Montse; Duran-Sindreu, Fernando; Bourdelande, Jose L; Roig, Miguel

2013-04-01

Difficult handling, long setting time, and potential discoloration are important drawbacks of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA). The development of Biodentine, a recently developed calcium silicate-based material (CSM), has overcome some of these shortcomings; however, there are no available data on its color stability. A previous study showed that WMTA discolors under light irradiation in an oxygen-free environment. The present study evaluated the influence of light irradiation and oxygen on the color stability of 5 CSMs. Fifteen samples of 5 CSMs (ProRoot WMTA, Angelus WMTA, White Portland Cement [PC], PC with bismuth oxide, and Biodentine) were divided into 5 groups. Each group was exposed to different oxygen and light conditions. A spectrophotometer was used to determine the color of each specimen at 0, 120 seconds, and 5 days. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference test. The materials PC with bismuth oxide, Angelus WMTA, and ProRoot WMTA showed dark discoloration after light irradiation in an oxygen-free environment, which was statistically significantly different from Biodentine and PC. In groups that were exposed to no light irradiation or to an oxygen atmosphere, all materials showed color stability over time, and no significant differences were observed among them. PC and Biodentine maintained color stability in all conditions over time and showed no significant differences. The combination of light and anaerobic conditions (similar to those in clinical situations) results in differences in color of the tested CSMs during a period of 5 days, of which Biodentine and PC demonstrated color stability. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy Studies of Lavender angustifolia Essential Oil and Its Active Constituents on the Proliferation of Human Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Zhao, Yunqi; Chen, Ran; Wang, Yun; Qing, Chen; Wang, Wei; Yang, Yixin

2017-06-01

Lavandula angustifolia is the most widely cultivated Lavandula species. The extraction of its flower and leaves has been used as herbal medicine. In this study, the in vitro antitumor activities were tested on human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cell lines. Flow cytometry technology was applied to study apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. The PC-3 cell line was used to establish subcutaneous xenograft tumors in nude mice. Paraffin sections from xenograft tumor specimens were used in the TUNEL (terminal deocynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay and an immunohistochemistry assay to detect cell proliferation markers Ki67 and PCNA. Lavender essential oil, linalool, and linalyl acetate showed stronger inhibitory effect on PC-3 cells than on DU145 cells. The apoptotic cell populations observed in PC-3 cells treated with lavender essential oil, linalool, and linalyl acetate were 74.76%, 67.11%, and 56.14%, respectively. The PC-3 cells were mainly arrested in the G 2 /M phase. In the xenograft model with PC-3 cell transplantation, essential oil and linalool significantly suppressed tumor growth. The immunosignals of Ki67 and PCNA in the essential oil, linalool, and linalyl acetate treatment groups were significantly lower than that of the control group in xenograft tumor sections. The TUNEL assay indicated that each of the 3 phytochemicals significantly induced apoptosis compared to the control group. This study provides novel insight and evidence on the antiproliferative effect of L angustifolia essential oil and its major constituents on human prostate cancer. The antitumor effect was associated with cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in xenograft tumors.

Kinetic of the Intracellular Incorporation of New Phthalocyanines Synthesized in mexico and Its Potential as Photosensibilizers in the Photodynamic Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aragón-Aguilar, Héctor; Ramón-Gallegos, Eva; Arenas-Huertero, Francisco Jesús; Contreras-Ramos, Alejandra; Cruz-Orea, Alfredo; Sosa-Sánchez, José Luís; Miranda, Maribel García

2008-08-01

The search of more specific and efficient photosensitizer in low oxygen tensions is a need in the Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Phthalocyanines have demonstrated to have the above mentioned activity. The aim of this work was to determine the efficiency of PDT using two phthalocyanines synthesized in Mexico to eliminate melanoma cells. B16F0 melanoma mouse cells were exposed to concentrations from 8.95×10-5 to 0.733 m/mL of F16VoPc and F16NbPcC13 during 24h, afterwards cellular mortality was measured. One kinetic was realized to determine the intracellular incorporation of phthalocyanines by confocal microscopy at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h of exposition. The PDT was applied exposing the cells to innocuous concentration (that does not provoke cellular death with out irradiation) and irradiating with an argon laser at 100 J/cm2. For each phthalocyanine a control group was used; one group was not treated neither with light nor with phthalocyanine, the other group it was only irradiated. 24 h after treatment the citotoxicity was measured by Alamar blue assay. The innocuous concentration found for the phthalocyanines F16VoPc and F16NbPcC13 were 4.58×10-2 and 2.29×l0-2 mg/mL, respectively. The time of maximum intracellular accumulation for both phthalocyanines was 24 h. Only the F16VoPc had anticancerous activity and induced 31.7% of cellular death. The PDT might offer a potential alternative to the treatment of this cancer when is used the phthalocyanine F16VoPc.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy Studies of Lavender angustifolia Essential Oil and Its Active Constituents on the Proliferation of Human Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yunqi; Chen, Ran; Wang, Yun; Qing, Chen; Wang, Wei; Yang, Yixin

2016-01-01

Lavandula angustifolia is the most widely cultivated Lavandula species. The extraction of its flower and leaves has been used as herbal medicine. In this study, the in vitro antitumor activities were tested on human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cell lines. Flow cytometry technology was applied to study apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. The PC-3 cell line was used to establish subcutaneous xenograft tumors in nude mice. Paraffin sections from xenograft tumor specimens were used in the TUNEL (terminal deocynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay and an immunohistochemistry assay to detect cell proliferation markers Ki67 and PCNA. Lavender essential oil, linalool, and linalyl acetate showed stronger inhibitory effect on PC-3 cells than on DU145 cells. The apoptotic cell populations observed in PC-3 cells treated with lavender essential oil, linalool, and linalyl acetate were 74.76%, 67.11%, and 56.14%, respectively. The PC-3 cells were mainly arrested in the G2/M phase. In the xenograft model with PC-3 cell transplantation, essential oil and linalool significantly suppressed tumor growth. The immunosignals of Ki67 and PCNA in the essential oil, linalool, and linalyl acetate treatment groups were significantly lower than that of the control group in xenograft tumor sections. The TUNEL assay indicated that each of the 3 phytochemicals significantly induced apoptosis compared to the control group. This study provides novel insight and evidence on the antiproliferative effect of L angustifolia essential oil and its major constituents on human prostate cancer. The antitumor effect was associated with cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in xenograft tumors. PMID:27151584

Site-Specific Expression of Polycomb-Group Genes Encoding the HPC-HPH/PRC1 Complex in Clinically Defined Primary Nodal and Cutaneous Large B-Cell Lymphomas

PubMed Central

Raaphorst, Frank M.; Vermeer, Maarten; Fieret, Elly; Blokzijl, Tjasso; Dukers, Danny; Sewalt, Richard G.A.B.; Otte, Arie P.; Willemze, Rein; Meijer, Chris J.L.M.

2004-01-01

Polycomb-group (PcG) genes preserve cell identity by gene silencing, and contribute to regulation of lymphopoiesis and malignant transformation. We show that primary nodal large B-cell lymphomas (LBCLs), and secondary cutaneous deposits from such lymphomas, abnormally express the BMI-1, RING1, and HPH1 PcG genes in cycling neoplastic cells. By contrast, tumor cells in primary cutaneous LBCLs lacked BMI-1 expression, whereas RING1 was variably detected. Lack of BMI-1 expression was characteristic for primary cutaneous LBCLs, because other primary extranodal LBCLs originating from brain, testes, and stomach were BMI-1-positive. Expression of HPH1 was rarely detected in primary cutaneous LBCLs of the head or trunk and abundant in primary cutaneous LBCLs of the legs, which fits well with its earlier recognition as a distinct clinical pathological entity with different clinical behavior. We conclude that clinically defined subclasses of primary LBCLs display site-specific abnormal expression patterns of PcG genes of the HPC-HPH/PRC1 PcG complex. Some of these patterns (such as the expression profile of BMI-1) may be diagnostically relevant. We propose that distinct expression profiles of PcG genes results in abnormal formation of HPC-HPH/PRC1 PcG complexes, and that this contributes to lymphomagenesis and different clinical behavior of clinically defined LBCLs. PMID:14742259

Metabolic syndrome in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen suppression.

PubMed

Morote, J; Ropero, J; Planas, J; Celma, A; Placer, J; Ferrer, R; de Torres, I

2014-06-01

Cardiovascular mortality is the leading cause of death in patients with prostate cancer (PC), metabolic syndrome (MS) being related to it. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MS in patients with CP undergoing androgen suppression (AS). We performed a retrospective study of cases and controls that included 159 patients. The study group was made up of 53 patients with PC undergoing SA for a period exceeding 12 months. The control group was formed by 53 patients with PC at the time of diagnosis and 53 patients with negative prostate biopsy. All patients were evaluated for presence of MS according to NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Prevalence of MS in patients without PC was 32.1% and in those with non-treated PC 35.8%, P = .324. In patients with PC undergoing AS, prevalence of MS was 50.9%, P < .001. When AS duration was less than 36 months, prevalence of MS was 44.0% and when greater than 36 months 57.1%, P < .001. Waist circumference and hyperglycemia were the two MS components that significantly increased. AS and its duration were independent predictors factors for the development of MS. Continuous AS therapy increases the prevalence of MS and especially waist circumference and hyperglycemia. Development of MS increases according to AS duration. Copyright © 2013 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

ksc-93pc1449

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-11-15

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour is being "rolled around" from Launch Pad 39A to Launch Pad 39B. The rare pad switch was deemed necessary after contamination was discovered in the Payload Changeout Room at pad A. Still to come are the payloads for the upcoming STS-61 mission, the first servicing of the Hubble Telescope

KSC-95PC-0239

NASA Image and Video Library

1995-11-26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Co-located on the Kennedy Space Center is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of the finest refuges in the world. Here, birds, amphibians, mammals and other wild creatures thrive in a multitude of habitats untouched by the human hand. The refuge is living proof that high technology and nature can successfully co-exist. Photo credit: NASA

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°C. NaBZ can significantly degrade PC both at 190°C and 250°C. PC does not show any molecular weight (M w) change in the presence of NaTS at 250°C and 190°C for up to 1hr and 16 hrs respectively. ZnTS can also cause Mw change of PC at 250°C and 190°C, but the changing of Mw of PC in the presence of ZnTS is less than that in the presence of NaBZ. The reason for the molecular weight change of PC in PC-ZnSPS blend can be explained based on Davis's ionic ester exchange reaction mechanism.

Remote sensing information sciences research group: Browse in the EOS era

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estes, John E.; Star, Jeffrey L.

1989-01-01

The problem of science data browse was examined. Given the tremendous data volumes that are planned for future space missions, particularly the Earth Observing System in the late 1990's, the need for access to large spatial databases must be understood. Work was continued to refine the concept of data browse. Further, software was developed to provide a testbed of the concepts, both to locate possibly interesting data, as well as view a small portion of the data. Build II was placed on a minicomputer and a PC in the laboratory, and provided accounts for use in the testbed. Consideration of the testbed software as an element of in-house data management plans was begun.

Message Passing vs. Shared Address Space on a Cluster of SMPs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shan, Hongzhang; Singh, Jaswinder Pal; Oliker, Leonid; Biswas, Rupak

2000-01-01

The convergence of scalable computer architectures using clusters of PCs (or PC-SMPs) with commodity networking has become an attractive platform for high end scientific computing. Currently, message-passing and shared address space (SAS) are the two leading programming paradigms for these systems. Message-passing has been standardized with MPI, and is the most common and mature programming approach. However message-passing code development can be extremely difficult, especially for irregular structured computations. SAS offers substantial ease of programming, but may suffer from performance limitations due to poor spatial locality, and high protocol overhead. In this paper, we compare the performance of and programming effort, required for six applications under both programming models on a 32 CPU PC-SMP cluster. Our application suite consists of codes that typically do not exhibit high efficiency under shared memory programming. due to their high communication to computation ratios and complex communication patterns. Results indicate that SAS can achieve about half the parallel efficiency of MPI for most of our applications: however, on certain classes of problems SAS performance is competitive with MPI. We also present new algorithms for improving the PC cluster performance of MPI collective operations.

Control of Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers by Restriction of Crystallization of Soft Segment

PubMed Central

Kojio, Ken; Furukawa, Mutsuhisa; Nonaka, Yoshiteru; Nakamura, Sadaharu

2010-01-01

Mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers based on either polyether or polycarbonate (PC)-glycols, 4,4’-dipheylmethane diisocyanate (1,1’-methylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene)), 1,4-butanediol, were controlled by restriction of crystallization of polymer glycols. For the polyether glycol based-polyurethane elastomers (PUEs), poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol (PTMG), and PTMG incorporating dimethyl groups (PTG-X) and methyl side groups (PTG-L) were employed as a polymer glycol. For the PC-glycol, the randomly copolymerized PC-glycols with hexamethylene (C6) and tetramethylene (C4) units between carbonate groups with various composition ratios (C4/C6 = 0/100, 50/50, 70/30 and 90/10) were employed. The degree of microphase separation and mechanical properties of both the PUEs were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic viscoelastic property measurements and tensile testing. Mechanical properties could be controlled by changing the molar ratio of two different monomer components. PMID:28883371

KSC-97PC1503

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-06

STS-86 Mission Specialist Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES, can still feel heat from the nose of the orbiter Atlantis more than an hour after landing on KSC’s Runway 15 of the Shuttle Landing Facility. The nearly 11-day mission ended with main gear touchdown at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT, Oct. 6, 1997. STS-86 was the seventh docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir

KSC-98pc1807

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-04

In a firing room of the Launch Control Center, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright speaks to the launch team after the successful launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour at 3:35:34 a.m. EST. During the nearly 12-day mission of STS-88, the six-member crew will mate in space the first two elements of the International Space Station the already-orbiting Zarya control module and the Unity connecting module carried by Endeavour

KSC-98pc1808

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-04

In a firing room of the Launch Control Center,U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright waves to the personnel after her speech about the successful launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour. At her right is NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin. During the nearly 12-day mission of STS-88, the six-member crew will mate in space the first two elements of the International Space Station the already-orbiting Zarya control module and the Unity connecting module carried by Endeavour

Lessons learned in control center technologies and non-technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, Elaine R.

1991-01-01

Information is given in viewgraph form on the Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME) Control Center and the Oculometer and Automated Space Interface System (OASIS). Topics covered include SME mission operations functions; technical and non-technical features of the SME control center; general tasks and objects within the Space Station Freedom (SSF) ground system nodes; OASIS-Real Time for the control and monitoring of of space systems and subsystems; and OASIS planning, scheduling, and PC architecture.

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.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR4 and mGluR8 regulate transmission in the lateral olfactory tract-piriform cortex synapse

PubMed Central

Jones, Paulianda J.; Xiang, Zixiu; Conn, P. Jeffrey

2008-01-01

The piriform cortex (PC) is the primary terminal zone of projections from the olfactory bulb, termed the lateral olfactory tract (LOT). The PC plays a critical role in processing of olfactory stimuli and is also a highly seizure prone area thought to be involved in some forms of temporal lobe epilepsy. Pharmacological and immunohistochemical studies provide evidence for the localization of various metabotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs) in the PC. We employed whole cell patch clamp recordings from PC pyramidal cells to determine the roles of group III mGluRs in modulating synaptic transmission at the LOT–PC synapse. The group III mGluR agonist, L-AP4, induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of synaptic transmission at the LOT-PC synapse at concentrations that activate mGluR4 and mGluR8, but not mGluR7 or other mGluR subtypes (EC50 = 473 nM). In addition, the selective mGluR8 agonist, DCPG (300 nM), also suppressed synaptic transmission at the LOT synapse. Furthermore, the inhibitory actions of L-AP4 and Z-cyclopentyl-AP4, a selective mGluR4 agonist, were potentiated by the mGluR4 positive allosteric modulator, PHCCC (30 µM). The high potency of L-AP4, combined with the observed effects of DCPG and PHCCC, suggests that both mGluR4 and mGluR8 play a role in the L-AP4-induced inhibition of synaptic transmission at the LOT-PC synapse. PMID:18625254

[Three-dimensional genome organization: a lesson from the Polycomb-Group proteins].

PubMed

Bantignies, Frédéric

2013-01-01

As more and more genomes are being explored and annotated, important features of three-dimensional (3D) genome organization are just being uncovered. In the light of what we know about Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, we will present the latest findings on this topic. The PcG proteins are well-conserved chromatin factors that repress transcription of numerous target genes. They bind the genome at specific sites, forming chromatin domains of associated histone modifications as well as higher-order chromatin structures. These 3D chromatin structures involve the interactions between PcG-bound regulatory regions at short- and long-range distances, and may significantly contribute to PcG function. Recent high throughput "Chromosome Conformation Capture" (3C) analyses have revealed many other higher order structures along the chromatin fiber, partitioning the genomes into well demarcated topological domains. This revealed an unprecedented link between linear epigenetic domains and chromosome architecture, which might be intimately connected to genome function. © Société de Biologie, 2013.

[Effect of acupuncture at different acupoints on expression of hypothalamic GABA and GABA(A) receptor proteins in insomnia rats].

PubMed

Zhou, Yan-Li; Gao, Xi-Yan; Wang, Pei-Yu; Ren, Shan

2012-08-01

To observe the effect of acupuncture of "Shenmai" (BL 62) and "Zhaohai" (KI 6), "Shenmen" (HT 7), etc. on the expression of hypothalamic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) proteins in experimental insomnia rats so as to explore its mechanism underlying improving sleeping. Seventy Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, "Sanyinjiao" (SP6), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Shenmen" (HT7), and "Shenmai" (BL 62)-Zhaohai (KI 6, BL 62-KI 6) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Insomnia model was established by intraperitoneal injection of chlorophenylalanine solution (PCPA, 1 mL/100 g). An acupuncture needle was inserted into each of the bilateral HT 7, PC 6, SP 6, ST 36 and BL 62-KI 6 respectively and manipulated for about 1 min, once daily for 7 days. Hypothamic GABA and GABA(A)R protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry. The animals' physical ability was evaluated by using pole-climbing test in a water tank. In comparison with the normal control group, the numbers of hypothalamic GABA immunoreaction (IR)- and GABA(A)R IR-positive neurons and the pole-climbing time were reduced significantly in the model group (P < 0.05). While in comparison with the model group, the numbers of hypothalamic GABA IR-positive neurons and those of hypothalamic GABA(A)R IR-positive neurons in the HT 7, PC 6, SP 6, ST 36 and BL 62-KI 6 groups, as well as the pole-climbing duration in the SP 6, ST 36 and BL 62-KI 6 groups were increased considerably (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The effects of HT 7 and BL 62-KI 6 groups were significantly superior to those of PC 6, ST 36 and SP 6 groups in up-regulating GABA and GABA(A)R expression, and the effect of BL 62-KI 6 group was remarkably better than those of HT 7, PC 6, SP 6 and ST 36 groups in lengthening the pole-climbing time (P < 0.05). Acupuncture can effectively suppress insomnia induced down-regulation of hypothalamic GABA and GABA(A)R in rats and lengthen pole-climbing time, which may contribute to its effect in relieving insomnia.

Diet, Lifestyles, Family History, and Prostate Cancer Incidence in an East Algerian Patient Group

PubMed Central

Lassed, Somia; Deus, Cláudia M.; Lourenço, Nuno; Dahdouh, Abderrezak

2016-01-01

Prostate cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cancer in men and the sixth leading cause of death in Algeria. To examine the relationship between lifestyle factors, including diet, and family history and PC risk, a case-control study was performed in an eastern Algerian population, comprising 90 patients with histologically confirmed PC and 190 controls. Data collection was carried out through a structured questionnaire and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the different variables. The data showed that consumption of lamb and beef meat and high intake of animal fat and dairy products increased PC risk. Seven to thirteen vegetables servings per week and fourteen or more servings decreased PC risk by 62% and 96%, respectively. Seven to fourteen fruit servings per week decrease PC risk by 98%. Green tea consumption reduced the risk of PC but the results were statistically borderline. Increased risk was observed for individuals with family history of PC in first and in second degree. A positive strong association was also found for alcohol and smoking intake and a dose-response relationship existed for quantity and history of smoking. This study suggests that dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and family history have influence on the development of PC in Algerian population. PMID:27975054

Diet, Lifestyles, Family History, and Prostate Cancer Incidence in an East Algerian Patient Group.

PubMed

Lassed, Somia; Deus, Cláudia M; Lourenço, Nuno; Dahdouh, Abderrezak; Rizvanov, Albert A; Oliveira, Paulo J; Zama, Djamila

2016-01-01

Prostate cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cancer in men and the sixth leading cause of death in Algeria. To examine the relationship between lifestyle factors, including diet, and family history and PC risk, a case-control study was performed in an eastern Algerian population, comprising 90 patients with histologically confirmed PC and 190 controls. Data collection was carried out through a structured questionnaire and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the different variables. The data showed that consumption of lamb and beef meat and high intake of animal fat and dairy products increased PC risk. Seven to thirteen vegetables servings per week and fourteen or more servings decreased PC risk by 62% and 96%, respectively. Seven to fourteen fruit servings per week decrease PC risk by 98%. Green tea consumption reduced the risk of PC but the results were statistically borderline. Increased risk was observed for individuals with family history of PC in first and in second degree. A positive strong association was also found for alcohol and smoking intake and a dose-response relationship existed for quantity and history of smoking. This study suggests that dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and family history have influence on the development of PC in Algerian population.

KSC-97pc289

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-02-11

STS-82 Mission Specialist Gregory J. Harbaugh prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39A, with the assistance of white room closeout crew members Dave Law, at left, and Travis Thompson

Correlations between serum trypsinogen-2 and pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Cao, Jianbiao; Xia, Changhong; Cui, Tingting; Guo, Hanbin; Li, Haoran; Ren, Yongqiang; Wang, Shuai

2015-01-01

To investigate associations be- tween serum trypsinogen-2, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer (PC) and determine cutoff values for PC diagnosis. We recruited 88 patients from Internal Medicine/Surgical Departments of General Military Hospital of Beijing PLA between 12/2009 and 6/2010. Serum samples were collected preoperatively from 23 PC patients, 30 pancreatitis patients and 35 healthy controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect trypsinogen-2 semiquantitatively. Serum trypsinogen-2 levels of PC and pancreatitis patients were significantly higher than those of controls (51.2 ± 80.3, 107.7 ± 98.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.5, p = 0.03, p < 0.001) and significantly higher in pancreatitis vs. PC patients (107.7 ± 98.1 vs. 51.2 ± 80.3, p = 0.01). Higher Balthazar CT grades correlated with higher trypsinogen-2 in pancreatitis group. ROC curves for trypsinogen-2 revealed optimal cutoff value 1.8 as lower PC detection limit with 95.7% sensitivity and 91.4% specificity, and optimal cutoff value 19.9 for upper PC detection limit with 87.0% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity. Trypsinogen-2 levels correlated with pancreatic injury level. An AUC of 0.73 (95% Cl: 0.59-0.84, p = 0.002) distinguished PC from pancreatitis. Serum trypsinogen-2 is associated with PC and pancreatitis. Levels between 1.8 μg/L and 19.9 μg/L strongly suggest PC. Detection of serum trypsinogen-2 may provide simple, sensitive, specific non-invasive initial screening for early PC diagnosis.

Classification of the degenerative grade of lesions of supraspinatus rotator cuff tendons by FT-Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palma Fogazza, Bianca; da Silva Carvalho, Carolina; Godoy Penteado, Sergio; Meneses, Cláudio S.; Abrahão Martin, Airton; da Silva Martinho, Herculano

2007-02-01

FT-Raman spectroscopy was employed to access the biochemical alterations occurring on the degenerative process of the rotator cuff supraspinatus tendons. The spectral characteristic variations in the 351 spectra of samples of 39 patients were identified with the help of Principal Components Analysis. The main variations occurred in the 840-911; 1022- 1218; 1257; 1270; 1300; 1452; 1663; and 1751 cm -1 regions corresponding to the vibrational bands of proline, hydroxiproline, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, collagen, and elastin. These alterations are compatible with the pathology alterations reported on the literature. Scattering plots of PC 4 vs PC 2 and PC 3 vs PC 2 contrasted with histopathological analysis has enabled the spectral classification of the data into normal and degenerated groups of tendons. By depicting empiric lines the estimated sensibility and specificity were 39,6 % and 97,8 %, respectively for PC 4 vs PC 2 and 36,0 % and 100 %, respectively for PC 3 vs PC 2. These results indicate that Raman spectroscopy can be used to probe the general tendon quality and could be applied as co adjuvant element in the usual arthroscopy surgery apparatus to guide the procedure and possibly infer about the probability of rerupture.

Excess Ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Heart Failure Overlap. Implications for Dyspnea and Exercise Intolerance.

PubMed

Rocha, Alcides; Arbex, Flavio F; Sperandio, Priscilla A; Souza, Aline; Biazzim, Ligia; Mancuso, Frederico; Berton, Danilo C; Hochhegger, Bruno; Alencar, Maria Clara N; Nery, Luiz E; O'Donnell, Denis E; Neder, J Alberto

2017-11-15

An increased ventilatory response to exertional metabolic demand (high [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 relationship) is a common finding in patients with coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure. We aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying high [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 and its impact on operating lung volumes, dyspnea, and exercise tolerance in these patients. Twenty-two ex-smokers with combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction undertook, after careful treatment optimization, a progressive cycle exercise test with capillary (c) blood gas collection. Regardless of the chosen metric (increased [Formula: see text]e-[Formula: see text]co 2 slope, [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 nadir, or end-exercise [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 ), ventilatory inefficiency was closely related to Pc CO 2 (r values from -0.80 to -0.84; P < 0.001) but not dead space/tidal volume ratio. Ten patients consistently maintained exercise Pc CO 2 less than or equal to 35 mm Hg (hypocapnia). These patients had particularly poor ventilatory efficiency compared with patients without hypocapnia (P < 0.05). Despite the lack of between-group differences in spirometry, lung volumes, and left ventricular ejection fraction, patients with hypocapnia had lower resting Pa CO 2 and lung diffusing capacity (P < 0.01). Excessive ventilatory response in this group was associated with higher exertional Pc O 2 . The group with hypocapnia, however, had worse mechanical inspiratory constraints and higher dyspnea scores for a given work rate leading to poorer exercise tolerance compared with their counterparts (P < 0.05). Heightened neural drive promoting a ventilatory response beyond that required to overcome an increased "wasted" ventilation led to hypocapnia and poor exercise ventilatory efficiency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-heart failure overlap. Excessive ventilation led to better arterial oxygenation but at the expense of earlier critical mechanical constraints and intolerable dyspnea.

Combustion Stability Characteristics of the Project Morpheus Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Methane Main Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melcher, J. C.; Morehead, Robert L.

2014-01-01

The Project Morpheus liquid oxygen (LOX) / liquid methane rocket engines demonstrated acousticcoupled combustion instabilities during sea-level ground-based testing at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Stennis Space Center (SSC). High-amplitude, 1T, 1R, 1T1R (and higher order) modes appear to be triggered by injector conditions. The instability occurred during the Morpheus-specific engine ignition/start sequence, and did demonstrate the capability to propagate into mainstage. However, the instability was never observed to initiate during mainstage, even at low power levels. The Morpheus main engine is a JSC-designed 5,000 lbf-thrust, 4:1 throttling, pressure-fed cryogenic engine using an impinging element injector design. Two different engine designs, named HD4 and HD5, and two different builds of the HD4 engine all demonstrated similar instability characteristics. Through the analysis of more than 200 hot fire tests on the Morpheus vehicle and SSC test stand, a relationship between ignition stability and injector/chamber pressure was developed. The instability has the distinct characteristic of initiating at high relative injection pressure drop (dP) at low chamber pressure (Pc); i.e., instabilities initiated at high dP/Pc at low Pc during the start sequence. The high dP/Pc during start results during the injector /chamber chill-in, and is enhanced by hydraulic flip in the injector orifice elements. Because of the fixed mixture ratio of the existing engine design (the main valves share a common actuator), it is not currently possible to determine if LOX or methane injector dP/Pc were individual contributors (i.e., LOX and methane dP/Pc typically trend in the same direction within a given test). The instability demonstrated initiation characteristic of starting at or shortly after methane injector chillin. Colder methane (e.g., sub-cooled) at the injector inlet prior to engine start was much more likely to result in an instability. A secondary effect of LOX sub-cooling was also possibly observed; greater LOX sub- cooling improved stability. Some tests demonstrated a low-amplitude 1L-1T instability prior to LOX injector chill-in. The Morpheus main engine also demonstrated chug instabilities during some engine shutdown sequences on the flight vehicle and SSC test stand. The chug instability was also infrequently observed during the startup sequence. The chug instabilities predictably initiated at low dP/Pc at low Pc. The chug instabilities were always self-limiting; startup chug instabilities terminated during throttle-up and shutdown chug instabilities decayed by shutdown termination.

Impact of divorce and loss of parental contact on health complaints among adolescents.

PubMed

Reiter, Simone Frizell; Hjörleifsson, Stefán; Breidablik, Hans-Johan; Meland, Eivind

2013-06-01

Mental health consequences related to divorce have been documented, but might be caused by concomitant factors such as conflicts and loss of parental contact (PC). We investigated these relationships and mental health among adolescents. The study was based on data from four cross-sectional surveys carried out between 1997 and 2009 among tertiary school students in Førde, Norway. We established two groups according to divorce experience (DE) with or without loss of PC. Frequencies of DEs were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. The group with no DE was used as reference group in all the analyses. The divorce rate increased by 34% (6.8% absolute increase) between 1997 and 2009, but no sign of attenuated effects on emotional health was observed. Mental complaints were not attenuated as time since divorce increased. A majority of those losing contact with parents had no contact with their fathers. The study revealed only a modest increase of health complaints if PC was preserved, but a marked increase when the adolescents experienced loss of PC following the divorce. Interaction analyses showed no gender differences, and parental support and confidence in parent(s) did not mediate the associations between divorce and distress. Emotional distress after divorce is not attenuated as divorce prevalence increases, but the deleterious effects of divorce on the well-being of adolescents seem to be confined to those experiencing a concomitant loss of PC. Efforts aiming at reducing parental hostility and improving mutual parental responsibility and care therefore seem important.

?-BiPd: a clean noncentrosymmetric superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramakrishnan, Srinivasan; Joshi, Bhanu; Thamizhavel, A.

2017-12-01

We present a comprehensive review of the normal and superconducting state properties of a high-quality single crystal of monoclinic BiPd (?-BiPd, space group ?). The superconductivity of this crystal below 3.8 K is established by measuring its properties using bulk as well as spectroscopic techniques. BiPd is one of the cleanest noncentrosymmetric superconductors that display superconductivity with multiple energy gaps. Evidence of multiple energy gaps was found in heat capacity, point contact (PC) spectroscopy, penetration depth, muon spin rotation, small angle neutron scattering and NMR/NQR measurements. Moreover, Muon spin rotation measurements also suggest strong field dependence of the penetration depth of this superconductor. Unusual superconducting properties due to possible s and p wave mixing are shown by the observation of Andreev bound state in PC measurements as well as the suppressed coherence peak in the temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation in the NQR measurements. This surmise is at variance with the recent STM measurements (different crystal). The observed unusual properties and multiband superconductivity are extremely sensitive to disorder in BiPd. Finally, there is a possibility of tuning the electron correlations by selective substitution in BiPd, thus making it an important system for further investigations.

Minocycline attenuates both OGD-induced HMGB1 release and HMGB1-induced cell death in ischemic neuronal injury in PC12 cells

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

Kikuchi, Kiyoshi; Department of Neurosurgery, Omuta City General Hospital, 2-19-1 Takarazaka, Omuta-City, Fukuoka 836-8567; Kawahara, Ko-ichi

2009-07-24

High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), a non-histone DNA-binding protein, is massively released into the extracellular space from neuronal cells after ischemic insult and exacerbates brain tissue damage in rats. Minocycline is a semisynthetic second-generation tetracycline antibiotic which has recently been shown to be a promising neuroprotective agent. In this study, we found that minocycline inhibited HMGB1 release in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated PC12 cells and triggered the activation of p38mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). The ERK kinase (MEK)1/2 inhibitor U-0126 and p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 blocked HMGB1 release in response to OGD. Furthermore, HMGB1 triggered cell death inmore » a dose-dependent fashion. Minocycline significantly rescued HMGB1-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. In light of recent observations as well as the good safety profile of minocycline in humans, we propose that minocycline might play a potent neuroprotective role through the inhibition of HMGB1-induced neuronal cell death in cerebral infarction.« less

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.

Enhanced plastochromanol-8 accumulation during reiterated drought in maize (Zea mays L.).

PubMed

Fleta-Soriano, Eva; Munné-Bosch, Sergi

2017-03-01

Plastochromanol-8 (PC-8) belongs to the group of tocochromanols, and together with tocopherols and carotenoids, might help protect photosystem II from photoinhibition during environmental stresses. Here, we aimed to unravel the time course evolution of PC-8 together with that of vitamin E compounds, in maize (Zea mays L.) plants exposed to reiterated drought. Measurements were performed in plants grown in a greenhouse subjected to two consecutive cycles of drought-recovery. PC-8 contents, which accounted for more than 25% of tocochromanols in maize leaves, increased progressively in response to reiterated drought stress. PC-8 contents paralleled with those of vitamin E, particularly α-tocopherol. Profiling of the stress-related phytohormones (ABA, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid) was consistent with a role of ABA in the regulation of PC-8 and vitamin E biosynthesis during drought stress. Results also suggest that PC-8 may help tocopherols prevent damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. A better knowledge of the ABA-dependent regulation of PC-8 may help us manipulate the contents of this important antioxidant in crops. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Plyometric Type Neuromuscular Training on Postural Control Performance of Male Team Basketball Players.

PubMed

Asadi, Abbas; Saez de Villarreal, Eduardo; Arazi, Hamid

2015-07-01

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are common in basketball athletes; common preventive programs for decreasing these injures may be enhancing postural control (PC) or balance with plyometric training. This study investigated the efficiency of plyometric training program within basketball practice to improve PC performance in young basketball players. Sixteen players were recruited and assigned either to a plyometric + basketball training group (PT) or basketball training group (BT). All players trained twice per week, but the PT + BT followed a 6-week plyometric program implemented within basketball practice, whereas the BT followed regular practice. The star excursion balance test (SEBT) at 8 directions (anterior, A; anteromedial, AM; anterolateral, AL; medial, M; lateral, L; posterior, P; posteromedial, PM; and posterolateral, PL) was measured before and after the 6-week period. The PT group induced significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) and small to moderate effect size in the SEBT (A = 0.95, AM = 0.62, AL = 0.61, M = 0.36, L = 0.47, P = 0.27, PM = 0.25, PL = 0.24). No significant improvements were found in the BT group. Also, there were significant differences between groups in all directions except PM and PL. An integrated plyometric program within the regular basketball practice can lead to significant improvements in SEBT and consequently PC. It can be recommended that strength and conditioning professionals use PT to enhance the athletes' joint awareness and PC to reduce possible future injuries in the lower extremity.

KSC-94pc1510

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-12-13

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Film director Ron Howard (right) and a production crew, along with actor Tom Hanks (left), are filming a number of scenes at KSC for an upcoming film about the Apollo 13 mission.

BANYAN. XI. The BANYAN Σ Multivariate Bayesian Algorithm to Identify Members of Young Associations with 150 pc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagné, Jonathan; Mamajek, Eric E.; Malo, Lison; Riedel, Adric; Rodriguez, David; Lafrenière, David; Faherty, Jacqueline K.; Roy-Loubier, Olivier; Pueyo, Laurent; Robin, Annie C.; Doyon, René

2018-03-01

BANYAN Σ is a new Bayesian algorithm to identify members of young stellar associations within 150 pc of the Sun. It includes 27 young associations with ages in the range ∼1–800 Myr, modeled with multivariate Gaussians in six-dimensional (6D) XYZUVW space. It is the first such multi-association classification tool to include the nearest sub-groups of the Sco-Cen OB star-forming region, the IC 2602, IC 2391, Pleiades and Platais 8 clusters, and the ρ Ophiuchi, Corona Australis, and Taurus star formation regions. A model of field stars is built from a mixture of multivariate Gaussians based on the Besançon Galactic model. The algorithm can derive membership probabilities for objects with only sky coordinates and proper motion, but can also include parallax and radial velocity measurements, as well as spectrophotometric distance constraints from sequences in color–magnitude or spectral type–magnitude diagrams. BANYAN Σ benefits from an analytical solution to the Bayesian marginalization integrals over unknown radial velocities and distances that makes it more accurate and significantly faster than its predecessor BANYAN II. A contamination versus hit rate analysis is presented and demonstrates that BANYAN Σ achieves a better classification performance than other moving group tools available in the literature, especially in terms of cross-contamination between young associations. An updated list of bona fide members in the 27 young associations, augmented by the Gaia-DR1 release, as well as all parameters for the 6D multivariate Gaussian models for each association and the Galactic field neighborhood within 300 pc are presented. This new tool will make it possible to analyze large data sets such as the upcoming Gaia-DR2 to identify new young stars. IDL and Python versions of BANYAN Σ are made available with this publication, and a more limited online web tool is available at http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/banyan/banyansigma.php.

The Physical/Chemical Closed-Loop Life Support Research Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bilardo, Vincent J., Jr.

1990-01-01

The various elements of the Physical/Chemical Closed-Loop Life Support Research Project (P/C CLLS) are described including both those currently funded and those planned for implementation at ARC and other participating NASA field centers. The plan addresses the entire range of regenerative life support for Space Exploration Initiative mission needs, and focuses initially on achieving technology readiness for the Initial Lunar Outpost by 1995-97. Project elements include water reclamation, air revitalization, solid waste management, thermal and systems control, and systems integration. Current analysis estimates that each occupant of a space habitat will require a total of 32 kg/day of supplies to live and operate comfortably, while an ideal P/C CLLS system capable of 100 percent reclamation of air and water, but excluding recycling of solid wastes or foods, will reduce this requirement to 3.4 kg/day.

Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus and Nosema ceranae Experimental Co-Infection of Winter Honey Bee Workers (Apis mellifera L.)

PubMed Central

Toplak, Ivan; Jamnikar Ciglenečki, Urška; Aronstein, Katherine; Gregorc, Aleš

2013-01-01

Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is an important viral disease of adult bees which induces significant losses in honey bee colonies. Despite comprehensive research, only limited data is available from experimental infection for this virus. In the present study winter worker bees were experimentally infected in three different experiments. Bees were first inoculated per os (p/o) or per cuticle (p/c) with CBPV field strain M92/2010 in order to evaluate the virus replication in individual bees. In addition, potential synergistic effects of co-infection with CBPV and Nosema ceranae (N. ceranae) on bees were investigated. In total 558 individual bees were inoculated in small cages and data were analyzed using quantitative real time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Our results revealed successful replication of CBPV after p/o inoculation, while it was less effective when bees were inoculated p/c. Dead bees harbored about 1,000 times higher copy numbers of the virus than live bees. Co-infection of workers with CBPV and N. ceranae using either method of virus inoculation (p/c or p/o) showed increased replication ability for CBPV. In the third experiment the effect of inoculation on bee mortality was evaluated. The highest level of bee mortality was observed in a group of bees inoculated with CBPV p/o, followed by a group of workers simultaneously inoculated with CBPV and N. ceranae p/o, followed by the group inoculated with CBPV p/c and the group with only N. ceranae p/o. The experimental infection with CBPV showed important differences after p/o or p/c inoculation in winter bees, while simultaneous infection with CBPV and N. ceranae suggesting a synergistic effect after inoculation. PMID:24056674

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.

A Study of the Association of Pc 3, 4 Micropulsations with Interplanetary Magnetic Field Orientation & Other Solar Wind Parameters.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-11-13

Page 13 DEPENDENCE OF MEDIAN LOG POWER 1.0 ON SOLAR WIND VELOCITY Pc3 PULSATIONS June - September 1974 UCLA Fluxgate Magnetometer ATS - 6 0 Log P=-3.3...interplanetary medium; Cosmic Elec., 1, 90-114, Space Sci. Rev., in press, 1978. 1970. Rusaell, C T., The ISEE I and 2 fluxgate magnetometers IEEE Fairfield. D...investigation is to attain the capacity to use micropulsation records acquired from surface magnetometers to infer certain key parameters of the solar wind

Single-Event Upset and Scaling Trends in New Generation of the Commercial SOI PowerPC Microprocessors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Irom, Farokh; Farmanesh, Farhad; Kouba, Coy K.

2006-01-01

SEU from heavy-ions is measured for SOI PowerPC microprocessors. Results for 0.13 micron PowerPC with 1.1V core voltages increases over 1.3V versions. This suggests that improvement in SEU for scaled devices may be reversed. In recent years there has been interest in the possible use of unhardened commercial microprocessors in space because of their superior performance compared to hardened processors. However, unhardened devices are susceptible to upset from radiation space. More information is needed on how they respond to radiation before they can be used in space. Only a limited number of advanced microprocessors have been subjected to radiation tests, which are designed with lower clock frequencies and higher internal core voltage voltages than recent devices [1-6]. However the trend for commercial Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microprocessors is to reduce feature size and internal core voltage and increase the clock frequency. Commercial microprocessors with the PowerPC architecture are now available that use partially depleted SOI processes with feature size of 90 nm and internal core voltage as low as 1.0 V and clock frequency in the GHz range. Previously, we reported SEU measurements for SOI commercial PowerPCs with feature size of 0.18 and 0.13 m [7, 8]. The results showed an order of magnitude reduction in saturated cross section compared to CMOS bulk counterparts. This paper examines SEUs in advanced commercial SOI microprocessors, focusing on SEU sensitivity of D-Cache and hangs with feature size and internal core voltage. Results are presented for the Motorola SOI processor with feature sizes of 0.13 microns and internal core voltages of 1.3 and 1.1 V. These results are compared with results for the Motorola SOI processors with feature size of 0.18 microns and internal core voltage of 1.6 and 1.3 V.

[Effects of xenon preconditioning against ischemia/reperfusion injury and oxidative stress in immature heart].

PubMed

Li, Qian; Lian, Chun-Wei; Fang, Li-Qun; Liu, Bin; Yang, Bo

2014-09-01

To investigate whether xenon preconditioning (PC) could protect immature myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in a dose-dependent manner and clarify the role of xenon PC on oxidative stress. Forty-eight isolated perfused immature rabbit hearts were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12): The sham group had the hearts perfused continuously for 300 min. In I/R group, the hearts were subjected to 60 min perfusion followed by 60 min ischemia and 180 min reperfusion. In 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and 0.5 MAC xenon PC groups, the hearts were preconditioned with 1 MAC or 0.5 MAC xenon respectively, following 60 min ischemia and 180 min reperfusion. The cardiac function, myocardial infarct size, mitochondrial structure, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in each group were determined after reperfusion. Compared with I/R group, both 1 MAC and 0. 5 MAC xenon preconditioning significantly improved cardiac function (P < 0.01), reduced myocardial infarct size (P < 0.01) and mitochondrial damage, increased SOD activity and decreased MDA level (P < 0.01). There were no differences between 1 MAC group and 0.5 MAC xenon group (P > 0.05). Xenon preconditioning at 0. 5 and 1 MAC produce similar cardioprotective effects against I/R injury in isolated perfused immature heart.

Regulation of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism by Phosphatidylcholine Transfer Protein

PubMed Central

Kang, Hye Won; Wei, Jie; Cohen, David E.

2010-01-01

Phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP, a.k.a. StARD2) binds phosphatidylcholines and catalyzes their intermembrane transfer and exchange in vitro. The structure of PC-TP comprises a hydrophobic pocket and a well-defined head-group binding site, and its gene expression is regulated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α. Recent studies have revealed key regulatory roles for PC-TP in lipid and glucose metabolism. Notably, Pctp−/− mice are sensitized to insulin action and exhibit more efficient brown fat-mediated thermogenesis. PC-TP appears to limit access of fatty acids to mitochondria by stimulating the activity of thioesterase superfamily member 2, a newly characterized long-chain fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase. Because PC-TP discriminates among phosphatidylcholines within lipid bilayers, it may function as a sensor that links metabolic regulation to membrane composition. PMID:20338778

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.

Phthalocyanines functionalized with 2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazolylethoxy and 1,4,7-trioxanonyl moieties and the effect of metronidazole substitution on photocytotoxicity.

PubMed

Wierzchowski, Marcin; Sobotta, Lukasz; Skupin-Mrugalska, Paulina; Kruk, Justyna; Jusiak, Weronika; Yee, Michael; Konopka, Krystyna; Düzgüneş, Nejat; Tykarska, Ewa; Gdaniec, Maria; Mielcarek, Jadwiga; Goslinski, Tomasz

2013-10-01

Four novel magnesium(II) and zinc(II) phthalocyanines bearing 1,4,7-trioxanonyl, polyether and/or (2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethoxy, heterocyclic substituents at their non-peripheral positions were synthesized and assessed in terms of physicochemical and biological properties. Magnesium phthalocyanine derivatives bearing polyether substituents (Pc-1), a mixed system of polyether and heterocyclic substituents (Pc-3), and four heterocyclic substituents (Pc-4), respectively, were synthesized following the Linstead macrocyclization reaction procedure. Zinc phthalocyanine (Pc-2) bearing polyether substituents at non-peripheral positions was synthesized following the procedure in n-pentanol with the zinc acetate, and DBU. Novel phthalocyanines were purified by flash column chromatography and characterized using NMR, MS, UV-Vis and HPLC. Moreover, two precursors in macrocyclization reaction phthalonitriles were characterized using X-ray. Photophysical properties of the novel macrocycles were evaluated, including UV-Vis spectra analysis and aggregation study. All macrocycles subjected to singlet oxygen generation and the oxidation rate constant measurements exhibited lower quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation in DMSO than in DMF. In addition, the Pc-2 molecule was found to be the most efficient singlet oxygen generator from the group of macrocycles studied. The photocytotoxicity evaluated on the human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, HSC-3, for Pc-3 was significantly higher than that for Pc-1, Pc-2, and Pc-4. Interestingly, Pc-3 was found to be the most active macrocycle in vitro although its ability to generate singlet oxygen was significantly lower than those of Pc-1 and Pc-2. However, attempts to encapsulate phthalocyanines Pc-1-Pc-3 in liposomal membranes were unsuccessful. The phthalocyanine-nitroimidazole conjugate, Pc-4 was encapsulated in phosphatidylglycerol:phosphatidylcholine unilamellar liposomes and subjected to photocytotoxicity study. © 2013.

Cognitive versus Software-Assisted Registration: Development of a New Nomogram Predicting Prostate Cancer at MRI-Targeted Biopsies.

PubMed

Kaufmann, Sascha; Russo, Giorgio I; Thaiss, Wolfgang; Notohamiprodjo, Mike; Bamberg, Fabian; Bedke, Jens; Morgia, Giuseppe; Nikolaou, Konstantin; Stenzl, Arnulf; Kruck, Stephan

2018-04-03

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is gaining acceptance to guide targeted biopsy (TB) in prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis. We aimed to compare the detection rate of software-assisted fusion TB (SA-TB) versus cognitive fusion TB (COG-TB) for PC and to evaluate potential clinical features in detecting PC and clinically significant PC (csPC) at TB. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with rising and/or persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) undergoing mpMRI followed by either transperineal SA-TB or transrectal COG-TB. The analysis showed a matched-paired analysis between SA-TB versus COG-TB without differences in clinical or radiological characteristics. Differences among detection of PC/csPC among groups were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression model predicting PC at TB was fitted. The model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic-derived area under the curve, goodness of fit test, and decision-curve analyses. One hundred ninety-one and 87 patients underwent SA-TB or COG-TB, respectively. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that SA-TB was associated with overall PC (odds ratio [OR], 5.70; P < .01) and PC at TB (OR, 3.00; P < .01) but not with overall csPC (P = .40) and csPC at TB (P = .40). A nomogram predicting PC at TB was constructed using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.0, age, PSA density and biopsy technique, showing improved clinical risk prediction against a threshold probability of 10% with a c-index of 0.83. In patients with suspected PC, software-assisted biopsy detects most cancers and outperforms the cognitive approach in targeting magnetic resonance imaging-visible lesions. Furthermore, we introduced a prebiopsy nomogram for the probability of PC in TB. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A PCA-Based method for determining craniofacial relationship and sexual dimorphism of facial shapes.

PubMed

Shui, Wuyang; Zhou, Mingquan; Maddock, Steve; He, Taiping; Wang, Xingce; Deng, Qingqiong

2017-11-01

Previous studies have used principal component analysis (PCA) to investigate the craniofacial relationship, as well as sex determination using facial factors. However, few studies have investigated the extent to which the choice of principal components (PCs) affects the analysis of craniofacial relationship and sexual dimorphism. In this paper, we propose a PCA-based method for visual and quantitative analysis, using 140 samples of 3D heads (70 male and 70 female), produced from computed tomography (CT) images. There are two parts to the method. First, skull and facial landmarks are manually marked to guide the model's registration so that dense corresponding vertices occupy the same relative position in every sample. Statistical shape spaces of the skull and face in dense corresponding vertices are constructed using PCA. Variations in these vertices, captured in every principal component (PC), are visualized to observe shape variability. The correlations of skull- and face-based PC scores are analysed, and linear regression is used to fit the craniofacial relationship. We compute the PC coefficients of a face based on this craniofacial relationship and the PC scores of a skull, and apply the coefficients to estimate a 3D face for the skull. To evaluate the accuracy of the computed craniofacial relationship, the mean and standard deviation of every vertex between the two models are computed, where these models are reconstructed using real PC scores and coefficients. Second, each PC in facial space is analysed for sex determination, for which support vector machines (SVMs) are used. We examined the correlation between PCs and sex, and explored the extent to which the choice of PCs affects the expression of sexual dimorphism. Our results suggest that skull- and face-based PCs can be used to describe the craniofacial relationship and that the accuracy of the method can be improved by using an increased number of face-based PCs. The results show that the accuracy of the sex classification is related to the choice of PCs. The highest sex classification rate is 91.43% using our method. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The importance of dietary change for men diagnosed with and at risk of prostate cancer: a multi-centre interview study with men, their partners and health professionals.

PubMed

Avery, Kerry N L; Donovan, Jenny L; Horwood, Jeremy; Neal, David E; Hamdy, Freddie C; Parker, Chris; Wade, Julia; Lane, Athene

2014-05-03

The diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC) can provide a trigger for dietary change, and there is evidence that healthier diets may improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. However, men's views about dietary change in PC survivorship are largely unknown. This multi-centre qualitative interview study explored men's views about dietary change in PC survivorship, to better understand motivations for, and barriers to, achieving desired changes. The role of radical and active surveillance treatments on dietary change and the influence of men's partners were examined. Focus groups also evaluated stakeholder opinion, including healthcare professionals, about the provision of dietary advice to PC patients. A multi-centre interview study explored views about diet and motivations for, and barriers to, dietary change in men at elevated risk or diagnosed with PC following prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing. 58 men and 11 partners were interviewed. Interviews and focus groups were undertaken with 11 healthcare professionals, 5 patients and 4 partners to evaluate stakeholders' opinions about the feasibility and acceptability of providing dietary advice to PC patients. Data were analysed using methods of constant comparison and thematic analysis. Over half of diagnosed men reported making dietary changes, primarily to promote general or prostate health or facilitate coping, despite their uncertainty about diet-PC links. Interest in dietary advice was high. Information needs varied depending on treatment received, with men on active surveillance more frequently modifying their diet and regarding this as an adjunct therapy. Men considered their partners integral to implementing changes. Provision of dietary advice to men diagnosed with PC was considered by healthcare professionals and men to be feasible and appropriate in the context of a holistic 'care package'. Many men make positive dietary changes after PC diagnosis, which are perceived by men and their partners to bring psychological and general health benefits and could help future dietary intervention trials. Men and their partners desire more and better dietary information that may support PC survivorship, particularly among those embarking on active surveillance/monitoring programmes. There are opportunities for healthcare professionals to support PC patients both clinically and psychologically by the routine integration of healthy eating advice into survivorship care plans.

Different metabolic profiles of K1 serotype and non-serotype K1 and K2 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in oral infection mice model.

PubMed

Chen, Nan; Wang, Lin-Lin; Xue, Juan; Ma, Xiang-Bo; Zhao, Sheng; Rong, Rui-Xue; Li, Hong-Quan; Ding, Liang; Zheng, Ming-Zhi; Chen, Ying-Ying; Duan, Fei; Shen, Yue-Liang

2014-10-01

K1 or K2 serotype Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate caused clinical pyogenic liver abscess (KLA) infection is prevalent in many areas. It has been identified that K1 or K2 serotype K. pneumoniae isolates caused KLA infection in mice by oral inoculation. In our study, K1 serotype K. pneumoniae isolate Kp1002 with hypermucoviscosity (HV)-positive phenotype caused KLA infection in C57BL/6 mice by oral inoculation. Simultaneously, non-serotype K1 and K2 isolate Kp1014 with HV-negative phenotype failed to cause KLA infection in the same manner. It seems that gastrointestinal tract translocation is the pathway by which K1 or K2 serotype K. pneumoniae caused KLA infection. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to further analyze metabolic profile changes in mice with KLA infection. Data showed that after Kp1002 or Kp1014 oral inoculation, serum Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels significantly changed in mice. Some PC and LPC molecules showed changes both in the Kp1002 KLA group and the Kp1014 no-KLA group compared with the control group. The level of 18:1/18:2-PC significantly changed in the Kp1002 KLA group compared with the control group, but showed no change between the Kp1014 no-KLA group and the control group. The level of 18:1/18:2-PC might have been particularly affected by KLA infection caused by K1 serotype K. pneumoniae Kp1002. It may be a potential biomarker for KLA infection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Eight Weeks of Strength and Power Training Improves Club Head Speed in Collegiate Golfers.

PubMed

Oranchuk, Dustin J; Mannerberg, Jason M; Robinson, Tracey L; Nelson, Megan C

2018-02-14

Club head speed (CHS) is a major determinant of drive distance, a key component of golf performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the indirect effects of an eight-week strength and power program on CHS. Twelve (6 male, 6 female) NCAA Division II golfers (20.3±1.5 years) randomly assigned to an intervention or control group, underwent either a periodized strength and power program consisting of high-load barbell movements or a bodyweight and rotational movement focused resistance training program. Outcomes were CHS, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and 1RM back squat (BS), power clean (PC), and deadlift (DL). Dependent t-tests were utilized to assess differences in outcome variables pre-to-post for each group, independent t-tests were utilized to assess differences between groups, and Pearson correlations were utilized to assess associations between CHS and outcome variables. On average, the intervention group experienced improvements in all outcome variables except peak CHS (p=0.60); the control group displayed no changes in any outcome variable except a decrease in average CHS (p=0.028). Compared to the control group, the intervention group experienced greater improvements in average CHS, BS, PC, and average and peak CMJ height (p<0.05). Additionally, CHS had large associations with PC (r=0.70, p=0.012), BS (r=0.64, p=0.025), DL (r=0.54, p=0.068) and CMJ (r=0.73, p=0.007). These results suggest improving muscular strength and power by increasing PC, BS, and CMJ is associated with increased CHS in collegiate golfers. Integrating a high-load, barbell-focused strength and power program may be beneficial for improving CHS and indirectly, golf performance.

Porous carbon derived from disposable shaddock peel as an excellent catalyst toward VO2+/VO2+ couple for vanadium redox battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, J.; Wang, Z. A.; Wu, X. W.; Yuan, X. H.; Hu, J. P.; Zhou, Q. M.; Liu, Z. H.; Wu, Y. P.

2015-12-01

Functional porous carbon (PC) derived from bio-friendly shaddock peel has been firstly explored as catalyst for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB). The prepared PC is micro-mesoporous with high BET surface area of 882.7 m2 g-1, has some surface oxygen-containing functional groups, and is doped with N and P heteroatoms. These three factors greatly favor the electrochemical reactions of VO2+/VO2+ on the PC modified glass carbon (PC-GC). Compared with the naked GC and graphite modified GC, the PC-GC presents a lower peak separation (66 mV), higher anodic current density (17.1 mA cm-2) and cathodic current density (15.0 mA cm-2). The VRB using PC modified graphite felt (GF) as positive electrode demonstrates an enhanced voltage efficiency of 82.7% at the current density of 60 mA cm-2, and a better rate performance than that from the virginal GF.

Structural and magnetic characterization of copper sulfonated phthalocyanine grafted onto treated polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reznickova, A.; Kolska, Z.; Orendac, M.; Cizmar, E.; Sajdl, P.; Svorcik, V.

2016-08-01

This study focuses on high density polyethylene (HDPE) activated by Ar plasma treatment, subsequently grafted with copper sulfonated phthalocyanine (CuPc) especially pointing out to the surface and magnetic properties of those composites. Properties of pristine PE and their plasma treated counterparts were studied by different experimental techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential and by electron spin resonance (ESR). XPS analysis confirmed the successful grafting of phthalocyanine. The highest absorption was found for the sample grafted with bCuPc for 1 h. Electrokinetic analysis also confirmed the plasma treatment and also subsequent CuPc grafting influence significantly the surface chemistry and charge. These results correspond well with XPS determination. ESR studies confirmed the presence of CuPc grafted on HDPE. It was found, that grafting is mediated by magnetically inactive functional groups, rather than radicals. Magnetic properties of CuPc do not seem to change significantly after grafting CuPc on polyethylene surface.

Modification of symmetrically substituted phthalocyanines using click chemistry: phthalocyanine nanostructures by nanoimprint lithography.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaochun; Thomas, Jayan; Gangopadhyay, Palash; Norwood, Robert A; Peyghambarian, N; McGrath, Dominic V

2009-09-30

Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are commonly applied to advanced technologies such as optical limiting, photodynamic therapy (PDT), organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), and organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, where they are used as the p-type layer. An approach to Pc structural diversity and the incorporation of a functional group that allows fabrication of solvent resistant Pc nanostructures formed by using a newly developed nanoimprint by melt processing (NIMP) technique, a variant of standard nanoimprint lithography (NIL), is reported. Copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), a click chemistry reaction, serves as an approach to structural diversity in Pc macrocycles. We have prepared octaalkynyl Pc 1b and have modified this Pc using the CuAAC reaction to yield four Pc derivatives 5a-5d with different peripheral substituents on the macrocycle. One of these derivatives, 5c, has photo-cross-linkable cinnamate residues, and we have demonstrated the fabrication of robust cross-linked photopatterned and imprinted nanostructures from this material.

Iron ion and iron hydroxide adsorption to charge-neutral phosphatidylcholine templates

DOE PAGES

Wang, Wenjie; Zhang, Honghu; Feng, Shuren; ...

2016-07-13

Surface-sensitive X-ray scattering and spectroscopy techniques reveal significant adsorption of iron ions and iron-hydroxide (Fe(III)) complexes to a charge-neutral zwitterionic template of phosphatidylcholine (PC). The PC template is formed by a Langmuir monolayer of dipalmitoyl-PC (DPPC) that is spread on the surface of 2 to 40 μM FeCl 3 solutions at physiological levels of KCl (100 mM). At 40 μM of Fe(III) as many as ~3 iron atoms are associated with each PC group. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements indicate a significant disruption in the in-plane ordering of DPPC molecules upon iron adsorption. The binding of iron-hydroxide complexes to amore » neutral PC surface is yet another example of nonelectrostatic, presumably covalent bonding to a charge-neutral organic template. Furthermore, the strong binding and the disruption of in-plane lipid structure has biological implications on the integrity of PC-derived lipid membranes, including those based on sphingomyelin.« less

KSC-97PC1705

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-19

STS-87 Commander Kevin Kregel is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39B by Danny Wyatt, NASA quality assurance specialist. STS-87 is the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Payload and Spartan-201. A veteran of two space flights (STS-70 and -78), Kregel has logged more than 618 hours in space

KSC-97pc269

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-02-11

STS-82 Mission Specialist Joseph R. "Joe" Tanner dons his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building with assistance from a suit technician. This is Tanner’s second space flight. He and the six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits liftoff on a 10-day mission to service the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST). This will be the second HST servicing mission. Four back-to-back spacewalks are planned

KSC-97pc476

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-03-17

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-K (GOES-K) is placed on display for news media representatives at the Astrotech Space Operations LP facility in Titusville. GOES-K, the latest in the current series of advanced geostationary weather satellites in service, is scheduled to be launched into space aboard an Atlas 1 rocket on April 24 from Launch Complex 36, Pad B, Cape Canaveral Air Station. Once in orbit, GOES-K will become GOES-10, joining GOES-8 and GOES-9 in space

KSC-97pc477

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-03-17

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-K (GOES-K) is placed on display for news media representatives at the Astrotech Space Operations LP facility in Titusville. GOES-K, the latest in the current series of advanced geostationary weather satellites in service, is scheduled to be launched into space aboard an Atlas 1 rocket on April 24 from Launch Complex 36, Pad B, Cape Canaveral Air Station. Once in orbit, GOES-K will become GOES-10, joining GOES-8 and GOES-9 in space

Knowing Our Neighbors: Six Young, Nearby Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartlett, Jennifer L.; Lurie, John C.; Ianna, Philip A.; Riedel, Adric R.; Winters, Jennifer G.; Finch, Charlie T.; Jao, Wei-Chun; Subasavage, John P.; Henry, Todd J.

2016-06-01

Obtaining a well-understood, volume-limited (and ultimately volume-complete) sample of nearby stars is necessary for determining a host of astrophysical quantities, including the stellar luminosity and mass functions, the stellar velocity distribution, and the stellar multiplicity fraction. Furthermore, such a sample provides insight into the local star formation history. Towards that end, the Research Consortium on Nearby Stars (RECONS) measures trigonometric parallaxes to establish which systems truly lie within the 25-pc radius of the Solar Neighborhood. Recent measurements with the CTIO/SMARTS 0.9-m telescope establish six new systems as members of the Solar Neighborhood and also potential members of young moving groups based on (a) CTIOPI astrometry and (b) radial velocities from the literature, where available: ● G 75-35 at a distance of 11.8±0.2 pc and G 161-71 at 13.5±0.3 pc are possible members of the Argus Association● LP 888-18 at a distance of 12.5±0.2 pc is a member of the AB Doradus Moving Group, while LP 834-32 at 17.3±0.6 pc and LP 870-65 at 18.2±0.5 pc are possible group members● LHS 6167AB at a distance of 9.68±0.09 pc is a possible member of the Hercules-Lyra Moving Group. To characterize these systems further, RECONS obtained VRI photometry for each, which range from 12.44-18.81 mag. in V. LP 834-32, LHS 6167AB, and G 161-71 demonstrated significant long-term variability in V-band; the first two appear to have flared in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Furthermore, CTIOPI 1.5-m spectroscopy identifies these systems as M3.5-M8.0 dwarfs. G 161-71 displayed strong Hα emission but weak sodium and potassium features.The Solar Neighborhood contains both young and old stars that can be observed more easily than their more distant counterparts, which allows their characteristics to be studied in greater detail.NSF grants AST 05-07711 and AST 09-08402, NASA-SIM, Georgia State University, the University of Virginia, Hampden-Sydney College, and the Levinson Fund of the Peninsula Community Foundation supported this research. CTIOPI was an NOAO Survey Program and continues as part of the SMARTS Consortium. We thank the SMARTS Consortium and the CTIO staff, who enable the small telescope operations at CTIO.

Tunable charge transfer properties in metal-phthalocyanine heterojunctions.

PubMed

Siles, P F; Hahn, T; Salvan, G; Knupfer, M; Zhu, F; Zahn, D R T; Schmidt, O G

2016-04-28

Organic materials such as phthalocyanine-based systems present a great potential for organic device applications due to the possibility of integrating films of different organic materials to create organic heterostructures which combine the electrical capabilities of each material. This opens the possibility to precisely engineer and tune new electrical properties. In particular, similar transition metal phthalocyanines demonstrate hybridization and charge transfer properties which could lead to interesting physical phenomena. Although, when considering device dimensions, a better understanding and control of the tuning of the transport properties still remain in the focus of research. Here, by employing conductive atomic force microscopy techniques, we provide an insight about the nanoscale electrical properties and transport mechanisms of MnPc and fluorinated phthalocyanines such as F16CuPc and F16CoPc. We report a transition from typical diode-like transport mechanisms for pure MnPc thin films to space-charge-limited current transport regime (SCLC) for Pc-based heterostructures. The controlled addition of fluorinated phthalocyanine also provides highly uniform and symmetric-polarized transport characteristics with conductance enhancements up to two orders of magnitude depending on the polarization. We present a method to spatially map the mobility of the MnPc/F16CuPc structures with a nanoscale resolution and provide theoretical calculations to support our experimental findings. This well-controlled nanoscale tuning of the electrical properties for metal transition phthalocyanine junctions stands as key step for future phthalocyanine-based electronic devices, where the low dimension charge transfer, mediated by transition metal atoms could be intrinsically linked to a transfer of magnetic moment or spin.

Analysis of 18F-fluorodeoxy-glucose PET imaging data captured before and after Pc 4-mediated photodynamic therapy of U87 tumors in the athymic nude rat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, Nathan; Varghai, Davood; Spring-Robinson, Chandra; Sharma, Rahul; Muzic, Raymond F., Jr.; Oleinick, Nancy L.; Dean, D.

2007-02-01

Introduction: Several workers have proposed the use of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging for the outcome assessment of photodynamic therapy (PDT), especially for deep-seated tumors. We report on our study of 18Ffluorodeoxy- glucose (18F-FDG) PET imaging following brain tumor Pc4-PDT. Our working hypothesis was that the tumor's metabolic activity would decline dramatically following Pc 4-PDT owing to tumor necrosis. Methods: Seven days after intraparenchymal implantation of U87 cells, the brains of 12 athymic nude rats were imaged by micro-CT and/or micro-MR. These animals were also 18F-FDG micro-PET (μPET) scanned before and after Pc 4-PDT. 18F-FDG was used to trace metabolic activity that was monitored via μPET. Occurrence of PDT was confirmed on histology. The analysis of 18F-FDG dose and animal weight normalized μPET activity was studied over the 90 minute µPET scan. Results: Currently, μPET data have been studied for: (1) three of the animals that did not indicate tumor necrosis on histology and were assigned to a "Non-PDT" group, and (2) six animals that exhibited tumor necrosis on histology and were assigned to a "PDT" group. The μPET-detected 18F-FDG uptake activity in the tumor region before and after photoirradiation increased in the Non-PDT group an average of 2.28 times, and in the PDT group it increased an average of 1.15 times. Discussion: We are investigating the cause of the increase in 18F-FDG μPET activity that we observed in the PDT group. The methodology used in this study should be useful in determining whether this or other PET, SPECT, or MR functional imaging protocols will detect both the specificity and sensitivity of brain tumor necrosis following Pc 4-PDT.

10. Photocopy of 1872 photograph by Eadweard Muybridge in Stanford ...

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

10. Photocopy of 1872 photograph by Eadweard Muybridge in Stanford University Archives, PC 6. NORTHWEST DOUBLE PARLOR, LOOKING SOUTH (Present Chapel Space) - Leland Stanford House, 800 N Street, Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA

KSC-94PC-1509

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-12-13

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Film director Ron Howard [right, with head phones] and a production crew, along with actor Tom Hanks [center], are filming a number of scenes at KSC for an upcoming film about the Apollo 13 mission.

KSC-97pc287

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-02-11

STS-82 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39A, with the assistance of white room closeout crew members Dave Law, in front; Carlous Gillis, at left; and James Davis

Amelioration of rCBF and PbtO2 following TBI at high altitude by hyperbaric oxygen pre-conditioning.

PubMed

Hu, Shengli; Li, Fei; Luo, Haishui; Xia, Yongzhi; Zhang, Jiuquan; Hu, Rong; Cui, Gaoyu; Meng, Hui; Feng, Hua

2010-03-01

Hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude can lead to brain damage and pre-conditioning with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) can reduce ischemic/hypoxic brain injury. This study investigates the effects of high altitude on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and examines the neuroprotection provided by HBO preconditioning against TBI. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: HBO pre-conditioning group (HBOP, n=10), high altitude group (HA, n=10), plain control group (PC, n=10) and plain sham operation group (sham, n=10). All groups were subjected to head trauma by weight drop device except for the sham group. Rats from each group were examined for neurological function, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and brain tissue oxygen pressure (PbtO(2)) and were killed for analysis by transmission electron microscope. The score of neurological deficits in the HA group was highest, followed by the HBOP group and the PC group, respectively. Both rCBF and PbtO(2) were the lowest in the HA group. Brain morphology and structure seen via the transmission electron microscope was diminished in the HA group, while fewer pathological injuries occurred in the HBOP and PC groups. High altitude aggravates TBI significantly and HBO pre-conditioning can attenuate TBI in rats at high altitude by improvement of rCBF and PbtO(2). Pre-treatment with HBO might be beneficial for people traveling to high altitude locations.

Colour Doppler and microbubble contrast agent ultrasonography do not improve cancer detection rate in transrectal systematic prostate biopsy sampling.

PubMed

Taverna, Gianluigi; Morandi, Giovanni; Seveso, Mauro; Giusti, Guido; Benetti, Alessio; Colombo, Piergiuseppe; Minuti, Francesco; Grizzi, Fabio; Graziotti, Pierpaolo

2011-12-01

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Transrectal gray-scale ultrasonography guided prostate biopsy sampling is the method for diagnosing prostate cancer (PC) in patients with an increased prostate specific antigen level and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. Several imaging strategies have been proposed to optimize the diagnostic value of biopsy sampling, although at the first biopsy nearly 10-30% of PC still remains undiagnosed. This study compares the PC detection rate when employing Colour Doppler ultransongraphy with or without the injection of SonoVue™ microbubble contrast agent, versus the transrectal ultrasongraphy-guided systematic biopsy sampling. The limited accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and the additional cost of using the contrast agent do not justify its routine application in PC detection. • To compare prostate cancer (PC) detection rate employing colour Doppler ultrasonography with or without SonoVue™ contrast agent with transrectal ultrasonography-guided systematic biopsy sampling. • A total of 300 patients with negative digital rectal examination and transrectal grey-scale ultrasonography, with PSA values ranging between 2.5 and 9.9 ng/mL, were randomized into three groups: 100 patients (group A) underwent transrectal ultrasonography-guided systematic bioptic sampling; 100 patients (group B) underwent colour Doppler ultrasonography, and 100 patients (group C) underwent colour Doppler ultrasonography before and during the injection of SonoVue™. • Contrast-enhanced targeted biopsies were sampled into hypervascularized areas of peripheral, transitional, apical or anterior prostate zones. • All the patients included in Groups B and C underwent a further 13 systematic prostate biopsies. The cancer detection rate was calculated for each group. • In 88 (29.3%) patients a histological diagnosis of PC was made, whereas 22 (7.4%) patients were diagnosed with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. • No significant differences were found among the three groups for cancer detection rate (P= 0.329). • Additionally, low sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of colour Doppler with or without SonoVue™ contrast agent were found. • Prostate cancer detection rate does not significantly improve with the use of colour Doppler ultrasonography with or without SonoVue™. • Although no collateral effects have been highlighted, the combined use of colour Doppler ultrasonography and SonoVue™ determines adjunctive costs and increases the mean time for taking a single prostate biopsy. © 2011 THE AUTHORS. BJU INTERNATIONAL © 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL.

Revealing anti-inflammation mechanism of water-extract and oil of forsythiae fructus on carrageenan-Induced edema rats by serum metabolomics.

PubMed

Yuan, An; Gong, Lihong; Luo, Lin; Dang, Jue; Gong, Xiaohong; Zhao, Mengjie; Li, Yan; Li, Yunxia; Peng, Cheng

2017-11-01

Forsythiae Fructus is an important Chinese medicine which shows a significant effect against inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the preventive anti-inflammation mechanism of Forsythiae Fructus by serum metabolomics strategy and compare the difference of the metabolism pathways between Forsythia extract and Forsythia oil in rat. Four groups (control group, model group, Forsythia extract group and Forsythia oil group) were orally administered 10mL/kg 0.5% Tween 80 solution, 10mL/kg 0.5% Tween 80 solution, 5g/kg Forsythia extract and 0.48mL/kg Forsythia oil respectively. 30min after drug administration, rat acute inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of carrageenan in the right paw in model group, Forsythia extract group and Forsythia oil group. After being administered Forsythia extract and Forsythia oil, the percentage of rat paw edema was significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared with model group. Metabolomics based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to analyze the collected serum sample. Multivariate analysis was established for metabolomics analysis. According to Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) results, four groups were clearly separated. And thirteen alterative biomarkers were identified in the serum, namely PC (19:0/0:0), LysoPC (20:0), LysoPC (20:1), LysoPC (17:0), Sphingosine, Linoleic acid, 3R-hydroxy-butanoic acid (3-HB), 2-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, Lactic acid, L-Threonine, L-Leucine, Maleic acid, Adipic acid. The change of biomarkers suggested that Forsythia extract affected Linoleic acid metabolism, Valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, Sphingolipid metabolism and Glycerophospholipid metabolism. Forsythia oil affected Sphingolipid metabolism and Glycerophospholipid metabolism. It indicated that Forsythia extract and Forsythia oil both showed significant preventive anti-inflammatory effect through acting on different metabolism pathways. Moreover, efficacy mechanism of Forsythiae Fructus could recover metabolites disturb in the body through affecting particular drug targets associated with the inflammatory pathway. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Overexpression of SASH1 related to the decreased invasion ability of human glioma U251 cells.

PubMed

Yang, Liu; Liu, Mei; Gu, Zhikai; Chen, Jianguo; Yan, Yaohua; Li, Jian

2012-12-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of SAM- and SH3-domain containing 1 (SASH1) on the biological behavior of glioma cells, including its effects on cellular growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis, and thereby to provide an experimental basis for future therapeutic treatments. A pcDNA3.1-SASH1 eukaryotic expression vector was constructed and transfected into the U251 human glioma cell line. Using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric (MTT) assay, flow cytometry analyses, transwell invasion chamber experiments, and other methods, we examined the impact of SASH1 on the biological behaviors of U251 cells, including effects on viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion. Furthermore, the effect of SASH1 on the expression of cyclin D1, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and other proteins was observed. Compared to the empty vector and blank control groups, the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group of U251 cells exhibited significantly reduced cell viability, proliferation, and invasion (p < 0.05), although there was no difference between the empty vector and blank control groups. The pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group demonstrated a significantly higher apoptotic index than did the empty vector and blank control groups (p < 0.05), and the percentage of apoptotic cells was similar between the empty vector and blank control groups. In addition, the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group expressed significantly lower protein levels of cyclin D1 and MMP-2/9 compared to the control and empty vector groups (p < 0.05) and significantly higher protein levels of caspase-3 than the other two groups (p < 0.05). Cyclin D1, caspase-3, and MMP-2/9 expression was unchanged between the empty vector and blank control groups. SASH1 gene expression might be related to the inhibition of the growth, proliferation, and invasion of U251 cells and the promotion of U251 cells apoptosis.

Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Airway Reactivity in Asthma. A Randomized, Sham-controlled Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Sugar, Elizabeth A.; Brown, Robert H.; Drye, Lea T.; Irvin, Charles G.; Schwartz, Alan R.; Tepper, Robert S.; Wise, Robert A.; Yasin, Razan Z.; Busk, Michael F.

2016-01-01

Rationale: Studies have demonstrated that application of stress suppresses airway smooth muscle contractility. In animal models of asthma, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduced airway reactivity. Short-term studies of CPAP in patients with asthma showed reductions in airway reactivity. Objectives: To evaluate whether nocturnal CPAP decreased the provocative concentration of methacholine to reduce FEV1 by 20% (PC20). Methods: One hundred ninety-four individuals with asthma were randomized (1:1:1) to use CPAP with warmed, filtered, humidified air at night at pressures either less than 1 cm H2O (sham) or at 5 cm H2O or 10 cm H2O. The primary outcome was change in PC20 after 12 weeks. Measurements and Main Results: Adherence to CPAP was low in all groups. Regardless, all groups had a significant improvement in PC20, with 12 weeks/baseline PC20 ratios of 2.12, 1.73, and 1.78 for the sham, 5 cm H2O, and 10 cm H2O groups, respectively, and no significant differences between the active and sham groups. Changes in FEV1 and exhaled nitric oxide were minimal in all groups. The sham group had larger improvements in most patient-reported outcomes measuring asthma symptoms and quality of life, as well as sinus symptoms, than the 5 cm H2O group. The 10 cm H2O group showed similar but less consistent improvements in scores, which were not different from improvements in the sham group. Conclusions: Adherence to nocturnal CPAP was low. There was no evidence to support positive pressure as being effective for reducing airway reactivity in people with well-controlled asthma. Regardless, airway reactivity was improved in all groups, which may represent an effect of participating in a study and/or an effect of warm, humid, filtered air on airway reactivity. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01629823). PMID:27398992

KSC-98pc1137

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-09-23

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Hubble Space Telescope Orbiting Systems Test (HOST) is suspended above its work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility before moving it to its payload canister. The HOST platform is carrying four experiments to validate components planned for installation during the third Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission and to evaluate new technologies in an Earth-orbiting environment. The STS-95 mission is scheduled to launch Oct. 29. It will carry other payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH-3), and the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process

KSC-98pc1036

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-09-04

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Hubble Space Telescope Orbiting Systems Test (HOST) is checked out by technicians in the Space Shuttle Processing Facility. One of the payloads on the STS-95 mission, the HOST platform is carrying four experiments to validate components planned for installation during the third Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission and to evaluate new technologies in an earth orbiting environment. The STS-95 mission is scheduled to launch Oct. 29. It will carry three other payloads: the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, and the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process

ksc-81pc-382

NASA Image and Video Library

1981-04-12

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After six years of silence, the thunder of manned space flight is heard again as the successful launch of the first Space Shuttle ushers in a new concept in utilization of space. The April 12 launch at Pad 39A, just seconds past 7 a.m., carries astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen into an Earth orbital mission scheduled to last for 54 hours, ending with unpowered landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. STS-1, the first in a series of shuttle vehicles planned for the Space Transportation sysstem, utilizes reusable launch and return components

KSC-98pc1180

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-09-28

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, the payload canister for Space Shuttle Discovery is lifted from its canister movement vehicle to the top of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39-B. Discovery (right), sitting atop the Mobile Launch Platform and next to the Fixed Service Structure, is scheduled for launch on Oct. 29, 1998, for the STS-95 mission. That mission includes the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH-3), the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, and the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process

KSC-98pc917

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-13

An Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is moved into the center of the Space Station Processing Facility clean room at KSC for transition to the high bay. The IEA, a large truss segment of the International Space Station (ISS), is one of four power modules to be used on the International Space Station. The modules contain batteries for the ISS solar panels and power for the life support systems and experiments that will be conducted. This first IEA will fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of STS-97, scheduled to launch August 5, 1999

KSC-98pc918

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-14

An Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is lifted from a rotation stand in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC to be placed on a work stand. The IEA, a large truss segment of the International Space Station (ISS), is one of four power modules to be used on the International Space Station. The modules contain batteries for the ISS solar panels and power for the life support systems and experiments that will be conducted. This first IEA will fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of STS-97, scheduled to launch August 5, 1999

[Effects of parabolic flight on redox status in SH-SY5Y cells].

PubMed

Bi, Lei; Qu, Li-Na; Huang, Zeng-Ming; Wang, Chun-Yan; Li, Qi; Tan, Ying-Jun; Li, Ying-Hui

2009-10-25

Space flight is known to produce a number of neurological disturbances. The etiology is unknown, but it may involve increased oxidative stress. A line of experimental evidence indicates that space flight may disrupt antioxidant defense system and result in increased oxidative stress. In vitro studies found that abundant of NO was produced in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and protein nitration was increased in PC12 cells within a simulated microgravity rotating wall bioreactor high aspect ratio vessel system or clinostat system. In the present study, we observed the change of redox status in SH-SY5Y cells after parabolic flight, and studied the effects of key redox molecule, thioredoxin (TRX), during the altered gravity. SH-SY5Y cells were divided into four groups: control cells, control cells transfected with TRX, flight cells and flight cells transfected with TRX. The expression levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TRX and thioredoxin reductase (TRXR) were observed by immunocytochemical method. It was shown that after parabolic flight, the staining of 3-NT and TRX were enhanced, while the expression level of TRXR was down-regulated compared with control. As for flight cells transfected with TRX, the staining of 3-NT and iNOS were weakened compared with flight cells. These results obtained suggest that altered gravity may increase protein nitration, down-regulate TRXR and elicit oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells, while TRX transfection could partly protect cells against oxidative stress induced by parabolic flight.

Pregnancy alters choline dynamics: results of a randomized trial using stable isotope methodology in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

PubMed

Yan, Jian; Jiang, Xinyin; West, Allyson A; Perry, Cydne A; Malysheva, Olga V; Brenna, J Thomas; Stabler, Sally P; Allen, Robert H; Gregory, Jesse F; Caudill, Marie A

2013-12-01

Although biomarkers of choline metabolism are altered by pregnancy, little is known about the influence of human pregnancy on the dynamics of choline-related metabolic processes. This study used stable isotope methodology to examine the effects of pregnancy on choline partitioning and the metabolic activity of choline-related pathways. Healthy third-trimester pregnant (n = 26; initially week 27 of gestation) and nonpregnant (n = 21) women consumed 22% of their total choline intake (480 or 930 mg/d) as methyl-d9-choline for the final 6 wk of a 12-wk feeding study. Plasma d9-betaine:d9-phosphatidylcholine (PC) was lower (P ≤ 0.04) in pregnant than in nonpregnant women, suggesting greater partitioning of choline into the cytidine diphosphate-choline (CDP-choline) PC biosynthetic pathway relative to betaine synthesis during pregnancy. Pregnant women also used more choline-derived methyl groups for PC synthesis via phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) as indicated by comparable increases in PEMT-PC enrichment in pregnant and nonpregnant women despite unequal (pregnant > nonpregnant; P < 0.001) PC pool sizes. Pregnancy enhanced the hydrolysis of PEMT-PC to free choline as shown by greater (P < 0.001) plasma d3-choline:d3-PC. Notably, d3-PC enrichment increased (P ≤ 0.011) incrementally from maternal to placental to fetal compartments, signifying the selective transfer of PEMT-PC to the fetus. The enhanced use of choline for PC production via both the CDP-choline and PEMT pathways shows the substantial demand for choline during late pregnancy. Selective partitioning of PEMT-PC to the fetal compartment may imply a unique requirement of PEMT-PC by the developing fetus.

Theoretical and experimental analysis of analyte transport in a fiber-optic, protein C immuno-biosensor.

PubMed

Tang, Liang; Kwon, Hyun J; Kang, Kyung A

2004-12-30

Protein C (PC) is an important anticoagulant in human blood plasma, and early diagnosis of PC deficiency is critical for preventing dangerous thromboembolic complications. A fiber-optic PC immuno-biosensor has been under development in our research group for real-time PC-deficiency diagnosis. The sensor has demonstrated a good sensitivity and specificity for quantifying PC in buffered solutions. However, for plasma samples, with a limited sample reaction time, the sensor produced only 30% of the signal intensity of PC in buffer. The high plasma viscosity (1.9 cP) was speculated as the major reason for signal intensity reduction. In this investigation, the sensing performance of the fiber-optic PC biosensor is systematically characterized in terms of physical and chemical properties of the sample media. Theoretical and experimental analyses indicate that the reduced diffusion rate of PC molecules in viscous samples caused the sensing system to be more mass-transfer-limited. Convective flow of sample/reagent solutions during immunoreactions can increase the rate of the analyte mass transport from the bulk solution to the sensor surface, with reaction kinetics changing from mass-transfer-limited to reaction-limited as flow velocity increases. It was shown that PC sensor performance was significantly improved for plasma samples with convection. The effect of the flow velocity and incubation times for samples and reagents on the sensor performance was also systematically analyzed to optimize the assay protocol for PC sensing. Currently, a 6-cm-long immuno-biosensor is capable of quantifying PC in plasma (1 mL) in the heterozygous PC deficiency range (0.5 to 2.5 microg/mL) within 5 minutes, at an average signal-to-noise ratio of 50. 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lineage specific expression of Polycomb Group Proteins in human embryonic stem cells in vitro.

PubMed

Pethe, Prasad; Pursani, Varsha; Bhartiya, Deepa

2015-05-01

Human embryonic (hES) stem cells are an excellent model to study lineage specification and differentiation into various cell types. Differentiation necessitates repression of specific genes not required for a particular lineage. Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are key histone modifiers, whose primary function is gene repression. PcG proteins form complexes called Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRCs), which catalyze histone modifications such as H2AK119ub1, H3K27me3, and H3K9me3. PcG proteins play a crucial role during differentiation of stem cells. The expression of PcG transcripts during differentiation of hES cells into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineage is yet to be shown. In-house derived hES cell line KIND1 was differentiated into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineages; followed by characterization using RT-PCR for HNF4A, CDX2, MEF2C, TBX5, SOX1, and MAP2. qRT-PCR and western blotting was performed to compare expression of PcG transcripts and proteins across all the three lineages. We observed that cells differentiated into endoderm showed upregulation of RING1B, BMI1, EZH2, and EED transcripts. Mesoderm differentiation was characterized by significant downregulation of all PcG transcripts during later stages. BMI1 and RING1B were upregulated while EZH2, SUZ12, and EED remained low during ectoderm differentiation. Western blotting also showed distinct expression of BMI1 and EZH2 during differentiation into three germ layers. Our study shows that hES cells differentiating into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineages show distinct PcG expression profile at transcript and protein level. © 2015 International Federation for Cell Biology.

Do We Reap What We Sow? Exploring the Association between the Strength of European Primary Healthcare Systems and Inequity in Unmet Need

PubMed Central

Hanssens, Lise; Vyncke, Veerle; De Maeseneer, Jan; Willems, Sara

2017-01-01

Access to healthcare is inequitably distributed across different socioeconomic groups. Several vulnerable groups experience barriers in accessing healthcare, compared to their more wealthier counterparts. In response to this, many countries use resources to strengthen their primary care (PC) system, because in many European countries PC is the first entry-point to the healthcare system and plays a central role in the coordination of patients through the healthcare system. However it is unclear whether this strengthening of PC leads to less inequity in access to the whole healthcare system. This study investigates the association between strength indicators of PC and inequity in unmet need by merging data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions database (2013) and the Primary Healthcare Activity Monitor for Europe (2010). The analyses reveal a significant association between the Gini coefficient for income inequality and inequity in unmet need. When the Gini coefficient of a country is one SD higher, the social inequity in unmet need in that particular country will be 4.960 higher. Furthermore, the accessibility and the workforce development of a country’s PC system is inverse associated with the social inequity of unmet need. More specifically, when the access- and workforce development indicator of a country PC system are one standard deviation higher, the inequity in unmet healthcare needs are respectively 2.200 and 4.951 lower. Therefore, policymakers should focus on reducing income inequality to tackle inequity in access, and strengthen PC (by increasing accessibility and better-developing its workforce) as this can influence inequity in unmet need. PMID:28046051

Short germ insects utilize both the ancestral and derived mode of Polycomb group-mediated epigenetic silencing of Hox genes

PubMed Central

Matsuoka, Yuji; Bando, Tetsuya; Watanabe, Takahito; Ishimaru, Yoshiyasu; Noji, Sumihare; Popadić, Aleksandar; Mito, Taro

2015-01-01

In insect species that undergo long germ segmentation, such as Drosophila, all segments are specified simultaneously at the early blastoderm stage. As embryogenesis progresses, the expression boundaries of Hox genes are established by repression of gap genes, which is subsequently replaced by Polycomb group (PcG) silencing. At present, however, it is not known whether patterning occurs this way in a more ancestral (short germ) mode of embryogenesis, where segments are added gradually during posterior elongation. In this study, two members of the PcG family, Enhancer of zeste (E(z)) and Suppressor of zeste 12 (Su(z)12), were analyzed in the short germ cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. Results suggest that although stepwise negative regulation by gap and PcG genes is present in anterior members of the Hox cluster, it does not account for regulation of two posterior Hox genes, abdominal-A (abd-A) and Abdominal-B (Abd-B). Instead, abd-A and Abd-B are predominantly regulated by PcG genes, which is the mode present in vertebrates. These findings suggest that an intriguing transition of the PcG-mediated silencing of Hox genes may have occurred during animal evolution. The ancestral bilaterian state may have resembled the current vertebrate mode of regulation, where PcG-mediated silencing of Hox genes occurs before their expression is initiated and is responsible for the establishment of individual expression domains. Then, during insect evolution, the repression by transcription factors may have been acquired in anterior Hox genes of short germ insects, while PcG silencing was maintained in posterior Hox genes. PMID:25948756

KSC-98pc1775

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-03

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Participants pose for a photo at the Space Station Processing Facility ceremony transferring the "Leonardo" Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), to NASA. From left, they are astronaut Jim Voss, ASI President Sergio De Julio, European Space Agency astronaut Umberto Guidoni of Italy, NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang of Sweden. The MPLM, a reusable logistics carrier, will be the primary delivery system used to resupply and return International Space Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo is the first of three MPLM carriers for the International Space Station. It is scheduled to be launched on Space Shuttle Mission STS-100, targeted for April 2000

KSC-98pc1774

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-03

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Participants pose for a photo at the Space Station Processing Facility ceremony transferring the "Leonardo" Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), to NASA. From left, they are astronaut Jim Voss, ASI President Sergio De Julio, European Space Agency astronaut Umberto Guidoni of Italy, NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang of Sweden. The MPLM, a reusable logistics carrier, will be the primary delivery system used to resupply and return International Space Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo is the first of three MPLM carriers for the International Space Station. It is scheduled to be launched on Space Shuttle Mission STS-100, targeted for April 2000

Metabolomic study of corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongye; Zheng, Hua; Zhao, Gan; Tang, Chaoling; Lu, Shiyin; Cheng, Bang; Wu, Fang; Wei, Jinbin; Liang, Yonghong; Ruan, Junxiang; Song, Hui; Su, Zhiheng

2016-03-01

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been proved to be an important pathogenic factor of some neuropsychiatric disorders. Usually, a classical injury model based on corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity of differentiated rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells was used to stimulate the state of GC damage of hippocampal neurons and investigate its potential mechanisms involved. However, up to now, the mechanism of corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells was still looking forward to further elucidation. In this work, the metabolomic study of the biochemical changes caused by corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity in differentiated PC12 cells with different corticosterone concentrations was performed for the first time, using the ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS). Partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) indicated that metabolic profiles of different corticosterone treatment groups deviated from the control group. A total of fifteen metabolites were characterized as potential biomarkers involved in corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity, which were corresponding to the dysfunctions of five pathways including glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, oxidation of fatty acids, glycerolipid metabolism and sterol lipid metabolism. This study indicated that the rapid and holistic cell metabolomics approach might be a powerful tool to further study the pathogenesis mechanism of corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells.

Specificity and rate of human and mouse liver and plasma phosphatidylcholine synthesis analyzed in vivo[S

PubMed Central

Pynn, Christopher J.; Henderson, Neil G.; Clark, Howard; Koster, Grielof; Bernhard, Wolfgang; Postle, Anthony D.

2011-01-01

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis by the direct cytidine diphosphate choline (CDP-choline) pathway in rat liver generates predominantly mono- and di-unsaturated molecular species, while polyunsaturated PC species are synthesized largely by the phosphatidylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway. Although altered PC synthesis has been suggested to contribute to development of hepatocarcinoma and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, analysis of the specificity of hepatic PC metabolism in human patients has been limited by the lack of sensitive and safe methodologies. Here we incorporated a deuterated methyl-d9-labled choline chloride, to quantify biosynthesis fluxes through both of the PC synthetic pathways in vivo in human volunteers and compared these fluxes with those in mice. Rates and molecular specificities of label incorporated into mouse liver and plasma PC were very similar and strongly suggest that label incorporation into human plasma PC can provide a direct measure of hepatic PC synthesis in human subjects. Importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that the PEMT pathway in human liver is selective for polyunsaturated PC species, especially those containing docosahexaenoic acid. Finally, we present a multiple isotopomer distribution analysis approach, based on transfer of deuterated methyl groups to S-adenosylmethionine and subsequent sequential methylations of PE, to quantify absolute flux rates through the PEMT pathway that are applicable to studies of liver dysfunction in clinical studies. PMID:21068006

Finding Bounded Rational Equilibria. Part 2; Alternative Lagrangians and Uncountable Move Spaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolpert, David H.

2004-01-01

A long-running difficulty with conventional game theory has been how to modify it to accommodate the bounded rationality characterizing all real-world players. A recurring issue in statistical physics is how best to approximate joint probability distributions with decoupled (and therefore far more tractable) distributions. It has recently been shown that the same information theoretic mathematical structure, known as Probability Collectives (PC) underlies both issues. This relationship between statistical physics and game theory allows techniques and insights &om the one field to be applied to the other. In particular, PC provides a formal model-independent definition of the degree of rationality of a player and of bounded rationality equilibria. This pair of papers extends previous work on PC by introducing new computational approaches to effectively find bounded rationality equilibria of common-interest (team) games.

Stellar photometry with the Wide Field/Planetary Camera of the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holtzman, Jon A.

1990-07-01

Simulations of Wide Field/Planetary Camera (WF/PC) images are analyzed in order to discover the most effective techniques for stellar photometry and to evaluate the accuracy and limitations of these techniques. The capabilities and operation of the WF/PC and the simulations employed in the study are described. The basic techniques of stellar photometry and methods to improve these techniques for the WF/PC are discussed. The correct parameters for star detection, aperture photometry, and point-spread function (PSF) fitting with the DAOPHOT software of Stetson (1987) are determined. Consideration is given to undersampling of the stellar images by the detector; variations in the PSF; and the crowding of the stellar images. It is noted that, with some changes DAOPHOT, is able to generate photometry almost to the level of photon statistics.

Material Properties of Matrix Lipids Determine Conformation and Intermolecular Reactivity of a Diacetylenic Phosphatidylcholine in the Lipid Bilayer

PubMed Central

Puri, Anu; Jang, Hyunbum; Yavlovich, Amichai; Masood, M. Athar; Veenstra, Timothy D.; Luna, Carlos; Aranda-Espinoza, Helim; Nussinov, Ruth; Blumenthal, Robert

2011-01-01

Photopolymerizable phospholipid DC8,9PC (1,2-bis-(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) exhibits unique assembly characteristics in the lipid bilayer. Due to the presence of the diacetylene groups, DC8,9PC undergoes polymerization upon UV (254 nm) exposure and assumes chromogenic properties. DC8,9PC photopolymerization in a gel phase matrix lipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) monitored by UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy occurred within 2 minutes after UV treatment, whereas no spectral shifts were observed when DC8,9PC was incorporated in a liquid phase matrix 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed a decrease in DC8,9PC monomer in both DPPC and POPC environments without any change in matrix lipids in UV-treated samples. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of DPPC/DC8,9PC and POPC/DC8,9PC bilayers indicate that the DC8,9PC molecules adjust to the thickness of the matrix lipid bilayer. Furthermore, motions of DC8,9PC in the gel phase bilayer are more restricted than in the fluid bilayer. The restricted motional flexibility of DC8,9PC (in the gel phase) enables the reactive diacetylenes in individual molecules to align and undergo polymerization, whereas the unrestricted motions in the fluid bilayer restrict polymerization due to the lack of appropriate alignment of the DC8,9PC fatty acyl chains. Fluorescence microscopy data indicates homogenous distribution of the lipid probe 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl ammonium salt (N-Rh-PE) in POPC/DC8,9PC monolayers, but domain formation in DPPC/DC8,9PC monolayers. These results show that the DC8,9PC molecules cluster and assume the preferred conformation in the gel phase matrix for UV-triggered polymerization reaction. PMID:22053903

[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.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study in Five VA Clinics.

PubMed

Williams, Emily C; Achtmeyer, Carol E; Young, Jessica P; Berger, Douglas; Curran, Geoffrey; Bradley, Katharine A; Richards, Julie; Siegel, Michael B; Ludman, Evette J; Lapham, Gwen T; Forehand, Mark; Harris, Alex H S

2018-03-01

Three medications are FDA-approved and recommended for treating alcohol use disorders (AUD) but they are not offered to most patients with AUD. Primary care (PC) may be an optimal setting in which to offer and prescribe AUD medications, but multiple barriers are likely. This qualitative study used social marketing theory, a behavior change approach that employs business marketing techniques including "segmenting the market," to describe (1) barriers and facilitators to prescribing AUD medications in PC, and (2) beliefs of PC providers after they were segmented into groups more and less willing to prescribe AUD medications. Qualitative, interview-based study. Twenty-four providers from five VA PC clinics. Providers completed in-person semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using social marketing theory and thematic analysis. Providers were divided into two groups based on consensus review. Barriers included lack of knowledge and experience, beliefs that medications cannot replace specialty addiction treatment, and alcohol-related stigma. Facilitators included training, support for prescribing, and behavioral staff to support follow-up. Providers more willing to prescribe viewed prescribing for AUD as part of their role as a PC provider, framed medications as a potentially effective "tool" or "foot in the door" for treating AUD, and believed that providing AUD medications in PC might catalyze change while reducing stigma and addressing other barriers to specialty treatment. Those less willing believed that medications could not effectively treat AUD, and that treating AUD was the role of specialty addiction treatment providers, not PC providers, and would require time and expertise they do not have. We identified barriers to and facilitators of prescribing AUD medications in PC, which, if addressed and/or capitalized on, may increase provision of AUD medications. Providers more willing to prescribe may be the optimal target of a customized implementation intervention to promote changes in prescribing.

The prion-ZIP connection: From cousins to partners in iron uptake

PubMed Central

Singh, Neena; Asthana, Abhishek; Baksi, Shounak; Desai, Vilok; Haldar, Swati; Hari, Sahi; Tripathi, Ajai K

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Converging observations from disparate lines of inquiry are beginning to clarify the cause of brain iron dyshomeostasis in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), a neurodegenerative condition associated with the conversion of prion protein (PrPC), a plasma membrane glycoprotein, from α-helical to a β-sheet rich PrP-scrapie (PrPSc) isoform. Biochemical evidence indicates that PrPC facilitates cellular iron uptake by functioning as a membrane-bound ferrireductase (FR), an activity necessary for the transport of iron across biological membranes through metal transporters. An entirely different experimental approach reveals an evolutionary link between PrPC and the Zrt, Irt-like protein (ZIP) family, a group of proteins involved in the transport of zinc, iron, and manganese across the plasma membrane. Close physical proximity of PrPC with certain members of the ZIP family on the plasma membrane and increased uptake of extracellular iron by cells that co-express PrPC and ZIP14 suggest that PrPC functions as a FR partner for certain members of this family. The connection between PrPC and ZIP proteins therefore extends beyond common ancestry to that of functional cooperation. Here, we summarize evidence supporting the facilitative role of PrPC in cellular iron uptake, and implications of this activity on iron metabolism in sCJD brains. PMID:26689487

Functionalization of nanocrystalline diamond films with phthalocyanines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petkov, Christo; Reintanz, Philipp M.; Kulisch, Wilhelm; Degenhardt, Anna Katharina; Weidner, Tobias; Baio, Joe E.; Merz, Rolf; Kopnarski, Michael; Siemeling, Ulrich; Reithmaier, Johann Peter; Popov, Cyril

2016-08-01

Phthalocyanine (Pc) derivatives containing different central metal atoms (Mn, Cu, Ti) and different peripheral chains were synthesized and comprehensively characterized. Their interaction with nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films, as-grown by hot-filament chemical vapor deposition or after their modification with oxygen plasma to exchange the hydrogen termination with oxygen-containing groups, was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The elemental composition as determined by XPS showed that the Pc were grafted on both as-grown and O-terminated NCD. Mn, Cu and Ti were detected together with N stemming from the Pc ring and S in case of the Ti-Pc from the peripheral ligands. The results for the elemental surface composition and the detailed study of the N 1s, S 2p and O 1s core spectra revealed that Ti-Pc grafted better on as-grown NCD but Cu-Pc and Mn-Pc on O-terminated films. Samples of Mn-Pc on as-grown and O-terminated NCD were further investigated by NEXAFS spectroscopy. The results showed ordering of the grafted molecules, laying flat on the H-terminated NCD surface while only the macrocycles were oriented parallel to the O-terminated surface with the peripheral chains perpendicular to it.

Cost Savings from Palliative Care Teams and Guidance for a Financially Viable Palliative Care Program

PubMed Central

McCarthy, Ian M; Robinson, Chessie; Huq, Sakib; Philastre, Martha; Fine, Robert L

2015-01-01

Objectives To quantify the cost savings of palliative care (PC) and identify differences in savings according to team structure, patient diagnosis, and timing of consult. Data Sources Hospital administrative records on all inpatient stays at five hospital campuses from January 2009 through June 2012. Study Design The analysis matched PC patients to non-PC patients (separately by discharge status) using propensity score methods. Weighted generalized linear model regressions of hospital costs were estimated for the matched groups. Data Collection Data were restricted to patients at least 18 years old with inpatient stays of between 7 and 30 days. Variables available included patient demographics, primary and secondary diagnoses, hospital costs incurred for the inpatient stay, and when/if the patient had a PC consult. Principal Findings We found overall cost savings from PC of $3,426 per patient for those dying in the hospital. No significant cost savings were found for patients discharged alive; however, significant cost savings for patients discharged alive could be achieved for certain diagnoses, PC team structures, or if consults occurred within 10 days of admission. Conclusions Appropriately selected and timed PC consults with physician and RN involvement can help ensure a financially viable PC program via cost savings to the hospital. PMID:25040226

Anti-biofilm efficacy of 100 MeV gold ion irradiated polycarbonate against Salmonella typhi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, R. P.; Hareesh, K.; Bankar, A.; Sanjeev, G.; Asokan, K.; Kanjilal, D.; Dahiwale, S. S.; Bhoraskar, V. N.; Dhole, S. D.

2017-12-01

Polycarbonate (PC) films were irradiated by 100 MeV gold (Au7+) ions and characterized to study changes in its optical, chemical, surface morphology and thermal properties. UV-Visible spectroscopic results revealed the decrease in the optical band gap of PC after ion irradiation due to chain scission mainly at the carbonyl group which is corroborated by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic results. X-ray diffractogram study showed decrease in crystallinity of PC film after irradiation. Scanning electron microscopic results showed the micropores formation in PC which results in surface roughening. Differential scanning calorimetric results revealed decrease in glass transition temperature indicating the decrease in molecular weight of PC corroborated by rheometric studies. PC films irradiated by 100 MeV Au7+ ions showed increased anti-biofilm activity against the human pathogen, Salmonella typhi (S. typhi). Morphology of S. typhi was changed due to stress of Au7+ irradiated PC. Cells length was increased with increasing fluences. The average cell length, cell volume and surface area was increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing ion fluences. Biofilm formation was inhibited ≈ 20% at lower fluence and 96% at higher fluence, which observed to be enhanced anti-biofilm activity in Au7+ irradiated PC.

The prevalence and effects of Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum on the respiratory function in children between 7-14 years old.

PubMed

Coskun, Zafer Kutay; Turgut, Hasan Basri; Demirsoy, Sadik; Cansu, Ali

2010-09-01

The study involved 1342 primary school students aged 7-14 years who applied to Ankara, a primary care center for general health check-up between 2006 and 2007. Forty-three students, 35 of whom had PE and 8 of whom had PC, were subjected to thorax measurement. All 43 students underwent pulmonary function tests (PFT).The prevalence rate of PC was 0.6%, and of PE, 2.6%. The thorax widths of the groups were similar (P = 0.273). The thorax circumference and depth of PE group were lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05). The probability rate of abnormality in PFT scores of PE group was statistically significantly higher than that of the controls (P = 0.022) whereas absence of normal PFT scores the difference between PC group and the controls was not statistically significant (p = 0.095). The results indicate that more than half of the individuals with pectus deformity do not have any physical complaints and do not have statistically significant differences in their PFT parameters.

The Intermediate Stellar Population in R136 Determined from Hubble Space Telescope Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunter, D. A.; WFPC1 IDT; WFPC2 IDT

1994-12-01

We have analyzed Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of the compact, luminous star cluster R136 in the LMC that were taken with the refurbished HST and new Wide Field/Planetary Camera. These images allow us to examine the stellar population in a region of unusually intense star formation at a scale of 0.01 pc. We have detected stars to 23.5 in F555W and have quantified the stellar population to an M_{555,o} of 0.9 or a mass of 2.8 cal Msolar . Comparisons of HR diagrams with isochrones that were constructed for the HST flight filter system from theoretical stellar evolutionary tracks reveal massive stars, a main sequence to at least 2.8 cal Msolar , and stars with M_{555,o}>=0.5 still on pre-main sequence tracks. The average stellar population is fit with a 3--4 Myr isochrone. Contrary to expectations from star formation models, however, the formation period for the massive stars and lower mass stars appear to largely overlap. We have measured the IMF for stars 2.8--15 cal Msolar in three annuli from 0.5--4.7 pc from the center of the cluster. The slopes of the IMF in all three annuli are the same within the uncertainties, thus, showing no evidence for mass segregation beyond 0.5 pc. Furthermore, the combined IMF slope, -1.2+/-0.1, is close to a normal Salpeter IMF. The lower mass limit must be lower than the limits of our measurements: <=2.8 cal Msolar beyond 0.5 pc and <=7 cal Msolar within 0.1 pc. This is contrary to some predictions that the lower mass limit could be as high as 10 cal Msolar in regions of intense massive star formation. Integrated properties of R136 are consistent with its being comparable to a rather small globular cluster when such clusters were the same age as R136.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the Treatment of Localized and Locally Advanced Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer: 2,5 Year Outcome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solovov, V. A.; Dvoynikov, S. Y.; Vozdvizhenskiy, M. O.

2011-09-01

Introduction & Objectives: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has been shown to be a successful treatment for localised prostate cancer (PC). Here we have explored the effectiveness of the HIFU treatment for hormone-resistant prostate cancer (HRPC). Materials & Methods: 341 patients were treated in our center between September 2007 and December 2009; all of them showed treatment failure following hormone ablation. The median time before hormone-resistance was 20 (3-48) months. In the group with localised PC: number of patients 237, Gleason score ≤7, stage T1-2N0M0, age 69 (60-89) years, mean PSA before treatment 40,0 (5,8-92,9) ng/ml, mean prostate volume—39,3 (28-92) cc; in the group with locally advanced PC: number of patients 104, Gleason score ≤9, stage T2-3N0M0, age 72 (52-83) years, PSA before treatment 30,3 (20,1-60) ng/ml, mean prostate volume—41,2 (25-198) cc. HIFU was delivered under spinal anesthesia using the Ablatherm HIFU device (EDAP, France). Pre HIFU transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was performed for all patients. Mean follow-up time 18 months (3-30). Results: The median PSA level 12 months after HIFU treatment was 0,04 (0-2,24) ng/ml—localised PC, and for locally advanced disease—0,05 (0-48,4) ng/ml, at 18 months after HIFU treatment this was 0,2 (0,02-2,0) ng/ml for localised PC, and for locally advanced disease 0,18 (0,04-7,45) ng/ml. Patients with localised PC has 4,5% recurrence, those with locally advanced PC 20%. Kaplan-Meir analyses of the total group indicated that the risk of recurrence after 1 year follow-up was 10%, the risk of recurrence was 19% after 2 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Our initial experience shows that ultrasound ablation is safe, minimally invasive and effective as a treatment for localised and locally advanced hormone-resistant prostate cancer.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Pharmaceutical Care Intervention Versus Usual Care in Management of Nigerian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Adibe, Maxwell O; Aguwa, Cletus N; Ukwe, Chinwe V

To assess the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical care (PC) intervention versus usual care (UC) in the management of type 2 diabetes. This study was a randomized, controlled study with a 12-month patient follow-up in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals. One hundred and ten patients were randomly assigned to each of the "intervention" (PC) and the "control" (UC) groups. Patients in the UC group received the usual/conventional care offered by the hospitals. Patients in the PC group received UC and PC in the form of structural self-care education and training for 12 months. The economic evaluation was based on patients' perspective. Costs of management of individual complications were calculated from activities involved in their management by using activity-based costing. The impact of the interventions on quality of life was estimated by using the HUI23S4EN.40Q (Mark index 3) questionnaire. The primary outcomes were incremental cost-utility ratio and net monetary benefit. An intention-to-treat approach was used. Two-sample comparisons were made by using Student's t tests for normally distributed variables data at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Comparisons of proportions were done by using the chi-square test. The PC intervention led to incremental cost and effect of Nigerian naira (NGN) 10,623 ($69) and 0.12 quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, respectively, with an associated incremental cost-utility ratio of NGN 88,525 ($571) per QALY gained. In the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve, the probability that PC was more cost-effective than UC was 95% at the NGN 250,000 ($1613) per QALY gained threshold and 52% at the NGN 88,600 ($572) per QALY gained threshold. The PC intervention was very cost-effective among patients with type 2 diabetes at the NGN 88,525 ($571.13) per QALY gained threshold, although considerable uncertainty surrounds these estimates. Copyright © 2013, International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Plan for improving pharmacy indicators in a primary health area of Madrid. Description and results].

PubMed

Izquierdo-Palomares, José Manuel; Carretón, María José Almodóvar; Fernández, Luís Carlos Saiz; Gómez, Raquel Siguín; Gómez, Carlos López; Elustondo, Sofía Garrido

2011-03-01

To evaluate the results of a plan for improving pharmacy indicators in a Primary Care (PC) Health Area. Quasi-experimental study with a control group. The differences between the pre-intervention (Jan-Dec 2007) and post-intervention (Jan-Dec 2008) periods were evaluated. Intervention group: Primary Care doctors from PC Area 7 of the Community of Madrid (n=397). the rest of PC doctors of the Community of Madrid (n=4428). A multi-focus plan in which the main activities were: sessions in the health centres with the worst results, involvement of those responsible for the Rational Use of Drugs, interviews with the doctors with the most improvable indicators, recognition of those with good indicators, and preparing short notes on drugs. Prescription and notification indicators associated with the safety of drugs. In relation to Madrid, the absolute improvements of Area 7 in the accumulated indicators, %Generic drugs, %Statins, %ARAII y %Omeprazole were 0.29; 1.17; 0.61 and 0.37 percentage points, respectively. DHD Osteoporosis equalled the improvement of Madrid. In Area 7, the increase in notifications of suspected serious ADRs was 180% and number of ADR notifications of ADRs was 233%, better than the Madrid data (48% and 21%). The notification of medication errors showed similar increases in both groups (PC Area 7 1567% vs. Madrid PC 1633%). Implementing a multi-focus improvement plan with feasible and specific actions can be a useful tool for improving pharmacy indicators. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Tianshu" (ST 25) for Colonic Motility and D 2 Receptor in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rats].

PubMed

Wang, Shan; Guo, Meng-Wei; Gao, Yu-Shan; Ren, Xiao-Xuan; Lan, Ying; Ji, Mao-Xian; Wu, Yan-Ying; Li, Kai-Ge; Tan, Li-Hua; Sui, Ming-He

2018-01-25

To observe and compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Neiguan" (PC 6) for colonic motility and the expression of colon dopamine D 2 in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rats, and to explore the specificity of different meridians and different acupoints. Forty Wistar newborn rats were randomly divided into blank, model, Tianshu and Neiguan groups. Separation of mother and child and acetic acid coloclyster combined with colorectal distension were used to establish IBS model in the model, Tianshu and Neiguan groups. At the age of 9 weeks, EA at bilateral ST 25 and PC 6 were applied in the corresponding groups 5 times, once every other day. After the intervention, the Bristol fecal score, the latent period of abdominal retraction reflex and the number of contraction waves were recorded. The expression of dopamine D 2 receptor was detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the blank group, the Bristol fecal score of the model group was higher ( P <0.01), the 1 st contraction wave latent period was shorter ( P <0.01), the number of contraction waves in 90 s increased ( P <0.01), the immunoreactive expression of D 2 receptor in colon decreased ( P <0.01). Compared with the model group, the Bristol fecal scores of the Tianshu and Neiguan groups decreased ( P <0.01), the 1 st contraction wave latent periods were longer ( P <0.01), the numbers of contraction waves in 90 s decreased ( P <0.01), the positive expressions of D 2 receptor in colon increased ( P <0.01, P <0.05). Compared with the Tianshu group, the immunoreactive expression of D 2 receptor in the Neiguan group decreased ( P <0.01). EA at ST 25 and PC 6 can improve the symptoms of colonic motility in IBS rats. The effect of EA at ST 25 is better, which indicates that different meridians and different acupoints play specific effects.

Improvement in the Viability of Cryopreserved Cells by Microencapsulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, Yoshifumi; Morinaga, Yukihiro; Ujihira, Masanobu; Oka, Kotaro; Tanishita, Kazuo

The advantages of microencapsulated cells over those of suspended cells were evaluated for improving viability in cryopreservation. Rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were selected as the test biological cells and then microencapsulated in alginate-polylysine-alginate membranes. These microencapsulated PC12 cells were frozen by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various cooling rates, from 0.5 to 10°C/min. Their latent heat was measured during freezing from 4 to -80°C. The post-thaw viability was evaluated by dopamine-concentration measurement and by trypan blue exclusion assay. Results showed that at cooling rates of 0.5 and 1°C/min, the latent heat of microencapsulated PC12 cells was lower than that of suspended cells. This lower latent heat is caused by the fact that the extra-microcapsule froze and the intra-capsule remained unfrozen due to the formation of ice crystals in the extra-capsule space. The post-thaw viability of microencapsulated PC12 cells was improved when the cooling rate was 0.5 or 1°C/min, compared with that of suspended cells. Therefore, in microencapsulated PC12 cells, maintaining the intra-microcapsules in an unfrozen state during freezing reduces the solution effect and thus improves the post-thaw viability.

Decreased phosphatidyl choline content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a preliminary investigation.

PubMed

Clement, A; Masliah, J; Housset, B; Just, J; Garcia, J; Grimfeld, A; Tournier, G

1987-01-01

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on 12 infants who had recovered from neonatal acute respiratory failure and on 12 patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in order to evaluate the concentration of phosphatidyl choline (PC) in BAL fluid. These two groups were similar at birth (mean birth weight: 1,980 and 1,750 g, respectively; mean gestational age: 33.4 and 32.1 weeks respectively). Mechanical ventilation based on oxygen requirement lasted longer in the group with BPD. BAL was performed at the end of the first year of life (at 8.5 and 10.3 months, respectively) and the results were compared to control values (from infants of the same age without neonatal disease). Whereas the protein concentration in BAL fluid was similar in the two groups, a dramatic decrease of the BAL PC was found in BPD: The mean values of BAL-PC over protein ratio were 0.9 in the group without pulmonary sequelae and 0.3 in the group with BPD. These preliminary results suggest an impairment of the pulmonary surfactant metabolism in this chronic lung disease following neonatal acute respiratory failure.

Lipid profiles of follicular fluid from cows submitted to ovarian superstimulation.

PubMed

Santos, P H; Fontes, P K; Franchi, F F; Nogueira, M F G; Belaz, K R A; Tata, A; Eberlin, M N; Sudano, M J; Barros, C M; Castilho, A C S

2017-05-01

Ovarian superstimulation with exogenous gonadotropins has been extensively used to produce in vivo-derived embryos for embryo transfer in cattle. This process modifies the antral follicle microenvironment and affects oocyte and embryo quality as well the differentiation of granulosa cells. Lipids play significant roles in the cell, such as energy storage, cell structure, and fine-tuning of the physical properties and functions of biological membranes. The phospholipid (PL) contents as well as the effects of superstimulatory treatments on the PL profile of follicular fluid from cows, however, remain unknown. Therefore, to gain insight into the effects of superstimulation with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; P-36 protocol) or FSH combined with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; P-36/eCG protocol) on the profile and abundance of PL from cows submitted or not submitted to superstimulatory protocols, were treated with these two superstimulatory protocols. As a control, non-superstimulated cows were only submitted to estrous synchronization. The follicular fluid was aspirated, the remaining cells removed and the follicular fluid stored at -80 °C until extraction. The lipid screening was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and this technique allowed the identification of sphingomyelins (SM) and phosphatidylcholines (PC) and phosphoethanolamines (PE). The relative abundance of the ions observed in the three experimental groups was analyzed by multivariate and univariate statistical models. The phospholipid SM (16:0) and PC (36:4) and/or PC (34:1) were less (P < 0.05) abundant in the P-36 group compared to the control or P-36/eCG groups. However, the PC (34:2) was more (P < 0.05) abundant in both group of superstimulated cows compared to the control. In summary, ovarian superstimulation seems to modulate the PL content of bovine follicular fluid with a significant increase in PC (34:2), which jointly with others PC and SM, seems to offer a suitable biomarker involved with reproductive processes successful as ovary superstimulation response and embryo development. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Tumor vascularity and hematogenous metastasis in experimental murine intraocular melanoma.

PubMed Central

Grossniklaus, H E

1998-01-01

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that primary tumor vascularity in a murine model of intraocular melanoma positively correlates with the development and hematogenous spread of metastasis. METHODS: Forty 12-week-old C57BL6 mice were inoculated in either the anterior chamber (AC) or posterior compartment (PC) of 1 eye with 5 x 10(5) cells/microL of Queens tissue culture melanoma cells. The inoculated eye was enucleated at 2 weeks; the mice were sacrificed at 4 weeks postinoculation, and necropsies were performed. The enucleated eyes were examined for histologic and ultrastructural features, including relationship of tumor cells to tumor vascular channels, vascular pattern, and mean vascular density. RESULTS: Melanoma grew and was confined to the eye in 12 of 20 AC eyes and 10 of 20 PC eyes. Histologic and electron microscopic examination showed tumor invasion into vascular channels. Five of 12 AC tumors (42%) and 8 of 10 PC tumors (80%) metastasized. All of the AC tumors, but none of the PC tumors, that distantly metastasized also metastasized to ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes (P = .00535). There was no statistically significant difference of vascular pattern between the melanomas that did and did not metastasize to lungs in the PC group (P = .24), although there was a significant difference in the AC group (P = .02). Tumors with high-grade vascular patterns were more likely to metastasize than tumors with low-grade vascular patterns in the AC group. The mean vascular density positively correlated with the presence and number of metastases in both groups (P = .0000 and P < .001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference of vascular pattern and mean vascular density for AC versus PC melanoma (P = .97). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of metastasis in this murine intraocular melanoma model positively correlates with primary tumor vascularity. The melanoma metastasizes via invasion of tumor vascular channels. AC melanoma also metastasizes through regional lymphatics. Images FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 PMID:10360307

An asymptotic-preserving stochastic Galerkin method for the radiative heat transfer equations with random inputs and diffusive scalings

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

Jin, Shi, E-mail: sjin@wisc.edu; Institute of Natural Sciences, Department of Mathematics, MOE-LSEC and SHL-MAC, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240; Lu, Hanqing, E-mail: hanqing@math.wisc.edu

2017-04-01

In this paper, we develop an Asymptotic-Preserving (AP) stochastic Galerkin scheme for the radiative heat transfer equations with random inputs and diffusive scalings. In this problem the random inputs arise due to uncertainties in cross section, initial data or boundary data. We use the generalized polynomial chaos based stochastic Galerkin (gPC-SG) method, which is combined with the micro–macro decomposition based deterministic AP framework in order to handle efficiently the diffusive regime. For linearized problem we prove the regularity of the solution in the random space and consequently the spectral accuracy of the gPC-SG method. We also prove the uniform (inmore » the mean free path) linear stability for the space-time discretizations. Several numerical tests are presented to show the efficiency and accuracy of proposed scheme, especially in the diffusive regime.« less

Inpatient palliative care for patients with acute heart failure: outcomes from a randomized trial.

PubMed

Sidebottom, Abbey C; Jorgenson, Ann; Richards, Hallie; Kirven, Justin; Sillah, Arthur

2015-02-01

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a high symptom burden and reduced quality of life (QOL). Models integrating palliative care (PC) into HF care have been proposed, but limited research is available on the outcomes of such models. Our aim was to assess if inpatient PC for HF patients is associated with improvements in symptom burden, depressive symptoms, QOL, or differential use of services. Patients hospitalized with acute HF were randomized to receive a PC consult with follow-up as determined by provider or standard care. Two hundred thirty-two patients (116 intervention/116 control) from a large tertiary-care urban hospital were recruited over a 10-month period. Primary outcomes were symptom burden, depressive symptoms, and QOL measured at baseline, 1, and 3 months. Secondary outcomes included advance care planning (ACP), inpatient 30-day readmission, hospice use, and death. Improvements were greater at both 1 and 3 months in the intervention group for primary outcome summary measures after adjusting for age, gender, and marital status differences between study groups. QOL scores increased by 12.92 points in the intervention and 8 points in the control group at 1 month (difference+4.92, p<0.001). Improvement in symptom burden was 8.39 in the intervention group and 4.7 in the control group at 1 month (+3.69, p<0.001). ACP was the only secondary outcome associated with the intervention (hazard ratio [HR] 2.87, p=0.033). An inpatient PC model for patients with acute HF is associated with short-term improvement in symptom burden, QOL, and depressive symptoms.

trans-Bis(hexafluoroantimonato)(phthalocyaninato)copper(II).

PubMed

Gardberg, A S; Ibers, J A

2001-05-01

The title compound, trans-bis(hexafluoroantimonato-F)(phthalocyaninato-kappa(4)N(29,30,31,32))copper(II), [Cu(SbF(6))(2)(C(32)H(16)N(8))] or Cu(pc)(SbF(6))(2) (pc is phthalocyaninate), comprises a six-coordinate Cu atom, lying on an inversion center, bonded to four N atoms of a phthalocyanine ring and to F atoms of two trans SbF(6)(-) groups. The compound is presumed to consist of a Cu(II) center and a doubly oxidized phthalocyanine ring, by analogy with Cu(pc)(ReO(4))(2).

STS-30 Magellan spacecraft processing at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) SAEF-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

Magellan spacecraft is hoisted from the transport trailer of the Payload Environmental Transportation System (PETS) to the floor of the clean room in the Space Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF-2) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Clean-suited technicians guide Magellan into place. The spacecraft, destined for unprecedented studies of Venusian topographic features, will be deployed by the crew of NASA's STS-30 mission in April 1989. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-88PC-1084.

KSC-98pc509

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-04-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-90 Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., is assisted by NASA and United Space Alliance closeout crew members immediately preceding launch for the nearly 17-day Neurolab mission. Investigations during the Neurolab mission will focus on the effects of microgravity on the nervous system. Pawelczyk and six fellow crew members will shortly enter the orbiter at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia will lift off during a launch window that opens at 2:19 p.m. EDT, April 17

KSC-98pc578

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-05-03

STS-90 Mission Specialists Dafydd (Dave) Williams, M.D., with the Canadian Space Agency (left) and Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., inspect the orbiter Columbia's tires in the evening after their midday arrival on May 3, ending their nearly 16-day Neurolab mission. The 90th Shuttle mission was Columbia's 13th landing at the space center and the 43rd KSC landing in the history of the Space Shuttle program. During the mission, the crew conducted research to contribute to a better understanding of the human nervous system

KSC-98pc512

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-04-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-90 Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., is assisted by NASA and United Space Alliance closeout crew members immediately preceding launch for the nearly 17-day Neurolab mission. Investigations during the Neurolab mission will focus on the effects of microgravity on the nervous system. Linnehan and six fellow crew members will shortly enter the orbiter at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia will lift off during a launch window that opens at 2:19 p.m. EDT, April 17

KSC-98pc513

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-04-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-90 Pilot Scott Altman is assisted by NASA and United Space Alliance closeout crew members immediately preceding launch for the nearly 17-day Neurolab mission. Investigations during the Neurolab mission will focus on the effects of microgravity on the nervous system. Altman and six fellow crew members will shortly enter the orbiter at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia will lift off during a launch window that opens at 2:19 p.m. EDT, April 17

A SLAM II simulation model for analyzing space station mission processing requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linton, D. G.

1985-01-01

Space station mission processing is modeled via the SLAM 2 simulation language on an IBM 4381 mainframe and an IBM PC microcomputer with 620K RAM, two double-sided disk drives and an 8087 coprocessor chip. Using a time phased mission (payload) schedule and parameters associated with the mission, orbiter (space shuttle) and ground facility databases, estimates for ground facility utilization are computed. Simulation output associated with the science and applications database is used to assess alternative mission schedules.

KSC-98pc150

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-14

The Photovoltaic Module 1 Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is moved through Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) toward the workstand where it will be processed for flight on STS-97, scheduled for launch in April 1999. The IEA is one of four integral units designed to generate, distribute, and store power for the International Space Station. It will carry solar arrays, power storage batteries, power control units, and a thermal control system. The 16-foot-long, 16,850-pound unit is now undergoing preflight preparations in the SSPF

KSC-98pc154

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-14

The Photovoltaic Module 1 Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is lowered into its workstand at Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), where it will be processed for flight on STS-97, scheduled for launch in April 1999. The IEA is one of four integral units designed to generate, distribute, and store power for the International Space Station. It will carry solar arrays, power storage batteries, power control units, and a thermal control system. The 16-foot-long, 16,850-pound unit is now undergoing preflight preparations in the SSPF

KSC-97PC1681

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-19

STS-87 Commander Kevin Kregel sits in his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building holding a cap of his son’s soccer team of which Kregel is the coach. Shortly, he and the five other crew members of STS-87 will depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on a 16-day mission to perform microgravity and solar research. A veteran of two space flights (STS-70 and -78), Kregel has logged more than 618 hours in space

KSC-97PC1457

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-09-15

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared to be flown on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Here, a technician is monitoring the Confined Helium Experiment, or CHeX, that will use microgravity to study one of the basic influences on the behavior and properties of materials by using liquid helium confined between silicon disks. CHeX and several other experiments are scheduled for launch aboard STS-87 on Nov. 19 from KSC

KSC-98pc916

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-13

An Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is moved from the low bay into the high bay at the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC. The IEA, a large truss segment of the International Space Station (ISS), is one of four power modules to be used on the ISS. The modules contain batteries for the ISS solar panels and power for the life support systems and experiments that will be conducted. This first IEA will fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of STS-97, scheduled to launch August 5, 1999

KSC-98pc1411

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Unity connecting module to the payload canister for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

Whitening Effect of Black Tea Water Extract on Brown Guinea Pig Skin

PubMed Central

Choi, So-Young

2011-01-01

To evaluate the whitening effect of black tea water extract (BT), BT was topically applied to artificially hyperpigmented spots on the back skins of brown guinea-pigs (weight: 450~500 g) induced by 1,500 mJ/ cm2 of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. The test compounds of 30 μl were applied twice a day, six days a week, for four weeks. The artificially hyperpigmented spots were divided into 5 groups: control (UVB + saline, C), vehicle control [UVB + propylene glycol: ethanol: water (5 : 3 : 2), VC], positive control (UVB + 2% hydroquinone, PC), experimental 1 (UVB + 1% BT), experimental 2 (UVB + 2% BT). After 4-week application, the spots were removed by biopsy punch under anesthetic condition and used as specimens for the histological examination. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of BT were 104 and 91 mg/g, respectively. The electron-donating ability of BT revealed a dose-dependent response, showing the excellent capacities of 86% at 800 μg/ml. The artificially hyperpigmented spots treated with the PC and BT were obviously lightened compared to the C and VC groups. At the fourth week, the melanin indices for the PC and BT groups were significantly lower (p < 0.00l) than those of the C and VC groups. In histological examination, PC and BT groups were significantly reduced in the melanin pigmentation, the proliferation of melanocytes and the synthesis of melanosomes compared to the C and VC groups. It is found that BT inhibits the proliferation of melanocytes and synthesis of melanosomes in vivo using brown guinea pigs, thereby showing a definite skin whitening effect. PMID:24278566

Changes of end-tidal carbon dioxide during cardiopulmonary resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation versus asphyxial cardiac arrest

PubMed Central

Lin, Qing-ming; Fang, Xiang-shao; Zhou, Li-li; Fu, Yue; Zhu, Jun; Huang, Zi-tong

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND: Partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) has been used to monitor the effectiveness of precordial compression (PC) and regarded as a prognostic value of outcomes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study was to investigate changes of PETCO2 during CPR in rats with ventricular fibrillation (VF) versus asphyxial cardiac arrest. METHODS: Sixty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into an asphyxial group (n=32) and a VF group (n=30). PETCO2 was measured during CPR from a 6-minute period of VF or asphyxial cardiac arrest. RESULTS: The initial values of PETCO2 immediately after PC in the VF group were significantly lower than those in the asphyxial group (12.8±4.87 mmHg vs. 49.2±8.13 mmHg, P=0.000). In the VF group, the values of PETCO2 after 6 minutes of PC were significantly higher in rats with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), compared with those in rats without ROSC (16.5±3.07 mmHg vs. 13.2±2.62 mmHg, P=0.004). In the asphyxial group, the values of PETCO2 after 2 minutes of PC in rats with ROSC were significantly higher than those in rats without ROSC (20.8±3.24 mmHg vs. 13.9±1.50 mmHg, P=0.000). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves of PETCO2 showed significant sensitivity and specificity for predicting ROSC in VF versus asphyxial cardiac arrest. CONCLUSIONS: The initial values of PETCO2 immediately after CPR may be helpful in differentiating the causes of cardiac arrest. Changes of PETCO2 during CPR can predict outcomes of CPR. PMID:25215160

Training HBCU Faculty and Students in Prostate Cancer (PC) Research: Signal Transduction and Receptor-Inhibitor Interactions in the Progress of PC

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

Katrina. Nicole Bell has continued to work on the crystal structures of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A senior, Aviva Baird , has joined the group and...Sabbatical Internship, Marian Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals. Participated in drug discovery of compounds that I synthesized; techniques included tumor

Enhanced Charge Separation Efficiency in Pyridine-Anchored Phthalocyanine-Sensitized Solar Cells by Linker Elongation.

PubMed

Ikeuchi, Takuro; Agrawal, Saurabh; Ezoe, Masayuki; Mori, Shogo; Kimura, Mutsumi

2015-11-01

A series of zinc phthalocyanine sensitizers (PcS22-24) having a pyridine anchoring group are designed and synthesized to investigate the structural dependence on performance in dye-sensitized solar cells. The pyridine-anchor zinc phthalocyanine sensitizer PcS23 shows 79 % incident-photon to current-conversion efficiency (IPCE) and 6.1 % energy conversion efficiency, which are comparable with similar phthalocyanine dyes having a carboxylic acid anchoring group. Based on DFT calculations, the high IPCE is attributed with the mixture of an excited-state molecular orbital of the sensitizer and the orbitals of TiO2 . Between pyridine and carboxylic acid anchor dyes, opposite trends are observed in the linker-length dependence of the IPCE. The red-absorbing PcS23 is applied for co-sensitization with a carboxyl-anchor organic dye D131 that has a complementary spectral response. The site-selective adsorption of PcS23 and D131 on the TiO2 surface results in a panchromatic photocurrent response for the whole visible-light region of sun light. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Interactions of zinc octacarboxyphthalocyanine with selected amino acids and with albumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kliber, Marta; Broda, Małgorzata A.; Nackiewicz, Joanna

2016-02-01

Effect of selected amino acids (glycine, L-histidine, L-cysteine, L-serine, L-tryptophan) and albumin on the spectroscopic properties and photostability of zinc octacarboxyphthalocyanine (ZnPcOC) was explored in the phosphate buffer at a pH of 7.0. The photodegradation of ZnPcOC alone and in the presence of amino acids or albumin has been investigated in aqueous phase using UV-366 nm and daylight irradiation. Kinetic analysis showed that the interaction with amino acids or albumin enhances the photostability of ZnPcOC. To answer the question of how zinc phthalocyanine interacts with amino acids extensive DFT calculations were performed. Analysis of the optimized geometry features of ZnPcOC: amino acids complexes in the gas phase and in water environment as well as the BSSE corrected interaction energies indicates that the more likely is the formation of equatorial complexes in which H-bonds are formed between the COOH groups of the phthalocyanine and carboxyl or amino groups of amino acids. UV-Vis spectra calculated by employing time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) are also consistent with this conclusion.

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins and Pax6 cooperate to inhibit in vivo reprogramming of the developing Drosophila eye.

PubMed

Zhu, Jinjin; Ordway, Alison J; Weber, Lena; Buddika, Kasun; Kumar, Justin P

2018-04-04

How different cells and tissues commit to and determine their fates has been a central question in developmental biology since the seminal embryological experiments conducted by Wilhelm Roux and Hans Driesch in sea urchins and frogs. Here, we demonstrate that Polycomb group (PcG) proteins maintain Drosophila eye specification by suppressing the activation of alternative fate choices. The loss of PcG in the developing eye results in a cellular reprogramming event in which the eye is redirected to a wing fate. This fate transformation occurs with either the individual loss of Polycomb proteins or the simultaneous reduction of the Pleiohomeotic repressive complex and Pax6. Interestingly, the requirement for retinal selector genes is limited to Pax6, as the removal of more downstream members does not lead to the eye-wing transformation. We also show that distinct PcG complexes are required during different developmental windows throughout eye formation. These findings build on earlier observations that the eye can be reprogrammed to initiate head epidermis, antennal and leg development. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

A new procedure to produce lignocellulosic anion exchangers from agricultural waste materials.

PubMed

Orlando, U S; Baes, A U; Nishijima, W; Okada, M

2002-07-01

Two lignocellulosic agricultural waste materials (LCM), sugarcane bagasse (BG) and rice hull (RH), were converted into weak-base anion exchanger and evaluated for their exchanger capacity for nitrate. Pure cellulose (PC) and pure alkaline lignin (PL) were also used as reference materials to elucidate possible reactivity in LCM. Epoxy and amino groups were introduced into BG, RH, PC and PL substrates after the reaction with epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine in the presence of pyridine and an organic solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Amino group incorporation into cellulose decreased with the presence of water in the reaction mixture and increased with the reaction time and presence of a catalyst (pyridine). The highest maximum nitrate exchange capacity (Qmax) and yields of the prepared exchangers was obtained from PL (1.8 mmol g(-1) and 412.5%), followed by BG (1.41 mmol g(-1) and 300%), PC (1.34 mmol g(-1) and 166%) and RH (1.32 mmol g(-1) and 180%). The proposed synthetic procedure was effective in modifying PL, PC and LCM chemically resulting in a higher yield and nitrate removal capacity.

KSC-86PC-0310

NASA Image and Video Library

1986-10-09

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Kennedy Space Center Director Lt. Gen. Forrest S. McCartney, far right, stands in front of the space shuttle Atlantis the morning after it is rolled out to Launch Pad 39B. Standing with McCartney is, from right to left, Bob Sieck, director of Shuttle Management and Operations, Bill Warren, pad site manager, and Gene Thomas, director of Launch and Landing Operations. Photo credit: NASA

The resource envelope as a basis for space station management system scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bush, Joy; Critchfield, Anna

1987-01-01

The Platform Management System (PMS) Resource Envelope Scheduling System (PRESS) expert system prototype developed for space station scheduling is described. The purpose of developing the prototype was too investigate the resource envelope concept in a practical scheduling application, using a commercially available expert system shell. PRESS is being developed on an IBM PC/AT using Teknowledge, Inc.'s M.1 expert system shell.

Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman on RMS during third of five HST EVAs

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-12-07

STS061-105-026 (7 Dec. 1993) --- Astronaut Jeffrey A. Hoffman signals directions to European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Claude Nicollier, as the latter controls the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm during the third of five Extravehicular Activities (EVA) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission. Astronauts Hoffman and F. Story Musgrave earlier changed out the Wide Field\\Planetary Camera (WF\\PC).

Statistical Short-Range Guidance for Peak Wind Speed Forecasts at Edwards Air Force Base, CA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dreher, Joseph G.; Crawford, Winifred; Lafosse, Richard; Hoeth, Brian; Burns, Kerry

2009-01-01

The peak winds near the surface are an important forecast element for space shuttle landings. As defined in the Flight Rules (FR), there are peak wind thresholds that cannot be exceeded in order to ensure the safety of the shuttle during landing operations. The National Weather Service Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG) is responsible for weather forecasts for all shuttle landings, and is required to issue surface average and 10-minute peak wind speed forecasts. They indicate peak winds are a challenging parameter to forecast. To alleviate the difficulty in making such wind forecasts, the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) developed a PC-based graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying peak wind climatology and probabilities of exceeding peak wind thresholds for the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC; Lambert 2003). However, the shuttle occasionally may land at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) in southern California when weather conditions at KSC in Florida are not acceptable, so SMG forecasters requested a similar tool be developed for EAFB.

Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility Analysis of the Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Primary Care: PsicAP Clinical Trial. Description of the Sub-study Design.

PubMed

Ruiz-Rodríguez, Paloma; Cano-Vindel, Antonio; Muñoz-Navarro, Roger; Wood, Cristina M; Medrano, Leonardo A; Moretti, Luciana Sofía

2018-01-01

Introduction: In the primary care (PC) setting in Spain, the prevalence of emotional disorders (EDs) such as anxiety, depression and somatoform disorder is high. In PC patients, these disorders are not always managed in accordance with the recommendations provided by clinical practice guidelines, resulting in major direct and indirect economic costs and suboptimal treatment outcomes. The aim is to analyze and compare the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of group-based psychological therapy versus treatment as usual (TAU). Methods: Multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 300 patients recruited from PC centers in Madrid, Spain, with symptoms or possible diagnosis of anxiety, mood (mild or moderate), or somatoform disorders. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: an experimental group, which will receive group-based transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy (TD-CBT); and a control group, which will receive TAU (mainly pharmacological interventions) prescribed by their general practitioner (GP). Clinical assessment will be performed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Direct and indirect costs will be calculated and relevant socio-demographic variables will be registered. The Spanish version of the EuroQol 5D-5L will be administered. Patients will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment finalization, and at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare TD-CBT to TAU in the PC setting in Spain. This is the first comparative economic evaluation of these two treatment approaches in PC. The strength of the study is that it is a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of psychotherapy and TAU for EDs in PC. Trial registration: Protocol code: ISCRCTN58437086; 20/05/2013.                                        EUDRACT: 2013-001955-11.                                        Protocol Version: 6, 11/01/2014.

Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility Analysis of the Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Primary Care: PsicAP Clinical Trial. Description of the Sub-study Design

PubMed Central

Ruiz-Rodríguez, Paloma; Cano-Vindel, Antonio; Muñoz-Navarro, Roger; Wood, Cristina M.; Medrano, Leonardo A.; Moretti, Luciana Sofía

2018-01-01

Introduction: In the primary care (PC) setting in Spain, the prevalence of emotional disorders (EDs) such as anxiety, depression and somatoform disorder is high. In PC patients, these disorders are not always managed in accordance with the recommendations provided by clinical practice guidelines, resulting in major direct and indirect economic costs and suboptimal treatment outcomes. The aim is to analyze and compare the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of group-based psychological therapy versus treatment as usual (TAU). Methods: Multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 300 patients recruited from PC centers in Madrid, Spain, with symptoms or possible diagnosis of anxiety, mood (mild or moderate), or somatoform disorders. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: an experimental group, which will receive group-based transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy (TD-CBT); and a control group, which will receive TAU (mainly pharmacological interventions) prescribed by their general practitioner (GP). Clinical assessment will be performed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Direct and indirect costs will be calculated and relevant socio-demographic variables will be registered. The Spanish version of the EuroQol 5D-5L will be administered. Patients will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment finalization, and at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare TD-CBT to TAU in the PC setting in Spain. This is the first comparative economic evaluation of these two treatment approaches in PC. The strength of the study is that it is a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of psychotherapy and TAU for EDs in PC. Trial registration: Protocol code: ISCRCTN58437086; 20/05/2013.                                        EUDRACT: 2013-001955-11.                                        Protocol Version: 6, 11/01/2014. PMID:29559944

Skin transport of PEGylated poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles assisted by (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Conte, Claudia; Costabile, Gabriella; d'Angelo, Ivana; Pannico, Marianna; Musto, Pellegrino; Grassia, Gianluca; Ialenti, Armando; Tirino, Pasquale; Miro, Agnese; Ungaro, Francesca; Quaglia, Fabiana

2015-09-15

The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of small nanoparticles (NPs) made of a poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-amphiphilic diblock copolymer (PEG-b-PCL, PEG=2kDa and PCL=4.2kDa) as drug carrier system through the skin. Zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc), selected as lipophilic and fluorescent model molecule, was loaded inside NPs by a melting/sonication procedure. Loaded NPs with a hydrodynamic diameter around 60nm, a slightly negative zeta potential and a ZnPc entrapment dependent on polymer/ZnPc ratio were obtained. Spectroscopic investigations evidenced that ZnPc was entrapped in monomeric form maintaining its emission properties. The transport of ZnPc through porcine ear skin was evaluated on Franz-type diffusion cells after treatment with different vehicles (water or PEG 0.4kDa) containing free ZnPc or ZnPc-loaded NPs without and with (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as permeation enhancer. Independently of the sample tested, ZnPc was transported in the skin without reaching receptor compartment. On the other hand, ZnPc was found in the skin in large amount and also in the viable epidermis when delivered through NPs associated with HPβCD, especially in conditions limiting water evaporation. Fluorescence images of skin samples after 24h of permeation were in line with ZnPc dosage in the skin and demonstrated the ability of NPs covalently tagged with rhodamine to penetrate the skin and to locate in the intercellular spaces. Insight into skin chemical properties upon application of NPs by confocal Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that HPβCD caused an alteration of water profile in the skin, highly reducing the degree of hydration at stratum corneum/viable epidermis interface which can promote NP transport. Taken together, these results highlight PEG-b-PCL NPs coupled with HPβCD as a novel vehicle for the skin delivery of highly lipophilic compounds paving the way to several applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Replacement of Atlantis', OV-104's, right orbital maneuvering system pod

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

Atlantis', Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104's, right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod (RP01) is placed in a checkout cell at Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Hypergolic Maintenance Facility (HMF). Technicians steady OMS mounted on ground handling cart as third technician, standing on ladder, secures support frame. At the HMF, a group of specially-equipped buildings in the KSC Industrial Area, the OMS pods are undergoing extensive processing, including removal of certain components that will undergo modification at vendor facilities prior to the Shuttle's return to flight. The OMS pods are bolted to the aft fuselage of the orbiter and contain the engines and thrusters used to maneuver the spaceship in orbit. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-87PC-93.

Computation of Nonretarded London Dispersion Coefficients and Hamaker Constants of Copper Phthalocyanine.

PubMed

Zhao, Yan; Ng, Hou T; Hanson, Eric; Dong, Jiannan; Corti, David S; Franses, Elias I

2010-02-09

A time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) scheme has been validated for predictions of the dispersion coefficients of five molecules (H2O, NH3, CO2, C6H6, and pentane) and for predictions of the static dipole polarizabilities of three organometallic compounds (TiCl4, OsO4, and Ge(CH3)4). The convergence of grid spacing has been examined, and two types of pseudopotentials and 13 density functionals have been tested. The nonretarded Hamaker constants A11 are calculated by employing a semiempirical parameter a along with the standard Hamaker constant equation. The parameter a is optimized against six accurate Hamaker constants obtained from the full Lifshitz theory. The dispersion coefficients of copper phthalocyanine CuPc and CuPc-SO3H are then computed. Using the theoretical densities of ρ1 = 1.63 and 1.62 g/cm(3), the Hamaker constants A11 of crystalline α-CuPc and β-CuPc are found to be 14.73 × 10(-20) and 14.66 × 10(-20) J, respectively. Using the experimentally derived density of ρ1 = 1.56 g/cm(3) for a commercially available β-CuPc (nanoparticles of ∼90 nm hydrodynamic diameter), A11 = 13.52 × 10(-20) J is found. Its corresponding effective Hamaker constant in water (A121) is calculated to be 3.07 × 10(-20) J. All computed A11 values for CuPc are noted to be higher than those reported previously.

DATASPACE - A PROGRAM FOR THE LOGARITHMIC INTERPOLATION OF TEST DATA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ledbetter, F. E.

1994-01-01

Scientists and engineers work with the reduction, analysis, and manipulation of data. In many instances, the recorded data must meet certain requirements before standard numerical techniques may be used to interpret it. For example, the analysis of a linear visoelastic material requires knowledge of one of two time-dependent properties, the stress relaxation modulus E(t) or the creep compliance D(t), one of which may be derived from the other by a numerical method if the recorded data points are evenly spaced or increasingly spaced with respect to the time coordinate. The problem is that most laboratory data are variably spaced, making the use of numerical techniques difficult. To ease this difficulty in the case of stress relaxation data analysis, NASA scientists developed DATASPACE (A Program for the Logarithmic Interpolation of Test Data), to establish a logarithmically increasing time interval in the relaxation data. The program is generally applicable to any situation in which a data set needs increasingly spaced abscissa values. DATASPACE first takes the logarithm of the abscissa values, then uses a cubic spline interpolation routine (which minimizes interpolation error) to create an evenly spaced array from the log values. This array is returned from the log abscissa domain to the abscissa domain and written to an output file for further manipulation. As a result of the interpolation in the log abscissa domain, the data is increasingly spaced. In the case of stress relaxation data, the array is closely spaced at short times and widely spaced at long times, thus avoiding the distortion inherent in evenly spaced time coordinates. The interpolation routine gives results which compare favorably with the recorded data. The experimental data curve is retained and the interpolated points reflect the desired spacing. DATASPACE is written in FORTRAN 77 for IBM PC compatibles with a math co-processor running MS-DOS and Apple Macintosh computers running MacOS. With minor modifications the source code is portable to any platform that supports an ANSI FORTRAN 77 compiler. MicroSoft FORTRAN v2.1 is required for the Macintosh version. An executable is included with the PC version. DATASPACE is available on a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette (standard distribution) or on a 3.5 inch 800K Macintosh format diskette. This program was developed in 1991. IBM PC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh and MacOS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

[Changes in the thrombophilic status in patients with pre-eclampsia].

PubMed

Baptista-González, H A; Rosenfeld-Mann, F; Saavedra-Trejo, M R; Castro-López, J L; Peñuela-Olaya, M A

1999-04-01

The object of this study was to evaluate the changes in fibrinolysis and clotting inhibitors in patients with preeclampsia and to describe the connection between preeclampsia and blood pressure values. Two groups of pregnant women were prospectively studied at delivery: group 1 women without preeclampsia and group 2 patients with preeclampsia. The variables that were registered are: diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (Plt), lupus like inhibitor, anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), fibronectina, D dimer, protein S (PS), protein C (PC) and vo Willebrand factor (vWF). 62 pregnant women were included. The patients of group 2 presented high values of Hb (p 0.01), fibronectin (p 0.0001), D-dimer (p 0.01) and lower PC (p 0.04). We found an association between fibronectin and higher values of SBP, DBP, MBP and Hb (p 0.0007) versus lower values of VFW and PC (p 0.002). The low values of total PS were associated with high D-dimer and SBP results (p 0.04 and 0.002 respectively). All patients were ACA/ANA negative. In preclampsia there is a increased hemoconcentration and drop in clotting inhibitors (PC), without fibrinolytic compensatory response (lower D-dimer) and remarked vasopressive effect (hig fibronectin). This changes depend on the stratification of blood pressure. Th SBP and MBP values depend on the haemodynamic changes (Hb, fibronectin), while the increase in DBP expresses a non compensated thrombophilic state.

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

PubMed

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

2018-02-01

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

Aminophthalocyanine-Mediated Photodynamic Inactivation of Leishmania tropica

PubMed Central

Al-Qahtani, Ahmed; Alkahtani, Saad; Kolli, Bala; Tripathi, Pankaj; Dutta, Sujoy; Al-Kahtane, Abdullah A.; Jiang, Xiong-Jie; Ng, Dennis K. P.

2016-01-01

Photodynamic inactivation of Leishmania spp. requires the cellular uptake of photosensitizers, e.g., endocytosis of silicon(IV)-phthalocyanines (PC) axially substituted with bulky ligands. We report here that when substituted with amino-containing ligands, the PCs (PC1 and PC2) were endocytosed and displayed improved potency against Leishmania tropica promastigotes and axenic amastigotes in vitro. The uptake of these PCs by both Leishmania stages followed saturation kinetics, as expected. Sensitive assays were developed for assessing the photodynamic inactivation of Leishmania spp. by rendering them fluorescent in two ways: transfecting promastigotes to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) and loading them with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE). PC-sensitized Leishmania tropica strains were seen microscopically to lose their motility, structural integrity, and GFP/CFSE fluorescence after exposure to red light (wavelength, ∼650 nm) at a fluence of 1 to 2 J cm−2. Quantitative fluorescence assays based on the loss of GFP/CFSE from live Leishmania tropica showed that PC1 and PC2 dose dependently sensitized both stages for photoinactivation, consistent with the results of a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay. Leishmania tropica strains are >100 times more sensitive than their host cells or macrophages to PC1- and PC2-mediated photoinactivation, judging from the estimated 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of these cells. Axial substitution of the PC with amino groups instead of other ligands appears to increase its leishmanial photolytic activity by up to 40-fold. PC1 and PC2 are thus potentially useful for photodynamic therapy of leishmaniasis and for oxidative photoinactivation of Leishmania spp. for use as vaccines or vaccine carriers. PMID:26824938

Platelet count and platelet indices in women with preeclampsia.

PubMed

AlSheeha, Muneera A; Alaboudi, Rafi S; Alghasham, Mohammad A; Iqbal, Javed; Adam, Ishag

2016-01-01

Although the exact pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not completely understood, the utility of different platelets indices can be utilized to predict preeclampsia. To compare platelet indices, namely platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and PC to MPV ratio in women with preeclampsia compared with healthy controls. Qassim Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A case-control study. Sixty preeclamptic women were the cases and an equal number of healthy pregnant women were the controls. There was no significant difference in age, parity, and body mass index between the study groups. Sixteen and 44 of the cases were severe and mild preeclampsia, respectively. There was no significant difference in PDW and MPV between the preeclamptic and control women. Both PC and PC to MPV ratios were significantly lower in the women with preeclampsia compared with the controls. There was no significant difference in the PC, PDW, MPV, and PC to MPV ratio when women with mild and severe preeclampsia were compared. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the PC cutoff was 248.0×10 3 /µL for diagnosis of pre-eclampsia ( P =0.019; the area under the ROC curve was 62.4%). Binary regression suggests that women with PC <248.010×10 3 /µL were at higher risk of preeclampsia (odds ratio =2.2, 95% confidence interval =1.08-4.6, P =0.03). The PC/MPV cutoff was 31.2 for diagnosis of preeclampsia ( P =0.035, the area under the ROC curve was 62.2%). PC <248.010×10 3 /µL and PC to MPV ratio 31.2 are valid predictors of preeclampsia.

Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer Spectroscopy of the Nova-Like Cataclysmic Variable BB Doradus

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-27

which we have best-fit models in the parameter space, we use the infrared magnitudes J, H, and K from the Two Micron All Sky Survey ( 2MASS ) to assess the...in a high state with a visual red magnitude R ¼ 14:60 and a blue magnitude B ¼ 13:90 (whereas B 16:5 in the low state). The 2MASS IR apparent...therefore certainly larger than 300 pc, and most likely in the range of 500 pc. Since BB Dor was observed in a high state (with 2MASS ), it is likely

Planetary data analysis and display system: A version of PC-McIDAS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Limaye, Sanjay S.; Sromovsky, L. A.; Saunders, R. S.; Martin, Michael

1993-01-01

We propose to develop a system for access and analysis of planetary data from past and future space missions based on an existing system, the PC-McIDAS workstation. This system is now in use in the atmospheric science community for access to meteorological satellite and conventional weather data. The proposed system would be usable not only by planetary atmospheric researchers but also by the planetary geologic community. By providing the critical tools of an efficient system architecture, newer applications and customized user interfaces can be added by the end user within such a system.

KSC-98pc797

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-07-02

A Kennedy Space Center railroad tanker car loaded with 20,000 gallons of water and retrofitted with a special attachment for directly filling fire trucks was transported to the scene of a fire in north Brevard County to assist with firefighting efforts

A theoretical framework for analyzing coupled neuronal networks: Application to the olfactory system.

PubMed

Barreiro, Andrea K; Gautam, Shree Hari; Shew, Woodrow L; Ly, Cheng

2017-10-01

Determining how synaptic coupling within and between regions is modulated during sensory processing is an important topic in neuroscience. Electrophysiological recordings provide detailed information about neural spiking but have traditionally been confined to a particular region or layer of cortex. Here we develop new theoretical methods to study interactions between and within two brain regions, based on experimental measurements of spiking activity simultaneously recorded from the two regions. By systematically comparing experimentally-obtained spiking statistics to (efficiently computed) model spike rate statistics, we identify regions in model parameter space that are consistent with the experimental data. We apply our new technique to dual micro-electrode array in vivo recordings from two distinct regions: olfactory bulb (OB) and anterior piriform cortex (PC). Our analysis predicts that: i) inhibition within the afferent region (OB) has to be weaker than the inhibition within PC, ii) excitation from PC to OB is generally stronger than excitation from OB to PC, iii) excitation from PC to OB and inhibition within PC have to both be relatively strong compared to presynaptic inputs from OB. These predictions are validated in a spiking neural network model of the OB-PC pathway that satisfies the many constraints from our experimental data. We find when the derived relationships are violated, the spiking statistics no longer satisfy the constraints from the data. In principle this modeling framework can be adapted to other systems and be used to investigate relationships between other neural attributes besides network connection strengths. Thus, this work can serve as a guide to further investigations into the relationships of various neural attributes within and across different regions during sensory processing.

Overview of the Cancer Genetics and Pathway Curation tasks of BioNLP Shared Task 2013

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Background Since their introduction in 2009, the BioNLP Shared Task events have been instrumental in advancing the development of methods and resources for the automatic extraction of information from the biomedical literature. In this paper, we present the Cancer Genetics (CG) and Pathway Curation (PC) tasks, two event extraction tasks introduced in the BioNLP Shared Task 2013. The CG task focuses on cancer, emphasizing the extraction of physiological and pathological processes at various levels of biological organization, and the PC task targets reactions relevant to the development of biomolecular pathway models, defining its extraction targets on the basis of established pathway representations and ontologies. Results Six groups participated in the CG task and two groups in the PC task, together applying a wide range of extraction approaches including both established state-of-the-art systems and newly introduced extraction methods. The best-performing systems achieved F-scores of 55% on the CG task and 53% on the PC task, demonstrating a level of performance comparable to the best results achieved in similar previously proposed tasks. Conclusions The results indicate that existing event extraction technology can generalize to meet the novel challenges represented by the CG and PC task settings, suggesting that extraction methods are capable of supporting the construction of knowledge bases on the molecular mechanisms of cancer and the curation of biomolecular pathway models. The CG and PC tasks continue as open challenges for all interested parties, with data, tools and resources available from the shared task homepage. PMID:26202570

MRI target delineation may reduce long-term toxicity after prostate radiotherapy.

PubMed

Sander, Lotte; Langkilde, Niels Christian; Holmberg, Mats; Carl, Jesper

2014-06-01

Aiming for minimal toxicity after radical prostate cancer (PC) radiotherapy (RT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) target delineation could be a possible benefit knowing that clinical target volumes (CTV) are up to 30% smaller, when CTV delineation on MRI is compared to standard computed tomography (CT). This study compares long-term toxicity using CT or MRI delineation before PC RT. Urinary and rectal toxicity assessments 36 months after image-guided RT (78 Gy) using CTC-AE scores in two groups of PC patients. Peak symptom score values were registered. One group of patients (n=72) had standard CT target delineation and gold markers as fiducials. Another group of patients (n=73) had MRI target delineation and a nickel-titanium stent as fiducial. At 36 months no difference in overall survival (92% in both groups, p=0.29) or in PSA-relapse free survival was found between the groups (MRI=89% and CT=94%, p=0.67). A significantly smaller CTV was found in the MRI group (p=0.02). Urinary retention and frequency were significantly reduced in the MRI group (p=0.03 in the matter of both). The overall urinary and rectal toxicity did not differ between the two groups. MRI delineation leads to a significantly reduced CTV. Significantly lower urinary frequency and urinary retention toxicity scores were observed following MRI delineation. The study did not find significant differences in overall urinary or rectal toxicity between the two groups. PSA-relapse survival did not differ between the two groups at 36 months.

Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice

PubMed Central

Lee, Boo Hyeong; Lee, Jae Soon; Kim, Young Chul

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the hair growth effects of lavender oil (LO) in female C57BL/6 mice. The experimental animals were divided into a normal group (N: saline), a vehicle control group (VC: jojoba oil), a positive control group (PC: 3% minoxidil), experimental group 1 (E1: 3% LO), and experimental group 2 (E2: 5% LO). Test compound solutions were topically applied to the backs of the mice (100 μL per application), once per day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. The changes in hair follicle number, dermal thickness, and hair follicle depth were observed in skin tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and the number of mast cells was measured in the dermal and hypodermal layers stained with toluidine blue. PC, E1, and E2 groups showed a significantly increased number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth, and thickened dermal layer, along with a significantly decreased number of mast cells compared to the N group. These results indicated that LO has a marked hair growth-promoting effect, as observed morphologically and histologically. There was no significant difference in the weight of the thymus among the groups. However, both absolute and relative weights of the spleen were significantly higher in the PC group than in the N, VC, E1, or E2 group at week 4. Thus, LO could be practically applied as a hair growth-promoting agent. PMID:27123160

Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice.

PubMed

Lee, Boo Hyeong; Lee, Jae Soon; Kim, Young Chul

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the hair growth effects of lavender oil (LO) in female C57BL/6 mice. The experimental animals were divided into a normal group (N: saline), a vehicle control group (VC: jojoba oil), a positive control group (PC: 3% minoxidil), experimental group 1 (E1: 3% LO), and experimental group 2 (E2: 5% LO). Test compound solutions were topically applied to the backs of the mice (100 μL per application), once per day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. The changes in hair follicle number, dermal thickness, and hair follicle depth were observed in skin tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and the number of mast cells was measured in the dermal and hypodermal layers stained with toluidine blue. PC, E1, and E2 groups showed a significantly increased number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth, and thickened dermal layer, along with a significantly decreased number of mast cells compared to the N group. These results indicated that LO has a marked hair growth-promoting effect, as observed morphologically and histologically. There was no significant difference in the weight of the thymus among the groups. However, both absolute and relative weights of the spleen were significantly higher in the PC group than in the N, VC, E1, or E2 group at week 4. Thus, LO could be practically applied as a hair growth-promoting agent.

A VLBI resolution of the Pleiades distance controversy.

PubMed

Melis, Carl; Reid, Mark J; Mioduszewski, Amy J; Stauffer, John R; Bower, Geoffrey C

2014-08-29

Because of its proximity and its youth, the Pleiades open cluster of stars has been extensively studied and serves as a cornerstone for our understanding of the physical properties of young stars. This role is called into question by the "Pleiades distance controversy," wherein the cluster distance of 120.2 ± 1.5 parsecs (pc) as measured by the optical space astrometry mission Hipparcos is significantly different from the distance of 133.5 ± 1.2 pc derived with other techniques. We present an absolute trigonometric parallax distance measurement to the Pleiades cluster that uses very long baseline radio interferometry (VLBI). This distance of 136.2 ± 1.2 pc is the most accurate and precise yet presented for the cluster and is incompatible with the Hipparcos distance determination. Our results cement existing astrophysical models for Pleiades-age stars. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Investigation of Various Active Layers for Their Performance on Organic Solar Cells.

PubMed

Huang, Pao-Hsun; Wang, Yeong-Her; Ke, Jhong-Ciao; Huang, Chien-Jung

2016-08-09

The theoretical mechanism of open-circuit voltages (V OC ) in OSCs based on various small molecule organic materials is studied. The structure under investigation is simple planar heterojunction (PHJ) by thermal vacuum evaporation deposition. The various wide band gaps of small molecule organic materials are used to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE). The donor materials used in the device include: Alpha-sexithiophene (α-6T), Copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc), boron subnaphthalocyanine chloride (SubNc) and boron Subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc). It is combined with fullerene or SubPc acceptor material to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the charge transport behavior. It is found that the V OC of the device is largely limited by charge transport. This was associated with the space charge effects and hole accumulation. These results are attributed to the improvement of surface roughness and work function after molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) is inserted as an anode buffer layer.

The crystalline structure of copper phthalocyanine films on ZnO(1100).

PubMed

Cruickshank, Amy C; Dotzler, Christian J; Din, Salahud; Heutz, Sandrine; Toney, Michael F; Ryan, Mary P

2012-09-05

The structure of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin films (5-100 nm) deposited on single-crystal ZnO(1100) substrates by organic molecular beam deposition was determined from grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction reciprocal space maps. The crystal structure was identified as the metastable polymorph α-CuPc, but the molecular stacking was found to vary depending on the film thickness: for thin films, a herringbone arrangement was observed, whereas for films thicker than 10 nm, coexistence of both the herringbone and brickstone arrangements was found. We propose a modified structure for the herringbone phase with a larger monoclinic β angle, which leads to intrastack Cu-Cu distances closer to those in the brickstone phase. This structural basis enables an understanding of the functional properties (e.g., light absorption and charge transport) of (opto)electronic devices fabricated from CuPc/ZnO hybrid systems.

KSC-97PC1139

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-07-26

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the International Space Station arrive in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility in July. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. The adapter will house space station computers and various electrical support equipment and eventually will serve as the passageway for astronauts between the node and the U.S-financed, Russian-built Functional Cargo Block. Node 1 with two adapters attached will be the first element of the station to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998

KSC-97PC1140

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-07-26

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the International Space Station arrive in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility in July. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. The adapter will house space station computers and various electrical support equipment and eventually will serve as the passageway for astronauts between the node and the U.S-financed, Russian-built Functional Cargo Block. Node 1 with two adapters attached will be the first element of the station to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998

KSC-97PC1667

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis, riding atop the modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, departed Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at 1:53 p.m. on Nov. 11 en route to Palmdale, Calif., for the planned Orbiter Maintenance Down Period. Atlantis departed from KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 for Palmdale’s Orbiter Assembly Facility, where it will remain until August 1998. At Palmdale, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis’ future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis’ next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999

KSC-98pc1370

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached to the second stage of a Boeing Delta II at Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, is the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Satellite-1 (SEDSat-1). An international project, SEDSat-1 is a secondary payload on the Deep Space 1 mission and will be deployed 88 minutes after launch over Hawaii. The satellite includes cameras for imaging Earth, a unique attitude determination system, and amateur radio communication capabilities. Deep Space 1, targeted for launch on Oct. 24, is the first flight in NASA's New Millennium Program and is designed to validate 12 new technologies for scientific space missions of the next century

KSC-98pc1369

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached to the second stage of a Boeing Delta II at Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, is the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Satellite-1 (SEDSat-1). An international project, SEDSat-1 is a secondary payload on the Deep Space 1 mission and will be deployed 88 minutes after launch over Hawaii. The satellite includes cameras for imaging Earth, a unique attitude determination system, and amateur radio communication capabilities. Deep Space 1, targeted for launch on Oct. 24, is the first flight in NASA's New Millennium Program and is designed to validate 12 new technologies for scientific space missions of the next century

STS-61 Space Shuttle mission report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fricke, Robert W., Jr.

1994-01-01

The STS-61 Space Shuttle Program Mission Report summarizes the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission as well as the Orbiter, External Tank (ET), Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM), and the Space Shuttle main engine (SSME) systems performance during the fifty-ninth flight of the Space Shuttle Program and fifth flight of the Orbiter vehicle Endeavour (OV-105). In addition to the Orbiter, the flight vehicle consisted of an ET designated as ET-60; three SSME's which were designated as serial numbers 2019, 2033, and 2017 in positions 1, 2, and 3, respectively; and two SRB's which were designated BI-063. The RSRM's that were installed in each SRB were designated as 360L023A (lightweight) for the left SRB, and 360L023B (lightweight) for the right SRB. This STS-61 Space Shuttle Program Mission Report fulfills the Space Shuttle Program requirement as documented in NSTS 07700, Volume 8, Appendix E. That document requires that each major organizational element supporting the Program report the results of its hardware evaluation and mission performance plus identify all related in-flight anomalies. The primary objective of the STS-61 mission was to perform the first on-orbit servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope. The servicing tasks included the installation of new solar arrays, replacement of the Wide Field/Planetary Camera I (WF/PC I) with WF/PC II, replacement of the High Speed Photometer (HSP) with the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR), replacement of rate sensing units (RSU's) and electronic control units (ECU's), installation of new magnetic sensing systems and fuse plugs, and the repair of the Goddard High Resolution Spectrometer (GHRS). Secondary objectives were to perform the requirements of the IMAX Cargo Bay Camera (ICBC), the IMAX Camera, and the Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) Calibration Test.

Effects of feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (Paylean) to physical and immunological castrates (Improvest) in a commercial setting on carcass cutting yields and loin quality.

PubMed

Lowe, B K; Gerlemann, G D; Carr, S N; Rincker, P J; Schroeder, A L; Petry, D B; McKeith, F K; Allee, G L; Dilger, A C

2014-08-01

Effects of feeding ractopamine (RAC; 5 mg/kg) to physically castrated (PC) and immunologically castrated (IC) pigs on carcass characteristics, cutting yields, and loin quality were evaluated using 285 carcasses. Male pigs were randomly assigned to sex treatments (PC and IC) at birth and fed the same nursery diets before allotment into 32 pens with 22 pigs per pen in a grow-finish barn. Pigs in the PC group were physically castrated at approximately 5 d of age, and pigs in the IC group were administered Improvest at 11 and 18 wk of age. Diet treatments (control or RAC) were initiated on study d 87. Pigs were marketed at 12 d (4.5 wk post-second Improvest dose), 19 d (5.5 wk post-second Improvest dose), and 33 d (7.5 wk post-second Improvest dose) following the start of final diet treatments. Three carcasses per pen were selected for evaluation of cutting yields and loin quality. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with fixed effects of sex, diet, market group, and their interaction; carcass (N = 285) was the experimental unit. Carcasses from RAC-fed pigs were heavier (P < 0.01) and had deeper (P = 0.02) loins than control-fed carcasses. Carcasses from IC pigs were similar (P = 0.22) in weight but had less (P < 0.01) fat and shallower (P = 0.02) loins when compared to PC carcasses. There were differences (P < 0.05) among market groups for carcass weights, fat depths, loin depths, and estimated carcass leanness. For cutting yields, RAC-fed carcasses had greater (P ≤ 0.03) bone-in lean and total carcass cutting yields than control-fed carcasses while there were no differences (P > 0.05) between RAC-fed and control-fed carcasses when evaluating LM color, marbling, firmness, pH, drip loss, and tenderness. Carcasses from IC pigs had greater (P < 0.05) boneless lean yields, bone-in lean yields, and total carcass cutting yields than PC carcasses. There were minimal differences (P < 0.05) in LM marbling, firmness, composition, and tenderness between PC and IC pigs. There was an interaction (P = 0.03) between sex and diet for LM composition. Control-fed PC loins had more (P < 0.01) lipid than all other treatment combinations. Market group had effects (P < 0.05) on carcass cutting yields, LM color, marbling and firmness scores, pH, purge loss, composition, and tenderness. The results from this study indicated RAC and immunological castration were additive in terms of improving carcass cutting yields while having minimal effects on pork quality.

Reading a Story: Different Degrees of Learning in Different Learning Environments.

PubMed

Giannini, Anna Maria; Cordellieri, Pierluigi; Piccardi, Laura

2017-01-01

The learning environment in which material is acquired may produce differences in delayed recall and in the elements that individuals focus on. These differences may appear even during development. In the present study, we compared three different learning environments in 450 normally developing 7-year-old children subdivided into three groups according to the type of learning environment. Specifically, children were asked to learn the same material shown in three different learning environments: reading illustrated books (TB); interacting with the same text displayed on a PC monitor and enriched with interactive activities (PC-IA); reading the same text on a PC monitor but not enriched with interactive narratives (PC-NoIA). Our results demonstrated that TB and PC-NoIA elicited better verbal memory recall. In contrast, PC-IA and PC-NoIA produced higher scores for visuo-spatial memory, enhancing memory for spatial relations, positions and colors with respect to TB. Interestingly, only TB seemed to produce a deeper comprehension of the story's moral. Our results indicated that PC-IA offered a different type of learning that favored visual details. In this sense, interactive activities demonstrate certain limitations, probably due to information overabundance, emotional mobilization, emphasis on images and effort exerted in interactive activities. Thus, interactive activities, although entertaining, act as disruptive elements which interfere with verbal memory and deep moral comprehension.

Activation and deactivation of vibronic channels in intact phycocyanin rods.

PubMed

Nganou, C; David, L; Meinke, R; Adir, N; Maultzsch, J; Mkandawire, M; Pouhè, D; Thomsen, C

2014-02-28

We investigated the excitation modes of the light-harvesting protein phycocyanin (PC) from Thermosynechococcus vulcanus in the crystalline state using UV and near-infrared Raman spectroscopy. The spectra revealed the absence of a hydrogen out-of-plane wagging (HOOP) mode in the PC trimer, which suggests that the HOOP mode is activated in the intact PC rod, while it is not active in the PC trimer. Furthermore, in the PC trimer an intense mode at 984 cm(-1) is assigned to the C-C stretching vibration while the mode at 454 cm(-1) is likely due to ethyl group torsion. In contrast, in the similar chromophore phytochromobilin the C5,10,15-D wag mode at 622 cm(-1) does not come from a downshift of the HOOP. Additionally, the absence of modes between 1200 and 1300 cm(-1) rules out functional monomerization. A correlation between phycocyanobilin (PCB) and phycoerythrobilin (PEB) suggests that the PCB cofactors of the PC trimer appear in a conformation similar to that of PEB. The conformation of the PC rod is consistent with that of the allophycocyanin (APC) trimer, and thus excitonic flow is facilitated between these two independent light-harvesting compounds. This excitonic flow from the PC rod to APC appears to be modulated by the vibration channels during HOOP wagging, C = C stretching, and the N-H rocking in-plan vibration.

Reading a Story: Different Degrees of Learning in Different Learning Environments

PubMed Central

Giannini, Anna Maria; Cordellieri, Pierluigi; Piccardi, Laura

2017-01-01

The learning environment in which material is acquired may produce differences in delayed recall and in the elements that individuals focus on. These differences may appear even during development. In the present study, we compared three different learning environments in 450 normally developing 7-year-old children subdivided into three groups according to the type of learning environment. Specifically, children were asked to learn the same material shown in three different learning environments: reading illustrated books (TB); interacting with the same text displayed on a PC monitor and enriched with interactive activities (PC-IA); reading the same text on a PC monitor but not enriched with interactive narratives (PC-NoIA). Our results demonstrated that TB and PC-NoIA elicited better verbal memory recall. In contrast, PC-IA and PC-NoIA produced higher scores for visuo-spatial memory, enhancing memory for spatial relations, positions and colors with respect to TB. Interestingly, only TB seemed to produce a deeper comprehension of the story’s moral. Our results indicated that PC-IA offered a different type of learning that favored visual details. In this sense, interactive activities demonstrate certain limitations, probably due to information overabundance, emotional mobilization, emphasis on images and effort exerted in interactive activities. Thus, interactive activities, although entertaining, act as disruptive elements which interfere with verbal memory and deep moral comprehension. PMID:29085296

Probing the influence of the center atom coordination structure in iron phthalocyanine multi-walled carbon nanotube-based oxygen reduction reaction catalysts by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yingxiang; Li, Zhipan; Xia, Dingguo; Zheng, Lirong; Liao, Yi; Li, Kai; Zuo, Xia

2015-09-01

Three different pentacoordinate iron phthalocyanine (FePc) electrocatalysts with an axial ligand (pyridyl group, Py) anchored to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are prepared by a microwave method as high performance composite electrocatalysts (FePc-Py/MWCNTs) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). For comparison, tetracoordinate FePc electrocatalysts without an axial ligand anchored to MWCNTs (FePc/MWCNTs) are assembled in the same way. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) are used to characterize the obtained electrocatalysts. The electrocatalytic activity of the samples is measured by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and the onset potential of all of the FePc-Py/MWCNTs electrocatalysts is found to be more positive than that of their FePc/MWCNTs counterparts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy are employed to elucidate the relationship between molecular structure and electrocatalytic activity. XPS indicates that higher concentrations of Fe3+ and pyridine-type nitrogen play critical roles in determining the electrocatalytic ORR activity of the samples. XAFS spectroscopy reveals that the FePc-Py/MWCNTs electrocatalysts have a coordination geometry around Fe that is closer to the square pyramidal structure, a higher concentration of Fe3+, and a smaller phthalocyanine ring radius compared with those of FePc/MWCNTs.

KSC-97PC1462

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-09-15

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared to be flown on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). A technician is working on the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF), which will be used by researchers to study the solidification of semiconductor materials in microgravity. Scientists will be able to better understand how microgravity influences the solidification process of these materials and develop better methods for controlling that process during future Space flights and Earth-based production. All STS-87 experiments are scheduled for launch on Nov. 19 from KSC

KSC-98pc1039

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-09-04

Workers watch as the Hubble Space Telescope Orbiting Systems Test (HOST)is moved inside the Space Shuttle Processing Facility. The HOST platform, one of the payloads on the STS-95 mission, is carrying four experiments to validate components planned for installation during the third Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission and to evaluate new technologies in an earth orbiting environment. The STS-95 mission is scheduled to launch Oct. 29. It will carry three other payloads: the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, and the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process

KSC-98pc1037

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-09-04

The Hubble Space Telescope Orbiting Systems Test (HOST)is being raised to a workstand by technicians in the Space Shuttle Processing Facility. One of the payloads on the STS-95 mission, the HOST platform is carrying four experiments to validate components planned for installation during the third Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission and to evaluate new technologies in an earth orbiting environment. The STS-95 mission is scheduled to launch Oct. 29. It will carry three other payloads: the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, and the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process

KSC-98pc1087

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-09-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility prepare Deep Space 1 for launch aboard a Boeing Delta 7326 rocket in October. The first flight in NASA's New Millennium Program, Deep Space 1 is designed to validate 12 new technologies for scientific space missions of the next century. Onboard experiments include an ion propulsion engine and software that tracks celestial bodies so the spacecraft can make its own navigation decisions without the intervention of ground controllers. Most of its mission objectives will be completed within the first two months. A near-Earth asteroid, 1992 KD, has also been selected for a possible flyby

KSC-98pc919

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-08-14

An Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is suspended in air after being lifted from a rotation stand in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC in order to be moved to a work stand. The IEA, a large truss segment of the International Space Station (ISS), is one of four power modules to be used on the International Space Station. The modules contain batteries for the ISS solar panels and power for the life support systems and experiments that will be conducted. This first IEA will fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of STS-97, scheduled to launch August 5, 1999

Impact of 4-epi-oxytetracycline on the gut microbiota and blood metabolomics of Wistar rats

PubMed Central

Han, Hongxing; Xiao, Hailong; Zhang, Kai; Lu, Zhenmei

2016-01-01

The impact of 4-epi-oxytetracycline (4-EOTC), one of the main oxytetracycline (OTC) metabolites, on the gut microbiota and physiological metabolism of Wistar rats was analyzed to explore the dynamic alterations apparent after repeated oral exposure (0.5, 5.0 or 50.0 mg/kg bw) for 15 days as shown by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis. Both principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed consistently altered patterns with distinct differences in the treated groups versus the control groups. 4-EOTC treatment at 5.0 or 50.0 mg/kg increased the relative abundance of the Actinobacteria, specifically Bifidobacteriaceae, and improved the synthesis of lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), as shown by the lipid biomarkers LysoPC(16:0), LysoPC(18:3), LysoPC(20:3), and LysoPC(20:4). The metabolomic analysis of urine samples also identified four other decreased metabolites: diacylglycerol, sphingomyelin, triacylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol. Notably, the significant changes observed in these biomarkers demonstrated the ongoing disorder induced by 4-EOTC. Blood and urine analysis revealed that residual 4-EOTC accumulated in the rats, even two weeks after oral 4-EOTC administration, ceased. Thus, through thorough analysis, it can be concluded that the alteration of the gut microbiota and disorders in blood metabolomics are correlated with 4-EOTC treatment. PMID:26976662

Impact of 4-epi-oxytetracycline on the gut microbiota and blood metabolomics of Wistar rats.

PubMed

Han, Hongxing; Xiao, Hailong; Zhang, Kai; Lu, Zhenmei

2016-03-15

The impact of 4-epi-oxytetracycline (4-EOTC), one of the main oxytetracycline (OTC) metabolites, on the gut microbiota and physiological metabolism of Wistar rats was analyzed to explore the dynamic alterations apparent after repeated oral exposure (0.5, 5.0 or 50.0 mg/kg bw) for 15 days as shown by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis. Both principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed consistently altered patterns with distinct differences in the treated groups versus the control groups. 4-EOTC treatment at 5.0 or 50.0 mg/kg increased the relative abundance of the Actinobacteria, specifically Bifidobacteriaceae, and improved the synthesis of lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), as shown by the lipid biomarkers LysoPC(16:0), LysoPC(18:3), LysoPC(20:3), and LysoPC(20:4). The metabolomic analysis of urine samples also identified four other decreased metabolites: diacylglycerol, sphingomyelin, triacylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol. Notably, the significant changes observed in these biomarkers demonstrated the ongoing disorder induced by 4-EOTC. Blood and urine analysis revealed that residual 4-EOTC accumulated in the rats, even two weeks after oral 4-EOTC administration, ceased. Thus, through thorough analysis, it can be concluded that the alteration of the gut microbiota and disorders in blood metabolomics are correlated with 4-EOTC treatment.

Controlled synthesis of phosphorylcholine derivatives of poly(serine) and poly(homoserine).

PubMed

Yakovlev, Ilya; Deming, Timothy J

2015-04-01

We report methods for the synthesis of polypeptides that are fully functionalized with desirable phosphorylcholine, PC, groups. Because of the inherent challenges in the direct incorporation of the PC group into α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomers, we developed a synthetic approach that combined functional NCA polymerization with efficient postpolymerization modification. While poly(L-phosphorylcholine serine) was found to be unstable upon synthesis, we successfully prepared poly(L-phosphorylcholine homoserine) with controlled chain lengths and found these to be water-soluble with disordered chain conformations.

Earth observation taken by the Expedition 43 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-05-15

ISS043E194350 (05/15/2015) --- NASA astronaut Scott Kelly on the International Space Station tweeted this image out of an Earth observation image as part of his Space Geo trivia contest. Scott tweeted this comment and clue: "#SpaceGeo Four international borders in one photo from the International @Space_Station. Name them"! Two winners! Congrats to @TeacherWithTuba & @PC101!. The correct answer is :#SpaceGeo A: #Denmark #Norway #Sweden #Germany & #Poland. The winners will receive an autographed copy of this image when Scott returns to Earth in March 2016. Learn more about #SpaceGeo and play along every Wednesday for your chance to win: www.nasa.gov/feature/where-over-the-world-is-astronaut-sc...

TVC actuator model. [for the space shuttle main engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baslock, R. W.

1977-01-01

A prototype Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Actuator analog model was successfully completed. The prototype, mounted on five printed circuit (PC) boards, was delivered to NASA, checked out and tested using a modular replacement technique on an analog computer. In all cases, the prototype model performed within the recording techniques of the analog computer which is well within the tolerances of the specifications.

KSC-98pc1797

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-04

STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. During the nearly 12-day mission, the six-member crew will mate the first two elements of the International Space Station the already-orbiting Zarya control module with the Unity connecting module carried by Endeavour. He is making his first spaceflight

Design and implementation of a PC-based image-guided surgical system.

PubMed

Stefansic, James D; Bass, W Andrew; Hartmann, Steven L; Beasley, Ryan A; Sinha, Tuhin K; Cash, David M; Herline, Alan J; Galloway, Robert L

2002-11-01

In interactive, image-guided surgery, current physical space position in the operating room is displayed on various sets of medical images used for surgical navigation. We have developed a PC-based surgical guidance system (ORION) which synchronously displays surgical position on up to four image sets and updates them in real time. There are three essential components which must be developed for this system: (1) accurately tracked instruments; (2) accurate registration techniques to map physical space to image space; and (3) methods to display and update the image sets on a computer monitor. For each of these components, we have developed a set of dynamic link libraries in MS Visual C++ 6.0 supporting various hardware tools and software techniques. Surgical instruments are tracked in physical space using an active optical tracking system. Several of the different registration algorithms were developed with a library of robust math kernel functions, and the accuracy of all registration techniques was thoroughly investigated. Our display was developed using the Win32 API for windows management and tomographic visualization, a frame grabber for live video capture, and OpenGL for visualization of surface renderings. We have begun to use this current implementation of our system for several surgical procedures, including open and minimally invasive liver surgery.

PC index as a proxy of the solar wind energy that entered into the magnetosphere: 2. Relation to the interplanetary electric field E KL before substorm onset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troshichev, O. A.; Sormakov, D. A.

2015-10-01

This paper (the second of a series) presents the results of statistical investigation of relationship between the interplanetary electric field E KL and the Polar Cap (PC) index in case of magnetic substorms (1998-2001), which have been analyzed in Troshichev et al. (J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 119, 2014). The PC index is directly related to the E KL field variations on interval preceding the substorm sudden onset (SO): correlation R > 0.5 is typical of more than 90 % of isolated substorms, 80 % of expanded substorms, and 99 % of events with coordinated E KL and PC jumps. The low or negative correlation observing in ~10 % of examined substorms suggests that the solar wind flow measured by the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft in the Lagrange point L1 did not encounter the magnetosphere in these cases. Examination of the delay times Δ T in the response of PC index to E KL variations provides the following results: (1) delay times do not depend on separate solar wind parameters, such as solar wind speed V X and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B Z component, contrary to general conviction, (2) the Δ T value is best controlled by the E KL field growth rate (d E KL/dt), (3) the lower Δ T limit (5-7 min is attained under conditions of the higher E KL growth rate, and (4) the PC index provides the possibility to verify the solar wind flow transportation time from ACE position (where the solar wind speed is estimated) to magnetosphere. These results, in combination with data testifying that the substorm onsets are related to the PC precursors, demonstrate that the PC index is an adequate ground-based indicator of the solar wind energy incoming into the magnetosphere.

Selection of polynomial chaos bases via Bayesian model uncertainty methods with applications to sparse approximation of PDEs with stochastic inputs

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

Karagiannis, Georgios, E-mail: georgios.karagiannis@pnnl.gov; Lin, Guang, E-mail: guang.lin@pnnl.gov

2014-02-15

Generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) expansions allow us to represent the solution of a stochastic system using a series of polynomial chaos basis functions. The number of gPC terms increases dramatically as the dimension of the random input variables increases. When the number of the gPC terms is larger than that of the available samples, a scenario that often occurs when the corresponding deterministic solver is computationally expensive, evaluation of the gPC expansion can be inaccurate due to over-fitting. We propose a fully Bayesian approach that allows for global recovery of the stochastic solutions, in both spatial and random domains, bymore » coupling Bayesian model uncertainty and regularization regression methods. It allows the evaluation of the PC coefficients on a grid of spatial points, via (1) the Bayesian model average (BMA) or (2) the median probability model, and their construction as spatial functions on the spatial domain via spline interpolation. The former accounts for the model uncertainty and provides Bayes-optimal predictions; while the latter provides a sparse representation of the stochastic solutions by evaluating the expansion on a subset of dominating gPC bases. Moreover, the proposed methods quantify the importance of the gPC bases in the probabilistic sense through inclusion probabilities. We design a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampler that evaluates all the unknown quantities without the need of ad-hoc techniques. The proposed methods are suitable for, but not restricted to, problems whose stochastic solutions are sparse in the stochastic space with respect to the gPC bases while the deterministic solver involved is expensive. We demonstrate the accuracy and performance of the proposed methods and make comparisons with other approaches on solving elliptic SPDEs with 1-, 14- and 40-random dimensions.« less

Neuroprotective effect of p-coumaric acid in mice with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injuries.

PubMed

Sakamula, Romgase; Thong-Asa, Wachiryah

2018-06-01

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) is associated with neuronal death, which leads to disability and cognitive decline. The pathomechanism occurs because ischemia is exacerbated during the reperfusion period. Neuronal damage susceptibility depends on the affected brain areas and the duration of ischemia. Prevention and supplementation to neurons may help them endure during IR and further benefit them in rehabilitation. We investigated the protective effect of p-coumaric acid (PC) on cerebral IR injuries in mice. We randomly divided 30 male ICR mice into 3 groups of Sham (received vehicle and not induced IR), Control-IR (received vehicle and induced IR) and PC-IR (received 100 mg/kg PC and induced IR). We orally administered vehicle or 100 mg/kg of p-coumaric acid for 2 weeks before inducing the cerebral IR injuries by using 30 min of a bilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by a 45-min reperfusion. We induced the IR condition in the Control-IR and PC-IR groups but not the Sham group, and only the PC-IR group received p-coumaric acid. After IR induction, we sacrificed all the mice and collected their brain tissues to evaluate their oxidative statuses, whole brain infarctions and vulnerable neuronal deaths. We studied the whole-brain infarction volume by 2, 3, 5-triethyltetrazoliumchloride staining of sections. We performed a histological investigation of the vulnerable neuronal population in the dorsal hippocampus by staining brain sections with 0.1% cresyl violet. The results indicated that IR caused significant increases in calcium and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, whole brain infarction volume and hippocampal neuronal death. Pretreatment with p-coumaric acid significantly reduced MDA levels, whole-brain infarction volume and hippocampal neuronal death together and increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. We conclude here that pretreating animals with p-coumaric acid can prevent IR-induced brain oxidative stress, infarction size and neuronal vulnerability to death in cerebral IR injuries.

[Studies of bioavailability of different food sources of selenium in experiment].

PubMed

Egorova, E A; Gmoshinskiĭ, I V; Zorin, S I; Mazo, V K

2006-01-01

The selenium bioavailability in selenium enriched Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), phycocyanin containing (Se-PC) protein isolate, separated from this micro algae and in sodium selenite was studied and compared in rats. The daily dose of selenium per one animal was 5 microgram in all experimental groups. The average selenium levels in blood serum and liver of animals that received sodium selenite during 14 days were the highest. The average selenium level in blood serum of animals fed with selenium enriched Spirulina platensis after 14 days of receiving was the same with the control group, but the average concentration of selenium in their liver was rather high and close to this parameter of sodium selenite animal group. The animals which were fed with Se-PC showed better results. Their average selenium level in blood serum was higher than in Spirulina group, but lower than in sodium selenite group. The average concentration of selenium in the liver of these animals was the same with sodium selenite animal group. As regards to animals that were fed with selenium enriched Spirulina, Se-PC and sodium selenite for 21 days, the average selenium levels ratio in their blood serum and liver was higher than in control group, but these results were not significantly different among each other. The concentrations of selenium in seminal glands in all groups of animals including control group both after 14 and 21 days feeding were close to each other.

The gene therapy of collagen-induced arthritis in rats by intramuscular administration of the plasmid encoding TNF-binding domain of variola virus CrmB protein.

PubMed

Shchelkunov, S N; Taranov, O S; Tregubchak, T V; Maksyutov, R A; Silkov, A N; Nesterov, A E; Sennikov, S V

2016-07-01

Wistar rats with collagen-induced arthritis were intramuscularly injected with the recombinant plasmid pcDNA/sTNF-BD encoding the sequence of the TNF-binding protein domain of variola virus CrmB protein (VARV sTNF-BD) or the pcDNA3.1 vector. Quantitative analysis showed that the histopathological changes in the hind-limb joints of rats were most severe in the animals injected with pcDNA3.1 and much less severe in the group of rats injected with pcDNA/sTNF-BD, which indicates that gene therapy of rheumatoid arthritis is promising in the case of local administration of plasmids governing the synthesis of VARV immunomodulatory proteins.

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

Mamajek, Eric E.; Bartlett, Jennifer L.; Finch, Charlie T.

LP 876-10 is a nearby active M4 dwarf in Aquarius at a distance of 7.6 pc. The star is a new addition to the 10 pc census, with a parallax measured via the REsearch Consortium On Nearby Stars (RECONS) astrometric survey on the Small and Moderate Aperture Research Telescope System's 0.9 m telescope. We demonstrate that the astrometry, radial velocity, and photometric data for LP 876-10 are consistent with the star being a third bound stellar component to the Fomalhaut multiple system, despite the star lying nearly 6° away from Fomalhaut A in the sky. The three-dimensional separation of LPmore » 876-10 from Fomalhaut is only 0.77 ± 0.01 pc, and 0.987 ± 0.006 pc from TW PsA (Fomalhaut B), well within the estimated tidal radius of the Fomalhaut system (1.9 pc). LP 876-10 shares the motion of Fomalhaut within ∼1 km s{sup –1}, and we estimate an interloper probability of ∼10{sup –5}. Neither our echelle spectroscopy nor astrometry are able to confirm the close companion to LP 876-10 reported in the Washington Double Star Catalog (WSI 138). We argue that the Castor Moving Group to which the Fomalhaut system purportedly belongs, is likely to be a dynamical stream, and hence membership to the group does not provide useful age constraints for group members. LP 876-10 (Fomalhaut C) has now risen from obscurity to become a rare example of a field M dwarf with well-constrained age (440 ± 40 Myr) and metallicity. Besides harboring a debris disk system and candidate planet, Fomalhaut now has two of the widest known stellar companions.« less

Palliative care needs and symptom patterns of hospitalized elders referred for consultation.

PubMed

Olden, Aaron M; Holloway, Robert; Ladwig, Susan; Quill, Timothy E; van Wijngaarden, Edwin

2011-09-01

To provide effective palliative care (PC) to the geriatric population, an understanding of the reasons for consultation, main diagnoses related to referral, and symptom severity in chronic disease states is essential. We compared the baseline characteristics, referral patterns, and symptom severity among older and younger patients referred for inpatient PC consultation. We conducted a retrospective review of 2382 inpatient PC consultations. We excluded "reconsultations" and patients under the age of 18. Patient characteristics (reason for consultation and diagnosis) and symptom severity were compared across three age groups: Younger, <65 years of age; Older, 65-84 years of age; and Oldest, 85 years of age and older. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for the effects of gender, ethnicity, and diagnostic subset was performed. Most patients referred for inpatient PC consultation were older than the age of 65. Oldest patients were consulted on earlier and more often for "end-of-life care." Oldest adults were less likely to report pain, anxiety, and nausea (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] of 0.25, 0.39, and 0.19, respectively) and more likely to report anorexia than Younger adults (AOR=1.66). There was no clear difference between age groups in reporting of dyspnea and depression. Older adults in need of PC appear to have symptom burdens and consultation referral patterns that are different from those of younger patients. Further research is needed to determine whether these symptom patterns are caused by psychosocial factors, whether these reflect true differences among age groups, and whether symptom measurement instruments should be tailored to patient age. Copyright © 2011 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structure-activity relationships of aminocoumarin-type gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors obtained by combinatorial biosynthesis.

PubMed

Flatman, Ruth H; Eustaquio, Alessandra; Li, Shu-Ming; Heide, Lutz; Maxwell, Anthony

2006-04-01

Novobiocin and clorobiocin are gyrase inhibitors produced by Streptomyces strains. Structurally, the two compounds differ only by substitution at two positions: CH3 versus Cl at position 8' of the aminocoumarin ring and carbamoyl versus 5-methyl-pyrrol-2-carbonyl (MePC) at the 3"-OH of noviose. Using genetic engineering, we generated a series of analogs carrying H, CH3, or Cl at 8' and H, carbamoyl, or MePC at 3"-OH. Comparison of the gyrase inhibitory activities of all nine structural permutations confirmed that acylation of 3"-OH is essential for activity, with MePC being more effective than carbamoyl. Substitution at 8' further enhanced activity, but the effect of CH3 or Cl depended on the nature of the acyl group at 3": in the presence of carbamoyl at 3", CH3 resulted in higher activity; in the presence of MePC at 3", Cl resulted in higher activity. This suggests that the structures of both natural compounds are highly evolved for optimal interaction with gyrase. In a second series of experiments, clorobiocin derivatives with and without the methyl group at 4"-OH of noviose, and with different positions of the MePC group of noviose, were tested. Again clorobiocin was superior to all of its analogs. The activities of all compounds were also tested against topoisomerase IV (topo IV). Clorobiocin stood out as a remarkably effective topo IV inhibitor. The relative activities of the different compounds toward topo IV showed a pattern similar to that of the relative gyrase-inhibitory activities. This is the first report of a systematic evaluation of a series of aminocoumarins against both gyrase and topo IV. The results give further insight into the structure-activity relationships of aminocoumarin antibiotics.

Structure-Activity Relationships of Aminocoumarin-Type Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV Inhibitors Obtained by Combinatorial Biosynthesis

PubMed Central

Flatman, Ruth H.; Eustaquio, Alessandra; Li, Shu-Ming; Heide, Lutz; Maxwell, Anthony

2006-01-01

Novobiocin and clorobiocin are gyrase inhibitors produced by Streptomyces strains. Structurally, the two compounds differ only by substitution at two positions: CH3 versus Cl at position 8′ of the aminocoumarin ring and carbamoyl versus 5-methyl-pyrrol-2-carbonyl (MePC) at the 3"-OH of noviose. Using genetic engineering, we generated a series of analogs carrying H, CH3, or Cl at 8′ and H, carbamoyl, or MePC at 3"-OH. Comparison of the gyrase inhibitory activities of all nine structural permutations confirmed that acylation of 3"-OH is essential for activity, with MePC being more effective than carbamoyl. Substitution at 8′ further enhanced activity, but the effect of CH3 or Cl depended on the nature of the acyl group at 3": in the presence of carbamoyl at 3", CH3 resulted in higher activity; in the presence of MePC at 3", Cl resulted in higher activity. This suggests that the structures of both natural compounds are highly evolved for optimal interaction with gyrase. In a second series of experiments, clorobiocin derivatives with and without the methyl group at 4"-OH of noviose, and with different positions of the MePC group of noviose, were tested. Again clorobiocin was superior to all of its analogs. The activities of all compounds were also tested against topoisomerase IV (topo IV). Clorobiocin stood out as a remarkably effective topo IV inhibitor. The relative activities of the different compounds toward topo IV showed a pattern similar to that of the relative gyrase-inhibitory activities. This is the first report of a systematic evaluation of a series of aminocoumarins against both gyrase and topo IV. The results give further insight into the structure-activity relationships of aminocoumarin antibiotics. PMID:16569821

Anatomic comparison of traditional and enucleation partial nephrectomy specimens.

PubMed

Calaway, Adam C; Gondim, Dibson D; Flack, Chandra K; Jacob, Joseph M; Idrees, Muhammad T; Boris, Ronald S

2017-05-01

To compare pseudocapsule (PC) properties of clear cell renal cell carcinoma tumors removed via both traditional partial nephrectomy (PNx) and enucleative techniques as well as quantify the difference in volume of normal renal parenchyma removed between groups. A retrospective review of clear cell PNx specimens between 2011 and 2014 was performed. All patients undergoing tumor enucleation (TE) were included. A single pathologist reviewed the pathological specimens. This cohort was compared with a previously collected clear cell traditional PNx database. A total of 47 clear cell partial nephrectomies were reviewed (34 PNx and 13 TE). Invasion of tumor completely through the PC and positive surgical margins were seen in 2 (5.8%) and 1 (7.7%) of traditional and TE specimens, respectively (P = 0.82). PC mean (0.63 vs. 0.52mm), maximum (1.39 vs. 1.65mm), and minimum thickness (0.27 vs. 0.19mm) were similar between cohorts (P = 0.29, P = 0.36, and P = 0.44). Gross specimen volume varied considerably between the 2 groups (35.6 vs. 17.9cm 3 , P≤0.05) although tumor volume did not (12 vs. 14.2cm 3 , P = 0.64). The renal tumor consisted of only 37% of the total volume of the traditional PNx specimens compared to 80% of the volume in TEs (P<0.01). Four TE specimens (31%) were "true" TEs (no additional parenchyma identified outside of the PC). PC properties appear independent of surgical technique. True TEs are uncommon. Regardless, there is considerable volume discrepancy of normal renal parenchymal removed between enucleative and nonenucleative PNx groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KSC-97PC1215

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-08-07

STS-85 Payload Commander N. Jan Davis is assisted with her ascent/reentry flight suit by white room closeout crew members Dave Law (left) and Jack Burritt at Launch Pad 39A before she enters the crew cabin of the Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery

KSC-97PC1211

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-08-07

STS-85 Commander Curtis L. Brown, Jr. is assisted with his ascent/reentry flight suit by white room closeout crew members Jean Alexander (left) and Chris Meinert at Launch Pad 39A before he enters the crew cabin of the Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery

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

PubMed

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

2017-04-01

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

A new coated nitinol occluder for transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects in a canine model.

PubMed

Zhou, Yong; Chen, Feng; Huang, Xinmiao; Zhao, Xianxian; Wu, Hong; Bai, Yuan; Qin, Yongwen

2013-01-01

This study evaluated feasibility and safety of implanting the polyester-coated nitinol ventricular septal defect occluder (pcVSDO) in the canine model. VSD models were successfully established by transseptal ventricular septal puncture via the right jugular vein in 15 out of 18 canines. Two types of VSDOs were implanted, either with pcVSDOs (n = 8) as the new type occluder group or with the commercial ventricular septal defect occluders (VSDOs, n = 7, Shanghai Sharp Memory Alloy Co. Ltd.) as the control group. Sheath size was 10 French (10 Fr) in two groups. Then the general state of the canines was observed after implantation. ECG and TTE were performed, respectively, at 7, 30, 90 days of follow-up. The canines were sacrificed at these time points for pathological and scanning electron microscopy examination. The devices were successfully implanted in all 15 canines and were retrievable and repositionable. There was no thrombus formation on the device or occurrence of complete heart block. The pcVSDO surface implanted at day 7 was already covered with neotissue by gross examination, and it completed endothelialization at day 30, while the commercial VSDO was covered with the neotissue in 30th day and the complete endothelialization in 90th day. The study shows that pcVSDO is feasible and safe to close canine VSD model and has good biocompatibility and shorter time of endothelialization.

Tablet computer enhanced training improves internal medicine exam performance.

PubMed

Baumgart, Daniel C; Wende, Ilja; Grittner, Ulrike

2017-01-01

Traditional teaching concepts in medical education do not take full advantage of current information technology. We aimed to objectively determine the impact of Tablet PC enhanced training on learning experience and MKSAP® (medical knowledge self-assessment program) exam performance. In this single center, prospective, controlled study final year medical students and medical residents doing an inpatient service rotation were alternatingly assigned to either the active test (Tablet PC with custom multimedia education software package) or traditional education (control) group, respectively. All completed an extensive questionnaire to collect their socio-demographic data, evaluate educational status, computer affinity and skills, problem solving, eLearning knowledge and self-rated medical knowledge. Both groups were MKSAP® tested at the beginning and the end of their rotation. The MKSAP® score at the final exam was the primary endpoint. Data of 55 (tablet n = 24, controls n = 31) male 36.4%, median age 28 years, 65.5% students, were evaluable. The mean MKSAP® score improved in the tablet PC (score Δ + 8 SD: 11), but not the control group (score Δ- 7, SD: 11), respectively. After adjustment for baseline score and confounders the Tablet PC group showed on average 11% better MKSAP® test results compared to the control group (p<0.001). The most commonly used resources for medical problem solving were journal articles looked up on PubMed or Google®, and books. Our study provides evidence, that tablet computer based integrated training and clinical practice enhances medical education and exam performance. Larger, multicenter trials are required to independently validate our data. Residency and fellowship directors are encouraged to consider adding portable computer devices, multimedia content and introduce blended learning to their respective training programs.

In Vivo Effects of Pichia Pastoris-Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide Hepcidin on the Community Composition and Metabolism Gut Microbiota of Rats.

PubMed

Tian, Lanfang; Chen, Siyuan; Liu, Haiyan; Guo, Mingzhang; Xu, Wentao; He, Xiaoyun; Luo, Yunbo; Qi, Xiaozhe; Luo, Hongxia; Huang, Kunlun

2016-01-01

Hepcidin, one kind of antimicrobial peptides, is one of the promising alternatives to antibiotics with broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Hepcidins cloned from different kinds of fishes have been produced using exogenous expression systems, and their in vitro antimicrobial effects have been verified. However their in vivo effects on gut microbiota and gut health of hosts remain unclear. Here we performed a safety study of hepcidin so that it can be used to reduce microbial contaminations in the food and feed. In this study, Pichia pastoris-expressed Pseudosciaena crocea hepcidin (PC-hepc) was first assessed by simulated digestion tests and then administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in different concentrations. Subchronic toxicity testing, high throughput 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota, and examinations on gut metabolism and permeability were conducted. The results showed PC-hepc could be digested in simulated intestinal fluid but not in simulated gastric fluid. PC-hepc had no adverse effects on general health, except causing increase of blood glucose (still in the normal value range of this index) in all trial groups of female rats and intestinal inflammation in HD group of female rats. Community composition of gut microbiota of female MD and HD groups shifted compared with control group, of which the decrease of genus Akkermansia might be related to the increase of blood glucose and intestinal inflammation. Significant increase of fecal nitroreductase activity was also observed in female MD and HD groups. Our results suggest the uses of exogenous PC-hepc in normal dosage are safe, however excess dosage of it may cause intestinal disorder of animals.

Evaluation of the immune response in Shitou geese (Anser anser domesticus) following immunization with GPV-VP1 DNA-based and live attenuated vaccines.

PubMed

Deng, Shu-xuan; Cai, Ming-sheng; Cui, Wei; Huang, Jin-lu; Li, Mei-li

2014-01-01

Goose parvovirus (GPV) is a highly contagious and deadly disease for goslings and Muscovy ducklings. To compare the differences in immune response of geese immunized with GPV-VP1 DNA-based and live attenuated vaccines. Shitou geese were immunized once with either 20 μg pcDNA-GPV-VP1 DNA gene vaccine by gene gun bombardment via intramuscular injection, or 300 μg by i.m. injection, or 300 μL live attenuated vaccine by i.m. injection, whereas 300 μg pcDNA3.1 (+) i.m. or 300 μL saline i.m. were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Each group comprised 28 animals. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 2-210 days after immunization and the proliferation of T lymphocytes, the number of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and the level of IgG assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance with group multiple comparisons via Tukey's test. The pcDNA-GPV-VP1 DNA and attenuated vaccine induced cellular and humoral responses, and there were no differences between the 20 and 300 μg group in the responses of proliferation of T lymphocyte and the CD8(+) T-cell. However, as to CD4(+) T-cell response and humoral immunity, the 20 μg group performed better than the 300 μg group, which induced better cellular and humoral immunity than live attenuated vaccine. This study showed that it is possible to induce both cellular and humoral response using DNA-based vaccines and that the pcDNA-GPV-VP1 DNA gene vaccine induced better cellular and humoral immunity than live attenuated vaccine.

Tablet computer enhanced training improves internal medicine exam performance

PubMed Central

Wende, Ilja; Grittner, Ulrike

2017-01-01

Background Traditional teaching concepts in medical education do not take full advantage of current information technology. We aimed to objectively determine the impact of Tablet PC enhanced training on learning experience and MKSAP® (medical knowledge self-assessment program) exam performance. Methods In this single center, prospective, controlled study final year medical students and medical residents doing an inpatient service rotation were alternatingly assigned to either the active test (Tablet PC with custom multimedia education software package) or traditional education (control) group, respectively. All completed an extensive questionnaire to collect their socio-demographic data, evaluate educational status, computer affinity and skills, problem solving, eLearning knowledge and self-rated medical knowledge. Both groups were MKSAP® tested at the beginning and the end of their rotation. The MKSAP® score at the final exam was the primary endpoint. Results Data of 55 (tablet n = 24, controls n = 31) male 36.4%, median age 28 years, 65.5% students, were evaluable. The mean MKSAP® score improved in the tablet PC (score Δ + 8 SD: 11), but not the control group (score Δ- 7, SD: 11), respectively. After adjustment for baseline score and confounders the Tablet PC group showed on average 11% better MKSAP® test results compared to the control group (p<0.001). The most commonly used resources for medical problem solving were journal articles looked up on PubMed or Google®, and books. Conclusions Our study provides evidence, that tablet computer based integrated training and clinical practice enhances medical education and exam performance. Larger, multicenter trials are required to independently validate our data. Residency and fellowship directors are encouraged to consider adding portable computer devices, multimedia content and introduce blended learning to their respective training programs. PMID:28369063

Piloting the effectiveness of pig health education in combination with oxfendazole treatment on prevention and/or control of porcine cysticercosis, gastrointestinal parasites, African swine fever and ectoparasites in Angónia District, Mozambique.

PubMed

Chilundo, A G; Johansen, M V; Pondja, A; Miambo, R; Afonso, S; Mukaratirwa, S

2018-03-01

A community-based intervention combining health education (HE) and treatment of pigs for control of porcine cysticercosis (PC), gastrointestinal (GI) helminths, African swine fever (ASF) and external parasites was tested involving six villages of resource-poor smallholder pig farmers. Farmers and pigs of six rural villages were randomly allocated into group 1 (HE), which served as controls, and group 2 (HE + OFZ) pigs received a single oral dose of 30 mg/kg OFZ. Farmers were trained in pig health, housing and feeding. The proportion of farmers with confined pigs, the adoption rate of the introduced pig pen, the sero-prevalence of PC and ASF, the prevalence and intensity of GI nematodes and the prevalence of ectoparasites were measured at 9, 15 and 24 months after initiation and compared to a baseline survey to seek the effectiveness of the interventions. There was no clear effect of the intervention on the sero-prevalence of PC, but analysis of the rate of change in prevalence between the two groups showed significant effect with the rate of change to lower prevalence in the HE + OFZ group compared to the HE group. Although HE managed to improve the farmer's knowledge in the control and prevention of ASF and ectoparasites, there was no significant reduction in the sero-prevalence of ASF and the prevalence of ectoparasites throughout the two-year period. The reported ineffectiveness of the intervention in this study suggested that more research is needed to develop more effective methods for controlling PC, ASF and pig parasites.

Effect of surfactants and natural detergents on phosphatidylcholine synthesis in photoreceptor membranes.

PubMed

Roque, M E; Castagnet, P I; Giusto, N M

2001-07-01

The synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in rod outer segments (ROS) catalysed by lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase and phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PE N-MTase) was studied and the effects of natural (FA and lysophospholipids) and synthetic (Triton X-100, deoxycholate and CHAPS) surfactants was evaluated. In all experimental conditions used, incorporation of labelled oleate into lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) was at least 40 times greater than oleate incorporation into any other lysophospholipid. Acylation of lysoPC was slightly affected by Triton X-100 and was totally inhibited in the presence of 10 mM sodium deoxycholate (NaDOC) or CHAPS. Below their critical micelle concentration (cmc) Triton X-100 and NaDOC stimulated acylation of all ROS lysophospholipids analysed. The activity of PE N-MTase was stimulated at detergent concentrations below the cmc and inhibited at concentrations above the cmc for all three detergents tested. The effect of FA with differing degree of unsaturation on PC synthesis was evaluated. Oleic acid (10 microM) inhibited methyl group incorporation into total PC, whereas from 100 microM onward, the methylating activity increased with preferential synthesis of PC. Docosahexaenoic acid, in turn, inhibited PE N-MTase activity at every concentration tested. These results suggest that PC synthesis in ROS membranes is modified by bioregulators and surfactants altering the physico-chemical state of the membrane.

KSC-98pc1776

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-03

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Participants pose for a photo at the Space Station Processing Facility ceremony transferring the "Leonardo" Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), to NASA. From left, they are astronaut Jim Voss, European Space Agency astronauts Umberto Guidoni of Italy and Christer Fuglesang of Sweden, NASA International Space Station Program Manager Randy Brinkley, NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin, ASI President Sergio De Julio and Stephen Francois, director, International Space Station Launch Site Support at KSC. The MPLM, a reusable logistics carrier, will be the primary delivery system used to resupply and return International Space Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo is the first of three MPLM carriers for the International Space Station. It is scheduled to be launched on Space Shuttle Mission STS-100, targeted for April 2000

Radical-lanthanide ferromagnetic interaction in a T bIII bis-phthalocyaninato complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komijani, Dorsa; Ghirri, Alberto; Bonizzoni, Claudio; Klyatskaya, Svetlana; Moreno-Pineda, Eufemio; Ruben, Mario; Soncini, Alessandro; Affronte, Marco; Hill, Stephen

2018-02-01

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of organic ligands in the field of molecular spintronics, via which delocalized electron-spin density can mediate magnetic coupling to otherwise localized 4 f moments of lanthanide ions, which show tremendous potential for single-molecule device applications. To this end, high-field/high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is employed to study a neutral terbium bis-phthalocyaninato metalorganic complex, [TbPc2 ] 0, with the aim of understanding the magnetic interaction between the Ising-like moment of the lanthanide ion and the unpaired spin density on the coordinating organic radical ligand. The measurements were performed on a previously unknown [TbPc2 ] 0 structural phase crystallizing in the Pnma space group. EPR measurements on powder samples of [TbPc2 ] 0 reveal an anisotropic spectrum, which is attributed to the spin-1/2 radical coupled weakly to the EPR-silent T bIII ion. Extensive double-axis rotation studies on a single crystal reveal two independent spin-1/2 signals with differently oriented (albeit identical) uniaxial g -tensors, in complete agreement with x-ray structural studies that indicate two molecular orientations within the unit cell. The easy-axis nature of the radical EPR spectra thus reflects the coupling to the Ising-like T bIII moment. This is corroborated by studies of the isostructural [YPc2 ] 0 analog (where Y is nonmagnetic yttrium), which gives a completely isotropic radical EPR signal. The experimental results for the terbium complex are well explained on the basis of an effective model that introduces a weak ferromagnetic Heisenberg coupling between an isotropic spin-1/2 and an anisotropic spin-orbital moment, J =6 , that mimics the known, strong easy-axis Tb ⋯P c2 crystal-field interaction.

Gene Expression Profiling in Pachyonychia Congenita Skin

PubMed Central

Cao, Yu-An; Hickerson, Robyn P.; Seegmiller, Brandon L.; Grapov, Dmitry; Gross, Maren M.; Bessette, Marc R.; Phinney, Brett S.; Flores, Manuel A.; Speaker, Tycho J.; Vermeulen, Annaleen; Bravo, Albert A.; Bruckner, Anna L.; Milstone, Leonard M.; Schwartz, Mary E.; Rice, Robert H.; Kaspar, Roger L.

2015-01-01

Background Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a skin disorder resulting from mutations in keratin (K) proteins including K6a, K6b, K16, and K17. One of the major symptoms is painful plantar keratoderma. The pathogenic sequelae resulting from the keratin mutations remain unclear. Objective To better understand PC pathogenesis. Methods RNA profiling was performed on biopsies taken from PC-involved and uninvolved plantar skin of seven genotyped PC patients (two K6a, one K6b, three K16, and one K17) as well as from control volunteers. Protein profiling was generated from tape-stripping samples. Results A comparison of PC-involved skin biopsies to adjacent uninvolved plantar skin identified 112 differentially-expressed mRNAs common to patient groups harboring K6 (i.e., both K6a and K6b) and K16 mutations. Among these mRNAs, 25 encode structural proteins including keratins, small proline-rich and late cornified envelope proteins, 20 are related to metabolism and 16 encode proteases, peptidases, and their inhibitors including kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs), and serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs). mRNAs were also identified to be differentially expressed only in K6 (81) or K16 (141) patient samples. Furthermore, 13 mRNAs were identified that may be involved in pain including nociception and neuropathy. Protein profiling, comparing three K6a plantar tape-stripping samples to non-PC controls, showed changes in the PC corneocytes similar, but not identical, to the mRNA analysis. Conclusion Many differentially-expressed genes identified in PC-involved skin encode components critical for skin barrier homeostasis including keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, cornification, and desquamation. The profiling data provide a foundation for unraveling the pathogenesis of PC and identifying targets for developing effective PC therapeutics. PMID:25656049

A new rapid method to measure human platelet cholesterol: a pilot study.

PubMed

Jagroop, I Anita; Persaud, Jahm Want; Mikhailidis, Dimitri P

2011-01-01

Platelet cholesterol (PC) could be used to assess "tissue" cholesterol of patients with vascular disease. However, the methods available so far to measure PC involve a complex extraction process. We developed a rapid method to measure PC and assessed its correlation with serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, triglycerides (TG), and non-HDL-C. We assessed repeatability (20 times, 3 participants) and reproducibility (8 times, 2 participants). A group of 47 healthy participants was studied. Blood was collected to analyze serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG. Citrated blood was used to prepare a platelet pellet. A "clear soup" was produced (by disrupting this pellet using freeze-thaw and sonication cycles) and used to measure PC. Repeatability of PC showed a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.8%. The reproducibility of PC over a period of 2 months was CV 7.5% and 8.1% (8 measurements for 2 participants). The PC of participants with serum LDL-C >2.6 mmol/L (treatment goal recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III) was 377 ± 120 μmol/10(12) platelets (n = 25). There was a significant correlation (Spearman, correlation coefficient) of PC (n = 25) with serum LDL-C (r(s) = 0.45, P = .02), LDL-C/HDL-C (r(s) = 0.45, P = .02), TG (r(s) = 0.43, P = .03), and non-HDL-C (r(s) = 0.53, P = .007). This technique of measuring PC has the advantage of being reproducible, fast, and simpler than previous methods. Thus, it may be useful for multiple sampling when investigating changes in PC in hypercholesterolemic patients. More extensive evaluation is necessary.

Mineral constituents profile of biochar derived from diversified waste biomasses: implications for agricultural applications.

PubMed

Zhao, Ling; Cao, Xinde; Wang, Qun; Yang, Fan; Xu, Shi

2013-01-01

The wide distribution and high heterogeneity of different elements in biochars derived from diverse feedstocks make it difficult to regulate their application in soil and to evaluate the maximum potential contribution of the nutrients and trace metals as well as the potential risk of toxic metals. This study classified 20 biochars, covering six typical categories, into three clusters according to their similarity and distance on nutrients and minerals using cluster analysis. Four principle components (PC) were extracted using factor analysis to reduce dimension and clearly characterize the mineral profile of these biochars. The contribution of each group of elements in the PCs to every cluster was clarified. PC1 had a high loading for Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, and Fe; PC2 was related to N, K, and Mn; and PC3 and PC4 mainly represented P and Ca. Cluster 1 included bone dregs and eggshell biochars with PC3 and PC4 as the main contributors. Cluster 2 included waterweeds and waste paper biochars, which were close to shrimp hull and chlorella biochars, with the main contributions being from PC2 and PC4. Cluster 3 included biochars with PC1 as the main contributor. At a soil biochar amendment rate of 50 t ha, the soil nutrients were significantly elevated, whereas the rise in toxic metals was negligible compared with Class I of the China Environmental Quality Standards for Soil. Biochar can potentially supply soil nutrients and trace metals, and different cluster biochars can be applied appropriately to different soils so that excessive or deficient nutrient and metal applications can be avoided. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Preparation and surface functionalization of MWCNTs: study of the composite materials produced by the interaction with an iron phthalocyanine complex

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Carbon nanotubes [CNTs] were synthesized by the catalytic vapor decomposition method. Thereafter, they were functionalized in order to incorporate the oxygen groups (OCNT) and subsequently the amine groups (ACNT). All three CNTs (the as-synthesized and functionalized) underwent reaction with an iron organometallic complex (FePcS), iron(III) phthalocyanine-4,4",4",4""-tetrasulfonic acid, in order to study the nature of the interaction between this complex and the CNTs and the potential formation of nanocomposite materials. Transmission electronic microscopy, N2 adsorption at 77 K, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature-programmed desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were the characterization techniques employed to confirm the successful functionalization of CNTs as well as the type of interaction existing with the FePcS. All results obtained led to the same conclusion: There were no specific chemical interactions between CNTs and the fixed FePcS. PMID:21711881

Preparation and surface functionalization of MWCNTs: study of the composite materials produced by the interaction with an iron phthalocyanine complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asedegbega-Nieto, Esther; Pérez-Cadenas, María; Carter, Jonathan; Anderson, James A.; Guerrero-Ruiz, Antonio

2011-04-01

Carbon nanotubes [CNTs] were synthesized by the catalytic vapor decomposition method. Thereafter, they were functionalized in order to incorporate the oxygen groups (OCNT) and subsequently the amine groups (ACNT). All three CNTs (the as-synthesized and functionalized) underwent reaction with an iron organometallic complex (FePcS), iron(III) phthalocyanine-4,4",4",4""-tetrasulfonic acid, in order to study the nature of the interaction between this complex and the CNTs and the potential formation of nanocomposite materials. Transmission electronic microscopy, N2 adsorption at 77 K, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature-programmed desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were the characterization techniques employed to confirm the successful functionalization of CNTs as well as the type of interaction existing with the FePcS. All results obtained led to the same conclusion: There were no specific chemical interactions between CNTs and the fixed FePcS.

[Validity of adjusted morbidity groups with respect to clinical risk groups in the field of primary care].

PubMed

Monterde, David; Vela, Emili; Clèries, Montse; García Eroles, Luis; Pérez Sust, Pol

2018-02-09

To compare the performance in terms of goodness of fit and explanatory power of 2morbidity groupers in primary care (PC): adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) and clinical risk groups (CRG). Cross-sectional study. PC in the Catalan Institute for the Health (CIH), Catalonia, Spain. Population allocated in primary care centers of the CIH for the year 2014. Three indicators of interest are analyzed such as urgent hospitalization, number of visits and spending in pharmacy. A stratified analysis by centers is applied adjusting generalized lineal models from the variables age, sex and morbidity grouping to explain each one of the 3variables of interest. The statistical measures to analyze the performance of the different models applied are the Akaike index, the Bayes index and the pseudo-variability explained by deviance change. The results show that in the area of the primary care the explanatory power of the AMGs is higher to that offered by the CRGs, especially for the case of the visits and the pharmacy. The performance of GMAs in the area of the CIH PC is higher than that shown by the CRGs. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Acupuncture-Like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Versus Pilocarpine in Treating Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: Results of RTOG 0537 Phase 3 Study

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

Wong, Raimond K.W., E-mail: wongrai@hhsc.ca; Deshmukh, Snehal; Wyatt, Gwen

Purpose and Objectives: This report presents the analysis of the RTOG 0537 multicenter randomized study that compared acupuncture-like transcutaneous stimulation (ALTENS) with pilocarpine (PC) for relieving radiation-induced xerostomia. Methods and Materials: Eligible patients were randomized to twice-weekly 20-minute ALTENS sessions for 24 sessions during 12 weeks or PC (5 mg 3 times daily for 12 weeks). The primary endpoint was the change in the University of Michigan Xerostomia-Related Quality of Life Scale (XeQOLS) scores from baseline to 9 months from randomization (MFR). Secondary endpoints included basal and citric acid primed whole salivary production (WSP), ratios of positive responders (defined as patients with ≥20% reductionmore » in overall radiation-induced xerostomia symptom burden), and the presence of adverse events based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. Results: One hundred forty-eight patients were randomized. Only 96 patients completed the required XeQOLS and were evaluable at 9 MFR (representing merely 68.6% statistical power). Seventy-six patients were evaluable at 15 MFR. The median change in the overall XeQOLS in ALTENS and PC groups at 9 and 15 MFR were −0.53 and −0.27 (P=.45) and −0.6 and −0.47 (P=.21). The corresponding percentages of positive responders were 81% and 72% (P=.34) and 83% and 63% (P=.04). Changes in WSP were not significantly different between the groups. Grade 3 or less adverse events, mostly consisting of grade 1, developed in 20.8% of patients in the ALTENS group and in 61.6% of the PC group. Conclusions: The observed effect size was smaller than hypothesized, and statistical power was limited because only 96 of the recruited 148 patients were evaluable. The primary endpoint—the change in radiation-induced xerostomia symptom burden at 9 MFR—was not significantly different between the ALTENS and PC groups. There was significantly less toxicity in patients receiving ALTENS.« less

Acupuncture-Like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Versus Pilocarpine in Treating Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: Results of RTOG 0537 Phase 3 Study.

PubMed

Wong, Raimond K W; Deshmukh, Snehal; Wyatt, Gwen; Sagar, Stephen; Singh, Anurag K; Sultanem, Khalil; Nguyen-Tân, Phuc F; Yom, Sue S; Cardinale, Joseph; Yao, Min; Hodson, Ian; Matthiesen, Chance L; Suh, John; Thakrar, Harish; Pugh, Stephanie L; Berk, Lawrence

2015-06-01

This report presents the analysis of the RTOG 0537 multicenter randomized study that compared acupuncture-like transcutaneous stimulation (ALTENS) with pilocarpine (PC) for relieving radiation-induced xerostomia. Eligible patients were randomized to twice-weekly 20-minute ALTENS sessions for 24 sessions during 12 weeks or PC (5 mg 3 times daily for 12 weeks). The primary endpoint was the change in the University of Michigan Xerostomia-Related Quality of Life Scale (XeQOLS) scores from baseline to 9 months from randomization (MFR). Secondary endpoints included basal and citric acid primed whole salivary production (WSP), ratios of positive responders (defined as patients with ≥20% reduction in overall radiation-induced xerostomia symptom burden), and the presence of adverse events based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. One hundred forty-eight patients were randomized. Only 96 patients completed the required XeQOLS and were evaluable at 9 MFR (representing merely 68.6% statistical power). Seventy-six patients were evaluable at 15 MFR. The median change in the overall XeQOLS in ALTENS and PC groups at 9 and 15 MFR were -0.53 and -0.27 (P=.45) and -0.6 and -0.47 (P=.21). The corresponding percentages of positive responders were 81% and 72% (P=.34) and 83% and 63% (P=.04). Changes in WSP were not significantly different between the groups. Grade 3 or less adverse events, mostly consisting of grade 1, developed in 20.8% of patients in the ALTENS group and in 61.6% of the PC group. The observed effect size was smaller than hypothesized, and statistical power was limited because only 96 of the recruited 148 patients were evaluable. The primary endpoint-the change in radiation-induced xerostomia symptom burden at 9 MFR-was not significantly different between the ALTENS and PC groups. There was significantly less toxicity in patients receiving ALTENS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PC6 acupoint stimulation for the prevention of postcardiac surgery nausea and vomiting: a protocol for a two-group, parallel, superiority randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Cooke, Marie; Rickard, Claire; Rapchuk, Ivan; Shekar, Kiran; Marshall, Andrea P; Comans, Tracy; Doi, Suhail; McDonald, John; Spooner, Amy

2014-11-13

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent but unwanted complications for patients following anaesthesia and cardiac surgery, affecting at least a third of patients, despite pharmacological treatment. The primary aim of the proposed research is to test the efficacy of PC6 acupoint stimulation versus placebo for reducing PONV in cardiac surgery patients. In conjunction with this we aim to develop an understanding of intervention fidelity and factors that support, or impede, the use of PC6 acupoint stimulation, a knowledge translation approach. 712 postcardiac surgery participants will be recruited to take part in a two-group, parallel, superiority, randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomised to receive a wrist band on each wrist providing acupressure to PC six using acupoint stimulation or a placebo. Randomisation will be computer generated, use randomly varied block sizes, and be concealed prior to the enrolment of each patient. The wristbands will remain in place for 36 h. PONV will be evaluated by the assessment of both nausea and vomiting, use of rescue antiemetics, quality of recovery and cost. Patient satisfaction with PONV care will be measured and clinical staff interviewed about the clinical use, feasibility, acceptability and challenges of using acupressure wristbands for PONV. Ethics approval will be sought from appropriate Human Research Ethics Committee/s before start of the study. A systematic review of the use of wrist acupressure for PC6 acupoint stimulation reported minor side effects only. Study progress will be reviewed by a Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) for nausea and vomiting outcomes at n=350. Dissemination of results will include conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Study participants will receive a one-page lay-summary of results. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry--ACTRN12614000589684. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Influence of acidified drinking water on growth performance and gastrointestinal function of broilers.

PubMed

Hamid, H; Shi, H Q; Ma, G Y; Fan, Y; Li, W X; Zhao, L H; Zhang, J Y; Ji, C; Ma, Q G

2018-06-01

The ban on the use of antibiotic feed additives as growth promoters compelled the researchers for exploring the future utility of other alternatives. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of acidified drinking water on growth performance, gastrointestinal pH, digestive enzymes, intestinal histomorphology, and cecum microbial counting of the broiler chicken. A total of 540 one-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acre) were randomly assigned to 5 treatments, with 6 replicates of 18 chicks per replicate. Broilers received diets and water as follows: NC (negative control, basal diet, normal water), PC (positive control, basal diet + 8 ppm colistin sulfate + 8 ppm enduracidin, normal water), A1 (basal diet, continuous supply of acidified water during whole experiment period), A2 (basal diet, intermittent acidification of water during 0 to 14 d, 22 to 28 d, and 36 to 42 d), and A3 [basal diet, intermittent acidification of water (24 h/d from 0 to 14 d and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on d 15 to 42)]. During the entire period, the acidified groups (A1, A2, and A3) and PC group showed improve on weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio compared to NC group (P < 0.05). The pH in crop, proventriculus and ileum at 43 d declined by 0.04, 1.03, 1.23; 0.55, 0.69, 0.70; and 0.63, 0.74, 1.21 in A1, A2, and A3 group, respectively. There was a significant decline of lipase activity in the PC and acidified groups compared to NC group. The A2 group had higher villus height in jejunum than NC group. The PC and acidified groups reduced (P < 0.05) the total aerobic bacteria count of cecum when contrasted to NC group. Therefore, we conclude that acidified drinking water can improve growth performance, compensate for gastric acidity, and control pathogenic bacteria in broilers and may be considered as a potential alternative to improve production parameters. Discontinuous supply of acidified water had the same or even better influence on broilers compared to continuous supply.

Fabrication of selectively functionalized-graphene reinforced copper phthalocyanine nanocomposites with low dielectric loss and high dielectric constant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zicheng; Wei, Renbo; Liu, Xiaobo

2017-01-01

A novel kind of selectively functionalized-graphene reinforced copper phthalocyanine (RGO-O-CuPc) nanocomposites was successfully fabricated through a facile and effective three-step method, involving preferential surficial modification and reduction of graphene oxide (GO) sheets, and followed by incorporating with CuPc via in situ polymerization. The results of SEM, AFM, XPS, FTIR, XRD and UV-vis confirmed that GO was effectively surficial functionalized by a ring-open covalent reaction between amino in 3-aminophenoxyphthalonitrile (3-APN) and epoxy groups on the GO sheets, and partly reduced back to graphene under solvothermal conditions. And the RGO-O-CuPc was successfully fabricated by self-assembling of CuPc molecule on graphene sheets via in situ polymerization. As a consequence, the selective surface functionalization and solvothermal reduction of GO facilitated the improvement in the dielectric constant and AC conductivity, and the decrease in the dielectric loss of the graphene/CuPc nanocomposites.

Metabolic and Structural Effects of Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate Injections on Subcutaneous Fat

PubMed Central

Reeds, Dominic N.; Mohammed, B. Selma; Klein, Samuel; Boswell, Craig Brian

2013-01-01

Background: Phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate (PC-DC) injections are a popular nonsurgical method to eliminate unwanted fat. The safety and efficacy of this approach is uncertain. Objective: The authors evaluate the effects of PC-DC treatments on body composition, adipocyte function, and mechanisms responsible for fat loss. Methods: This randomized, open-label study enrolled 13 women with a body mass index (BMI) ≤30 kg/m2 and lower abdominal subcutaneous fat suitable for small-volume liposuction. Patients were randomized by the final digit of their Social Security numbers and received between 2 and 4 PC-DC treatments, spaced 8 weeks apart. One side below the umbilicus was injected with PC-DC. The contralateral, control side received no treatment. Adipose tissue biopsies were performed on the treated side at baseline, 1 week after the first treatment, and 8 weeks after the final treatment. The primary outcome was change in adipose tissue thickness at baseline and 8 weeks after the final treatment. Results: Seven women completed the study. Treatment with PC-DC significantly reduced the thickness of the anterior subcutaneous abdominal fat (P = .004). Adipose tissue showed rapid increases in crown-like structures, macrophage infiltration, and reduced expression of leptin, hormone-sensitive lipase, adipose tissue triglyceride lipase, and CD36. Plasma C-reactive protein, lipid profile, and plasma glucose concentrations were unchanged. Conclusions: PC-DC injections can effectively reduce abdominal fat volume and thickness by inducing adipocyte necrosis. These treatments do not appear to increase circulating markers of inflammation or affect glucose and lipid metabolism. Level of Evidence: 3 PMID:23439063

Choice of Human-Computer Interaction Mode in Stroke Rehabilitation.

PubMed

Mousavi Hondori, Hossein; Khademi, Maryam; Dodakian, Lucy; McKenzie, Alison; Lopes, Cristina V; Cramer, Steven C

2016-03-01

Advances in technology are providing new forms of human-computer interaction. The current study examined one form of human-computer interaction, augmented reality (AR), whereby subjects train in the real-world workspace with virtual objects projected by the computer. Motor performances were compared with those obtained while subjects used a traditional human-computer interaction, that is, a personal computer (PC) with a mouse. Patients used goal-directed arm movements to play AR and PC versions of the Fruit Ninja video game. The 2 versions required the same arm movements to control the game but had different cognitive demands. With AR, the game was projected onto the desktop, where subjects viewed the game plus their arm movements simultaneously, in the same visual coordinate space. In the PC version, subjects used the same arm movements but viewed the game by looking up at a computer monitor. Among 18 patients with chronic hemiparesis after stroke, the AR game was associated with 21% higher game scores (P = .0001), 19% faster reaching times (P = .0001), and 15% less movement variability (P = .0068), as compared to the PC game. Correlations between game score and arm motor status were stronger with the AR version. Motor performances during the AR game were superior to those during the PC game. This result is due in part to the greater cognitive demands imposed by the PC game, a feature problematic for some patients but clinically useful for others. Mode of human-computer interface influences rehabilitation therapy demands and can be individualized for patients. © The Author(s) 2015.

A factorial randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of micronutrients supplementation and regular aerobic exercise on maternal endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and oxidative stress of the newborn.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Romero, Miryam; Echeverri, Isabella; Ortega, José Guillermo; Mosquera, Mildrey; Salazar, Blanca; Girón, Sandra Lorena; Saldarriaga, Wilmar; Aguilar de Plata, Ana Cecilia; Mateus, Julio Cesar

2011-02-28

Many studies have suggested a relationship between metabolic abnormalities and impaired fetal growth with the development of non-transmissible chronic diseases in the adulthood. Moreover, it has been proposed that maternal factors such as endothelial function and oxidative stress are key mechanisms of both fetal metabolic alterations and subsequent development of non-transmissible chronic diseases. The objective of this project is to evaluate the effect of micronutrient supplementation and regular aerobic exercise on endothelium-dependent vasodilation maternal and stress oxidative of the newborn. 320 pregnant women attending to usual prenatal care in Cali, Colombia will be included in a factorial randomized controlled trial. Women will be assigned to the following intervention groups: 1. usual prenatal care (PC) and placebo (maltodextrine). 2. Exercise group: PC, placebo and aerobic physical exercise. 3. Micronutrients group: PC and a micronutrients capsule consisting of zinc (30 mg), selenium (70 μg), vitamin A (400 μg), alphatocopherol (30 mg), vitamin C (200 mg), and niacin (100 mg). 4. Combined interventions Group: PC, supplementation of micronutrients, and aerobic physical exercise. Anthropometric measures will be taken at the start and at the end of the interventions. Since in previous studies has been showed that the maternal endothelial function and oxidative stress are related to oxidative stress of the newborn, this study proposes that complementation with micronutrients during pregnancy and/or regular physical exercise can be an early and innovative alternative to strengthen the prevention of chronic diseases in the population. NCT00872365.

Absolute vs. Weight-Related Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Firefighters: Fitness Evaluation with and without Protective Clothing and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus among Age Group

PubMed Central

Perroni, Fabrizio; Guidetti, Laura; Cignitti, Lamberto; Baldari, Carlo

2015-01-01

During fire emergencies, firefighters wear personal protective devices (PC) and a self-contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A.) to be protected from injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences of aerobic level in 197 firefighters (age: 34±7 yr; BMI: 24.4±2.3 kg.m-2), evaluated by a Queen’s College Step field Test (QCST), performed with and without fire protective garments, and to analyze the differences among age groups (<25 yr; 26-30 yr, 31-35 yr, 36-40 yr and >40 yr). Variance analysis was applied to assess differences (p < 0.05) between tests and age groups observed in absolute and weight-related values, while a correlation was examined between QCST with and without PC+S.C.B.A. The results have shown that a 13% of firefighters failed to complete the test with PC+S.C.B.A. and significant differences between QCST performed with and without PC+S.C.B.A. in absolute (F(1,169) = 42.6, p < 0.0001) and weight-related (F(1,169) = 339.9, p < 0.0001) terms. A better correlation has been found in L•min-1 (r=0.67) than in ml•kg-1•min-1 (r=0.54). Moreover, we found significant differences among age groups both in absolute and weight-related values. The assessment of maximum oxygen uptake of firefighters in absolute term can be a useful tool to evaluate the firefighters' cardiovascular strain. PMID:25764201

KSC-98pc185

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-20

Ohio Senator John Glenn spoke with the media shortly after he arrived at Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Shuttle Landing Facility on Jan. 20 to tour KSC operational areas and to view the launch of STS-89 later this week. Glenn, who made history in 1962 as the first American to orbit the Earth, completing three orbits in a five-hour flight aboard Friendship 7, will fly his second space mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery this October. Glenn is retiring from the Senate at the end of this year and will be a payload specialist aboard STS-95

KSC-98pc184

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-20

Ohio Senator John Glenn spoke with the media shortly after he arrived at Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Shuttle Landing Facility on Jan. 20 to tour KSC operational areas and to view the launch of STS-89 later this week. Glenn, who made history in 1962 as the first American to orbit the Earth, completing three orbits in a five-hour flight aboard Friendship 7, will fly his second space mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery this October. Glenn is retiring from the Senate at the end of this year and will be a payload specialist aboard STS-95

KSC-97PC1512

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-02

Participating in the Crew Equipment Integration Test (CEIT) at Kennedy Space Center are STS-87 crew members, assisted by Glenda Laws, extravehicular activity (EVA) coordinator, Johnson Space Center. Standing behind Laws are Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan, and Winston Scott, both mission specialists on STS-87. The STS-87 mission will be the fourth United States Microgravity Payload and flight of the Spartan-201 deployable satellite. During the mission, scheduled for a Nov. 19 liftoff from KSC, Dr. Doi and Scott will both perform spacewalks

KSC-98pc155

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-14

The Photovoltaic Module 1 Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is lifted from its container in Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) before it is moved into its workstand, where it will be processed for flight on STS-97, scheduled for launch in April 1999. The IEA is one of four integral units designed to generate, distribute, and store power for the International Space Station. It will carry solar arrays, power storage batteries, power control units, and a thermal control system. The 16-foot-long, 16,850-pound unit is now undergoing preflight preparations in the SSPF

KSC-98pc153

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-14

Workers in Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) observe the Photovoltaic Module 1 Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) as it moves past them on its way to its workstand, where it will be processed for flight on STS-97, scheduled for launch in April 1999. The IEA is one of four integral units designed to generate, distribute, and store power for the International Space Station. It will carry solar arrays, power storage batteries, power control units, and a thermal control system. The 16-foot-long, 16,850-pound unit is now undergoing preflight preparations in the SSPF

KSC-98pc151

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-14

The Photovoltaic Module 1 Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is moved past a Pressurized Mating Adapter in Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) toward the workstand where it will be processed for flight on STS-97, scheduled for launch in April 1999. The IEA is one of four integral units designed to generate, distribute, and store power for the International Space Station. It will carry solar arrays, power storage batteries, power control units, and a thermal control system. The 16-foot-long, 16,850-pound unit is now undergoing preflight preparations in the SSPF

KSC-98pc1363

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker checks placement of the nameplate for the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1367

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker checks placement of the nameplate to be attached to the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1410

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers attach the overhead crane that will lift the Unity connecting module from its workstand to move the module to the payload canister. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1365

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers look over the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station, after attaching the nameplate. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1366

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers make a final check of the nameplate to be attached to the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1412

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a closeup view shows the overhead crane holding the Unity connecting module as it moves it to the payload canister for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1413

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers at the side and on the floor of the payload canister guide the Unity connecting module into position for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1881

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-18

Donald McMonagle (left), manager, Launch Integration, speaks to federal and state elected officials during the ground breaking ceremony for a multi-purpose hangar, phase one of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Support Complex to be built near the Shuttle Landing Facility. At right are Center Director Roy Bridges and Executive Director of the Spaceport Florida Authority (SFA) Ed O'Connor. The new complex is jointly funded by SFA, NASA's Space Shuttle Program and Kennedy Space Center. It is intended to support the Space Shuttle and other RLV land X-vehicle systems. Completion is expected by the year 2000

M Dwarfs from Hubble Space Telescope Star Counts. IV.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zheng; Flynn, Chris; Gould, Andrew; Bahcall, John N.; Salim, Samir

2001-07-01

We study a sample of about 1400 disk M dwarfs that are found in 148 fields observed with the Wide Field Camera 2 (WFC2) on the Hubble Space Telescope and 162 fields observed with pre-repair Planetary Camera 1 (PC1), of which 95 of the WFC2 fields are newly analyzed. The method of maximum likelihood is applied to derive the luminosity function and the Galactic disk parameters. At first, we use a local color-magnitude relation and a locally determined mass-luminosity relation in our analysis. The results are consistent with those of previous work but with considerably reduced statistical errors. These small statistical errors motivate us to investigate the systematic uncertainties. Considering the metallicity gradient above the Galactic plane, we introduce a modified color-magnitude relation that is a function of Galactic height. The resultant M dwarf luminosity function has a shape similar to that derived using the local color-magnitude relation but with a higher peak value. The peak occurs at MV~12, and the luminosity function drops sharply toward MV~14. We then apply a height-dependent mass-luminosity function interpolated from theoretical models with different metallicities to calculate the mass function. Unlike the mass function obtained using local relations, which has a power-law index α=0.47, the one derived from the height-dependent relations tends to be flat (α=-0.10). The resultant local surface density of disk M dwarfs (12.2+/-1.6 Msolar pc-2) is somewhat smaller than the one obtained using local relations (14.3+/-1.3 Msolar pc-2). Our measurement favors a short disk scale length, H=2.75+/-0.16 (statistical)+/-0.25 (systematic) kpc. Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555.